characteristics of the church of smyrna

2. Ch 1 Pt 2, Kingdom 104: Where Are the Masculine-Thinking Men? You cannot do them at the same time. Revelation 2:11a - "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.". It is emphatic in the Greek. We Were Created to Inhabit This Earth Part 1, We Were Created to Inhabit This Earth Part 2, Kingdom 102: The Kingdom of God is Relevant, Kingdom 102: Knowing How to Apply the Kingdom Concept, Kingdom 103: He Needs No Assistance in Keeping His Promise, Kingdom 103: Seven Last Days Churches and Their Believers' Characteristics, Kingdom 103: Reconsidering the End Times, Kingdom 104: Misrepresenting the Kingdom Gospel. Pt 2, Kingdom 103: The Unchanging Person and the Unshakable Kingdom, Kingdom 103: Staying Focused on Your Purpose Pt 1, Kingdom 103: Staying Focused on Your Purpose Pt 2, Kingdom 103: Staying Focused on Kingdom Priorities, Kingdom 103: Be Encouraged Through Difficult Times, Kingdom 103: Singleness, Divorce and the Results Pt 1, Kingdom 103: Singleness, Divorce and the Results Pt 2, Kingdom 103: Singleness From God's Viewpoint, Kingdom 103: Forgiveness, Always a Priority, Kingdom 103: Kingdom Principles Are Relevant to Our Way of Life, Kingdom 103: The Indwelling of His Spirit (the Governor), Kingdom 103: In the Kingdom, They are Filled with His Spirit, Kingdom 103: The Holy Spirit is for All Humanity. Jesus has no censure for the church Before they lit the fire, he prayed, Oh Lord, almighty God, I thank you for counting me worthy of sharing the cup of Christ among the number of your martyrs. Sermon on Revelation 2:8-11 - The Church Of Smyrna - Study and Obey Smyrna: Faithful Until Death - Church of the Great God I just thought, you have no idea.. Of the seven churches, Smyrna is one of two that received no reproof from Jesus, and it is the only church of the seven that still exists today, After His ascension, Rome became increasingly hostile toward Jesuss followers. If you receive yourself in the fires of sorrow, God will make you nourishment for other people. Oswald Chambers5. Lets pray. I thought, okay we can pray about this. How would these verses encourage you to persevere in the midst of tribulation and suffering? It was used to embalm the dead in the first century (Jn. We need to really commit to pray. She began to just blast me for my faith. 11. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. Fruits And Vegetables To Lose Belly Fat - The largest student-run But we do experience our own pressures, suffering, and afflictions. I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Oh, I do not think she should be doing that or I do not think he should be. Be careful. Trust me. Garlands of victory were bestowed only to the highest achieving athletes. If this was your church, what could be done to make sure it did not die but be revived to its formerly healthy and vibrant ways? 4. 6. Ask God to strengthen your faith so that you can endure the suffering in your own life more victoriously. 19:39). I shut the door and I stood there. She read, He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. (NIV). As a matter of fact, she began to teach me. She finally said, do you have anything you want to say? I said nope. I did not know what to say because I thought I knew I was going to cry. 3:17); it is impossible for a person to be in Smyrna, before the Lord, yet at the same time be in Laodicea, before the world. Second, in a lesson especially relevant for todays Western Christians, Jesus praised the church at Smyrna for choosing poverty over compromise. Just trust the One who holds your life in His hands. Or they could have agreed to call Caesar Lord, knowing they could later repent. Scripture does not give us any information concerning the founding of this church, nor is it mentioned in the book of Acts. The only place the Bible mentions the Church at Smyrna is in Jesus letters to the churches: To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. It is like going to a birthday party without a present to give to the host. Life was hard for these Christians. A third form of suffering for them was persecution in verse 9. I. Jesus' Resurrection Gives Us Hope. The period 1923-1924 was followed by the . Whatever it is, it is a hard season of life. If they sought praise from menif they wanted to please the people around themthey would not be so readily targeted for persecution. No second-place prize existed. They had absolutely nothing. I have a picture of modern day Smyrna in contrast to Ephesus which, today, is a deserted ruin with no people. Judaism SmyrnaThe Suffering Church (Revelation 2:8-11) Christians in developed countries today think little about being persecuted for their faith, but there are churches in the world where oppression is a daily reality. At one end of its most famous street, the 'Street of Gold,' was the temple of Cybele, and at the other the temple of Zeus. Why would there be a need to be tested further? Undoubtedly, the church of Smyrna could have justified any syncretistic actions to preserve their livelihood and lives by proof texted scripture or by claiming that their compromise was for the greater good of tolerance, love, and grace. It is like Sally and I were saying this morning. Tina said, you know Crickett, or at that time I was Janene. However, the church was wealthy, not in the temporal things that had brought their city fame. He is not referring to eternal life here because you do not work for eternal life. The Essential Inductive Questions (for more Inductive questions see Inductive Bible Study): What does this passage say? You are so dependent on this myth and you are crazy. When Jesus refers to the crown of life, is He referring to eternal life or to a reward for those who are faithful through tribulation on this earth? How is Satan described in this passage and how does he work against believers? I was going in the next morning and I was going to tell this lady that she was going to hell and I was going to celebrate that she was going. Faith and fear are opposites. Do you want a cup of coffee? I am thinking, I do not know where that came from! I will tell you it was turning point because she did not say one more word to me negatively. Olympian games were held in Smyrna. Ephesus is the first of the seven letters. 4. He is aware of the enemys plans and the afflictions we face (Hebrews 2:17-18). Kingdom 103: Trusting in Mankind While Believing in God's Word? Explain your answer. I went home that night and I got angrier the more I thought about it. Death means separation. An aspect of maturity is being slow to respond to accusation-as our Lord did. 2:8-11. Hope-Full: Revelation 2:1-7. It can be seen that Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7), though a local church in the apostle's day, is typical of the first century as a whole; Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) characterizes the church under persecution, e.g. Most scholars agree that the name Smyrna was a reference to the myrrh, which was the chief export of the area. The Church of Smyrna: The Church that Remains Faithful Amidst Persecution (Revelation 2:8-11) Summary and Explanation: Smyrna was home to a large Jewish community hostile to Christians. Smyrna: The Suffering Church Revelation 2:8-11 - Israel My Glory 4 Reasons Why We Have a Hard Time Talking about Loneliness. The letter to the church at Smyrna in Revelation 2 is notable for many reasons, one being that it's one of the only letters that doesn't have a rebuke. 1.4 . 10. I understand. He can walk right through it with them. But, if we are not faithful, there is no outstretched hand, only missed opportunities and an infamy to a community, a life wasted, a church of dysfunction, and a crown of shame instead of a crown of life. Well, they were under pressure from several forces. You know, none of us will probably be persecuted for our faith any worse than that. 5. We cannot do that as a church of Satan! . Even though He died, He conquered death and He rose again. 3. Do not let him use you. Today, we look at the letter to the church at Smyrna, a church known for suffering. So, I went into her office, which was at the back of the lab. I was doing an internship in medical technology at Baton Rouge General Hospital. Is the Apocalypse Mentioned in the Bible? He does not want you to know that Jesus wins and that he loses. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Kingdom 103: Where Does the Governor Reside? As with all Jesuss letters to the seven churches, His letter to Smyrna ends on a note that invites every Believer, in every age, to hear and receive these important messages. He wants to discourage us. Be hopeful. martyr, one who voluntarily suffers death rather than deny their religion by words or deeds; such action is afforded special, institutionalized recognition in most major religions of the world. 6 Stott, What Christ Thinks of the Church, 43. This was true of this church, all the seven churches, the church throughout the ages, and churches today. They are for us to give back to Him. Smyrna was a seaport city about 35 miles north of Ephesus. Smyrna was a church where people's agendas were in opposition to Christ's. And whenever we do, the vision of Jesus standing among us in all His glory, and the words of promise He speaks, will sustain and guide us.7, I hope you all have had a great week studying about suffering. Home values, sales prices, taxes, school data, and more. They were boycotted. You see, Smyrna had a lot of religions. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. I believe it is something so horrible that it is hard to describe in words. 19:20; 20:10-15). Even after I left to go on staff of Campus Crusade, she wrote me while I was in ministry. Is there something difficult going on in your life today? Ancient Smyrna - Drive Thru History What was Jesus message to the church in Pergamum in Revelation? In Revelation 2:9 He says, , I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. It may seem like they are the enemy. Finally, one of the soldiers took his sword and he ended the life of this great martyr, Polycarp. It is just the beginning because He is the victor and He conquered death. Have you experienced suffering in your life where it was difficult for a time to stand firm? She used the Word of God to just muzzle me. My time came to rotate through that lab. What similarities to Revelation 2:8-11 do you see in this passage? Some suffered the Roman crucifixion, a horrible way to die. Do not be afraid. How would Jesus words in Luke 12:4-7 encourage someone about to suffer for his faith? Smyrna, an ancient city now surrounded by the modern city of Izmir, was originally established around 1000 BC by Aeolian Greek settlers in "Old Smyrna" (Bayrakl Hy) on a small peninsula jutting out from Asia Minor into the Aegean Sea, similar to Old Tyre. I do not like it when life is hard. Ironically, our sufferings are far less of a venture and sentence than our poor choices. (NASB). First, we serve a God who knows, sees, and is with us through every fiery trial and dark night (Isaiah 43:2). The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. We would be amazed at their love for God and just the depth of their walk with him. One of the instructors of one particular lab was a well-known atheist there at the hospital. (PDF) SO 2022, nr 3 (23) DRUK - Academia.edu But, if we are really serious about going deeper, suffering is part of that process. What was Jesus message to the church in Ephesus in Revelation? People did not want to buy from them because they were Christians. They, and the zealot Jewish leaders, hated Christians and prohibited them from working, buying, or selling, any time they got a chance. In Jesus name, amen. What else do we learn about those over whom the second death has no power according to Revelation 20:6? Many were placed on the rack where they were stretched so far that their legs and their arms were pulled out of their sockets. Satan does not want believers to study the book of Revelation because he does not want you to know your eternal hope. In verse 9 when He says, I know your tribulations. That word used here for tribulation literally means pressure. I think it is a way to deal with stress in the operating room. We must not forget that the characteristics of all these Periods continue on in the Church down to the end. Perfusionists, for some reason, or at least the ones I know, love to drink and party. Right now, I hate this woman. So, I got up the next morning before dawn and I took a walk. The second death will be eternal separation from God in torment. Not only was this bustling seaport considered a center of prosperity, but the city prided itself as a hub of intellect, art, religion, and athletic prowess. It was celebrated for its schools of science and medicine, and for its handsome buildings. . Christians were viewed as antisocial elitists for refusing to participate in it. What was Jesus message to the church in Smyrna in Revelation? God knows and He cares for you. Its association with death perfectly pictures the suffering church at Smyrna. I never wanted to open my mouth to pray because my words seemed so shallow compared to the prayers of these godly men and women who had suffered greatly. It would be fine if they just left me alone. Jesus gives them two instructions in verse 10 as to how to handle this impending suffering. Jesuss short correspondence with His people in Smyrna gives us incredible insight into this group of believers way of life and faith. Ask God to strengthen your faith so that you can endure the suffering in your own life more victoriously. Are you a God pleaser more than a people pleaser? My exhortation for us with this is that we should be thankful. What is in the way of these precepts affecting me? Physical death is the separation of the soul from the body. Is it fire, is it brimstone, is it gnashing of teeth? Smyrna was a large, important city on the western coast of Asia Minor, famed for its schools of medicine and science. Look at Revelation 2:8 with me, And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: (NASB). Take some time to praise God for who He is in light of the Scripture you read today. You know that it is spiritual warfare where you get discouraged by things you hear said. But, when we trust in Him, He will give us the strength to endure. They were doing Satans will and not Gods. I noticed it and after a few weeks I thought you know I think I need to say something to her. I do not want to simply stand there. ATTOM AVM; Home Equity Data . Her debut childrens book, What Is A Family? They took him to the amphitheater where the proconsul tried over and over to persuade him to renounce his faith. They were going to nail him to the stake, but he said they did not have to nail me, I will stay. They were dirt poor. They were once a vibrant, healthy church that was now starting to die. She came in and I said, Good morning, how are you doing? Kingdom Citizen, not "Christian"--What's In a Name? He casts us in the fires of trial in order to refine us and strengthen our character. How can I be changed, so I can learn and grow? She and her husband have five childrenthree who have already flown the coop and two adopted teens still roosting at homeplus two adorable grands who add immeasurable joy and laughter to the whole flock. The pressure came with these students. . So, they were infatuated with the Roman government and they worshipped the emperors. We will be rewarded for staying strong until death. How Are the End Times Described in 2 Timothy? What are the 7 Churches in Revelations? Bible Meaning Explained The church at Smyrna was to undergo some intense persecution and tribulation. The crown of life is a special reward for endurance in your persecution. I believe it exists. First, the letter is the shortest of the seven, at only 90 words. Kingdom 102: Kingdom of Light or Darkness? The Holy Spirit is Christ's presence on Earth, forever guiding and convicting to keep his followers on the right path. They cannot coexist. He knows us more intimately that we can imagine and desires that we be in Him and glorify Him fully. That is according to I Corinthians 3:13-14 which talks about that approval, that standing before him, to be evaluated for our works. 6. How wonderful it would be if our church received an encouraging letter from Jesus, especially if it contained no criticism. In Revelation, the Apostle John records Jesuss address to seven churches in Asia Minor. As much as I want to believe that, I do not believe the Bible backs that up. As believers, we should expect persecution and suffering in this life. If I am trusting God then I should not be afraid. How does this compare with the strong terminology Jesus uses in Rev 2:9? The church in Smyrna faced bitter persecution and death, yet it emitted a fragrant testimony of faithful commitment to . What does this passage mean? The name of Smyrna was equated with myrrh. The Bible tells us that. Kingdom 103: The Governor is Meant For All, Kingdom 103: The Holy Spirit is Your Guide and Teacher, Kingdom 103: Your Legacy and the Kingdom, Kingdom 104: The Misrepresentation of the Kingdom, Kingdom 104: Earthly Holidays Misrepresent the Kingdom, Kingdom 104: His Name is All Authority and Power, Kingdom 104: His Law, the Source of All His Principles and Truth, Kingdom 104: Failing to Know Your Kingdom Assignment Brings Boredom, Kingdom 104: The Purpose of the Sabbath--Rest and Teach, Kingdom 104: The Sabbath or Seventh Day God's Way, Kingdom 104: The Sabbath or Seventh Day God's Way Pt 2, Kingdom 104: Living in the Kingdom Culture, Kingdom 104: Your Eternal Foundation Will Sustain You, Kingdom 104: The Diluting of the Kingdom Message, Kingdom 104: Being Deceived From Your True Identity Pt 1, Kingdom 104: Being Deceived From Your True Identity Pt 2, Kingdom 104: Being Deceived Without a Solid Foundation, Kingdom 104: What Profit Has Righteousness in the Kingdom? He always will exist. If we are going to suffer well we need to remember these five things: Probably the closest that I have ever come to being persecuted for my faith was as a senior in college at LSU. Yet, He is there, guiding us with a beacon that says. I had some coworkers in Dallas who used to joke about the parties they were going to have in hell. And finally, Smyrna was the only congregation besides Philadelphia that did not receive admonishment from Jesus. And He genuinely cares about what happens to His children. Another warning for us is do not let him use you. They cannot coexist. It is a synagogue of Satan. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victors crown.(Revelation 2:8-10). The Cross And Unjust Suffering (1 Peter 2:19-25). Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. - Psalm 37:7. But, you know, they heard every word. Even Jesuss greeting to the church reveals His loving, personal care. The Seven Churches of Revelation: Why They | Zondervan Academic Thank you for being that ultimate victor who won victory over death so we might have life eternal. Anytime there is a sense of spiritual awakening or spiritual revival or the sense of the spirit of God moving in lives I will tell you, it makes Satan scream. John was then to send the divine dictation to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. (Revelation 1:11). If someone slanders you, what do you do? It was like the Word just pierced my heart. The letter to the church at Smyrna is unique for several reasons. But, Jesus reminded them that they were poor here on this earth but you are so rich. How can you better realize the fact that our trials will be limited and temporary? Clarence Larkin :: Chapter 22. The Seven Churches - Blue Letter Bible It was already being persecuted. They just put a rope around his hands. Seven churches of Asia - Wikipedia It was mighty. They will eventually die and they will eventually be put out of their misery. 3. Kingdom 103: The Kingdom Mindset of Authority, Kingdom 103: Ephesus, Its Believers' Characteristics, Kingdom 103: Ephesus, Its Believers' Characteristics Pt 2, Kingdom 103: Smyrna, Its Believers' Characteristics, Kingdom 103: Pergamos, The Compromising Church, Kingdom 103: Thyatira, Its Believers' Characteristics, Kingdom 103: Thyatira, Its Believers' Characteristics Pt 2, Kingdom 103: Sardis, Its Believers' Characteristics, Kingdom 103: Philadelphia, Its Believers' Characteristics, Kingdom 103: Philadelphia, Its Believers' Characteristics Pt 2, Kingdom 103: Laodicea, The Lukewarm Church, Kingdom 103: He Came Under the Cloak of Darkness, Kingdom 103: Authorized Power for the Heavenly Government, Kingdom 103: Never Assume in Marriage Pt 1, Kingdom 103: Never Assume in Marriage Pt 2, Kingdom 103: Love in Marriage Needs to be Refreshed, Kingdom 103: Fatherlessness, the Source of Disobedience and Sin, Kingdom 103: The Simplicity of the Kingdom Gospel, Kingdom 103: Kingdom Culture Displayed to the Blind. You are so in love with the Lord. In verse nine, Jesus praises and affirms the church by recognizing their material poverty in contrast to their vast spiritual prosperity. He assures His people that their continued faithfulness, even to the point of death, will earn them a reward that far outweighs their earthly trialsa victors crown. It went on and on. I do believe that hell is a literal place. 3. 1.2 Name. Christianity has never completely left this city. The troubles we face can cause us to fear so we seek to cover them up with our pride and/or bitterness. Most of us will never die for our faith and I hope we do not. If not, talk to your small group leader or myself, and we will be glad to answer any questions. ), Note: Jesus use of the strong term blasphemy, which was usually reserved for hostile words against God, indicates the slanders wickedness, intensity, and severity.4, 4. I had decided how I was going to handle this. We will suffer in this life. in Christian Education with a focus on Women's Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary. How does 2 Corinthians 6:10; 8:9 and James 2:5 shed light on this? My entire senior year was spent at the hospital as we would rotate through labs. My exhortation to you on this one is to be ready, to be ready for the suffering that will come into your life. I wanted to hurt her and I wanted her to go to hell. Much of Smyrnas social life revolved around pagan worship. Jun 21, 2021 42:17. View property report for 975 Church St Se, Smyrna, GA 30080 on ATTOM's Property Navigator. 7 Churches of Revelation: What Do They Signify? - Learn Religions How do you respond to suffering and tribulation? 2 Corinthians 4:4, http://www.churchleadership.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=43133&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0, http://www.churchleadership.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=43139&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0, http://www.churchleadership.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=43138&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0, http://www.churchleadership.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=43137&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0. He begins this like He did the last letter and every letter afterward with the words, I know. He knows everything. They got drunk. Every day there is just a wonderful surprise and you are just in a great season of life. (How does Romans 2:28-29 relate to this? I had the opportunity while I lived there to visit in the homes of some Chinese believers who had undergone some serious persecution for their faith during the years of the Cultural Revolution. Property Characteristics; Geocodes; Building Permits; Real Estate Valuation. 1 John MacArthur, Jr., The MacArthur New Testament Commentary on Revelation 1-11 (Chicago: Moody Press, 1999), 69. He is like a lion prowling around looking for someone he could use. Be encouraged as you study the message sent to this church. Annette Marie Griffin is an award-winning author and speaker who has managed and directed childrens and youth programs for more than 20 years. That should leave us to want to bring everyone we know to be with us in Heaven. (NASB). So, there will be attacks on us to not study this Word, to not do this. We would always leave and say, you know I want that kind of relationship with God! Welcome to the home of Intentional Worship! - Facebook Look at the conversation between Jesus and the Jews in John 8:31-47. She was saying you know Crickett God has lain on my heart that because things are going so well right now that we are going to be right in the middle of some spiritual warfare soon, because Satan is not going to like what God is doing. They had no heart for God. Specific Messages to 7 Churches of Revelation Some of these seven churches kept closer to the gospel than others. What does God want me to share with someone? It is not a question of, will you suffer? The question is, how will you handle it when it comes?. He knows exactly what you are going through.
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