The first way they are suffering is through pressure. Learn more about the rapture, the anti-christ, bible prophecy and the tribulation with articles that explain Biblical truths. St. Polycarp | Biography, Apostolic Father, Writings, Martyrdom I would leave every night saying, God, why do I have to go to these events? because I did not feel like I was having a witness. One source is they were under constant pressure from the government to worship the Roman emperor because, you see, the city of Smyrna was a strong ally of Rome. So I kept my guard there, but I said, have I done something? She told me to shut the door. I. Jesus' Resurrection Gives Us Hope. Suffering either gives me my self or it destroys my self. What does it mean to be faithful until death? (Notice the similarities to the description of Christ in 1:17-18). Some were boiled alive in oil. I am so thankful. But, in the process, when I am in the middle of it, it is hard to find joy in why He has me there. Is the Apocalypse Mentioned in the Bible? How can I be changed, so I can learn and grow? The closest that I have ever come to feeling that kind of pressure was when I was perfusionist at Texas Heart Institute in Houston. Another kind of pressure they were under was a pressure to worship the pagan gods and goddesses. What season of life are you in today? 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. THE CHURCH OF SYMRNA(THE PERSECUTED CHURCH) - Pastor J.T Awe They had no heart for God. The trade unions would have nothing to do with them. 1. Slander damages our reputation. Another warning for us is do not let him use you. Q. But, Jesus reminded them that they were poor here on this earth but you are so rich. 3:12). What caused them to turn out to be a church of bitterness and strife? How can you better realize the fact that our trials will be limited and temporary? Kingdom 103: Honoring the Father Through the Son, Kingdom 103: Living in the Kingdom Culture, Kingdom 103: Power and Authority in His Name, Kingdom 103: Many Little Kingdoms, But Only One is True, Kingdom 103: Kingdom Citizens Are Examples. Laodicea lay in Phrygia's Lycus Valley, ten miles west of Colosse and six miles south of Hierapolis. It would be fine if they just left me alone. Then, they would want to pray with us. In fact, transactions in the world have never fruits and to lose belly been completely equal. You cant associated with us in these festivities to our gods. Editor's Note: a lightly edited transcription of the attached audio file will be found at the end of this originally written daily study guide. Pagan worship, especially of Zeus but also of numerous other deities flourished there. I wanted to hurt her and I wanted her to go to hell. They had no food. released through Familius Publishing in 2020. 5. 7 Richards, L., The Teacher's Commentary (Wheaton: Victor Books, 1987), 1075. Be encouraged as you study the message sent to this church. He is an enemy who will stop at nothing. The city rivaled Ephesus in grandeur and influence. Death means separation. It was one of the chief cities of Roman-dominated Asia and competed with places such as Pergamos and Ephesus for the title "First City of Asia." Today it is called Izmir, Turkey. Take some time to praise God for who He is in light of the Scripture you read today. The second thing He promises is eternal life. Ask God to strengthen your faith so that you can endure the suffering in your own life more victoriously. 6. They had no love for God. However, the church was wealthy, not in the temporal things that had brought their city fame. We must not forget that the characteristics of all these Periods continue on in the Church down to the end. And just like myrrh requires crushing to release the sweet perfume of its fragrance, the church at Smyrna would continue to be crushed through adversity. Why do we do it? What was Jesus message to the church in Pergamum in Revelation? When we are faithful, we become beacons of hope and encouragement to others, too. 2007 - 2023 ChurchLeadership.Org - All Rights Reserved. What was Jesus message to the church in Philadelphia in Revelation? She prayed and asked God to give me strength to go in the next day and to handle this the way that Jesus would. You know, none of us will probably be persecuted for our faith any worse than that. She never came to the Lord, but I thank God for that roommate who kept me from making a huge mistake in my flesh and my anger. 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. 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. Many were placed on the rack where they were stretched so far that their legs and their arms were pulled out of their sockets.
