Revelation 2:8-11
"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. I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death."
Does Jesus condemn the Smyrna church for anything?
What does Jesus warn the church about?
What promise does he provide?
How do you think this letter applies to our church?
About Me
- Allen
- Mitchell, Indiana, United States
- I love my family, and I enjoy what I do. I am in my 18th year with the Mitchell Church of Christ. I am an endurance athlete. The parallels between endurance athletics and ministry are remarkable. They are mutually beneficial.
The Holy Trinity
My favorite Icon (see link below for more information)
19 comments:
Hey, I like this extra hour from "falling back." I guess we'll pay for it in the spring. Oh well...
Half time of the Colts' game, and boy am I sleepy!
Today, in my opinion, was one of better days of worship in a while. Everything seemed to go well and people were attentive and focused. That's my perception.
We had an interesting LIFE Group discussion regarding balance. We talked about our church family and how we have moved from an exclusive to an inclusive stance. The danger is always present of going too far one way or another.
I feel that we are in the process of really exploring our identity and direction. I feel that we have so many wonderful things in place. It is just a matter of time until we experience a God-given growth spurt.
Half time is about over; got to get another snack!
THIS article caught my eye this morning. Here is the title and a couple of excerpts - really all I need to know. I know some think Kedra and I are "old fashioned" because we don't let our kids watch TV shows or movies that portray sexuality in a promiscuous manner (which is most of them). It is a difficult and sometimes uncomfortable stand, but it's informed by Romans 12:1,2.
Teen Pregnancy Linked to Watching Sexy TV Shows
CHICAGO — Groundbreaking research suggests that pregnancy rates are much higher among teens who watch a lot of TV with sexual dialogue and behavior than among those who have tamer viewing tastes.
Participants were asked how often they watched any of more than 20 TV shows popular among teens at the time or which were found to have lots of sexual content. The programs included "Sex and the City," "That '70s Show" and "Friends."
Pregnancies were twice as common among those who said they watched such shows regularly, compared with teens who said they hardly ever saw them. There were more pregnancies among the oldest teens interviewed, but the rate of pregnancy remained consistent across all age groups among those who watched the racy programs.
Our text this week has a theme of suffering for Christ.
Do we suffer for Christ?
How?
The early church in Smyrna endured poverty, tribulation, persecution and blasphemy from the large Jewish population there and the Roman imperial cult in that city. In spite of the tribulations they remained steadfast and there was no condemnation expressed toward them because they endured. They were poor, which meant they were hungry, lacked necessities for life, they were harassed, they were taken advantage of, they were belittled, looked down upon and in every way persecuted but they remained steadfast. We cannot fathom the kind of persecution that took place during the early church. The message of hope throughout the book of Revelation is for all Christians. There will be times that our faith is tested and we cannot see how He will work things out but He is faithful and even though times may be very difficult, the uncompromising faithfulness to God and Christ always is rewarded. Our reward is in Heaven and that produces hope for all who believe. What an encouraging message for us. The things we may go through are 'small stuff' for the most part compared to the early Christians. Steadfastness, unwavering faith, what a legacy they leave for us to remember, appreciate and follow. God is faithful. Sherron
Good thoughts, Sherron. I have always said that Revelation is the most positive, hopeful book. It frightens some folks, and perhaps should frighten us all in some ways. At the end of the day, however, it is extremely encouraging.
WE WIN!
For the last two days at Noon we have hosted a meal for our Bread of Life clients. We invited everyone who visited the food pantry in the last 2-3 weeks.
Yesterday we had 4 adults and 1 child show up. I wasn't really disappointed; just accepting. I gave this thing over to God some time ago.
While not many came, those who did were a blessing and were blessed, I believe. I think a couple of them will attend worship with us. Another one came back today to thank us, with tears, for playing with her grandson during the meal.
Today we had 5-6, with a couple of repeats from yesterday; we invited them back. It went really well. I spent my time with a lady whose son recently died. He was a food pantry client. I really liked him, so I went to his visitation and met his mom. She came today to talk about him and his death. It was a good conversation.
I don't know the best way to reach our food pantry folks - probably one at a time. I think it is going to be a slow process. I'm ok with that. (Big of me, wouldn't you say?? ha ha)
I recently joined the Let's Go Try running group. We'll be training for the Indianpolis 500 Mini Marathon, which is a half marathon (13.1 miles). This group is led by Jim Sowders.
I am really looking forward to this. I've been in a running slump/funk for a little while. I need to do something different. I've run several marathons, a trail marathon twice, and a 50K trail ultramarathon.
What's left? I don't want to go any further, distance wise, so I want to try go faster. I still want to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I think training to run the Mini fast will put me on a path to Boston.
Taffy and Anthony are going to be a part of this group, which will make it even more enjoyable.
There is still time for you to join. Just click on the link above and scroll down for info. It is for all levels of runners and walkers.
Part of the deal with this group is that you get access to Jonathon's gym and other perks. Saturday they did all kinds of measurements on us, including blood work. I have recently equalled the heaviest I have ever been, and I measured as having 25% body fat. This number is better than the general population but not very good for a runner.
I have work to do and am looking forward to it.
This afternoon I got gas for my truck and also filled up a few containers for the 4 wheelers and lawn mower (leaf chopper). As I was filling the truck I looked up and saw a woman in pink leather motorcycle chaps. I didn't think much about it - mainly I thought how warm it was.
I looked up again, a little later, and watched 4 women ride off on 4 really nice Harleys. No men around. These 4 women were not your typical biker women. They looked like moms.
This post has no meaning best I can tell. I just thought it was interesting. My guess is that you disagree, but now that I have written it I am not going to delete it.
Can you tell I am bored with the early election coverage?
Can you say...
President Obama?
God is still in control. Everything's going to be fine.
Philippians 3:18 - 4:1
For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
I thought both speeches last night were good. I thought Mr McCain showed such grace and dignity and then to GMA this morning when Sam Donaldson referred to Sarah Palin without saying her name as (I think this was the expression) 'that unfortunate creature' forced me to turn off the coverage. Our country needs to be united and biased coverage continues to divide. So glad the election is over and watch out for Sarah in 2012. Just my 2 cents. Take it or leave it. Today I take the CD-RWs of my book to Country Pines Printing in Shoals and clean out flower beds at church. It should be a great afternoon. Have a great day everyone. Sherron
Almost time for class! I'm looking forward to tonight's discussion. I love to hear what others have to say; they always see/say things that I don't.
Can you believe this weather? I went out late this afternoon and cut up some logs. Ben went and got the hydralic splitter from my dad. Ben wasn't too excited about splitting wood, so he got really excited when one of his buddies showed up on a four-wheeler and wanted to go ride.
I was running the chainsaw, so I couldn't hear him. He waved his arms and got my attention. I turned the saw off and heard him say, "Can I go ride?". I looked at his buddy and then at Ben and said, without any enthusiasm, "I guess." Abandoned! Oh well. I remember what it was like to be 13.
Some of you joke about running, saying that you only run if something is chasing you. What about this?
Jogger runs mile with rabid fox locked on her arm
Today is an exciting day for Kedra and me. We are going to Butler for Lester's White Coat Ceremony. During the ceremony Lester, and all the other pharmacy students in his class, will receive their white lab coats, signifying, I think, their entry into concentrated study of pharmacy. This is Lester's third year at Butler; it takes six years to become a Doctor of Pharmacy. Time flies.
This one really caught my eye:
Study finds link between faith, depression
Here are a couple of excerpts:
WASHINGTON — A study released by Temple University found that people who feel close to a higher power and pray often are more likely to be depressed, while people who attend religious services and feel that their lives have purpose are less likely to be depressed.
People who did not necessarily report being close to a higher power but did attend religious services regularly are 30% less likely to struggle with depression. Being involved in a faith-based community helps forge attachments to others, which prevents depression, the report said.
A quick read seems to suggest that community is crucial to good mental health and that a "Me and God" approach is not. Sounds biblical to me.
I forgot to comment on how neat it is that Sherron took her book to the publisher yesterday! I saw her over at the building. She was cleaning out the flower beds.
I am looking forward to seeing and buying a copy of her book in a few weeks.
* * *
Wrestling with Smyrna...
We had a good discussion last night about how we suffer as Christians.
We had a wonderful time at Lester's White Coat Ceremony. It actually made me emotional.
After the ceremony, which lasted about an hour and a half, we ejoyed a nice meal together. It was so good to see Maddie and Lester. I had not seen them in about 8 weeks.
Rom 6:5
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death , we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
KJV
Upon my conversion I died, because I decided I would do it God's way instead of my own. This is what conversion is when you convert or change from one way, and go another.
Rom 6:11
11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
KJV
We reckon ourselves to be dead to sin, or we have not been converted, but we are alive unto God. This is what Jesus did on the cross.
I am now free to do the will of God in my life. I have to die to myself daily, and that takes a suffering in this life.
Phil 3:10-11
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
KJV
Col 1:24-25
24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
KJV
1 Peter 4:13-14
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
KJV
Rejoice, look up, your redemption draweth nigh. I have a great reward laid up for me.
1 Peter 1:6-9
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
KJV
The end of faith, the salvation of my soul. I have fought the fight, and won the race henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness. I will say I made it man. I need to rejoice that this is going to happen to me now.
Faith rejoices now, because essentially you have already received it. It is just a matter of time.
faith calleth those things that be not as though they were.
Rom 8:18
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
KJV
Whew! This is cool
These are a few scriptures that came to me about suffering
Thank you Jesus
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