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To the Church in Smyrna
Series Revelation Churches
48
THE CHURCH
- "The Poor Rich Church" - no jobs, money - destitute
- Jesus says nothing bad about them
- No hypocrisy in church
- Real (existed), symbolic (persecuted church).
THE CITY
- Beautiful
- "The Crown of Asia"
- Still exists (faithful - honored by Christ)
- Loyal to Rome, patriotic
- Many temples, many gods, Caesar worship
- Believers very committed to Christ - persecuted
- "The Port of Fragrance"
THE AUTHOR
- Christ
- Picture of him ministering to his church
- Statement of deity (v.8)
- Statement of humanity (v.8)
- Encouraging sympathy
THE CHURCH
- Polycarp possible pastor
- Possible offshoot of Ephesus church
THE NAME
- Smyrna = "Myrrh" , same Greek word translated for both
- Thorny substance
- Perfume, religious ointment
- Present at Christ's birth, death and burial
- Typically refers to suffering - fitting for church there
JESUS UNDERSTANDING
- Christ knows church struggles by experience
- Christ sympathetic in every way
PERSECUTION
- Midst of pagan worship
- Midst of jews who rejected Jesus
- Polycarp burned alive
CONCLUSION
- Be faithful despite persecution
- Lean on eternal promises, rewards
Sermon ID | 1223121025567 |
Duration | 56:01 |
Date | Dec 23, 2012 |
Category | Sunday School |
Bible Text | Revelation 2:8-11 |
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