Encouragement to a Suffering Church

People often ask why bad things happen to God's people. We look at the church of Smyrna. The Lord emphasizes His triumph over death. He is our source of strength in times of tribulation. The word tribulation refers to pressure or stress. The church at Smyrna was under pressure from the Roman government and society. For them and for us, God IS sovereign. Doctrine is more than academics- it is worked out in our practice. We are reminded that the Lord is with us always and like the martyrs, though we may be called to suffer, He will be with us and we look forward to the resurrection.