The Message to Sardis

The Message to Sardis

Book of Revelation Chapter 3 Verses 1-6

Last week we saw the Church at Thyatira. The Church at Thyatira was the Church as it existed during what history calls the "Dark Ages".

It was the period in history when the Papal Church in Rome gained power and it was the time of the Crusades. The time of the Inquisitions.

No matter what history teaches, God was not in any of those things. It was not the will of God for those things to take place, so that period was the "Dark Ages". A period when the light of Jesus was not shining very brightly.

In near history it was now time that the Church of England was established, in what we know as the established church or government sponsored church.

It is the 1600 hundreds in America.

It is at the end of that dark period in history when we see that the Age of the Church as the Church of Sardis is seen.

Sardis was the Capitol city of Lydia. In the time of the Emperor Tiberius, Sardis was desolated by an earthquake which affected twelve other important cities. It is said the whole face of this area was changed.

Sardis was a city proud of its riches and the things money can buy, but when the riches failed the city failed and began to die.

This is what God has to do sometimes to get the attention of the Church.

After these times, Sardis became a place of commerce and Sardis began its decline by giving into the enjoyments of luxury and pleasure and indulging in excess of sensual sanctification.

We should ask ourselves if we have ever seen a church that was dead or that was dying?

A church that was completely lifeless?

A church that was satisfied with itself, and had no intention of changing anything that it did or the way it went about the business of the Lord.

A church that was established by good people in the past, but who most of them had now gone on to be with the Lord and now rested upon those things that were fast being forgotten.

Have you ever heard from that Christian who says, "yes I'm saved, my mother and father were saved and I am their child" or "yes, I'm saved, I attend such and such a church", Or yes I'm saved I am a church member, I attend that great church at Sardis.

It is in this climate that we see the Church of Sardis as spoken by the Lord.

Sardis had a form of Godliness, but was without the power of God!

Sardis had a name to live, but in actuality was dead!

Again the Lord speaks to the Pastor of the church at Sardis.

*****Rev 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

In all these seven messages there is none so depressing as this message to the Church at Sardis.

The truth is, as Jesus Christ lives, then the church is to live and be alive.

Sardis did not have a bad reputation as seen by the public.

In fact to the public, this church seemed to be spiritually sound.

The truth is the world is not our judge! It is the Lord Jesus Christ who is our "Judge"!

As we go through this time of a killing virus, it is still not this wicked world that should decide what information to give to the Christian.

I for one do not trust the world to do right. The Lord says to "come out from the world and be ye separate".

I can understand reasons to avoid contact but I will not understand as we move forward toward martial law which is illegal in the USA.

We see here again that it is the Lord Jesus Christ who has the "seven spirits of God".

Seven being the number of completeness, then it is the Lord Jesus Christ who has the complete Spirit of God.

Joh 1:32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

Joh 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

Joh 1:34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

It is God's Son who God's Spirit descended upon and remained upon Him.

Joh 3:34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

Joh 3:35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

Joh 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

It is the Lord Jesus Christ who received so much of the Spirit of God that it cannot be measured because He has all the Spirit of God!

Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Joh 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Joh 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

It is the Lord Jesus Christ who shares His Spirit with each of us that love Him!

Tit 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

Tit 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

Tit 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Tit 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

Tit 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

You see it is not the Church that has the Spirit. It is the Spirit of Jesus that lives within each child of God within the Church, that make it a Church that is alive and not dead.

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

The Church is alive only if those inside the Church have given themselves as living sacrifices to the Lord Jesus Christ.

This Pastor at Sardis would have to get on fire for the Lord, if he was to save this church!

The flock of this shepherd had died!

Without the Holy Spirit in all His fullness we are not much of a church and are dying!

Water baptism is a command of the Lord, but it does not save.

Repenting is a must, but when we are not serious about following Jesus Christ, it loses its strength.

We must be baptized with the Holy Spirit of God, the Spirit that is given to Jesus Christ.

Remember the message of John the Baptist.

Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Mat 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

This message is still true today!

The Lord Jesus does not commend this church in anything they are doing to spread the Gospel and make disciples, which is the work of every Church!

This is the greatest sin that a church can have!

Not preaching the Gospel. Jesus Christ should be in every sermon!

Not providing the truth of salvation. Salvation comes only by Jesus Christ!

Not making disciples who also proclaim the "Gospel" of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anything else done in any church is secondary to these things!

It was a lifeless church. In fact Jesus Himself, said it was a dead church!

2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

This church focused on everything but Jesus Christ! Remember they were the pride of a city that was also dying!

This church has no Nicolaitans.

This church has no Balaam.

This church has no Jezebel.

This church had no enemies.

This church had no life when it had the greatest opportunity to witness without repercussion.

Satan has no intertest in a dying church!

So what was the advice of our Savior?

*****Rev 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

The old city of Sardis was located in a perfect place to defend. It was truly an impregnable fortress.

Enemies studied year after year to find any weaknesses in the defense of this city. It just so happened that a lazy watchman was fooling with his helmet one day and it fell to the ground outside the wall of the city.

He climbed down the face of the walls using the crevices in the walls and got his helmet and returned to his position.

That next night his city was overrun by men who climbed those same crevices and the watchmen never saw them, for they were not expecting anyone to do such a thing.

We must understand the enemy is always watching for any weakness!

When Alexander came, he knew the story of the watchman and he too used the same strategy to capture Sardis.

What does Jesus say? Be watchful!

If Jesus says we need to be watchful, then we are not being watchful enough!

To be watchful is to be vigilant.

To be watchful is to be attentive.

To be watchful is to be careful to observe the things going on around us.

To be watchful is to be cautious.

We must not be lazy Christians we must be alert Christians!

There are some very important things we need to be doing for the Lord every day and we need to be careful to do them!

Above all we must stay focused upon the Lord Jesus Christ!

We must stay focused on the "Gospel" the Good News" of Jesus Christ.

We stay diligent in observing all the Word of God, rightly divided!

Our Lord is alive, and we must become alive to serve the Lord!

We should consider all the things that have been happening in our world just in the last couple of years, especially in the past few months.

What did Jesus teach us?

Mar 13:28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:

Mar 13:29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.

Mar 13:30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.

Mar 13:31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

Mar 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

Mar 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

Mar 13:34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

Mar 13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

Mar 13:36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

Mar 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

What remains for us to do is get back to the basics of the Church?

Spread the Gospel and make disciples!

There is no greater work for us to do today except we must add "to watch"!

There were none of the works of the Church at Sardis that were perfect. None!

When we perfect the basic duties of the Church, then we can do some other things in the communities.

Another thing that we must do perfectly, is when we gather together, then "to worship" is the number one thing we are to do.

We worship our Heavenly Father, by the work of His Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit!

And Jesus adds "Remember" the truth of the Scriptures as delivered in the "Apostles Doctrine" and especially the "Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ"!

*****Rev 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

Remember means we must learn from that "or else" preaching.

Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

We need to remember the "Gospel"!

1Co 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

1Co 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

1Co 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

We must remember that by the actions of the Lord Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven of our sins and be restored in our relationship with our Heavenly Father, Our Creator.

We must remember this free gift of God brings with it eternal life, but only by the Lord Jesus Christ!

We must accept the truth of the "Gospel"

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Joh 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

We cannot listen to the lies of this world!

Rom_3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

Once we know these things as the truth, then we must repent from our old life.

This church had done wrong! They had forgotten Jesus Christ the foundation of the Church! They had forgotten the truth of the Gospel!

They had done so wrong, that they were not being a living church, they were in a dyeing church, in fact almost a dead church.

They had a must do! They must repent!

You see this pastor had to preach this message to this church and they had to listen and act upon the Word of God!

Every church needs to be reminded of these things constantly so they can remain alive!

They had lost their fervor in their relationship with the Lord and what this church needed to know is, that the Lord will leave a dyeing church alone so that it can die unless they repent!

Every preacher must preach with sound doctrine.

2Ti 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

2Ti 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

2Ti 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Every congregation must hold fast to the truth.

1Ti 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

1Ti 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

1Ti 6:13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

1Ti 6:14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

1Ti 6:15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

1Ti 6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Or then will come the "or else".

Notice Jesus says He will come as a thief. Not as a robber, not as a bandit, which means the secrecy of the thief, not in violence. In fact if this church did not watch, it would never know that Jesus had removed His candlestick.

It is a very sad thing that if Jesus Christ came during a church service, many a church like this one at Sardis, would not even realize that the "Rapture" had taken place.

1Th 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

This Pastor needed to realize that there were still a few true believers in His church, and if he could not cause his flock to repent, he still had to feed those who remained true, with the truth.

*****Rev 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

Why are names important? Because there is a book in Heaven called the Lamb's Book of Life.

Rev_21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

If your name is not written down in the Lamb's Book of Life, you will not enter into God's New Heaven!

The Lord Jesus wanted this pastor to know that it was because of him that there were only a few names written down in this Book of Life.

The Lord will hold each pastor responsible for his message in every church! No pastor can save but it is his job to lead other men, women and children to the Lord!

These who know the Lord will also have some responsibility!

Jas 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Jas 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

Jas 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Again we must be "over comers"!

*****Rev 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

There were some in this church at Sardis who had remained faithful to the Lord during all the things that were happening in this wicked city.

They had remained faithful even though their pastor was not faithful to the Word of God and his message had become worldly.

They remained Christ centered and were not centered on the things of this church.

This is our answer today, we must remain Christ centered!

There are many churches like this one in Sardis that remain today, where the Pastor has given in to the world.

As individual Christians, we must understand that no matter what our church is doing, we must remain faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ!

They had to separate themselves from most all the other church members!

Three promises are made to these who took their stand upon the Lord, the Solid Rock.

It pleases the Lord for us to remain focused on Him even if those around us do not!

We must remain faithful to the Lord's plan for His Church. It is His Church! The true Church belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ because we as believers were bought by the precious blood of Christ Jesus.

1) The true Christian will be clothed in white!

White is the color of righteousness.

White is the color of purity.

White is the color of perfection.

2Co 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

2Co 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

2Co 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

It is important for us to remember all the things that Jesus Christ has done for us, because the world cannot do any of these things!

2) Every over comer will have their name written down in the "Lamb's Book of Life"

This is a book that God keeps.

This is the Book that will be opened on "judgment" day!

The names written in the Book of Life and remain there, are those who will never die!

Exo 32:33 And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.

Rev_20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

3) Every believer will be presented to our Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ will confess that he knows every believer and He will personally confess that each and every believer are the real thing and worthy to be allowed into God's New Heaven!

Mat 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Mat 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

Mat 10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Mat 10:31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Mat 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

Mat 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

And what does the Holy Ghost say?

*****Rev 3:6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

It is the Holy Spirit that has given us the Bible, the complete Word of God. God's Word will never change!

2Ti_3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

We can be sure that we have the truth of God!

We can also be sure we know the truth of this world!

There are not any lost books of the Bible!

There will never be another new book added to the Bible!

We cannot hear the Word of God unless we are present in a Bible believing church!

We should also be present in Sunday School.

We should also be present at all other times when the church gathers to teach the Word of God.

We must then apply the Word of God to our daily lives!

Without making a personal application of the Word of God, we will soon wear that look of death!

Amen

Let's Pray!

The Message to the Church at Smyrna

The Message to Smyrna

Book of Revelation Chapter 2 Verses 8 through 11

The word Smyrna means bitterness. This is the word that describes this Church at Smyrna.

The city of Smyrna had suffered through many wars and was destroyed and laid in ruins until it was rebuilt by Alexander the Great in a new place a few miles from the old city of ruins. Those of Smyrna had learned some valuable lessons, or at least they had thought so.

In the wars with Rome, Smyrna quickly became faithful to Rome and was rewarded for it.

It was Smyrna who was one of the first cities to build a temple to the new Emperor.

It is said that everyone in the city had to come twice each year to publicly declare Caesar as Lord.

If a Christian refused, they were tortured or put to death.

They also erected a temple to Homer, because they claimed to be the birthplace of Homer. Homer was the great Greek poet.

Smyrna also built a temple to Zeus, one of the Roman gods.

The city of Smyrna had learned their lessons from the past and would always choose to be on the side of the strongest and of the victor, which is not always the best side to be on.

The city Smyrna began to be a city full of pagan worship and pagan rituals.

This is the backdrop from which this Church in Smyrna was established.

We may not know who it was that started this Church, but we do know that Polycarp who was a disciple of the Apostle John was an early Pastor there.

Polycarp could not be the Messenger that this message was addressed to, because he came to Smyrna only after the death of John.

The Christian Church at Smyrna still hold Polycarp in high honor today.

One man writes, this church was established by Paul and one of the first Pastors at this time could have been Apelles who is mentioned by the Apostle Paul in his salutes to Christians.

Rom 16:10 Salute “Apelles” approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.

When Rome began to persecute Christians in Smyrna, Christians suffered much through dreadful torments.

They were put to death at the stake, or killed and mauled by wild animals in great arenas, while the stands were full of the enemies of God, laughing and enjoying, while Christians were mauled and maimed and put to death.

Even Polycarp was put to death during this time in 155 AD.

It is said that while the Romans were burning Polycarp, that the flames formed an arch above his head, and he was not injured until a Roman soldier murdered him with a spear. Sounds familiar does it not!

Some people go outside the law to kill Christians and get away with it!

The Romans intended to stamp out Christianity in these early years of the Church.

It is also said that persecution came from Judaizers who also hated the Church.

The church also suffered through false teaching, which is the greatest enemy of the Church as a whole.

We can see that it was just tough to be Christian in the city of Smyrna!

It is also said that today the Church is still thriving in Smyrna, so all these enemies of the Church failed.

Here again we will see that this letter from Jesus, is addressed to the Angel or the Pastor of the Church of Smyrna.

*****Rev 2:8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

Look how Jesus says, His own persecution caused His death and He overcame that death, when He arose from that death to new life.

Every Christian will overcome death and live in a new life in a new place called the New Heaven and the New Jerusalem. This is the message that we need to understand!

Jesus totally understood the conditions that this Pastor, or Preacher or however you describe him, was going through, as he witnessed the things his flock suffered.

I know how our Pastor stands before us each week and tells us of those in our own church family, who have been taken on to Heaven to be with the Lord and those who are suffering and those with sickness.

2Co 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

2Co 5:2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

2Co 5:3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

2Co 5:4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

2Co 5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

2Co 5:6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

2Co 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

2Co 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

2Co 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

When the Pastor of the Church in Smyrna stood before his own flock every week, he told of all those who were murdered and mauled in the arena and other places and were persecuted just because they refused to reject the Lord Jesus Christ.

It was a daily thing that some Christian was murdered in Smyrna.

It was a daily thing that some Christian was persecuted in Smyrna.

It was a terrible place to live if you were a Christian, in Smyrna.

We know that, before these people even felt the pains of death, they were already with the Lord!

We also know that wounds will heal, and a heart sold out to the Lord, will not quit on the Lord!

To many of these seven churches Jesus criticized many things, but to this church in Smyrna Jesus let them know that He understood their persecution and His proof was His own death by persecution.

Rev 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

Rev 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

This same message goes out to those going through severe persecution today in the many places where it is just hard to be Christians.

It is hard to be a Christian in a Muslim dominated country.

It is hard to be a Christian in a Hindu dominated country.

It is getting hard to be true Christians even in America, because the Church is compromising with the world.

Christian persecution is increasing all around our world today while the Christian Church is not even in competition with any false religion!

When you are in possession of the truth, many will come to hear this truth!

Jesus says to them "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore".

This is true of every Christian whose life is taken away from them, just because they know their Savior and will not reject Him!

The name Smyrna signifies the substance called "myrrh".

Myrrh is used in perfumes.

Myrrh is mingled sometimes in wine and with gaul to deaden the mind to the things around them. This drink was given to those who were sentenced to death on the cross to deaden their pain and make their agony longer. Jesus rejected this drink when it was offered to Him!

Myrrh is also used in embalming fluid.

But Smyrna was a proud city.

Proud of its culture.

Proud of its beauty.

Proud of its commercial wealth.

Proud of its social life.

Just not proud of the Christian Church!

The residents of this city felt that they were living in the first city of all of Asia.

Everyone would try to climb the social ladder, stepping all over those who got in their way.

The Jews in the city took advantage of all these things and became some of the worst of those who persecuted the Church.

In some cases if an employee was redeemed by the Lord, they would lose their job.

Most of the government and certain others, did everything they could do to get this city to stamp out Christianity!

Where are the churches like that of Smyrna located today?

According to the “Open Doors” ministry:

1) North Korea has the number one nation for Christian persecution for 19 consecutive years.

If a Christian has a Bible, or part of one, it will be carefully hidden and only read when the believer is sure they are alone.

Most Christians do not even tell their own children about their faith until they are older teenagers for fear that they may let something slip.

As you can imagine, gathering for worship in a church is non-existent.

Daring to meet other Christians for worship is a risky feat that must be done in utmost secrecy.

It is a miracle that this underground church in North Korea is able to exist. But more than that, it is growing.

2) Afghanistan: Where Christianity exists only in secret.

Afghanistan is once again only a point behind North Korea’s ranking on the 2020 World Watch List.

An Islamic state by constitution, the country does not permit any faith other than Islam to exist; and it is illegal to convert to anything else.

To convert to a faith outside Islam is tantamount to treason because it’s seen as a betrayal of family, tribe, and country.

Those who are discovered to be Christians may be sent to a mental hospital; because their families believe no sane person would leave Islam.

They may also be beaten or even killed by family members, or members of Islamic extremist groups like the Taliban which continues to increase its strength.

Violence against Christians remains very high, but the measures taken against converts depends on the family.

One Christian in Afghanistan says, “How we survive daily only God knows. He knows because He has been kind to dwell with us. But we are tired of all the death around us.”

3) Somalia: Christians are hunted for their faith.

Estimates suggest that 99 percent of Somali citizens are Muslims, and any of the minority religions are heavily persecuted.

The violent extremist group, al-Shabab, which subscribes to the ultra-strict Islamic doctrine of Wahhabism, advocates Shariah law as the basis for regulating all aspects of life in Somalia.

This group has repeatedly expressed its desire to eradicate Christians from this country.

In every sphere of life; private, family, community and national; being exposed as a convert to Christianity in Somalia means life-threatening danger, often leading to on-the-spot execution.

As a result, most Somali Christians keep their faith completely secret. But despite the risks, Somali people are coming to faith in Jesus; some in miraculous ways.

4) Libya: No freedom for Christians.

After the ouster of former dictator Muammar Gaddafi, Libya plunged into chaos and anarchy.

And that situation has not changed for Libyans.

The continued absence of a single central government to uphold law and order has enabled various Islamic militant groups to control parts of the country.

Libyan converts to Christianity face abuse and violence for their decision to follow Christ.

5) Pakistan: Constant threat of mob attacks.

In Pakistan, all Christians (4 million out 204 million people) suffer from institutionalized discrimination, illustrated by the fact that occupations seen as low, dirty and derogatory are reserved for religious minorities like Christians by the authorities.

Many Christians are poor, and some are victims of bonded labor.

There are Christians belonging to the middle class, as well, but this economic status doesn’t save Christians them from being marginalized or persecuted in an Islamic culture—believers are always at risk because of the country’s notorious blasphemy laws.

The country’s patriarchal culture is especially cruel to Christian women, who are often targeted for both their faith and their gender.

An estimated 700 girls and women abducted each year are raped and then forcefully married to Muslim men in the community, usually resulting in forced conversions.

6) Eritrea: Christians arrested in increasing police raids.

7) Sudan: Political chaos increases vulnerability.

8) Yemen: Christians targeted in chaos of civil war.

9) Iran: Illegal to convert from Islam.

10) India: Violent and spreading persecution.

These are the top ten nations for Christian persecutions but there are still many others suffering from Christian persecution today.

This is where we find most all the Church that are like Smyrna today.

And Jesus says to these Churches:

*****Rev 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

There is nothing that goes on in this world that Jesus does not know about.

Jesus does never sit in Heaven saying, "what will I do now"!

This world is moving along according to the plan of God and God's plan will never change.

You see the Lord sees all those who are persecuted for their faith in Him.

In the eyes of the world these may seem to be the most neglected people upon this earth and there is no doubt that they suffer greatly.

Jesus knows that they must keep their work secret and work unnoticed or they will be found out.

In reality, it can be said that none of the other six churches had the faith of this one church.

They did have just a little strength, but they were determined to do the work given to them by the Lord Jesus.

As Christians we all talk about the wonders of Heaven but in reality, none of us know just how beautiful Heaven will be and the riches of Heaven far outweigh, any riches in this life.

The saints of Smyrna were already full of the riches of faith and love.

These saints of God were holding up under constant persecution and affliction from their own government and they risked their lives every time they witnessed to those around them about the Lord Jesus Christ and the free gift of God's Grace.

Jesus warned us all:

Mat 10:17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

Mat 10:18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

Mat 10:19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

Mat 10:20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

The church in Smyrna clearly understood what Jesus had said!

These people survived poverty because when you truly have nothing, you can be sure that Jesus is all we need.

In Smyrna even the Jews were their enemy, ignoring all the Word of God.

But who is a Jew?

Rom 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

Rom 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Today in all the places where we see churches similar to that one of Smyrna, it is not the Jews who cause problems it is the false Christians trying to be politically correct rather than be true to the Word of God or just deceivers.

They too were of the synagogue of Satan!

How did the Lord Jesus address these issues?

*****Rev 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Jesus said to the Pastor, "fear none of these things"!

Jesus also said more persecution is coming!

This is a message we all need to understand.

The Devil is going to arouse all the unbelievers of this world to attack the believers.

God is going to allow all His children to be tried!

That word "tried" meaning to be proved reliable!

We should remember Abraham and His son Isaac.

Heb_11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

If God tried Abraham who do, we think we are? Are we reliable Christians? Can we stand up to the Devil?

Php_4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

How are we to react to those to reject us?

1Pe_4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Why were the saints of Smyrna going to be so rich?

Jas_1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

1Pe_1:7 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:

If we are tried and endure it according to the Word of God, we are able to receive the praise of our Savior.

These things are not limited to the saints of Smyrna but to every saint of God!

We can be assured that Satan only has a short time left to do his evilness!

In fact with all the earthquakes, volcanoes, increasing weather, pestilences such as the Corona virus, and insects, we should all be looking up for our redemption is drawing nigh!

This short time is not the devil's doing, it is because the Lord is soon coming.

Heb 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

Heb 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

Heb 10:37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

Heb 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

Heb 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

We must remember this message is intended for every church and it will always have the same meaning.

And the Holy Spirit says:

*****Rev 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

We have no reason to fear what this world can do to us, but it will require that we be steady in our faith.

We must have great faith!

How did Jesus describe this "great faith"?

Mat 8:8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

Mat 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

Mat 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, "I have not found so great faith", no, not in Israel.

This may sound hard, but if we just accept that the Lord Jesus will do exactly what He said He would do and all the promises of God will be fulfilled, then this is where we are to place our faith!

We serve a Living God who is exceedingly able to do everything He says!

There is no greater reward than eternal life that is lived in the presence of our Holy God!

We must understand that there will be a second death!

Everyone that lives will certainly die. This is the first death.

Then there is this second death, and it is this second death that we need to avoid, and the Lord Jesus Christ provides that opportunity by giving us a choice.

If we are tried and proved faithful, we will miss out on this second death.

We must be faithful to God's Son, Jesus Christ, even if we are going through the worst of persecution!

2Co 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

2Co 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Our day of "redemption" is so near that we can almost feel it. It is not time to quit on the Lord!

Amen

Let's pray!