To the Church in SmyrnaRevelation 2:8-11

• (8) "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this:

• John 19:39-40 Nicodemus, who had first come to Him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight. (40) So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.

• Matthew 2:11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

• Isaiah 44:6 "Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: 'I am the first and I am the last, And there is no God besides Me.

• Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.

• (9) 'I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

• (9) 'I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

• Revelation 3:17 'Because you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,

• Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

• Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

• Philippians 1:29 For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,

• Romans 2:28-29 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; (29) but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

• Romans 2:28-29 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; (29) but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

• Acts 13:45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began contradicting the things spoken by Paul, and were blaspheming.

• (10) 'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

• Disapproval

• Disapproval• Ridicule

• Disapproval• Ridicule• Pressure to conform

• Disapproval• Ridicule• Pressure to conform• Economic sanctions

• Disapproval• Ridicule• Pressure to conform• Economic sanctions• Alienation from

community

• Disapproval• Ridicule• Pressure to conform• Economic sanctions• Alienation from

community• Loss of employment

• Disapproval• Ridicule• Pressure to conform• Economic sanctions• Alienation from

community• Loss of employment• Loss of property

• Disapproval• Ridicule• Pressure to conform• Economic sanctions• Alienation from

community• Loss of employment• Loss of property

• Physical abuse

• Disapproval• Ridicule• Pressure to conform• Economic sanctions• Alienation from

community• Loss of employment• Loss of property

• Physical abuse• Mob violence

• Disapproval• Ridicule• Pressure to conform• Economic sanctions• Alienation from

community• Loss of employment• Loss of property

• Physical abuse• Mob violence• Harassment by officials

• Disapproval• Ridicule• Pressure to conform• Economic sanctions• Alienation from

community• Loss of employment• Loss of property

• Physical abuse• Mob violence• Harassment by officials

• Disapproval• Ridicule• Pressure to conform• Economic sanctions• Alienation from

community• Loss of employment• Loss of property

• Physical abuse• Mob violence• Harassment by officials• Forced labor

• Disapproval• Ridicule• Pressure to conform• Economic sanctions• Alienation from

community• Loss of employment• Loss of property

• Physical abuse• Mob violence• Harassment by officials• Forced labor• Imprisonment

• Disapproval• Ridicule• Pressure to conform• Economic sanctions• Alienation from

community• Loss of employment• Loss of property

• Physical abuse• Mob violence• Harassment by officials• Forced labor• Imprisonment• Physical torture

• Disapproval• Ridicule• Pressure to conform• Economic sanctions• Alienation from

community• Loss of employment• Loss of property

• Physical abuse• Mob violence• Harassment by officials• Forced labor• Imprisonment• Physical torture• Murder or execution

• “The greatest criticism of the American church today is that no one wants to persecute it: because there is nothing very much to persecute it about.” George F. MacLeod

• “The greatest criticism of the American church today is that no one wants to persecute it: because there is nothing very much to persecute it about.” George F. MacLeod

• 2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

• “If you have not suffered as of yet, cheer up…you will! So if you’re not experiencing severe persecution, you are to do three things: (1) thank God for your religious freedom, (2) recognize that it is abnormal for followers of Christ, and (3) make the most of today. Memorize Scripture and spiritually prepare for the time when we will face persecution for our faith.” Keith Krell.

• 1 Peter 5:8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

• James 1:12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

• (11) 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.'

• Revelation 20:14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.

• Hebrews 12:11 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

• Hebrews 12:11 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

• 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

• 2 Corinthians 12:9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

• 1 Peter 5:10-11 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.