Our "Preacher-in-training" (Alan) started a new series of lessons on the book of Revelation Sunday evening. I have studied Revelation before, but this brother makes it "come alive" with his computerized power-point presentations. The picture above reminded of Alan's reference to one of the early church father's who said: "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church". How could anything possibly grow in such a hostile environment? Obviously, it can!!! The same holds true for the church and somehow this passage from Revelation seemed to fit...
Revelation, Chapter 2
8 “To the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write:
“The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life says these things:
9 “I know your works, oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. He who overcomes won’t be harmed by the second death.
“The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life says these things:
9 “I know your works, oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. He who overcomes won’t be harmed by the second death.
Unless you have been in a coma of late, you must have noticed that there is a war going on in the United States Of America. Our government is assuming more and more power and our liberties seem to be vanishing on almost a daily basis. I pray for this country on a regular basis and encourage you to do the same. Life is very soon going to become difficult for those that call themselves Christians in this country. Our current king is Muslim and has allied himself with cronies who share the same worship of Allah, so we can expect problems shortly. Think I am wrong? You have the right to disagree (for now at least) !!! The good news is that nothing on or above this Earth has more power than God. In our lifetimes, we may actually have choices like those Smyrna faced; it is entirely possible. However, I take comfort in the FACT that our reward for perseverance will be a crown of life (verse 10 above). If you are rooted and grounded on the firm ground of Jesus, it doesn't matter how hot things may get for you- you will overcome (one way or another).