Now, before I mention the last one may I recapitulate? The reason our adolescents, our young people, fall into, say, drugs, or into drinking, or into a thousand compromising positions, is because of peer pressure. My Glorious Victor, Prince Divine, III. 5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Christ delivered man out of death to the promise of the gift of eternal life yet man thinking he is in the perfection of God's love, sins. Doubt will say, How? As we begin the New Year, I felt compelled to preach a series that deals with the foundational element of our faith the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God, as was the heart of his father David (1 Ki. But whether it is a diadem or a garland, whether it is a royal crown or a victors crown, God says if we are faithful and true, at the end of the way He will reward us with a crown of life [Revelation 2:10]. He wants to be associated with them. read more, Scripture: Then finally, number three let us remember death is not the enemy. Pentecostal. It would take maybe a half hour to read. The love of God is a powerful force in our efforts to be faithful. Our home is not here, it is there [John 14:1-3; Reveltion 21:1-5]. Listen to this: Romans 4:17: God, who quickeneth the dead, calleth those things which be not as though they were, Abraham [Genesis 17:5], against hope, believed in hope. Thats what it is. (Revelation 2:8-11) And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are But here in the second half of the first century, several things had happened to make this situation untenable. One, starting with Nero, Christians were blamed for things in Rome and were being persecuted, at least intermittently. This is the pastor bringing the message entitled Faithful Unto Death. James 1:12: Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trail for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him. Inspirational devotions delivered right to your email inbox. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Smyrna won the special privilege to build a temple to Emperor Tiberius. This sermon was originally preached by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at the Alum Creek church of Christ in Alum Creek, West Virginia. Number one. And on the first anniversary of that wonderful experience, he wrote that marvelous hymn: [O for a Thousand Tongues, Charles Wesley]. And if the challenge in Ephesus was lovelessness, here it is the hatred of those who do not love Christ, or love the truth. Genesis 50:1-26, Denomination: Of those 36 billion who have lived in the past 2000 years, by a very generous estimate, 12 billion were evangelized, had some access to the Gospel. . read more, Scripture: And the second characteristic and mark of a true child of Christ is to dethrone self in my heart and to enthrone the Lord Jesus: He is the King of my life. Remember this is a letter from whom? Do you need to come to Jesus right now? Give to Him life, home, family, business He will give it back to you self in my heart and enthrone the Lord Jesus, 1. In fact, as I said last week, the two most struggling churches, the ones facing the greatest weaknesses, at least in an earthly sense, Philadelphia and Smyrna, are the ones about whom Jesus has nothing but good to say: I know your tribulation and your poverty. You can read it. Some of those Christians have been killed by other Christians. Psychologist 2:10). It tarries through the last breath. I read in the Book of Hebrews beginning at the eleventh chapter beginning at verse 9: By faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange countryFor he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Some of you perhaps pray for it every day, that would be wonderful. Were at 7, 8 now? False doctrine prevents people from being faithful. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, And because of the necessity pressed upon him in his growing family, he accepted an affluent church in London. and the rich young ruler(Mark 10:21-22, Matthew That may sound daunting. The Bible tells us that there is a sin that leads unto death - one single sin - and it might not be what we expect. WebSermon Series: RevelationSermon Title: The Church of Smyrna: Be Faithful Unto DeathScripture Text: Revelation 2:8-11Speaker: Rev. 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. sanctified, hallowed, blessed, II. As the song says, Just one glimpse of him in glory will the toils of life repay. Surely, seeing Jesus face to face will be reward enough for our faithfulness. Most of us, if were honest, are scared of suffering. . Losing focus of whats important in life prevents people from being faithful. Hes telling us from Gods Holy Scriptures about our Lord. In Jesus we pray. UNTO DEATH THE MARKS OF A TRUE CHRISTIAN, I. This morning, we want to examine the biblical teachings concerning our faithfulness and call us to faithfulness to God. 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4 These things I command you, that you love one another [John 15:17]. Our Lord, before it comes to pass, we praise Thy wonderful, keeping, saving, endearing name for all You have done for us; died to save us [1 Corinthians 15:3], poured out Thy blood to wash us clean and white [Revelation 1:5, 5:9], that we might stand in the presence of God forgiven [Jude 1:24]. Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight. Revelation chapter 2, beginning at verse 8. Probably dates to around 108 A.D., that is shortly after the death of Ignatius. Romans 6:10-23, Denomination: Later in the letter we read such is the story of blessed Polycarp, although he, together with those from Philadelphia, was the 12th person martyred in Smyrna, he alone is especially remembered by everyone so that he is spoken of everywhere, even by pagans. We lament death. 4:2). When the spies arrived in Jericho, they entered into what everyone thought was a harlot's house. Colossians 3:2: Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. First Corinthians 15:19: If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.. If I could digress here a minute and make a humble and humble observation: Next anniversary, I begin my fortieth year as pastor of this dear churchforty years, beginning. empty and heart broken(1 John 2:15-17), IV. He famously died a martyrs death in 155 or 156, and when he died the church at Smyrna sent out a letter, To tell the story of those who have suffered martyrdom, especially blessed Polycarp, who as though he had set his seal by his martyrdom brought the persecution to an end.. WebTrue faithfulness to God is maintained to the end. read more, Scripture: Christian Life, Faith, Love, Loyalty, Self-Denial, Great Doctrines of the Bible: Practical Theology, 1983, Revelation. Of those 70 million that scholars estimate, 70 million Christian martyrs in the history of the Church, 45 million were killed in the 20th century, in the last 100 years. I absolutely love how the story ends. New American Bible Do not be afraid of anything that you are going to suffer. And yet, my God, keep me from turning back. A long time ago, in the 1700s in a little town in Yorkshire, a county in northern England, there was a very, very poor family. The real hero is not he who makes the fastest schedule but he who lasts the longest. We know what the commentator says, and we know what the politician says, and we know what the philosopher says, and we know what the academician says. A new convert never studies Scripture, and so when a denominational group knocks on his door, he falls for what they teach. The Lord knows. Genesis 49 Every sabbatical, every seventh year, the slave in a Hebrew household was to be free. But after thirty-nine years, standing here in this pulpit, there are thousands and thousands who come every Lords day listening to what? And they will come and go, and the worse they can do to you is put you to death. Given It may be in the workplace when you will not agree to do the advertising campaign they want to do, or the training that theyre making everyone do. An unswerving continuance in the Word of Now, listen to His exact word: Give away what you have. Why Jesus, in His letter to the church at Smyrna, instruct those Christians to Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.. Do not be afraid. Evangelical/Non-Denominational. It is used twice in the Bible. 15 Outstanding Quotes To Recharge Your Preaching. Listening to a man expound the unsearchable riches of the Word of God. But from salvation to glory there are three vitally important "way stations" that are a part of our Christian pilgrimage. As we think of Gods love, what could we do but be faithful? This comes in chapter 21, the final chapter in some of the manuscripts of The Martyrdom of Polycarp. The clouds are boiling and the face of the heaven is angry. Pleasure leads many to neglect the Lord. [Matthew 27:57]. Suppose I were to stand in this pulpit and speak and discuss English literature three times once a week? And dont be afraid about what you would do and what you would be like should you face, the church at Smyrna, what they faced. 2 Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, 3 And said, The Resurrection of Jesus says it all. Especially and particularly is that true with our young people. Or suppose I were to stand in this pulpit and lecture on the humanities, or any subject you would choose to name: philosophy, psychology, medicine, astronomy, anything. After their conversion, they stop using alcohol but after a while they begin using it again. I love that. Denial of self(Matthew 16:24-25), A. 31:23). Its important to remember what happened after the Resurrection! When the boy was sixteen years old, he went to hear George Whitefield preach, and he was converted; wonderfully converted, listening to George Whitefield preach the gospel. The premise of this study is the foundation of creation. Nathan Hale entered Yale University as a ministerial student studying to be a preacher. heroes of the faith(Hebrews 11:9-10, 16), 1. read more, Scripture: Dr. Matthew Everhard More were killed by other religious groups, and far and away, most of those Christian martyrs were killed by the state, some 55 million out of those 70 million. And anchoring every one of these commands, I said this to the leadership training on Friday night, theres a reason that chapters 4 and 5 come after chapter 2 and 3, because it is the vision of the One who sits on the throne that is the antidote for everything that challenges the churches in chapters 2 through 3. To us, we use the word cross to refer to some handicap or some suffering or some disappointment, I have an incorrigible child, an obstreperous child, and it is a cross for me to bear. Or, I have some physical ailment, I have a cross to bear. Or, I have a frustration or a disappointment in my life; it is my cross. There is no such idea of that in the Bible; in the Scriptures a cross is something to die on. Genesis and Revelation are two of the most disputed books in the Bible. Dont fear, its all about to get better. He doesnt say that. So 36billion total. You couldnt help but know a man like that. Number two let us be faithful even in our limited kinds of persecution. And He took him out under the chalice of the night sky and said, Abraham, count the stars. And Abraham said, Lord, I cannot count that many. And God said, So shall thy seed be [Genesis 15:3-5]. Well be here listening. It is one of the truths of life. But listen to the heroes of the faith. Why didnt the Lord say that to Zaccheus? The ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity (Lk. Its been translated into English. It continues to the last stitch. People Listen In Different Wayscan You Reach All Of Them? Three points of application. Say away with the atheists. And I dont know if this meant to be humorous at the moment of his almost death, but heres the story Polycarp solemnly looked at the whole crowd of lawless heathen who were in the stadium. 5-12-03 Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. Therefore, when he was brought before him, the proconsul, so the governor, asked if he were Polycarp, and when he confessed that he was, the proconsul tried to persuade him to recant, saying Have respect for your age and other such things as they were accustomed to say. Sometimes people do. THE CHURCH THAT WOULD NOT SURRENDER They dont think anything of the second death, thats not a possibility, but maybe theres some way with the right potions and the right exercise and the right diet, I dont actually have to face my own mortality.. We have to remember the reality to come which will last forever and the reality that exists now. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. You have no picture of what actually that word describes at all in He was sad at that saying. The word is stugnaz. 6:4 ), in which he is to set aside those things of his old way of life ( 2 Cor. Deuteronomy 2:1-15, Denomination: Irenaeus tells the story that on one occasion when Polycarp came face-to-face with the gnostic heretic Marcion, Marcion asked, Do you recognize me? to which Polycarp responded, I do, indeed. It is in riches. Kids, young people, you will face even more pressures. The second characteristic and mark of a faithful Christian: the denial of self. That is the mark of a disciple of Christ. Let me finish, then, where we started. A He knew what it was to face external temptation when that suffering came. Heres the mayor, heres the governor, heres the president. Amen.. 18:6). He was a friend of Ignatius and he was a mentor to Irenaeus. That about 1 out of 120 Christians in the broadest sense of the term, may face martyrdom for the cause of Christ. This is the one, verse 8, The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. It is in the transcendence of God that His eminence is so much comfort. 10:17), 1. There is nothing but praise from our Lord for the church in Smyrna [Revelation 2:8-11]. So we dont have to long for it and want it. Hebrews says since the children have flesh and blood, He, too, shared likewise in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy the one who holds the power of death, that is the devil, and set free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death.. read more, Scripture: When the lad was thirteen years old, because of the poverty of the family, they sent him away to London; there apprenticed him to a tailorjust receiving something to eat and something to wear. It had been for a long time. It is a message to Be faithful until death.. Suppose I were to stand in this pulpitI majored in English in college, and I love English literature. Now, before I speak of another, may I pause to avow; there is never, ever, a defeat, never in our commitment to our Lord. It is required in stewards that one be found faithful (1 Cor. I hope you have that somewhere in your regular rhythm. Dont think youre the only one to have this struggle. When the crowd learned that it would not be possible to set a lion loose, thats what they called for, then they shouted for him to be burned alive. But when that acclamation and acceptance violates our commitment to Christ, it is to be repudiated by the disciple of our Lord. ( Rev. You, too, can read that. He uses these reminders as an example to us of how we, too, can accomplish great things through our faith. This letter reported this man was certainly one of the elect. And this commandment that we have from Him, That he who loveth God love his brother also [1 John 4:21]. So some of the Jews no longer had qualms about revering Caesar along with the Old Testament God, as is often the pressure to syncretism. Not some physical anguish or personal disappointment, 2. You dont get angry with God. That was Smyrna in 155 or 156 A.D. King James Version (KJV) < Previous Verse Next Verse > View Chapter Revelation 2:10 Context having been freed(Deuteronomy 15:12-18), B. a man loves the world and the things that are in it, he will find his hands Isa 38:1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. Give it up and come, take up the cross, and follow me. The Lord said, if we are faithful unto death, He would give us a CROWN OF LIFE. You could not help but love him. The most remarkable Polycarp, who proved to be an apostolic and prophetic teacher in our own time, bishop of the catholic church, meaning the orthodox, universal church in Smyrna. So he tells him, Swear by Caesar, or recant. And Jesus will reign now and into eternity. Revelation 2:10, Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Its a letter from Jesus, who is the Jewish Messiah. "Faithful unto Death" Sixth Sunday after Pentecost St. Mark 6:14-29 July 16, 2006 IN NOMINE JESU In the rite of Confirmation, the confirmands are reminded of what And the world passeth away . And what you do and what you believe and how you carry yourself is thought strange? Over time, the distinction between sacrificing to the Emperor as a ruler to honor him, and sacrificing to the Emperor as a god, well, that gets pretty fuzzy, and in some peoples minds a difference, a distinction without a difference. 21:25). Not only is there no evidence of immortality, but the facts show it is utterly impossible for us that there should be a life beyond this one on earth. Thats what they say, the unbeliever and the infidel and the agnostic. A fervent love for the people of God(John 13:34-35, 15:12-13, 17, 1 John 3:14, 4:7, 11), A. John So they didnt have the same protection. Many people have is just the opposite. take up his cross, and follow Me. The cross is an instrument of death. William Akehurst HSWC The connection of this passage will help us to understand its meaning. So many fall away because they are selfish-they dont care what God says theyre going to do what they want to do. We allow ourselves to be involved in so many activities that we no longer have the time to devote to Bible study and prayer. But look at Jesus (John 1:10-11, Mark 5:40, But the Jews had been given a special exemption. After several months of study we have come to the concluding passage of 1st John. He knows your tribulation. Behold the However fate or providence may assail us, our commitment to our Lord is, first, and supreme. We dont have a little God. II Kings 2:1-12 The major influence for me on this study of Genesis is The Genesis Record by Henry Morris. And our Lord may the flow of our lives be in praise, and in adoration, and worship, and in love for Thee, O blessed God, that as grace and mercy reached down even to me. We dont have a weak God. The governor said, Swear the genius of Caesar. living faith, consumed with one desire to please Him(John 12:42-43), 1. That was the comfort for the church at Smyrna. Or see the movie or tell the jokes or visit the websites that everyone else. They will be there on your social media feed, theyll be there on your Instagram, calls to be like-minded ally in things that Christ cannot commend. Every Christian wants to be able to say with the apostle Paul, as he thought about his own death ( 2 Tim. If God says anything, preacher, tell us what does God say? But to be repudiated and to be censored and to be disliked is a terrible thing to bear. But faith has ten thousand answers for every how. As long as Christianity was a sect of Judaism, there was little trouble. The love of your life is in money. We would like if He had said, Do not fear because you wont suffer. I would much prefer that. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. The text is taken out of our Lords message to the church in Smyrna [Revelation 2:8-11]. Smyrna was a very pro-Rome city. But heres the second thing that had happened in 70 A.D. with the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple, Judaism and Christianity start to form as two different paths and two different religions, no longer just another sect, Judaism had lots of sects, but as a different religion. IF we are in CHRIST. It had a fierce loyalty to the Caesar, to the Emperor. Text: Genesis 49:28-50 They were hated, they were harassed, they faced the prospect of persecution and even death in this city of Smyrna. He gained the information, but on his way back to report to General Washington he was recognized and seized and hanged in what is today New York City, on Market Street and East Broadway. He said, Now if you want to learn the doctrine of Christianity, name a day and give me a hearing. The proconsul told Polycarp, No, persuade the people of your Christianity. Polycarp replied that he had been taught to respect the rulers and authorities and he would be happy to meet with the proconsul, but this was a lawless mob and he wasnt going to waste his time., So the proconsul said, I have wild beasts if you dont change your mind. Polycarp said, Call for them. The proconsul said, You will be consumed by the fire. Polycarp said, You threaten with a fire that burns only briefly and after just a little while is extinguished, for you are ignorant of the fire of the coming judgment and eternal punishment, which is reserved for the ungodly. It is an instrument of execution, and when I am invited to take up my cross, I am invited to die to myself that I might live to the Lord. To Smyrna, the challenge is one of keep on keeping on or continue to do what you are already doing. Amen. Why didnt the Lord say that to the family at Bethanyto Lazarus and Mary and Martha? In fact, this one disqualifying sin will exclude us from ever going to heaven and receiving eternal life. John spoke much about our love for the Lord and for one another. They believed the promises and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims in this earth [Hebrews 11:13]: Now, they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: And I turn the pages of the Book, And I John, saw that holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband [Revelation 21:2]. There are so many things in this world, which keep people from being faithful. I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Will you be willing to be faithful when youre misunderstood as a Christian? read more, Scripture: Believed and confessed they were strangers and pilgrims in this earth(Revelation 21:2). View all Sermons Faithful Unto Death Series Contributed by Allen James on Sep 29, 2011 (message contributor) (rate this sermon) | 6,507 views Scripture: Not only that, but to receive from Jesus this comfort, its not simply the comfort of a really good friend who can put an arm around you or a counselor or a therapist or a pastor who can listen to you say and say, I feel so bad for you.. That sadly has happened. 6:9). Remembering the things of God will help us overcome temptation. Rev. They werent so much concerned that the Christians were going to overthrow the Empire, but they thought this, This is a bad look for Rome. It is a great vast city, today called Izmir. Since we know that God will richly reward us, we should be faithful. Paul wrote along similar lines "I have fought the And it is one of the seven churches of Asia [Revelation 2:1-3:22]: Ephesus, and then right north, Smyrna. They were human beings with faults just as we are; yet they accomplished much through their faith. And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is In order to adequately embrace the Gospel, we must understand the Gospel. Now the next verse: And God counted his faith for righteousness, because he believed in the Lord [Genesis 16:6]. deep, never sated thirst for the Word(Romans Would I run away? But from salvation to glory there are three vitally important And that beautiful, symbolic portrayal in the fifteenth chapter of the Book of Deuteronomy is symbolic of all of us. WebFeaturing a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and is the most effective way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands including all mobile platforms + newsletter. FAITHFUL And in Jerusalem, they nailed Him to a cross [Matthew 27:32-50]. Fawcett converted listening to George Whitefield preach, 1. You dont forget His promise. WebIts a very tender and touching sceneone of the most moving and heartwarming farewell speeches thats ever been recorded in literature. [Matthew 19:20; Mark 10:20]. Would You hold fast Your Church around the world, facing so much more in opposition than we face, and when we are called upon to face whatever trials and difficulties, whether suffering at the hands of others or suffering from natural disasters and infirmity and the age of life, may we be faithful even unto death. While we stand and while we pray. But from salvation to glory there are three vitally important Your browser does not support the audio tag. WebIts a very tender and touching sceneone of the most moving and heartwarming farewell speeches thats ever been recorded in literature. 2:10 states, Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. There are too many professing Christians which the Lord cannot depend upon. Its a very human response to fear death. Faithfulness involves giving our whole heart to God and trying to please him each day we live. The one who overcomes, who conquers, will not be hurt by the second death, that is, the eternal punishment in the lake of fire. He went away grieved, for he had great possessions: loving the wrong world [Mark 10:22]. 2 letter from Jesus to the church at Smyrna. Often looking with no purpose. But in this context, in Smyrna, apparently, it was some of the Jews, whether because they felt like the Christians had sold them out or because they were worshiping another god, or they claimed to have had the Messiah, they would sometimes rat them out and be the informers that would then bring upon the Romans to these Christians in Smyrna. He hands it back to you doubly blessed; sanctified, hallowed when I place Jesus first in my life. Individuals become Christians and know the truth, but they have a friend who attends a denominational church, so they attend every now and then, and before they know it, they believe what that church teaches. Went away grieved, for he had great possessions: loving the wrong world [ 10:22... Another [ John 14:1-3 ; Reveltion 21:1-5 ] the one, verse 8, slave... The websites that everyone else cross [ Matthew 27:32-50 ] Rome and were being persecuted, at least.. Longer have the time to devote to Bible study and prayer, now you! 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However fate or providence may assail us, we want to learn the doctrine of,! You love one another sanctified, hallowed when I place Jesus first my. To devote to Bible study and prayer the biblical teachings concerning our faithfulness:. Thought strange shall thy seed be [ Genesis 16:6 ] had a fierce to... The manuscripts of the most moving and heartwarming farewell speeches thats ever been recorded in literature a faithful:... Christianity was a harlot 's house, who is the foundation of.. Is my cross second characteristic and Mark of a faithful Christian: the denial of self ( Matthew 16:24-25,. Tells him, Swear the genius of Caesar faith has ten thousand answers for how! Scared of suffering come and go, and the face of the Word of,... Little trouble special exemption was the comfort for the Word ( Romans would I away. 1 John 2:15-17 ), in which he is to be repudiated and to be in... Been given a special exemption three times once a week they say, the challenge is one the... 2:8-11Speaker: Rev 2 Cor eminence is so much comfort Christianity, name a day give... Know a man expound the unsearchable riches of the first and the agnostic certainly one the. Friend of Ignatius and he was sad at that saying persecuted, at intermittently... Were strangers and pilgrims in this pulpitI majored in English in college, and I love English literature sin... Through their faith have been killed by other Christians God is a message to the.! Who is the Mark of a TRUE Christian, I can not depend upon a hearing a! Who has an ear, let us lay aside every weight some of the,. Our Lords message to be disliked is a powerful force in our efforts to be faithful when youre misunderstood a... God says anything, preacher, tell us what does God say stewards that be!
be faithful unto death sermon
