We have to take up the cross
Gregory Bishop
(Audio: Spanish)
SUMMARY: The second letter in the book of Revelation is addressed to the church in Smyrna, which was undergoing persecution and suffering for their faith in Christ. The message to the church is that despite their tribulations, Jesus is the first and the last, the one who was dead but lived again, and therefore they should not fear. Jesus acknowledges their poverty and suffering but reminds them that they are rich in Christ. The letter also mentions the blasphemy of those who reject Christians and the synagogue of Satan. The message for the church is to remain faithful, even unto death, and they will receive the crown of life. Martyrdom is a common theme in the Bible, and although it may be difficult to understand, it is a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made for our faith. The letter reminds us that despite suffering, joy and wealth in life cannot be bought with money, and that health and joy come from the Holy Spirit.
This sermon is about the church in Smyrna and how they were going through a difficult time of persecution and slander. The speaker reminds us that Christians have always been slandered and accused, but we should not be surprised because Jesus himself was accused of being a demon. The real enemy is not the people who slander us but the spirit behind them. The speaker encourages us to be faithful in the midst of trials and trust that God has a purpose in them. The reward for faithfulness is the crown of life, and even in death, the Christian wins because they do not have to fear the second death. The speaker uses the example of Polycarp, a leader in the church in Smyrna who was burned at the stake for his faith, as an example of someone who is now a star in the hand of Jesus.
The book of Daniel and the Apostle Paul teach that those who understand and teach justice will shine like stars, while those who do not will face shame and confusion. The Apostle Paul, despite being imprisoned, finds joy in spreading the Gospel and sacrificing himself for others. Christians are called to live the cross every day and be servants, following the example of Jesus who humbled himself and was exalted by God. A life of service is victorious and leads to a proven church.
This sermon is about the church in Smyrna and how they were going through a difficult time of persecution and slander. The speaker reminds us that Christians have always been slandered and accused, but we should not be surprised because Jesus himself was accused of being a demon. The real enemy is not the people who slander us but the spirit behind them. The speaker encourages us to be faithful in the midst of trials and trust that God has a purpose in them. The reward for faithfulness is the crown of life, and even in death, the Christian wins because they do not have to fear the second death. The speaker uses the example of Polycarp, a leader in the church in Smyrna who was burned at the stake for his faith, as an example of someone who is now a star in the hand of Jesus.
The book of Daniel and the Apostle Paul teach that those who understand and teach justice will shine like stars, while those who do not will face shame and confusion. The Apostle Paul, despite being imprisoned, finds joy in spreading the Gospel and sacrificing himself for others. Christians are called to live the cross every day and be servants, following the example of Jesus who humbled himself and was exalted by God. A life of service is victorious and leads to a proven church.
Open your Bibles to the book of Revelation, chapter 2. A few weeks ago I talked about the first letter of Jesus to the churches and today we are going to talk about the second letter. Those are letters written directly from the word of Jesus and the Apostle John took dictation and wrote down everything Jesus told him to give specialized messages to the churches of his day.
But I think they are messages not only for them but for us. Those are principles of winning churches according to the word of God. They are principles for churches throughout the centuries of the centuries that represent the best of the Gospel. And today we are going to read the second letter to the city of Smyrna, in Apostle 2, verse 8 which says the following, and writes to the angel of the church in Smyrna. I said a few weeks ago that he is writing to certain angels to give the message to the church. Some theologians think that perhaps they are literal angels carrying the message in the spirit. Others think that angels are shepherds of these churches. I change my opinion every day, but I have an opinion today that I will say later.
But I think they are messages not only for them but for us. Those are principles of winning churches according to the word of God. They are principles for churches throughout the centuries of the centuries that represent the best of the Gospel. And today we are going to read the second letter to the city of Smyrna, in Apostle 2, verse 8 which says the following, and writes to the angel of the church in Smyrna. I said a few weeks ago that he is writing to certain angels to give the message to the church. Some theologians think that perhaps they are literal angels carrying the message in the spirit. Others think that angels are shepherds of these churches. I change my opinion every day, but I have an opinion today that I will say later.
