For additional resources check out MyRWC.org/The Book of Revelation
THEME:
Martyrs all around the world continue to pay for their faith in blood. They choose daily between comfort, adulation, popularity, prosperity or Christ. This type of persecution was ramping up in the ancient city of Smyrna. So, the Lord encouraged that church to stay strong and not give up. Soon, you and I will need to choose Jesus, no matter what it costs. That’s why I want you to cling to Christ, to be unmoving, steadfast, and faithful to the end.
KEY SCRIPTURE
Revelation 2:8-11
Revelation 2:8-11
“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. “ ‘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. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. 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. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’
You can cling to Jesus with confidence because he conquered death and rose to life
Revelation 2:9
“ ‘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.
You can cling to Jesus with confidence because he knows you inside and out
You can cling to Jesus with confidence because a future reward outweighs any pain
Revelation 2:10
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. 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. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Revelation 1:17-18
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
1 Timothy 4:6-8
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
Revelation 2:11
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’
You can cling to Jesus because he will give you the power to be a conqueror
Revelation 20:14-15
Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Romans 10:13-14
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
For additional resources check out MyRWC.org/The Book of Revelation