Wscs 19/01/2013 Church Symrna Rev 2 8-10 [vijaya thomas] Intro: Church 7 churches Asia [modern Turkey] .

ey] . Symrna Positive

Church.
"It is easy to stay true to the faith for a day or for a few days. The difficulty thing, the important thing, is to do so right through life. It is easy to keep the faith when things are going well, and difficult to do so when obstacles are met. Consistent behavior which lasts one's whole life is the only kind which deserves to be called 'fidelity.'" -Pope John Paul II,

c] Slander Lie campaign = by Jews. Eg. In olden times Xtians were thought as cannibals bcoz they ate body and blood of J.C many lies abt Xtians are spread today. bcoz they refused pagan temples Xtians called as Athiests -- Here from False Jews they were persecuted [these Jews are not from Abraham but Satan ] === No trouble to us more than Jesus Christ. He endured us allremember Lord. Jesus is First and Last. Devil will put in prison.

Smyrna 40 miles south to Ephesus. Crown of Asia Prosperous city First city to engage in Roman Emperor (Tiberius) worship = Ceaser is Lord Smyrna Myrhh [Vellaipolam] = Perfume or Medicine . comes out of Wounds of tree bark - Jesus presented this gift by Magi. to show the human nature Suffering for this world. -- Sweet aroma comes out of Myrhh when crushed. = Church crushed here bcoz of Persectution - Christians persecuted. 2 eXtremes = Fellowship in church & Persecution outside. 2 extremes they had to suffer. I am First and Last = 2 extremes God gives; all power with me Matt28.18 Rev 1.17-18 gag;glhNj> ehd; Ke;jpdtUk; gpe;jpdtUk;> capUs;stUkhapUf;fpNwd;@... 1. Troubles v9 a] I know ur afflictions = v9 [ubathravam] Gk thilpsis = burden that crushes. (Continous pressure eg. Hitler with Jews; Communists ; Indian Hindu in Missionary stage; -- Humiliated; attacked; b] Poverty Symrna rich city But Xtians poor. [ poverty due to persecutions land grabbing; no source of income; ] eg. Dalit Xtians persecuted by High caste. [india for Hindu] eg. Bhutan cant build churches eg. Palghar manor village tribals face social boycott now with police protection worship is conducted.
Yet the Lord says their fellowship within the congregation and their families was rich indeed. RICH IN LORD.

2. Words of Jesus Comfort v10 a] = Trials to Test us Devil does this. God has all knowledge how we can bear he knows all Test will remove all our superficial supports.. Eg. Bishop or Symrna Polycarp = escaped burning - but killed by sword. WITHOUT CROSS THERE WILL NOT BE CROWN. -- rely on Grace and Strength of God. b] = 10 days. means short duration. Eg. Daniel tested for 10 days. [10 days of tribulation for 1000years of victory Rev 20.4-6 reign with Xst for 1000yrs. c] = Be Faithful = even till Death. - not Earthly Crown [crown of Asia] but CROWN OF LIFE. Eternal life. 2Cor4.17 eternal glory. 160ad 320AD = this happened. Age of Martyrs -- if Faithful Escape Second death = lake of fire; final judgement ; torment; ahf; 1:12 Nrhjidiar; rfpf;fpw kD\d; ghf;fpathd;@ mtd; cj;jkndd;W tpsq;fpdgpd;G fh;j;jh; jk;kplj;jpy; md;G$Ufpwth;fSf;F thf;Fj;jj;jk; gz;zpd [PtfphPlj;ijg; ngWthd;. If you have Faith Trust him = as Paul says Rom 8 = nothing can separate us from Love of God nor death life; height depth; 8.38-39

-- boycott due to refusal to worship Roman Emperor2 Cor6.10 poor but yet joyful bcoz Lord is with us. -- True riches come from withinby Grace & Love of God.