1. WHAT WAS THE CHURCH LIKE? a) Weak (v8) b) Faithful (v8 & v10) c) Undergoing opposition (v9) 2. HOW DOES CHRIST ADDRESS THE CHURCH? a) The holy one (v7) b) The true one (v7) c) The one who knows (v8) 3. HOW DOES CHRIST ENCOURAGE THE CHURCH? a) The open door (v7) b) The…
1) LORD DELIVER US! (1 Pet 5:8-9, Mark 7:20-23) From the evil one From our evil hearts 2) LORD DEFEND US! (Psalm 25:1, 16-18; Psalm 27:1,5) From our enemies 3) LORD DISPLAY US! (Eph 3:10, Col 1:21, Jude 25) Before the angels
1) IT’S COMMANDED! (John 13:34) “A new commandment I give unto you….” 2) IT’S COMPELLING! (1 Jn 4:7) “…for love is from God…” 3) IT’S COSTLY! (John 13:34, 1 Jn 4:10) ”…as I have loved you..” 4) IT’S CONTAGIOUS! (John 13:35) “By this shall all people know that you are My disciples…”
1) BE AWARE! (v1-3) The coming of the Lord will be: Sudden, Unexpected, Painful. 2) BE AWAKE! (v4-8) a) In the light not the dark. b) Awake not asleep. c) Sober not drunk. d) On guard not off duty. 3) BE ASSURED! (v9-11) For believers it’s a day of Salvation and life!
1) HIS DESPAIR! (v24) He was in mourning. He was absent. He was unbelieving 2) HIS DEMAND! (v25) Unless I see…unless I touch… I will not believe 3) HIS DELIGHT! (v26-29) Jesus came, Jesus spoke, Thomas worshipped
THE BACK GROUND OF THE LETTER The poor and persecuted Smyrnean Christians THE MESSAGE OF THE LETTER I know your suffering and poverty – Yet you are rich! I know about the slander you suffer – Do not be afraid You will suffer persecution for a time – Be faithful, even unto death, and…