Monday Oct. 5th 2009
GOD’S GLORIOUS CHURCH Part 3
Rev. 2;8-11 Church in Smyrna.
8“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, (Nb prison often was a prelude to execution!) and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death. (NIV)
The Church in Smyrna. This is the only reference to it. The church is referred to in history and up to the 5th century. In Rom 16:10 KJV – Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Apelles was a bishop of S and thought to be one of the 70 disciples referred to in Luke 10;1 whom Jesus sent two by two to the cities He planned to visit.
Some think the present angel or pastor of this church was Polycarp, the disciple of John. Irenaeus, who knew him, says he was appointed bishop of Smyrna by the apostles. Here he suffered martyrdom, in Ad155 and was buried: the large amphitheatre, in which he was put to death, is still to be seen, and his sepulchre is still preserved here.
Jesus comes to this church as ‘First & Last’
cp Rev 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (KJV)
Rev 1;11 saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,”
cp Isa 46;9-10 9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (KJV)
Isa 44:6 KJV – Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel , and his redeemer the LORD of hosts ; I [am] the first , and I [am] the last ; and beside me [there is] no God .
Isa 48:12 KJV – Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel , my called ; I [am] he; I [am] the first , I also [am] the last .
This is ‘God’ speaking. In Revelation ‘Jesus’ – so both are the same.
What does it mean?
a) He is the CREATOR
Col 1:16 KJV – For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 – And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18 – And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the pre-eminence.
By Him all things are held together;
Heb; 1;3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.
No criticism of this church:
Rev 2;9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and [I know] the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but [are] the synagogue of Satan.
In Acts 20 there is the final separation of Jews and Christians. Up till then Jews who became Christians kept the Jewish laws but now Gentiles are becoming Xtns and are accepted by the Apostles. They had met in synagogues but now, as Gentiles can’t, they are meeting in homes.
As with Ephesus Jesus knows their works. Nb NIV omits works, as it is not in two original Greek texts, Vulgate & Coptic but it is in one original. Out of 15 translations, 5 include it, 10 do not!)
However; Jesus Knows what’s going on. He knows what we’re going thru.
TRIBULATION (NKJ); lit Pressure. (Metaphorically, tribulation, affliction, distress, straits. This church was up against it. Persecution by ‘Jews’,
Apparent economic pressure, Jesus told us to welcome persecution!
Matt 5;10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (NKJ)
POVERTY; Abject poverty; destitute;
The world looks on poverty as a disgrace, something to be avoided at all costs; cp modern ‘welfare state’. But Jesus regards poverty for His sake – They had their goods confiscated etc – as riches.
cp Macedonian church 2 Cor. 8;1-5
nb The Mac. had a liberal, generous heart. Didn’t dwell on their poverty, but in it, gave. “Give = given” nb (but you are rich)…
Its not being deliberately poor – cp monks, hermits etc. ‘vows of poverty…’
Times when circs, persecution, etc., may cause poverty; HOW DO WE REACT?
Mac. Church even in poverty were generous see 2 Cor 8;3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing,
Today some who say Xtns should be rich; preach ‘give’ – but usually to them! Jesus said, “Give & given unto you”… Remember He has to come first. He will show where to give. – fertile soil. Some ministries don’t deserve to be supported!
Phil 4;19 – but cp from v 12! v 19 comes out of vv12-18.
Rev 2;9 I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Slander a better word than blasphemy. Some translate it ‘evil speaking’. The Smyrnians were being slandered for Xts sake. By Jews. (who clamoured for Polycarp to be thrown to lions, then helped build the pyre when he was burned alive). The same is true today in the ‘church’. Jesus points them out as not being real Jews but of the SYNAGOGUE (CHURCH) OF SATAN.
More people dying for their faith today than ever before. Even some ‘Christians’ who are persecuting others; There are always plenty to persecute in name of religion.
Religion will always persecute reality. Real Xty shows up the sham religion for what it is.
Those who want God’s blessing will be persecuted by those who don’t! (cp beginning of Cent = Azuza etc)
DON’T BE FRIGHT! Don’t fear suffering!!!
nb ‘The devil is about to unleash his armies. Need to realise who is behind it all.
cp D. Hathaway; demon behind Russian = Genghis Khan. – New leader waiting in wings etc…. European Community; etc. all part of fulfilled prophecy….
Persecution may well be coming in these latter days; (Texas have decided to replace Xmas with Diwaldi (Hindu!) (There’s going to be revival too!)
EVERYONE HAS TO BE TESTED…
(Bible note: testing our ‘loyalty, strength, opinions, disposition, condition, faith, patience, character….’).
Where going – what made of!
BE FAITHFUL Lit; full of faith!
James 1;12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (KJV)
Can get wrong impression – ‘crown’ literally ‘chaplet’ – ‘wreath’ – Olympic Games reward of Laurel wreath…
so ‘Crown of Life’ – the equivalent for winning the race. The Prize. The badge of “victory in the games of civic worth, of military valour
Olympic runners put everything into getting Gold Silver or Bronze; to bring it up to date? – Be faithful and I will give you the Gold Medal of Life.
v11; LISTEN. Hear what the Spirit is saying – TODAY !!
OVERCOME; In each of the letters, this exhortation;
Ephesian Church: Overcomers get Eternal Life; 2;7
Smyrnan Church; Overcomers ditto; (not hurt by 2nd death)…
Ephesian Church: Overcomers get Eternal Life; 2;7
Smyrnan Church; Overcomers ditto; (not hurt by 2nd death)
The Lord talks to each church of overcoming. (cp message on ‘getting ready to win’…)
Rev 2:17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”‘ (NKJ)
Rev 2:26 KJV – And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Rev 3:5 KJV – He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Rev 3:12 KJV – Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.
Rev 3:21 KJV – To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Recap: God’s Glorious Church – ONE THAT FINISHES WELL. (He that overcomes – ie WINS!)
What important is not how start, but how finish. eg race; 25 laps, falls in last 2 yds – lost. (Olympics – Marathon – winner staggered in, whole world was cheering him on)
I have dedicated many beautiful babies … Shock you; All those in prison once lovely babies like that. All started well. Probably parents had high hopes. On Skid row, those wrecks were once beautiful babies. Not how start, how finish.
Parents have a tremendous responsibility. So do relatives (Godparents?) & church to help them. To bring them up decent honest, truthful, loving, kind, XTN. (That’s what they promised) SO DOES THE CHURCH – US!
Derek’s Robber – 10 yrs old, son of prison warder; got into bad company – dared to steal. We need to bring kids up to know right from wrong.
Recent reports of young children doing unspeakable things; Bulger baby etc.
Cp Hannah, Bill Wilson etc. Need to support kids work; though sometimes too late by then!
Lot of talk this year about World War 2; VE day, VJ day. Old soldiers reminiscing, young men listening; all talking about war, few are fighting. (eg Iraq).. Few preparing. Meanwhile the enemy is building up??
That’s the church! Don’t like to hear about war, fighting, being disciplined, etc. Like it or not we’re in war with satan – he isn’t going to give up until Jesus comes.
Born again in a minute; becoming a Xtn takes longer; Like joining army – sign – you’re in! But then square bashing – 6 weeks of hell! Then training – discipline, – so Xtn. May fall, get up, clean up, get back in line! (No disgrace to fall down flat, but it is a disgrace to stay there).
Someone said ; “We live between the way things are and the way they ought to be”. That’s how baby is: Parents probably have ideas, dreams of how they want their kids to grow up; The way they are; beautiful, clean, well behaved… etc.& What they want them to be;
Our future / life / accomplishments / destiny if you like; is determined by our character; c by habits; h by actions; actions by thoughts.
Matt 12:34 You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For a man’s heart determines his speech. (TLB)
Prov 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. (NKJ)
(Issues: lit place of departure..gate..) -AH Verson; “Make sure you get on the right train! (Derek & I after car crash in Hull – wrong train, finished up at Crewe!) ie what you are in your heart is what you are; Man’s heart determines not only speech, but actions etc.
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (NKJ)
Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. TLB
“ATTITUDES ARE INFECTIOUS – ARE YOURS WORTH CATCHING?”
Some folk have bad attitudes: stay around them you’ll catch them; become negative, critical, pessimistic, etc. Some left church; people got blessed at church, then went and chased after them, came back neg, crit. etc.. Leave them alone!
If going to be an overcoming Church, / people, got to be change;
Lady unable to be at church meeting to discuss a new chandelier wrote to head deacon: I cant spell chandelier, 2, If we get one, who’s going to play it, 3, if we’ve got that much money why don’t we buy a decent light fixture to brighten up the church?
Need to be prepared to change; Move with the times;
In 1968 the Swiss made 65% of all watches sold in the world. By 1980 they had on 10% of the market. 10s of 1000s of watchmakers were laid off. Why? The Swiss refused to acknowledge a new development – the Quarts movement which incidentally was invented by a Swiss! The Japanese took it and became world leaders in producing quartz watches, while the Swiss watch industry, once the world leader became a fraction of what it once was.
Church has for too long been seen as a dinosaur. Ponderous, behind the times, out of touch, see Acts 17:6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. (NKJ)
GODS GLORIOUS CHURCH WILL TURN THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN! – or Right way up!!
We are to be overcomers. Possible to fail and go to Heaven; Born Again, OK, but rewards depend on overcoming and finishing well.
Matt 25:21 “His lord said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ (NKJ)
1 Cor 3:15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. (NIV)
Matt 6;20-21 20 “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NKJ)
Treasure = heart = treasure.
“His heart isn’t in it….” Worship Lord with all your heart”
Getting the heart right is important.
May get to heaven – by skin of teeth… and be a pauper for all eternity! ‘Lay up treasure in hvn”
Cp last week: Jesus must be first.
GLORIOUS CHURCH IS OVERCOMING CHURCH
OVERCOMING CHURCH IS DISCIPLINED CHURCH.
We hear a lot today about discipline. – or lack of it! My g/daughter told me she is not allowed to tell children they are ‘naughty’. No wonder we have so many problems with kids these days. Parents will occasionally discipline child…. Old chestnut of how to discipline kids keeps coming up. Mustn’t smack the little darlings!
You sort it out – your kids – but if you don’t discipline them, you will have trouble! And you can’t beat the Bible.
Prov 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. (NKJ)
Prov 22:15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him. (NKJ)
Prov 29:15 The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. (NKJ)
Someone once said that God has provided a certain padded area for chastisement!
World is putting wrong teaching about. Mustn’t discipline them; so we have kids of 7 & 8 mugging old ladies, knifing people. Kids of 11 & 12 raping girls… COME ON!! So called ‘feral’ Teens murdering/raping.. Crime on increase;
We need to get back to God’s principles. The way things are going, this world is heading for huge problems; The EU and now Obama with their daft ideas, human rights, no punishment, etc etc will cause death and disaster on an unprecedented scale. They are simply fulfilling prophecy. Jesus is coming soon! Signs are all around.
2 Tim 3;12 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers (imposters) shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
There are so many ‘imposters’ around today in the church.
A Glorious Church is going to be one that God is dealing with;
The Churches in Revn eg… 7 letters; ‘Put it right’… Heb 12;6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” (NKJ)
If God’s not dealing with you, you are in trouble.
God says to Church; Repent: Change the way you see things. Cos that determines how you behave;
12 spies; All saw the same things; it was HOW they saw them. 10 saw “grasshoppers” Josh & Caleb ” No problems”
Giants didn’t keep them out of Canaan, it was their perception, their unbelief.
It will keep you out of God’s blessing. It will keep you out of Heaven – “O I don’t need this” – YOU Do!
Coming back to the heart again:
Work on Kid’s behaviour; sure; But work on the heart is important. Get the heart right. eg. “you’re hopeless”, a failure, no good, Guess what they’ll be?
Tell them “You’re great, you can do it, ” encourage… They will!
Build an attitude, change the heart, renew the mind.
Not too late: Feel a failure? Let God do something in you right now. Don’t need counselling; need God.
11He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death. (NIV)
God is looking for an OVERCOMING church!
Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years. (NIV)
Jesus is coming SOON; BE READY!
Rev 20:14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (NIV)
Rev 21:8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars– their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulphur. This is the second death.” (NIV)
nb; Vile; – disgusting, abominable
nnb sorcerers,(NKJ etc) ‘those who practice magic arts’ LIT. Druggists; (Pharmakopea)..(pharmacist!!!) When Bible was translated, no thought of drugs;
Today – Drugs are demonic! Drug dealers are going to hell!
We have a message for the nations: To get them out of hell, the 2nd death..
If we don’t tell them, then those in Rev. 21;8 have no hope;
For this we need a new anointing, such as God is beginning to pour out on His Church; A Boldness, zeal, energy, we have never known before.