THE CHURCH In SMYRNA         	 Pastor Bob Chroninger 
Trinity C.U.  8-29-99 A.M.   		Revelation 2:8-11     
	Do You ever feel like you are taking a "beating" because you stand up for Jesus? 
Here is a church that is best described as the "persecuted" church.  And this church is 
addressed by the Lord as the "first and the last, which was dead and is alive"...
the glorified exalted Lord !!! 
I.  THEIR CITY.. 
  A. About 30 - 50 mi. North of Ephesus.. splendid, of rare beauty 
  B. Worshipped various "gods".. had the temple of Cybelle at one end and of Zeus at the other...
	 with temples of Apollo, Asklepios, and Aphrodite in between. 
  C. Famous for its athletic games... and the gladiators... 
  D. A Jewish population very much opposed to Christianity.. and a non-Jewish population 
	very much loyal to Rome.. 
  E. It has survived through the centuries, 200,000 population;  the city of Ismir today
II.  THEIR CHURCH.. (the poor - rich church) 
  A. There were no letters written to them.. 
  B. There is nothing in Scripture except this brief note..
  C. There was much severe persecution.. 
    1. Polycarp was appointed the bishop by John.. 
	- He was a pupil of the Apostle John 
	- He was arrested by the emperor.. brought before the governor & promised 
	   freedom if he would curse Christ. 
	- He replied, "Eighty-six years have I served Christ and he has done me nothing 
	   but good, how then could I curse Him, my Lord and Savior?"
	- He was eventually burned alive! 
III.  THEIR COMMENDATION.. 
  A. I know your works.. 
  B. I know your tribulation.. 
    1. God never promises an easy road.. we won't avoid troubles, or suffering, or perhaps even persecution.
    2. Regardless... we are to be faithful to Him... 
	- It is at this point our faith is tested..
	- It is at this point our faithfulness proves the reality of faith 
  C. I know your poverty.. descriptive of beggars.. many were slaves.. most were destitute. 
    1. They had every reason to "give up".. but they were faithful 
  D. I Know You Are Rich... 
    1. Suffering purifies and strengthens... Jas.1:2-4; 1Pe.5:10 2. 
	And for their faithfulness... Jesus said they were RICH!! 
IV.  THEIR CONDEMNATION..  NONE !!! 
  A. But He Did Say...  I know the blasphemy of the so called Jews.. 
    1. They are of the synagogue of Satan.. true of all who deny Him. 
V.  THEIR COMFORT.. 
  A. In Knowing That Their Lord Knew and Understood... 
  B. In Hearing The Encouragement.. 
    1. Don't fear those things you will suffer... 
	- You shall be cast in prison by Satan.. 
	   - Persecution comes from Satan... not from God. Job; Jesus (Mt.4:1-11); 
	     Paul (2Cor12:7-10); Peter (Lu.22:31,32) 
	- You shall suffer intensely 
	- You shall be tried.. (tribulation 10 days?) 
   **   Could have prefigured the 10 Imperial persecutions.. 
	- Domitian  (AD 95) John in exile on Patmos
	- Trajan  (98-117) a time when Christianity was illegal 
	- Hadrian  (117-138)  Christianity grew in numbers, wealth, learning and social influence.. 
	- Antonius Pius  (138-161) favored Christianity, but felt he must uphold the law.. 
		at this time Polycarp was martyred. 
	- Marcus Aurelius  (161-180)  encouraged persecution of Christians.. 1000's were beheaded,
	  thrown to wild beasts.. Justin Martyr was killed at this time
	- Septimius Severus  (193-211)  persecution very severe in Egypt and North Africa..
	    martyrs were daily burned, crucified, or beheaded. 
	- Maximin  (235-238)  many prominent Christian leaders killed 
	- Decius  (249-251)  determined to exterminate Christianity.. widespread.. violent.. and cruel 
	- Valerian  (253-260)  even more severe than Decius, many more leaders were executed..
	    among them..Cyprian, bishop of Carthage 
	- Diocletian  (284-305)  last and most severe.. for 10 years Christians were hunted.. hid in caves
	    and forests.. they were burned, thrown to wild beasts, put to death by every means that 
	    could be devised.. he determined to abolish the Christian name.
     - Halley's Bible Handbook 
    2. Do Be Fruitful unto Death... 
	- Willingness to die for Christ and His Gospel... (Cassie Bernall..) 
	- Remember the ONE Who Spoke these Words to them... !! 
	   "I Am the First and the Last.. was dead and am alive!"
	- God is In Control.. 
    3. Do Remember I will Reward You... 
	- I will give you a crown of life... a victor's wreath.. 
    4. Do Remember His Promises... We, You, can be faithful... 
	- Keep your eyes on Jesus... Heb.12:2 
	- Keep in mind.. He promised 
	   - never to leave YOU! Heb.13:5b 
	   - If we suffer with Him.. we shall reign... 2Tim.2:12 
	   - He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death !! 

WOW !! WHAT AN EXAMPLE.. WHAT A CHALLENGE.. 
  OH LORD EMPOWER EACH TRINITY BELIEVER TO STAND TRUE NO MATTER WHAT !