The Crowned Church Rev 2:8-11

Today I'd like to reflect about the second church mentioned in the book of Revelations, Smyrna. The city remains a functioning community today called Izmir. The church of Smyrna was not going through an easy time they were being persecuted for their faith, they would not accept Caesar as Lord. From both the Jews and Gentiles, the Christians in Smyrna received slander and suffering. But they were Rich!!! They lived for eternal values that would never change, riches that could never be taken away. There suffering for Christ only increased their riches. Unlike the church of Ephesus there are no words of accusation given to the congregation in Smyrna! They may not have enjoyed the approval of men, but they certainly received the praise of God. However. The Lord encouraged this Church to not be afraid! The main point of this letter is standing true to Christ no matter what the government might threaten to do. Today as Christ followers we need to stand up for what is right! Not seek the approval of man but in all things desiring to be obedient to our father in heaven. The "crown of life" is the winner's crown awarded at the annual athletic games. Smyrna was a key participant in the games, so this promise would be especially meaningful to believers living there. The Lord reinforced the promise given by James (James 1:12) and assured His people that there was nothing to fear. Because they had trusted Him, they were over-comers, victors in the race of faith (Heb12:1-3) and, as over comers, they had nothing to fear. Even if they were martyred they would be ushered into glory wearing crowns!! It coast to be dedicated Christian, in some places more than others. As end-time pressures increase, persecution will also increase; and the people of God need to be ready (1 Peter 4:12). The world may call us "poor Christians," but in God's sight we are rich

Spiritual Exam I hope your prepared!?!?

My plan for this chapter is to take a look at the seven churches in Asia minor and apply the message Jesus had for those churches to our lives. Jesus Christ can accurately inspect each church and know its true condition, because He sees the internals not only the externals. In this chapter the Lord gave each assembly an "X ray" of its spiritual condition. Even though it's addressed to one church specifically it was intended for all the churches to read these messages and to benefit from them. This passage of scripture is really speaking to individuals, this is where you and I need to heed is message. "He that has an ear let him hear." Churches are made up of individuals, and it is those individuals who determine the spiritual life of the assembly. So I want to challenge you as we read this chapter apply the message to your own heart.

Ephesus was a serving church, busy doing the works of the Lord. This church kept going when the going got tough. Looking at the church from the outside you would think it was a great church to be apart of (Appearances can be deceiving). This busy, separated, sacrificing church really suffered from "heart trouble" they had abandoned their first love!! As I sit here and think about that what an awful thing to experience! Imagine Jesus saying to you, you lost your first love OUCH!! Man thats painful. Their actions where not motivated by a love for Christ. What we do for the Lord is important, but so is why we do it!! The Ephesian believers were so busy maintaining their separation that they were neglecting adoration. Labor is no substitute for love; neither is purity a substitute for passion. It is only as we love Christ fervently that we can serve Him faithfully.

"First Love" can be restored if we follow Jesus checklist. First we must remember (literally "keep on remembering") what we have lost and develop a desire to regain that relationship once again. Second we must repent change our minds and confess our sins to the Lord. Third we must restore the original fellowship that was broken by our sin and neglect. This means a return to prayer, Bible reading, obedient service, and worship. The church that loses its love will soon lose its light. The church of Ephesus was the "careless church," made up of careless believers who neglected their love for Christ. Are we guilty of the same neglect???