Episode 942: The church at Smyrna, faithfulness to Christ on display.

Hello everyone. In today's Bible study we now turn our attention to the Church located in the city of Smyrna which was located in Asia Minor or modern day Turkey.

This is one of two churches whom the Lord did not have any condemnations for. According to the testimony of the Lord Himself, they were faithful unto death.

They were also known for the faithfulness and generosity during times of extreme poverty due to persecution from those in authority and power. Namely the Caesars of Rome and the leaders of the Jewish community.

Christians during this period could not own any property or it was taken from them, most time illegally due to their faithfulness to the Lord and the gospel. They did not compromise the gospel even though it cost them their ability to prosper in this world and fully provide for their families.

Oh, the dept of their love for our Lord and Savior. Oh, how I pray that we all would have such glorious faith. Do we? I don't know. No one knows until that day comes wherein you must make a decision either to yield to the demands of the world or stand for Christ.

Today, in our hearts we all scream with the loudest of voices, I will stand for Christ. Yet history tells us that although many screamed that sentiment, many forsook the way of righteousness when it was clear that their lives will come to an abrupt end if the maintained that position.

The church at Smyrna faced many challenges especially from the religious and cultural immoral crowds however they persevered and held on until the Lord called them home.

Today's study is 1 hour and 16 minutes in duration. I have broken it into seven segments. This is segment 1 of 7 titled The church at Smyrna, faithfulness to Christ on display. Part 1