Pentecostal. Speaking of winning the lost, Paul says, The love of Christ compels us (2 Cor. It would take maybe a half hour to read. However fate or providence may assail us, our commitment to our Lord is, first, and supreme. Amen. a man loves the world and the things that are in it, he will find his hands Web Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. WebTo know Me is to have life! WebBe Faithful Unto Death The sixth step Jesus said, "Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10). They were hated, they were harassed, they faced the prospect of persecution and even death in this city of Smyrna. Listen to what it says: Now the blessed Polycarp was martyred on the second day of the first part of the month Xanthicus, seven days before the Kalends of March, on a great Sabbath, about 2 oclock in the afternoon. 2:10). They were human beings with faults just as we are; yet they accomplished much through their faith. I have decided to follow Jesus, the characteristic of a true disciple of our Lord. He wants to be acclaimed and accepted and praised by them. And they will come and go, and the worse they can do to you is put you to death. Two commands. But here in the second half of the first century, several things had happened to make this situation untenable. And I wonder if those of you this morning who are facing uncertain times, facing hardships, illness, chronic problems, test results, wayward family members Can you hear this comfort? If I die, praise His name, it is to be with Him. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. [Matthew 27:57]. He was soon to dieto be rejected [Mark 10:32-34]. The text is taken out of our Lords message to the church in Smyrna [Revelation 2:8-11]. read more, Scripture: 15, 16), VI. Most of us, if were honest, are scared of suffering. You couldnt see their god, so they said they were atheists. Will you be willing to be faithful when youre misunderstood as a Christian? We dont have a small Christ who is coming and just saying, Oh, I will shed a tear for you. No, this is the One who is the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last. Therefore, when he was brought before him, the proconsul, so the governor, asked if he were Polycarp, and when he confessed that he was, the proconsul tried to persuade him to recant, saying Have respect for your age and other such things as they were accustomed to say. 10:17), 1. The ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity (Lk. The premise of this study is the foundation of creation. Certainly Christians in many places are relatively free from that threat, but at all times there will be part of the Church that will be called upon to make the good confession in the midst of danger, hostility, and death. Our home is not here, it is there [John 14:1-3; Reveltion 21:1-5]. Our reward is not here, it is there [Matthew 5:12]. 2 Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, 3 And said, Faithfulness is full time until the end of time. For the white city thats soon coming down. They dont think anything of the second death, thats not a possibility, but maybe theres some way with the right potions and the right exercise and the right diet, I dont actually have to face my own mortality.. When the spies arrived in Jericho, they entered into what everyone thought was a harlot's house. WebFeaturing a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and is the most effective way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands including all mobile platforms + newsletter. As we think of Gods love, what could we do but be faithful? Files Audio Faithful Unto Death (Video) Notes Transcript That is our faith. . The one who overcomes, who conquers, will not be hurt by the second death, that is, the eternal punishment in the lake of fire. 14 views Watch this sermon on a Roku or Apple TV! Not only that, but the Lord Jesus can sympathize because He, too, is a man, a human being, even now in heaven, the God-man. 5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions. No one is agathai but One, that is, God [Mark 10:18]. The love of God is a powerful force in our efforts to be faithful. If I live, bless God, it is to love Him. And if you would just swear by Caesar, recant Christ, just let them go. 1:6). Youre going to suffer. The cross before me, the world behind me, [I Have Decided to Follow Jesus, attributed to S. Sundar Singh]. And this allowed the Jews and the Romans to coexist. We all know the occasions where suffering brings out the absolute best in people, and weve seen it in our own church. II Kings 2:1-12 How can I blaspheme my King who saved me? There proconsul continue to press him to recant Christ and swear by Caesar and Polycarp refused. After several months of study we have come to the concluding passage of 1st John. We can remember the benefits of remaining faithful. Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Cor. WebUnto death! When we suffer, were tempted to doubt Gods goodness, to question His sovereignty, to find Him less glorious, to wonder if Hes left us or forsaken us. Knowing that we are not facing these exact circumstances, and we can be thankful for it, what does this mean for us? Now you have it translated here, And he was sad at that saying [Mark 10:22]. read more. Christ delivered man out of death to the promise of the gift of eternal life yet man thinking he is in the perfection of God's love, sins. Isnt that unusual, that you would have a minister really converted? Number one pray for the persecuted Church. Thats loving Jesus. Christian Life, Faith, Love, Loyalty, Self-Denial, Great Doctrines of the Bible: Practical Theology, 1983, Revelation. Hezekiah held fast to the LORD; he did not depart from following Him, but kept His commandments (2 Ki. But from salvation to glory there are three vitally important THREE IMPORTANT LOOKS OR PAUL'S LAST TESTIMONY The reason our adolescents, our young people, fall into, say, drugs, or into drinking, or into a thousand compromising positions, is because of peer pressure. One of the marks, I say, of a true disciple of Christ, he never wearies, hes never seen, hes never sated listening to the Word of God. In fact, Polycarp was a disciple of John, who wrote this book of Revelation. Genesis 50:1-26, Denomination: Hebrews 9:24-27. today we want to focus our attention on John. And yet, my God, keep me from turning back. The Bible says that Zaccheus was a rich man [Luke 19:1-2]. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life, is not of the Father, but of the world. The author of Hebrews had just finished writing about great men and women of faith-He wrote about how they obeyed God out of their faith. You read these stories of the martyrs and even allowing that perhaps the Church spoke at times with some exaggerated spirituality, maybe, yet we believe that its historically true and happened and happened much like that. John 19:17-27. 5:17; Maybe take a half hour to read it. Which leads to a second point of application. FAITHFUL EVEN UNTO DEATH One, starting with Nero, Christians were blamed for things in Rome and were being persecuted, at least intermittently. They will be subtle, but they will be there. It may mean that you are faithful in the midst of opposition, when your own children make different choices, sad choices, sinful choices, and say that you dont love them and youre not loving if you wont affirm what theyre doing. and the word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Fathers which sent Me. Any true disciple of our Lord has a deep, haunting, never-sated thirst for the word of God. We can remember the great examples of Scripture. In a different context, James says, Elijah was a man with a nature like ours (Js. Genesis and Revelation are two of the most disputed books in the Bible. Matthew 16:24-25: If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. Be faithful unto death. Every Christian wants to be able to say with the apostle Paul, as he thought about his own death ( 2 Tim. That was Smyrna in 155 or 156 A.D. deep, never sated thirst for the Word(Romans Dont think youre the only one to whom injustice has ever happened. They were most affluent and well-to-do. He was called to be pastor of a little church in a little town in Yorkshire called Wainsgate. But as Polycarp entered the stadium, there came a voice from heaven: Be strong, Polycarp, and courageous. Or some translations, be strong and play the man. And no one saw the speaker, but those of our people who were present heard the voice and then, as he was brought forward, there was a great uproar when they heard that Polycarp had been arrested. Give it up and come, take up the cross, and follow me. WebBe thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life. He knew they would be tested severely. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart (Gal. John 8:31, 32: If you continue in My word, then are you My disciples indeed; And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 14:23-24: If any one love Me, he will keep My words . 11:4). 1 Cor 15:14 Smyrna won the special privilege to build a temple to Emperor Tiberius. Truly, temptations----works of the devil challenge our daily thoughts and decisions. Jesus told the church in Smyrna, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Revelation 2:10, KJV). Dont you find those martyrdom stories inspiring and yet utterly overwhelming? And that is our invitation to you: a family gathering the children coming to be with us in our pilgrimage to heaven, a couple you, or a one somebody you, Pastor, today we have decided for God, and here we stand. As the Spirit shall press the appeal to your heart, that decision you make, if it is for God, will be the sweetest and most meaningful you will ever know in your life. A sixth characteristic of the true disciple of Christ: a fervent love for the people of God. Luke 14:25 and 26: And there went great multitudes with Him: and He turned, and said unto them, If any man come to Me, and hate not his father, and mother, his wife, and children, his brothers, and sisters, and yea, his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. Romans 6:10-23, Denomination: Some believe godly living, great faith and positive thinking will exempt them from trials. It was a difficult situation. read more, Scripture: Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. If I could digress here a minute and make a humble and humble observation: Next anniversary, I begin my fortieth year as pastor of this dear churchforty years, beginning. God(John 8:31-32, 14:23-24), A. We live, we die, we live again. Fawcett converted listening to George Whitefield preach, 1. We can remember the love that God has for us. Remember Paul said to the letter in Romans that those are Jews truly who are ones inwardly, written on the heart. So this letter is saying these are not spiritual Jews as we would understand the people of God, but they are people who have stirred up trouble. Elishas dedication to Elijah might Of those 70 million that scholars estimate, 70 million Christian martyrs in the history of the Church, 45 million were killed in the 20th century, in the last 100 years. 3:11). We dont want to exaggerate it, we dont want to claim that were facing what other people are facing. Dethrone [Matthew 19:20; Mark 10:20]. And our Lord, bless these to whom the Holy Spirit makes appeal this morning; some to put their lives with us in the church, some to follow our blessed Lord Jesus in baptism [Matthew 3:13-17], some to accept Thee as Savior; bless each one. Pleasure leads many to neglect the Lord. 3:14). Text: Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mothers sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. read more, Scripture: And a youngster wants to belong to the group. And Nathan Hale volunteered as a spy to bring back the needed information. Certainly under all of the rules of logic the one who assumes that an apparently dead person is still alive should be able to produce substantial proof. Would You hold fast Your Church around the world, facing so much more in opposition than we face, and when we are called upon to face whatever trials and difficulties, whether suffering at the hands of others or suffering from natural disasters and infirmity and the age of life, may we be faithful even unto death. And it happens. 4:10). Currently 160,000 Christians, by one estimate, are martyred every year. But in this context, in Smyrna, apparently, it was some of the Jews, whether because they felt like the Christians had sold them out or because they were worshiping another god, or they claimed to have had the Messiah, they would sometimes rat them out and be the informers that would then bring upon the Romans to these Christians in Smyrna. And Jesus will reign now and into eternity. As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love (Jn. While we stand and while we pray. John 12:42-43 writes: Among the chief rulers, many believed on Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than they loved the praise of God.. Roman subjects were required to offer sacrifice to Caesar as a god. Each sermon has to do with our Christian life down here in the earth. The Importance of Christs Resurrection He told the disciples do not worry about what you will say in that day. You dont reject your Savior. Evil influences prevent people from being faithful. 1 John 5:16-18, ON POINT, III ( Rev. Near the close of the previous chapter Paul had said," The law entered that the offence might abound; but where sin abounded, grace did much more It is like water to a thirsting soul. 52-week preaching calendar to help you plan your sermons, Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching, Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year, [NEW YEAR] 4-Week Series to kick off 2023, [PRODUCTIVITY] Fulfill your full potential, [FOUNDATIONS] Getting back to what matters most. Are you faithful? The connection of this passage will help us to understand its meaning. Title: Death of two great patriarchs sanctified, hallowed, blessed, II. Jesus Himself said, Do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul, rather fear Him who can destroy both body and soul in hell.. Can you imagine after forty years the people here by the thousands listening to me lecture on mathematics or science or literature or the humanities? 2014.04.20 HE AROSE and you can too! General Washington needed information concerning the British troops. read more, Scripture: Nathan Hale entered Yale University as a ministerial student studying to be a preacher. Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight. Our The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.. read more, Scripture: WebFaithfulness unto death is Gods standard for human life. I dont look forward to it. When the boy was sixteen years old, he went to hear George Whitefield preach, and he was converted; wonderfully converted, listening to George Whitefield preach the gospel. Faithfulness means you keep bearing witness to Jesus. Whatever the church is facing, and here in Smyrna it was persecution, hatred, opposition, suffering, what they need to see more than anything is not a 12-step plan, not a 3 steps to their better life now, they need to know ultimate reality of the One who sits on the throne and they need to know the ultimate reality that will be theirs should they be faithful unto death. Suppose I were to stand in this pulpit and speak and discuss English literature three times once a week? Where is your? Yes, death is an enemy for sure, but there is a worse enemy. Once they become a Christians, they begin visiting the sick and shut-in but its just too much trouble so they quit. This letter reported this man was certainly one of the elect. In many parts of the West, though not facing yet death, are facing increasing hostility and discrimination, not the likes of which our brothers and sisters may see in Afghanistan or North Korea or parts of northern Africa, but yet facing opposition, persecution. Never. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. But from salvation to glory there are three vitally important approved we fear repudiation, censure, 2. read more, Scripture: 2 letter from Jesus to the church at Smyrna. by Dont fear, its all about to get better. He doesnt say that. Committed to a belief in another world(Colossians 3:2, 1 Corinthians 15:19), A. Clarence Job said, My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go (Job 27:6). But I do not have a child and I am old and my wife is old. He was a friend of Ignatius and he was a mentor to Irenaeus. We respond in Faith! The real hero is not he who makes the fastest schedule but he who lasts the longest. 2:20). Suppose I were to stand in this pulpitI majored in English in college, and I love English literature. A Well, the magistrate was not happy with this. And because of the necessity pressed upon him in his growing family, he accepted an affluent church in London. Just do the sacrifices, just do the ritual, and if you want to say youre doing it to the emperors as rulers, to honor them, and not as gods, then so be it. Not only that, but to receive from Jesus this comfort, its not simply the comfort of a really good friend who can put an arm around you or a counselor or a therapist or a pastor who can listen to you say and say, I feel so bad for you.. Supreme love for Jesus our Lord(Luke 14:25-26), A. 5:14)-Just as Christs love compelled Paul to evangelize, it should compel us to live holy lives. The third thing that had happened is by the end of the first century, some Jews had compromised with Rome. and the rich young ruler(Mark 10:21-22, Matthew The major influence for me on this study of Genesis is The Genesis Record by Henry Morris. So many fall away because they are selfish-they dont care what God says theyre going to do what they want to do. Evangelical/Non-Denominational. Wed be fooling ourselves to make any sort of comparison. He knew they would experience difficult times in their lives. I dont want it to come. So the first command to the Church dont be afraid what youre about to suffer. Colossians 3:2: Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. First Corinthians 15:19: If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.. As your mind scans His life from the wilderness temptations to the last agonizing utterance from the cross, He is observed to be faithful. FAITHFUL 1: 5). Dont think youre the only one to have this struggle. We all love to be acclaimed. This is a study of the book of Genesis. We find them suggested in II Kings 2:1-12. Isa 38:1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. Thats a great man, a marvelous man; thats Gods man. A reference to the fifteenth chapter of the Book of Genesis, where Abraham came before God and said, Lord, You say that I am to have a child and then the seed that comes out of my body, my loins, the whole world is be blessed. Number two let us be faithful even in our limited kinds of persecution. WebSermons by Bible: Sermons by Category: Sermons by Topic: Sermons by Speaker: Sermons by Language: Sermons by Date: Staff Picks: Comments, ALL -1 sec: Top Sermons: Online Bible: Hymnal: Daily Reading: Our I would love to be a professor of English literature. An unswerving continuance in the Word of That was the comfort for the church at Smyrna. You allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols (Rev. It is a message to Be faithful until death.. It is interesting to note the things Jesus DID NOT say to them on how to overcome. It has never happened in the history of the world. Remembering the things of God will help us overcome temptation. That is the child of God. There was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do wickedness in me sight of the LORD, because Jezebel his wife stirred him up (1 Ki. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life (Rev. Picking things up after Polycarp has been arrested and hes being brought into the stadium in Smyrna. If we are faithful, God will save us and glorify us in the life to come. In 23 B.C. And the second characteristic and mark of a true child of Christ is to dethrone self in my heart and to enthrone the Lord Jesus: He is the King of my life. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. But we also know that suffering brings with it many temptations. But whether it is a diadem or a garland, whether it is a royal crown or a victors crown, God says if we are faithful and true, at the end of the way He will reward us with a crown of life [Revelation 2:10]. He died and He came to life, therefore whatever happens to you, Christian, whatever befalls you, Smyrna, whatever happens among you, Christ Covenant, know that Im the beginning and the end, and even if you die for your faith, listen to the One who died and came to life. John 13:34, 35: I new commandment that I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved youBy this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love one to another. Then, they feel they dont need God, because theyve succeeded in life. And He took him out under the chalice of the night sky and said, Abraham, count the stars. And Abraham said, Lord, I cannot count that many. And God said, So shall thy seed be [Genesis 15:3-5]. Pray for the persecuted church. We can remember the things of God. That grace, should that come, and for most of us, maybe all of us, it wont come like that, but when the opposition comes, when the moment comes at your workplace, youre going to go along with this program or who knows what happens to your job. [He] went inside the house and sat down and wrote what I think is the most preciously beautiful hymn in the English language. However, when they entered Rahab's house, they found a woman who had already been touched by the Spirit and And when the young man asked, Master, all of these commandments have I kept from my youth, but my heart is still hungry and empty, what lack I yet that I might obtain eternal life? [John 13:34-35, 15:12-13, 15:7; 1 John 3:14, 4:7, 4:11, 4:21], Great Doctrines of the Bible: Practical Theology, And an unswerving continuance in the Word of God, A continuing living faith in a victorious Christ, And the last one that I mentioned: a devout, fervent love for Gods people. 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