Smyrna: The Cross Before The Crown

March 23, 2025: “Smyrna: The Cross Before The Crown”

Countdown:

“Gratitude”

Call To Worship:

“Let Everything That Has Breath”

Words from the Word: (NKJV):

Psalm 84:1-2

Worship In Song:

“Victory In Jesus”

“The Old Rugged Cross”

“Whole Heart (Hold Me Now)”

Message: “Smyrna: The Cross Before The Crown”

Revelation 2:8-11 (NKJV)
What Was Significant About The City of Smyrna?
It Was a Beautiful City.
It Was a Planned City.
It Was a Free City.
It Was a Trade City.
It Was a Culturally Enriched City.
It Has a Large Jewish Population.
What Challenges Did the Christian Community Face in Smyrna?
Revelation 2:9 (NKJV)
There Was Tribulation.
There Was Poverty.
Matthew 5:3 (NKJV)
James 2:5 (NKJV)
There Was Imprisonment.
The Christians were accused of being cannibals because they talked of the body and blood of Christ.
The Christians were accused of having lustful orgies because of the common meal referred to as a “Love Feast” that they shared together.
The Christians were accused of tampering with the family relationship because families sometimes split apart because some family members became Christians and some did not.
The Christians were accused of being atheist because they had no images of their God to worship.
The Christians were accused of being politically disloyal because they would not call Caesar Lord.
The Christians were accused of being “fire bugs” because they foretold the end of the world would be in flames.
How Did Jesus Introduce Himself to the Church in Smyrna?
Revelation 2:8 (NKJV)
Jesus Is a Living Savior Over All
Jesus Is a Living Savior Knowing All
Jesus Is a Living Savior Assessing All
Psalm 37:9
Jesus Is a Living Savior Foreseeing All
Jesus Is a Living Savior Limiting All
Jesus Is a Living Savior Encouraging All
“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer.”
“…fear not them that can kill the body, and cannot kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Jesus Is a Living Savior Promising Life To All Who Follow Him.
The Cross Then The Crown
Response in Song:

“Turn Your Eyes”

(Scriptures and points by Pastor Elvin Butts)