Episode 952: The Church at Smyrna The First and the Last Part 1

Hello everyone. In this morning's Bible study we continue our with the Lord's letter to the church at Smyrna.

In this letter the Lord gave hint to the church that they are about face some very serious opposition. This opposition will come in various forms.

1. Religious opposition from people who have some knowledge of the One True God but not aligned with scriptures. They are going to bring their own opinions, beliefs, and doctrine of demons to the assembly.

2. Political opposition from the local authorities. They are going to hate you because of your refusal to participate in their lasciviousness and idolatry.

To keep us from promoting the gospel they will unify to imprison some, make it hard to support yourself and family, and even kill some of you causing severe suffering.

Wait, what? I thought You will keep us safe from persecution if we are faithfully walking in the Spirit?

Have you not read where it says of Me, by my servant Matthew 4:1 (NKJV) 1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

John 15:20 (NKJV) 20 Remember the word that I said to you, A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.

This insane false doctrine that is being preached today regarding God never allowing us to have problems or keeping us from the storms of life that everyone on the earth faces is utterly ridiculous and unbiblical.

I know, there are those of you currently quoting II Chronicles 7:14, "if My people who are called by My name would humble themselves and pray..."

Yeah, I get it however if you read the entire passage, you would never consider praying that prayer for your nation ever again.

Now the Lord Jesus reveals Himself as the First and the Last to the church at Smyrna. Why? With all the other descriptions of Himself, why did He choose that particular description of Himself?

Well, let's get into the study to find out.

Today's study is 1 hour and 6 minutes in duration. I have broken it into six segments. This is segment 4 of 6 titled The Church at Smyrna The First and the Last Part 1