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SMYRNA The Church that would face Persecution. Revelation 2:8–11 (ESV) 8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. 9 “ ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews…

11 “Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. 12 For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” 20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good,…

Introduction: Illustration of a pivot point, a critical juncture in a journey. We are familiar with the idea of a see saw. A simple plank of wood with a pivot point in the middle. You can’t find a traditional one in a park anymore. They were considered too dangerous, so other things have been substituted…

Scene 1/ Introduction - We complain about the difficulties of living for Christ today but consider the situation of the disciples to whom 1 Peter was written. 1:1-2 We are fairly sure that Peter’s first letter was written between AD 62 and AD 64 from Rome. It was a time when Christianity wasn’t illegal,…

Scene 1/ The Christian life can be a great burden if it is lived out of duty instead of the holiness . 1:13-16 People can get so concerned to “protect” holiness and purity that they develop a whole system of rules to live by. Until recently many conservative evangelical theological colleges had some…

Defied by a Miracle (17-24) 17 But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy. 18 They laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public jail. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison,…

Fulfilling Jesus words Jesus did not candy coat things, or mince words. Being a disciple was not going to be easy. It came with rewards but also came with tribulations and Paul was a great example of that. Persecuted for righteousness sake (Mt5:10-12) 10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for…

Some Background needed It is important to understand the setting so can understand the story, the situation, the scripture and there is much to see, learn about this mostly Gentile church located in Antioch of Syria. The church had been persecuted and scattered (Act8:1) 1 Saul was in hearty agreement…

Remain focussed on the essential elements of the Christian life and you will be ready for the end when it comes. Scene 1/ Many Christians fall into the trap of focussing on distractions. Satan is overjoyed when this happens because the person takes their eyes of what is really important. It might be…

Scene 1/ It feels nice to be vindicated; but eternal vindication is far better . 4:4-6 Most, if not all of us, have been in the situation when we know someone else is wrong, but others can’t see it. We want people to agree with us because we know that we are right. But they don’t believe us and we might…

From Scattered to harassed From the persecuted, scattered church (Act8:1) to the church at peace (Act9:31). Then came the gospel stretching out further (Act11:19-21) Tonight we see a new form of persecution that comes in, we will look at the way it comes, and the results of it. 1 Saul was in hearty agreement…

Persecution, don’t be surprised by it. Persecution previously brought unity, prayer, specific prayer, prayer for boldness. It can do the same in us. (Pray for boldness picture inserted here) Apostles brought on religious leaders to be greatly disturbed (Act4:1-2) Captain of the temple, the Sadducees…

Life is not easy I think you would agree, life is not easy. Life and our outlook on life matter and our passage tonight shows a great example. (illustration: College) How about being a Christian is that always easy? Jesus in Lk14 talks about counting the cost (Lk14:28) He speaks in (vv.7-11) - be humble…

Reasons why people murder and don't believe the Gospel.

Paul, through our journey of Galatians has been dictating this letter the whole time… He began this letter by stating… Galatians 1:1-7 Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), and all the brethren who…

Encouragement for suffering people...

Introduction: Illustration - The Reality of Trials It's been said concerning trials and storms of life that, "Either you just came through one, are now entering one, or one looms on your horizon." Main Thought: Prepare today for the persecutions of tomorrow looking for the promise of eternity. Sub-intro:…

Prelude The readers of the apostle Peter’s letter were confused and discouraged by the persecution they were encountering because of their faith. Peter exhorted them to stand strong, repeatedly reminding them of Christ’s example, the riches of their inheritance in him, and the hope of his returning again…

Introduction Announcements about Baby Dedication Sunday If you have a child under one year old and would like to publicly commit with us, with the help of the church, to raise that child in the Lord, reach out to me or Nathan. . . Community Groups These are groups that meet in homes for fellowship, prayer,…

“Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Last year during my diaconate year, we’re assigned to a parish for at least a semester so that we could go there and practice our preaching. You’d be surprised at how many people still called me, “Father,”…

Introduction Good morning, church. Please turn with me to Acts 7 —we’ll be picking up where we left off in verse 54. While you’re turning there, I just want to recap together what has happened in Stephen’s life and in the life of the church before this as our text today marks a huge transition in the…

Sanctification / Mercy 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with…

Main Idea Persecution is fuel for the gospel Martin Luther and the Diet of Worms On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther famously nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, which was the initial spark of the Reformation. As Luther’s convictions grew stronger and his writings…

Acts 5:12-42 The New International Version (Chapter 5) The Apostles Heal Many12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless,…