THEME: Write one sentence about the topic. A MESSAGE THAT CHANGES LIVES!!!

Overview: >

How does this message change lives?

What is the message / theme?

How does it CHANGE LIVES?

How is it tied to our testimony?

How do we apply it in our lives?

What is the one thing hearers should walk away with, if they do not hear anything else?

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✔️CHECKLIST

Complete the Sermon Notes Insert.

CREATE NOTES AND BIBLIOGRAPH AS AN INSERT IN THE BULLETIN.

Select Background

Create an Introductory Slide (with name).

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WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

(Lay Leader) WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

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CALL TO WORSHIP

Revelation 2

(Lay Leader) These are the words of the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.

(People) We will not fear, for Christ is victorious.

(Lay Leader) Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

(People) We will stand firm in the midst of trial.

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CHOIR / SONG🎵#244

Father, I Adore You

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Today’s Bible Reading

(LAY LEADER) BIBLE (Reading):

Revelation 2:8–11 NIV

8 “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. 11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.

(LAY LEADER) This is the Word of the Lord.

(PEOPLE) Thanks be to God!

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CHOIR / SONG🎵(Choir Performs Song) (Song Title)

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Sharing Our Joys and Spiritual Needs

(LAY LEADER) PRAYER NEEDS AND REQUESTS

[Go to front after Sharing of Prayer Requests.]

PASTOR: SILENT PRAYER

PASTOR: PASTORAL PRAYER for NEEDS.

Unspoken Prayer

Warden Community Church (Leaders, Volunteers, Givers, all other needs)

Mission Organizations (particularly the Navratils, the Elliots, the Killions, the Gideons, the NACCC, and others)

Persecuted Church (Iran, China, Africa, Asia, South America, and the Middle East . . . even those in Europe and Australia . . . your church everywhere)

Homeless and Destitute,

Sick and Injured,

Hungry and Needy,

In Prison

Military, Fire, Police, all other Emergency Services and Rescue,

Those who are new or visitors to Warden Community Church.

Those who are seeking after You and those who are lost. We pray for redemption.

And we lift up our families, friends, and and those close to our hearts, that they may seek and find You, Lord.

Others that we may not have mentioned.

PASTOR: LORDS PRAYER or OTHER PRAYER (Bulletin)

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we

forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us

from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,

forever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13)

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(Lay Leader) GLORIA PATRI

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was

in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen,

Amen.

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CHOIR / SONG 🎵#243

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God All Mighty

[GO TO THE PLATFORM BEFORE music ends.]

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PRAYER OF PREPARATION (for the message)

PASTOR: May the words of my mouth . . . (CAN BE CHANGED!

PEOPLE: And the meditation of our hearts,

be acceptable in Your sight,

O Lord, Our Strength and Our Redeemer.

Amen. (Psalm 19:14)

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Lord, I pray as Peter wrote, that in weakness and in fear and much trembling, may my speech and my message not be in plausible words of wisdom, but in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. AMEN! (from 1 Corinthians 2:3-5)

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Standing Firm in the Fire

Pastor Dave Marks

Warden Community Church

😁ANIMATED, EXPRESSIVE, PASSIONATE, POSITIVE. 😊❤️

Welcome 😊❤️

Good morning, everyone! What a gift it is to be together today. The church was never meant to be something we do alone — we were made for this, for fellowship, for worship, for life shared together.

I'm so glad each one of you is here.

2. Welcome to Guests and Visitors

And if you’re visiting with us for the first time, we want to extend a very special welcome—you are not here by accident. We’re truly glad you’ve joined us, and we pray that today would be an encouragement to your heart.”

3. Warden Community Church ⛪♥️

“We are a Christ-centered, Bible-believing church where we pursue God together—through His Word, through prayer, and through lives of worship. Our desire is to grow deeply in Christ, love one another well, and shine the light of the gospel in our community.”

4. Special Announcements or Messages

We invite you to join us in the Fellowship Hall after the service for some food and fellowship. We’d love to get to know you better.

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5. Series (we are in . . . (series)

Here What The Spirit Says: A Call to Awaken

Standing Firm in the Fire

Introduction to Message

A MESSAGE THAT CHANGES LIVES!!!❤️😁

Last week we looked at a church (Ephesus)

Looked like it was doing all the right things. (from GRAPHIC)

They were HARDWORKING and DILIGENT

They endured HARDSHIP and REMAINED FAITHFUL.

They did not tolerate false teachers (READ THEIR BIBLES)

They resisted evil

ALL THESE THINGS JESUS COMMENDED THEM FOR.

THEY STILL RECEIVED A REBUKE.

They lost their first love. (FROM GRAPHIC)

They had lost their excitement of being in relationship with Jesus Christ.

They had also no longer placed Jesus as first in their lives.

Their lives were ones of

Rituals

Practices

Legalities

No longer about

Compassion

Relationship

Fellowship

Love

Jesus’ letter to them admonished them to

REMEMBER (their first love)

REPENT

RETURN (to their first love - put Jesus first in their lives)

Promised (to the Overcomer) THE TREE OF LIFE

From the Garden of Eden

ETERNAL LIFE in the KINGDOM OF GOD.

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The Church at Smyrna was different.

It did not look at all like Ephesus.

It was poor.

It was persecuted.

It was suffering.

But this little church is one of only two churches in this group of seven that DID NOT RECEIVE A REBUKE.

It sets an example for us

as a BODY of BELIEVERS - THE CHURCH

and as BELIEVERS.

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Story or Quote (with history)

AT SOUTHERN SEMENARY WHEN WE STUDY GOD’S WORD,

The best understanding of the teachings of Jesus Christ are the words from his mouth.

Jesus did not leave us anything that He wrote Himself.

We rely on the apostles primarily for His Words and for the best understanding of what they meant.

These writers are considered PRIMARY SOURCES

However, sometimes there are teachings that we need clarification on.

Over time, culture and language change and we loose some of the details of what a particular passage means.

For some of the understanding of Scripture, we rely on the people who were closest to Jesus and the people around Jesus to understand the teachings.

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One of these writers was a man named Polycarp.

Polycarp was the bishop (pastor/elder) of Smyrna in the second century.

Early writings of early church history indicate that he had been a disciple of John the Apostle himself,

and some recorded they had heard Polycarp talk about conversations he had with John.

That means the very church receiving this letter in Revelation 2 may have later been shepherded by Polycarp.

Polycarp was arrested by the Romans.

By the time he was arrested, Polycarp was an elderly man—in his 80s.

Roman authorities demanded only one thing from Polycarp:

Burn incense to Caesar.

Declare, “Caesar is Lord.”

Deny Christ.

That was it.

They were not asking him to stop believing privately.

They were asking him to compromise his faith publicly.

The Roman proconsul supposedly pleaded with him because of his age:

“Respect your old age… Swear by Caesar… Reproach Christ and I will release you.”

Polycarp responded with words Christians have remembered for centuries:

“Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?”

However, the crowd demanded execution.

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When they prepared to nail him to the stake, tradition says he told them:

“Leave me as I am. He who gives me strength to endure the fire will also enable me to remain still.”

This is the Pastor of the church at Smyrna.

This is the church that received the second letter.

from God

Through Jesus Christ

given to the Angel

passed to John, the Apostle

who gave it to the church

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HERE’S THE MESSAGE (READ BY the lay leader)

It’s a short letter (4 verses)

The message looms large.

Key Scripture

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 and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. 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. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’

Point or Perspective from Story

Revelation 2:8 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.

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We’re going to look at this church using the same CHART as we did with EPHESUS.

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ADDRESS: The Church at Smyrna

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Three cities vied for wealth, power, and prestige.

The church at Ephesus had become part of the culture.

The result, THEY HAD LOST THEIR FIRST LOVE.

Jesus was no longer first in their lives.

The church at Smyrna had resisted the culture.

BOTH CHURCHES IN SIMILAR TYPES OF CITIES, SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES

They each responded differently.

EPHESUS received REBUKE from JESUS

SMYRNA did not. NO REBUKE!

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(TITLE OF JESUS - CHART)

They recognized Jesus as “the first and the last”

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establishes the ETERNAL LORDSHIP of Jesus Christ.

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They recognized the CLAIM of Jesus . . . “who died and came to life”

They believed in the RESURRECTION.

They found COURAGE in the RESURRECTION.

They did not FEAR DEATH.

Because of the PROMISE of the RESURRECTION

They knew in whom they trusted.

THIS IS TRUE BELIEF!

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AW TOZER SAID

We can prove our faith by our committal to it, and in no other way. Any belief that does not command the one who holds it is not a real belief; it is a pseudo belief only. And it might shock some of us profoundly if we were brought suddenly face to face with our beliefs and forced to test them in the fires of practical living.11

A. W. Tozer

They were willing to put that belief to the test.

THE TEST? THEIR LIVES!!!

That is TRUE BELIEF of the RESURRECTION

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Romans 8:11 NASB95

11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

In spite of INCREDIBLE PERSECUTION, the Church at Smyrna STOOD FIRM IN THEIR FAITH!

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The fires that test our faith are often the very fires that strengthen it.

When we face adversity, persecution, trials, and tribulations, we need to remember.

Persecution does not create faith, but

it reveals it,

refines it,

and strengthens it.

I have found that in my own life.

In those times of difficulty

struggle

adversity

loss

EVEN at times when I could not sense the presence of the Lord.

HE WAS THERE.

Those turned out to be the times I grew the most.

My relationship with God grew closer

In Christ I became stronger

His Word became more meaningful, COMFORTING.

My life TRANSFORMED during those times.

I FOUND THAT . . .

The very adversity that tests our faith is often the adversity God uses to grow our faith.

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NOW WE GET TO THE COMMENDATION

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let’s take a look at the next verse . . .

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Revelation 2:9 NASB95

9 ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

TRIBULATION

POVERTY

BLASPHEMY (People spreading false information about this church)

What is the SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN that Jesus is referring to here?

First, it’s a claim about authentic Jewish identity.

These opponents were Jewish physically and outwardly,

but Jesus declared they weren’t true Jews inwardly—

they lacked genuine circumcision of the heart through faith in Christ.

THEY DID NOT RECOGNIZE THEIR MESSIAH

Second, it identifies their spiritual allegiance.

They assembled and planned assault on the church,

thereby doing the work of the devil.

they were not true Jews but emissaries of Satan.

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In the next verse Jesus tells them of the assault that the devil is planning for them.

But we need to be aware that Satan’s persecution can serve two functions for us as believers.

Increase our faith and trust in God.

Strengthen us in the Holy Spirit to resist the devil.

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Romans 5:3–5 ESV

3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

THIS IS WHAT THE CHURCH AT SMYRNA WAS UP AGAINST.

Listen to what Jesus said to them.

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Revelation 2:10 NASB95

10 ‘Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

DO NOT FEAR

The Bible says, in 365 places, that we are NOT TO FEAR.

“Fear not”

“Do not be afraid”

“Be not afraid”

“Do not fear”

“Take courage”

That command in Revelation 2:10 is especially powerful because Jesus does not say:

“You will escape suffering,” but rather,

“Do not fear in the midst of suffering.”

Jesus gives them two commands and a promise.

First

Revelation 2:10 NASB95

Do not fear what you are about to suffer.

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Second

Revelation 2:10 NASB95

Be faithful until death . . .

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AND THEN A PROMISE . . .

Revelation 2:10 NASB95

I will give you the crown of life

What is this Crown of Life that Jesus is promising.

The crown represents a higher quality of life in the kingdom of God.

the special richness of eternal life merited by faithful service.

This is the imperishable crown He would give,

not consisting of material wealth, but of eternal significance.

For believers facing death, the crown of life reframes reality entirely.

The crown of life is the hope for the overcomer

death may come, but greater life will follow.

Faithfulness on earth may result in prison,

but the prisoners will reign;

faithfulness may lead to suffering and death,

but the dead will live

JESUS IS SAYING:

You may lose your earthly life, but you cannot lose eternal life.

How do we know all this.

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THIS IS THE PROMISE TO THE OVERCOMER

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Revelation 2:11 NASB95

11 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.’

Again, as we saw in the letter to the church at EPHESUS

Jesus is dividing the hearers, into to two groups.

THE DOERS

THE NON-DOERS

Hearers who don’t do.

And those who don’t hear.

This is an assurance by Jesus.

“The second death represents a final separation from God’s plan, promises, love, mercy, and grace.

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Revelation 2:11 NASB95

He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death

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There’s a saying that has gone around for a long time.

"Born once, die twice. Born twice, die once."

"Born once, die twice" — the person who only experiences physical birth but never comes to faith in Christ will face two deaths:

The first death— physical death, the death of the body

The second death— what Revelation calls eternal separation from God (Revelation 2:11, 20:14, 21:8).

This is the death that is truly final and truly to be feared.

"Born twice, die once" — the person who experiences both physical birth and spiritual rebirth

(what Jesus calls being "born again" in John 3) will only face one death:

The first death— physical death, yes, this still comes

But the second death has no power over them— which is the exact promise Jesus makes to the church in Smyrna in verse 11

BY THE WAY, WHAT IS MISSING ON OUR CHART?

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There is no REBUKE

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Because there is no REBUKE, there is no REPENTENCE either.

SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US.

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✝️ WHAT IT IS TELLING THE CHURCH

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Christ knows their suffering intimately

The church must expect opposition.

The church at Smyrna was experiencing:

Tribulation

Poverty

Slander

Imprisonment

The threat of death

Jesus says, “I know your tribulation, your poverty… and the slander.”

He is not distant.

He is not unaware.

He is not indifferent.

Jesus does not promise escape from suffering.

There’s NO ROSE GARDEN.

Being a CHRISTIAN is not for the FAINT OF HEART.

IT’S NOT EASY.

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John 16:33 ESV

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Jesus did not say . . .

WE MIGHT HAVE SOME TRIBULATION

IT’S POSSIBLE WE WILL HAVE SOME DISCOMFORT.

CHRISTIANITY MIGHT BE SOMEWHAT INCONVENIENT.

HE SAID WE WILL HAVE TRIBULATION.

Jesus walks with His church (US) through persecution, pressure, and pain.

He says . . .

Your suffering is seen.

Your faithfulness matters.

Your circumstances do not define your true condition.

You think you are poor . . . but you are rich.

Take courage . . . I have overcome THE WORLD.

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2. Suffering is not a sign of God’s absence—it is often a sign of faithfulness

Smyrna was poor, pressured, and persecuted because they were faithful.

Their suffering was not a failure; it was a badge of honor.

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3. The church must reject fear

“Do not fear what you are about to suffer.” Jesus does not promise escape from trials—

He promises courage within them.

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Joshua 1:9 ESV

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

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4. Persecution may increase, but it will not last forever

“Ten days” is symbolic of a limited, defined period. Jesus sets the boundaries of their suffering.

We, as the church, must keep an eternal perspective.

Suffering for us IS NOT ETERNAL.

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2 Corinthians 4:17–18 ESV

17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

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5. The church must remain faithful even unto death

This is the ultimate call:

Faithfulness matters . . . even more than life itself.

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6. The church must not measure success by comfort, wealth, influence, or safety.

Smyrna was weak outwardly:

persecuted,

poor,

marginalized.

But in heaven’s eyes, it was rich.

This letter teaches the church:

Faithfulness is more important than popularity.

Endurance is more important than earthly success.

Purity is more important than comfort.

A suffering church may actually be a spiritually healthy church.

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7. Christ Himself is the reward

“The crown of life” is not a trinket—it is eternal life with Christ, the Victor over death.

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🙋‍♂️ WHAT IT IS TELLING THE BELIEVER

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Jesus is Lord over life and death.

Christ is saying:

I conquered death.

Our enemies are not ultimate.

Our suffering is not eternal.

Even martyrdom cannot defeat us.

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Jesus sees our pain and honors our faithfulness

Our tears, our trials, our losses—none of them are wasted.

He knows.

He remembers.

He cares.

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We are richer than we think

Smyrna was materially poor but spiritually wealthy.

Jesus flips the world’s value system on its head.

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Fear is the enemy of faithfulness

Fear whispers, “Protect yourself.”

Jesus says, “Trust Me.”

Fear is one of Satan’s greatest weapons:

fear of rejection,

fear of loss,

fear of suffering,

fear of death.

But Christ calls believers to steadfast courage

because He holds eternity in His hands.

This does not mean believers feel no fear.

It means faith becomes greater than fear.

We need to develop a TRUST in Jesus

Prayer (unceasing)

Bible (daily)

Serving (regularly)

Fellowship (consistently)

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2 Timothy 1:7 NASB95

7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

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Suffering is temporary—glory is eternal

Our trial has an expiration date.

Our reward does not. (It’s eternal)

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Colossians 3:2 NASB95

2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

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Death cannot defeat the believer

Jesus introduces Himself as “the First and the Last, who died and came to life.” He is saying:

“What you fear most, I have already conquered.”

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Eternal victory belongs to the overcomer.

Faithfulness is victory

The believer who endures receives the promise: “You will not be hurt by the second death.” The world may wound you, but hell cannot touch you.

Summary (What have we learned?)

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The message to Smyrna teaches us that faithfulness in suffering is victory in Christ.

Jesus sees every trial,

measures every moment of pressure,

limits every season of affliction,

and He promises eternal life to those who endure.

Smyrna reminds us that a church may be outwardly weak yet spiritually rich,

and a believer may walk through fire - yet never be abandoned.

The One who “died and came to life” calls His people to

courage,

endurance,

and unwavering trust—

because death cannot defeat those who belong to Him.

Preview of Next Message

Next week we come to a very different church.

Smyrna was a church crushed by persecution from outside the church.

Pergamum was a church threatened by compromise from inside the church.

Smyrna suffered because they resisted the culture.

Pergamum struggled because they tolerated parts of the culture.

Jesus will commend Pergamum for holding fast to His name in a dark and hostile place,

but He will also confront them for allowing false teaching and spiritual compromise to remain among them.

The danger in Smyrna was persecution.

The danger in Pergamum is compromise.

And perhaps one of the greatest dangers facing the modern church

is not persecution from the world—

but becoming too comfortable with the world.

Call to Action

So what must we do?

Do not let fear determine your faithfulness.

Stand firm in Christ

Stand firm when culture pressures you to compromise.

Stand firm when obedience costs something.

Stand firm when faithfulness is unpopular.

Stand firm when suffering comes.

Stand firm when you feel weak.

Remember:

The One calling you to endure

is the One who conquered death Himself.

And perhaps today, some believers need to renew their trust in Christ.

Some need courage.

Some need endurance.

Some need to stop compromising.

Some need to remember that this world may be home for now.

BUT IT IS NOT OUR FINAL DESTINATION.

Jesus is still saying to His church:

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“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

It is well with your soul.

Pray (Pastor) -> (Related to Message)

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[Sit/Stand]

CHOIR / SONG 🎵390 (Location)

It Is Well with My Soul

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(LAY LEADER) OFFERING

(LAY LEADER) DOXOLOGY

DOXOLOGY: Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

(LAY LEADER) PRAYER OF DEDICATION (for Offering)

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CHOIR / SONG 🎵 377 (Location)

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

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BENEDICTION

PASTOR: Inspirational Conclusion🎉😁❤️

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Rome believed the flames would silence Polycarp.

Nearly two thousand years later,

we still speak of the faithfulness of Polycarp

while the empire that executed him has fallen into dust.

Why?

Because earthly kingdoms rise and fall

That which is SEEN is TEMPORAL

But the kingdom of Jesus Christ endures forever.

That which is UNSEEN is ETERNAL

The world measures victory by survival.

Christ measures victory by faithfulness.

And one day every trial will end,

every burden will lift,

every prison door will break,

every tear will dry,

and every faithful believer will stand before the risen Christ

wearing the crown of life.

The suffering church will become the victorious church.

And the Savior who walked with Smyrna

still walks with US, His people, today.

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PASTOR: BENEDICTION

Go now, knowing that the one who is the First and the Last —

who died and rose again — goes with you.

You may face trials this week.

You may face fear.

But you will not face them alone,

and you will not face them without hope.

Be faithful.

Do not be afraid.

And hold fast to the crown

that no one can take from you.

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PASTOR: FINAL PRAYER (WALK with LAY LEADER) ->

As we bow our heads .

Please pray with me . . . (While walking)

(WALK WITH THE LAY LEADER TO THE LOBBY)

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FINAL SLIDE OPTIONS:

Go with God in Peace and Joy; Please, join us in the Fellowship Hall for a time of fellowship together.

Go in the Peace of Christ You are invited to continue in fellowship in the Fellowship Hall. Please come join us.

Go with God in Peace and Joy We’d love to spend time with you—join us in the Fellowship Hall!

Go in Peace, Serve in Joy, Live in Love Please come connect with others in the Fellowship Hall.

Go with God’s Peace and Joy and in the power of the Holy Spirit But don’t rush off—Please join us for fellowship just across the lobby in the Fellowship Hall!

Go in the Peace of Christ and the Joy of the Lord and the Power of the Holy Spirit Please, come continue in fellowship with us in the Fellowship Hall.

Go in Peace, Filled with His Joy Please, let’s continue together in fellowship in the Fellowship Hall.

Go in Peace and Joy with God Stick around—we’d love to see you in the Fellowship Hall!

You Are Sent by Jesus Christ with Peace, Joy, and a Mission Now, please come and let’s enjoy fellowship together in the Fellowship Hall.

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PASTOR: COMMUNION PORTION

READ/PREACH: 1 Cor 11:23-29

1 Corinthians 11:23–29 NASB95

23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. 27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. 28 But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly.

1. Opening Prayer (Variable)

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts, remembering the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we partake of this bread and cup, we proclaim His death until He comes again (1 Corinthians 11:26). Cleanse us from sin, renew our hearts, and help us approach this Table with reverence and faith. Thank You for the cross, for the blood that was shed, and for the grace that saves.

May this meal strengthen our unity, deepen our love for Christ, and stir our hope in His return. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

2. Scripture Reading & Brief Exhortation (Variable)

Text: Luke 22:14–20

Luke 22:14–20 ESV

14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17

Luke 22:14–20 ESV

And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19

Luke 22:14–20 ESV

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

(NASB)

When the hour had come, He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him. And He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”

And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, “Take this and share it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.”

And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.

3. Exhortation (Brief) (Variable)

Condemned men in prison are customarily given a last meal before they are put to death. Jesus, too, was a condemned man, with one last meal to eat before dying. Soon He would be betrayed, condemned and crucified for crimes He did not commit. He would be arrested, beaten, abused, and killed. He endured this suffering for us, giving grace to all believers, and inaugurating this celebration of redemption. As we partake, let us all remember the cross, and the love that led Him there. Let us take a moment and examine ourselves, repent, and come to the table with renewed faith and reverence.

4. The Lord’s Supper

Invitation (Variable)

All who have put their trust in Christ alone for salvation, and who walk in fellowship with Him and with His church, are invited to join with us in communion.

Distribution of the Bread:

“This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:24)

(Eat the bread together)

Distribution of the Cup:

“This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:25)

(Drink the cup together)

5. Closing Prayer (Options)

Gracious Father,

As we sit in stillness before You, we thank You for the body and blood of Christ, given for us. May the gospel we have just proclaimed through this meal dwell richly in our hearts. Strengthen our faith, deepen our repentance, and renew our love for You and for one another.

Help us leave this Table not unchanged, but resolved to walk in holiness, bearing fruit in keeping with our salvation, until Christ returns in glory. To you be all glory and honor and praise.

In Jesus’ name we pray,

Amen.