Sold Out For Jesus daily devotion online
G. John White's first devotional Sold out for Jesus covers 12 vital themes of Christianity.
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August Topic: Security, Significance and Self-worth |
We all need to come back to basics from time to time and what better time to do it than now. Let's spend this month together reminding ourselves of those important issues which make up some of the foundation of our Christian relationship with God and our walk with Him. |
Revelation 2:11
HE WHO OVERCOMES WILL NOT BE HURT AT ALL BY THE SECOND DEATH
SMYRNA - (Overcoming - martyrdom)
There was no censure for the Church at Smyrna.
Here was a church already suffering for its faith. First of all there was poverty. From either the vast gap between the rich and the poor, who were destitute rather than just going without, or from poverty that came from being mobbed and vandalised by a heathen group who would attack without warning and totally wreck their homes.
Then there was imprisonment. Not just put in a cell. In those days imprisonment was the prelude to death. A person was only a prisoner until they were led out to die!
The "trouble makers" were Jews - fellow Jews. Most were wealthy and influential and did not take kindly to those of The Way. Attached to them were pagans, some were proselytes, who saw something in the Jewish lifestyle, which was attractive, and so they would "support" the Jews to the detriment of the Christians.
There were at least six slanders, which were often levelled at the Christians: -
a) "They are cannibals." - Because at the Sacrament they say "Take eat - This is My body" and
"Drink My blood."
b) "Their feasts are orgies of lust." - Because they were called the "Love (Agape) Feast."
c) "They tamper with relationships." - When one became a Christian, because of fierce
persecution it would often cause a split in the family.
d) "They are atheists." - Because they have no images of God.
e) "They are politically disloyal." - Because they claim, "Jesus Christ is Lord" instead of 'Caesar is Lord.'
f) "They are incendiaries." - Because they claim that the world will be burned with fire.
It was not difficult, therefore, for malicious people to stir up a mob in outrage. To these people of Smyrna death was a real possibility and constant threat.
So what does Jesus say? "Even though you die, yet shall you live! I want you to know that I was dead but now I am alive forever more, and YOU ARE MINE. He, though he dies, shall live. Nothing shall be able to separate them from My love and My Presence."
They WON'T be thrown into the lake of fire - that final resting place for death, satan, his angels and followers.
No, THEY will not be hurt by the Second Death at all. That's the one to fear - not the temporary one.
Prepared to overcome Martyrdom?
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