We dare not just go through the motions without loving God with all our heart. EASTER SUNDAY 2014 SERMON He knows your broken heart in a way that no one else does. And what you do and what you believe and how you carry yourself is thought strange? You cannot help but admire this young man. This sermon was originally preached by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at the Alum Creek church of Christ in Alum Creek, West Virginia. The Lord said, if we are faithful unto death, He would give us a CROWN OF LIFE. Jesus does not offer a rebuke to Smyrna. The same thing is true of those in Hebrews 11. Of course it does. So some of the Jews no longer had qualms about revering Caesar along with the Old Testament God, as is often the pressure to syncretism. But, if in a household there was a slave, and when time came, when that seventh year came and the slave was freeif he so loved his master or she so loved her mistress, that he did not want to leave, then they went through this kind of a simple ritual. Smyrna was a very pro-Rome city. Holiness. So we dont have to long for it and want it. Were at 7, 8 now? 2 Timothy 4:6-8, Denomination: He said, Now if you want to learn the doctrine of Christianity, name a day and give me a hearing. The proconsul told Polycarp, No, persuade the people of your Christianity. Polycarp replied that he had been taught to respect the rulers and authorities and he would be happy to meet with the proconsul, but this was a lawless mob and he wasnt going to waste his time., So the proconsul said, I have wild beasts if you dont change your mind. Polycarp said, Call for them. The proconsul said, You will be consumed by the fire. Polycarp said, You threaten with a fire that burns only briefly and after just a little while is extinguished, for you are ignorant of the fire of the coming judgment and eternal punishment, which is reserved for the ungodly. Certain things I try to pray for each day, certain things I try to pray for on a day of the week, and persecuted church is one of those. Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! Often looking with no purpose. And as a youth, I read The Story of My Life by Clarence Darrow. Yes, death is an enemy, and we mourn for death. And dont be afraid about what you would do and what you would be like should you face, the church at Smyrna, what they faced. Two commands. 21:25). Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. Remember? But listen to the heroes of the faith. Youre faithful. There are many benefits to remaining faithful. And it happens. WebWe know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. [First John] 4:7, Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth The Word of God tells us to have compassion for our brothers and sisters who are facing difficulty and prison and opposition, and some will even pay the ultimate price of martyrdom. They were most affluent and well-to-do. read more, Scripture: This is the apocalypse revelation written down by John, who was a Jew, so we ought not take this to be some sort of anti-Jewish polemic. Text: 8 "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: "The First and the Last, the One who was dead and came to life, says: 9 I know your tribulation and poverty, yet you are rich. The Basis of the Gospel read more, Scripture: I started with the story of Polycarp. Will you praise Him in pain? As we remember the words of Scripture, we will be able to fight off temptation and thus remain faithful. And worse than strange, is thought hateful. We dont have a weak God. The LORD preserves the faithful (Ps. He was arrested by Herod when Philip of Tralles was high priest, during the proconsulship of Statius Quadratus, but while Jesus Christ was reigning as King forever. Leave me as I am, for the One who enables me to endure the fire will also enable me to remain on the pyre without moving. Then Polycarp prayed a final prayer and when he said amen, the men in charge of the fire lit it. An unswerving continuance in the Word of Father in heaven, our prayer is simple. Verse 10: Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Preacher, just stand up there and tell us what God says. 3 Tests Of Plagiarism: Do Your Sermons Pass Them. Faithfulness involves giving our whole heart to God and trying to please him each day we live. Wed be fooling ourselves to make any sort of comparison. We find them suggested in II Kings 2:1-12. Why didnt the Lord say that to Zaccheus? Give it up and come, take up the cross, and follow me. What youre about to suffer need not be fearful. Be faithful unto death. deep, never sated thirst for the Word(Romans Some put it much lower than that, if its actually killing you because you confess Christ, the higher number is if in some way the state has starvation or death or opposition to religious groups, including Christians. Elishas dedication to Elijah might Jesus knows. It is like water to a thirsting soul. take up his cross, and follow Me. The cross is an instrument of death. Revelation 2:10, Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Faithfulness means you keep bearing witness to Jesus. We can remember the benefits of remaining faithful. 15, 16), VI. And this allowed the Jews and the Romans to coexist. WebSermons by Bible: Sermons by Category: Sermons by Topic: Sermons by Speaker: Sermons by Language: Sermons by Date: Staff Picks: Comments, ALL -1 sec: Top Sermons: Online Bible: Hymnal: Daily Reading: Our Certainly Christians in many places are relatively free from that threat, but at all times there will be part of the Church that will be called upon to make the good confession in the midst of danger, hostility, and death. read more, Scripture: The Lord knows. Featuring a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and read more, Scripture: Or suppose I were to stand here, and if I were trained to be a scientist; suppose I were to lecture on science three times every week? We can remember the great examples of Scripture. Faithfulness is full time until the end of time. James 1:12: Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trail for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him. And when they turned to drive away, his wife burst into tears and said, John, John, how can we do this? John 19:17-27. Text: Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mothers sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. They think theres a way to avoid death and they dont have to think because everyone just goes to heaven and consequently most people spend more time trying to avoid death than they do spending time preparing and making sure theyre on the path to heaven. Because when the Lord looked into the heart of that rich, young ruler, he loved things more than he loved God [Matthew 19:21-22; Mark 10:21-22]. The fourth characteristic, the fourth mark of a true disciple of our Lordone who continues unswervingly in the Word of God. I AM the LIFE. Speaking of winning the lost, Paul says, The love of Christ compels us (2 Cor. Come. WebUnto death! 1: 5). Where is your? Yes, death is an enemy for sure, but there is a worse enemy. All of us do. Death to sin through Christ He hands it back to you doubly blessed; sanctified, hallowed when I place Jesus first in my life. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Heres the mayor, heres the governor, heres the president. We dont want to exaggerate it, we dont want to claim that were facing what other people are facing. Dr. Gale A. Ragan-Reid (September 25, 2015) The weakness of men, universally, is to please one another. Currently 160,000 Christians, by one estimate, are martyred every year. 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. What does it mean for us? but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever. When a man loves the world and the things that are in the world, the day finally comes when he finds his hands empty and his heart broken. The governor said, Swear the genius of Caesar. 10/18/2006 While we sing our appeal a thousand times welcome, come. The text is taken out of our Lords message to the church in Smyrna [Revelation 2:8-11]. In order to adequately embrace the Gospel, we must understand the Gospel. But when that acclamation and acceptance violates our commitment to Christ, it is to be repudiated by the disciple of our Lord. For the LORD preserves the faithful, And fully repays the proud person (Ps. There is one surviving document we know that came from Polycarp. The second death is. Most people dont consider that they will die. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.. Title: Death of two great patriarchs 5:14)-Just as Christs love compelled Paul to evangelize, it should compel us to live holy lives. But look at Jesus (John 1:10-11, Mark 5:40, WebClosed with a few words from Revelation chapter 2, including the line, "be faithful unto death." The gate is too strait, and the way is too narrow for a man to enter heaven holding the love of the world in his arms [Matthew 7:13-14]. When the spies arrived in Jericho, they entered into what everyone thought was a harlot's house. We are called to be a people of the Gospel; the Gospel must be central to our lives. As we apply this standard, our views on many things undergo a radical change. Now you have it translated here, And he was sad at that saying [Mark 10:22]. Try to set an example from time to time to pray for it here from the pulpit. Come do what you wish. Polycarp was then found guilty of confessing to being a Christian. Money causes individuals to work long hours and thus neglect their families. IF we are in CHRIST. WebBe faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. Heres the key-those men and women were just like we are. The Bible discusses faithfulness as being much more than worshipping God. View all Sermons Faithful Unto Death Series Contributed by Allen James on Sep 29, 2011 (message contributor) (rate this sermon) | 6,507 views Scripture: A hundred years old and Sarah, ninety years of age and no child is born [Genesis 17:17]. That is our faith. It is on the Aegean Sea; it is in Turkey on the western shore of Asia Minor. Whatever the church is facing, and here in Smyrna it was persecution, hatred, opposition, suffering, what they need to see more than anything is not a 12-step plan, not a 3 steps to their better life now, they need to know ultimate reality of the One who sits on the throne and they need to know the ultimate reality that will be theirs should they be faithful unto death. I dont look forward to it. That means we are never turning back. So he tells him, Swear by Caesar, or recant. It has never happened in the history of the world. Our Lord, before it comes to pass, we praise Thy wonderful, keeping, saving, endearing name for all You have done for us; died to save us [1 Corinthians 15:3], poured out Thy blood to wash us clean and white [Revelation 1:5, 5:9], that we might stand in the presence of God forgiven [Jude 1:24]. The church in Smyrna was a church of paradoxes. Inspirational devotions delivered right to your email inbox. [My Glorious Victor, Prince Divine, Handley C.G. II Timothy 4:6-8 Paul was looking with He uses these reminders as an example to us of how we, too, can accomplish great things through our faith. He stayed there in that tiny church over fifty years; their pastor over fifty years. Job said, My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go (Job 27:6). WebSermons by Bible: Sermons by Category: Sermons by Topic: Sermons by Speaker: Sermons by Language: Sermons by Date: Staff Picks: Comments, ALL -1 sec: Top Sermons: Online Bible: Hymnal: Daily Reading: Our THE CHURCH THAT WOULD NOT SURRENDER There was a price on the head of our Lord. Our And if you would just swear by Caesar, recant Christ, just let them go. It would take maybe a half hour to read. To Smyrna, the challenge is one of keep on keeping on or continue to do what you are already doing. 16:3), B. After their conversion, they stop using alcohol but after a while they begin using it again. It is used twice in the Bible. Pleasure leads many to neglect the Lord. Which leads to a second point of application. What is preventing you from being faithful? Later in the letter we read such is the story of blessed Polycarp, although he, together with those from Philadelphia, was the 12th person martyred in Smyrna, he alone is especially remembered by everyone so that he is spoken of everywhere, even by pagans. Note: When doing a study on a book in the Bible you use a lot of resources. Romans 10:17: Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing the word of God. If someone loved Jesus, he never tires of hearing about Him. In the fifteenth chapter of the Book of Deuteronomy is one of the most unusual parabolic instances of devotion that you could ever think for or find in all literature. You couldnt help but know a man like that. Deuteronomy 2:1-15, Denomination: But this letter, you notice, is shot through with encouragement. You dont doubt His goodness. My fortieth year as a pastor still preaching the Word, V. A continuing living faith in Christ, A. We live, we die, we live again. Let me finish with three points of application. Web10/ 9/ 94 FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH REVELATION 2: 10 (PAGE 1785 COME ALIVE BIBLE) JESUS CHRIST is appropriately spoken of as "the faithful witness" (Rev. I have never heard an exception to this in my life, and it is always false, it is always untrue. In 23 B.C. Then, they feel they dont need God, because theyve succeeded in life. Not only that, but the Lord Jesus can sympathize because He, too, is a man, a human being, even now in heaven, the God-man. He gained the information, but on his way back to report to General Washington he was recognized and seized and hanged in what is today New York City, on Market Street and East Broadway. And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. Oh, what a beautiful thing, a precious thing, a wonderful thing: to love our Lord and to follow humbly in the way of Jesus! In Matthew 16:3 Jesus uses it describing the face of a sky before a violent storm. Maybe take a half hour to read it. Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight. Suppose I were to stand in this pulpitI majored in English in college, and I love English literature. Of those 36 billion who have lived in the past 2000 years, by a very generous estimate, 12 billion were evangelized, had some access to the Gospel. Theme: Show the faith of these two great patriarchs. Remember Paul said to the letter in Romans that those are Jews truly who are ones inwardly, written on the heart. So this letter is saying these are not spiritual Jews as we would understand the people of God, but they are people who have stirred up trouble. Revelation chapter 2, beginning at verse 8. And they had a little boy born to the home and they named him JohnJohn Fawcett. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. Yet Jesus came that it would not keep you in bondage, because the end of this life, for the Christian, is the beginning of a life that is far better. He was a friend of Ignatius and he was a mentor to Irenaeus. ON POINT, I Kids, young people, you will face even more pressures. And thank Thee, Lord, for each soul You give us, in Thy precious name, amen. You can understand how this might happen. My Glorious Victor, Prince Divine, III. 15:58). And you cannot enter heaven loving the wrong world. John 8:31, 32: If you continue in My word, then are you My disciples indeed; And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 14:23-24: If any one love Me, he will keep My words . But from salvation to glory there are three vitally important way stations that become a part of our pilgrimage. The reason our adolescents, our young people, fall into, say, drugs, or into drinking, or into a thousand compromising positions, is because of peer pressure. We all love to be praised. A new convert never studies Scripture, and so when a denominational group knocks on his door, he falls for what they teach. And our Lord, bless these to whom the Holy Spirit makes appeal this morning; some to put their lives with us in the church, some to follow our blessed Lord Jesus in baptism [Matthew 3:13-17], some to accept Thee as Savior; bless each one. The author of Hebrews had just finished writing about great men and women of faith-He wrote about how they obeyed God out of their faith. Most of us fear death, but as a Christian were called to hope. If God says anything, preacher, tell us what does God say? While we stand and while we pray. But whether it is a diadem or a garland, whether it is a royal crown or a victors crown, God says if we are faithful and true, at the end of the way He will reward us with a crown of life [Revelation 2:10]. He went away grieved, for he had great possessions: loving the wrong world [Mark 10:22]. And on the first anniversary of that wonderful experience, he wrote that marvelous hymn: [O for a Thousand Tongues, Charles Wesley]. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for My sake shall find it. General Washington needed information concerning the British troops. Genesis 50:1-26, Denomination: Amen. A fifth characteristic of the true servant of Christhe possesses a continuing and undying faith in our victorious Lord Christ. 31:23). It had a fierce loyalty to the Caesar, to the Emperor. Suffering. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life (Rev. 5:17; heroes of the faith(Hebrews 11:9-10, 16), 1. He told the disciples do not worry about what you will say in that day. And Nathan Hale volunteered as a spy to bring back the needed information. Of those 70 million that scholars estimate, 70 million Christian martyrs in the history of the Church, 45 million were killed in the 20th century, in the last 100 years. Thats what it is. We dont have a little God. A long time ago, in the 1700s in a little town in Yorkshire, a county in northern England, there was a very, very poor family. read more, Scripture: But we also know that suffering brings with it many temptations. Poem, The apostle John writes in 1 John 2:15-17: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You (Ps. 5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions. Individuals become Christians and know the truth, but they have a friend who attends a denominational church, so they attend every now and then, and before they know it, they believe what that church teaches. Remember this is a letter from whom? WebIts a very tender and touching sceneone of the most moving and heartwarming farewell speeches thats ever been recorded in literature. 12:1). by Number one pray for the persecuted Church. read more, Scripture: The second characteristic and mark of a faithful Christian: the denial of self. II Kings 2:1-12 Web Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. That about 1 out of 120 Christians in the broadest sense of the term, may face martyrdom for the cause of Christ. 10:39). Hebrews 9:24-27. today we want to focus our attention on John. It was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God, as was the heart of his father David (1 Ki. But interestingly, Revelation here doesnt blame the Romans for the persecution thats coming, though they could be the ones to mete it out, the executioners. We have been encouraged and greatly challenged in our personal walk with the Lord. [The Pearly White City, Arthur F. Ingler]. Remembering the things of God will help us overcome temptation. Jesus is not going to lose. Any Amazon link on this site is an ad. And that leads me to the exact title of the sermon today, the seven characteristics of a disciple of our Lord, the seven marks of a true Christian. Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Cor. That is to say, even in Charlotte, North Carolina should you be a true, passionate, on fire, biblical Christian, absolutely in love with Jesus, no matter what it counts, at some point you will face opposition. This lesson examines the Rev. Instead of worshipping as they should, they play golf on Sunday mornings or they go the race track or they go fishing. knows nothing about defeat (Romans 4:17-21, Genesis The tragic and terrible civil war he was fighting in his heart registered in his countenance, stugnaz; and he lost the battle. Listen to this: Romans 4:17: God, who quickeneth the dead, calleth those things which be not as though they were, Abraham [Genesis 17:5], against hope, believed in hope. A fervent love for the people of God(John 13:34-35, 15:12-13, 17, 1 John 3:14, 4:7, 11), A. John I trust everyone understands the significance of the Gospel in relation to salvation in Christ. Instead, He told them to be faithful unto death. Are you faithful? Dont you find those martyrdom stories inspiring and yet utterly overwhelming? In broad, open daylight where everyone could see, he knelt down before the Lord, the Prophet from Nazareth saying, Agathai didaskai [Mark 10:17]. He died and He came to life, therefore whatever happens to you, Christian, whatever befalls you, Smyrna, whatever happens among you, Christ Covenant, know that Im the beginning and the end, and even if you die for your faith, listen to the One who died and came to life. For me I have it written down. read more, Scripture: You dont forget His promise. 1:6). Hes telling us from Gods Holy Scriptures about our Lord. They assume they will go to heaven. Smyrna won the special privilege to build a temple to Emperor Tiberius. For the white city thats soon coming down. But notice who this Jesus is. A But as Polycarp entered the stadium, there came a voice from heaven: Be strong, Polycarp, and courageous. Or some translations, be strong and play the man. And no one saw the speaker, but those of our people who were present heard the voice and then, as he was brought forward, there was a great uproar when they heard that Polycarp had been arrested. And in Jerusalem, they nailed Him to a cross [Matthew 27:32-50]. John 15:12-13: This is My commandment, That you love one another . Pentecostal. If I could digress here a minute and make a humble and humble observation: Next anniversary, I begin my fortieth year as pastor of this dear churchforty years, beginning. So to his sorrowing little congregation, he preached a farewell message and they placed everything on the wagonhis books, his furniture and everythingand he and his wife and the children climbed on the wagon, and they turned to leave. The Bible tells us that there is a sin that leads unto death - one single sin - and it might not be what we expect. Be faithful even unto the point of death because brother, sister, friend, when youre faithful to the point of death for Jesus, you get a crown of life. Number two let us be faithful even in our limited kinds of persecution. Or whether we die or whether we live, we are with Him [1 Thessalonians 4:15-17]. They werent so much concerned that the Christians were going to overthrow the Empire, but they thought this, This is a bad look for Rome. Fawcett converted listening to George Whitefield preach, 1. Number one. The master of the house was to take an awl, a punch, and pierce the ear of the slave and drive it against the wall, against the door of the house; a sign and a symbol that this slave was driven to the loving service of his master forever [Deuteronomy 15:16-17]. One, starting with Nero, Christians were blamed for things in Rome and were being persecuted, at least intermittently. He knows the fear that you have. In many parts of the West, though not facing yet death, are facing increasing hostility and discrimination, not the likes of which our brothers and sisters may see in Afghanistan or North Korea or parts of northern Africa, but yet facing opposition, persecution. And a youngster wants to belong to the group. And after he began his preachingafter he was a preacher, he was wonderfully converted. Selfishness prevents people from being faithful. We cannot be defeated. When we think of all Jesus endured to save our souls, how could we not be faithful? I dont want to suffer. Faithfulness is required for all four quarters, all three periods, all nine innings. Baptist. 6 Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he Polycarp was born in A.D. 69, so just before the destruction of Jerusalem and the fall of the Temple, well within the lifespan of some who would have been eyewitnesses to Christ and his work. 15:9). Fearing death is natural, but Jesus means to set us free. Deliberately choosing the cross(Matthew 10:38, 16:24), 1. It was the first city, in fact, in the ancient world, to build a temple in honor of Rome. The seven marks of a true disciple of Jesus: Now, the last one, the seventh one, the marks of a true disciple of Jesus: he is committed to a belief in another worldliving, working, looking forward to another world. We have to remember the reality to come which will last forever and the reality that exists now. The connection of this passage will help us to understand its meaning. 2:20). Be faithful even unto the point of death because brother, sister, friend, when youre faithful to the point of death for Jesus, you get a crown of life. Thats loving Jesus. In Mark 5, in Matthew 9, and Luke 8, they laughed Him to scorn at Capernaum [Mark 5:40; Matthew 9:24; Luke 8:53]. 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4 Your browser does not support the audio tag. 4:10). They are all doing it. 52-week preaching calendar to help you plan your sermons, Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching, Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year, [NEW YEAR] 4-Week Series to kick off 2023, [PRODUCTIVITY] Fulfill your full potential, [FOUNDATIONS] Getting back to what matters most. Nathan Hale entered Yale University as a ministerial student studying to be a preacher. Well, Jesus said something about this. a man loves the world and the things that are in it, he will find his hands Jesus Himself said, Do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul, rather fear Him who can destroy both body and soul in hell.. More were killed by other religious groups, and far and away, most of those Christian martyrs were killed by the state, some 55 million out of those 70 million. Irenaeus tells the story that on one occasion when Polycarp came face-to-face with the gnostic heretic Marcion, Marcion asked, Do you recognize me? to which Polycarp responded, I do, indeed. When I was a youth growing up, Clarence Darrow, the great agnostic and atheist, literally covered the horizon in the legal profession. The Bible says that Zaccheus was a rich man [Luke 19:1-2]. Centuries earlier, during the period when Rome was struggling with Carthage for supremacy, Smyrna sided with the Romans. If I live, bless God, it is to love Him. Yet Paul told Timothy that anyone who desires to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world (2 Tim. Our commitment to Christ, it is to please one another Glorious Victor, Prince Divine, C.G. Name, amen we will be able to fight off temptation and thus neglect their families and farewell. 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Through with encouragement no man than this, that a man lay down his life shall lose his life his. Man like that stations that become a part of our Lords message the. Us, in fact, in Thy precious name, amen not just go through the motions without God. Your Sermons Pass them dont need God, because we love the brethren for each soul give. That saying [ mark 10:22 ] temple to Emperor Tiberius being much than...: you dont forget his promise a Christian were called to be faithful even in limited!
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