be faithful unto death sermon

That was Smyrna in 155 or 156 A.D. My Glorious Victor, Prince Divine, III. Evangelical/Non-Denominational. Centuries earlier, during the period when Rome was struggling with Carthage for supremacy, Smyrna sided with the Romans. You couldnt help but know a man like that. 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. Do not be afraid. Most of us, if were honest, are scared of suffering. Number one let us pray for the persecuted church. Charles Wesley was an Anglican minister. What is preventing you from being faithful? He literally opens up his heart and lets B. A fifth characteristic of the true servant of Christhe possesses a continuing and undying faith in our victorious Lord Christ. THE CHURCH THAT WOULD NOT SURRENDER knows nothing about defeat (Romans 4:17-21, Genesis Never. Let me finish, then, where we started. Text: Genesis 49:28-50 That number of about 0.8% of Christians throughout history, in fact, has been constant over many centuries. sanctified, hallowed, blessed, II. Psychologist Paul wrote along similar lines "I have fought the Jesus will be there with you. If I die, praise His name, it is to be with Him. Death to sin through Christ Well, we are all like that. In fact, this one disqualifying sin will exclude us from ever going to heaven and receiving eternal life. I love that. However fate or providence may assail us, our commitment to our Lord is, first, and supreme. On this He bases His judgments. The Are you faithful? He told the disciples do not worry about what you will say in that day. They were poor, but rich in what really matters. 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. For almost 300 years Smyrna had a close connection with Rome. 5-12-03 2:10 )? We fail to put God first in our lives-we dont base all our decisions based on what he would want, we neglect to mention the Gospel to our family and friends. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faithFor by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of Because if were reading Scripture, well have the power to overcome temptation. Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight. Or suppose I were to stand in this pulpit and lecture on the humanities, or any subject you would choose to name: philosophy, psychology, medicine, astronomy, anything. All England came to know him. Wed be fooling ourselves to make any sort of comparison. Faith, trust, commitment brings God into our lives and into our scene; and faith knows absolutely nothing about defeat. Now, before I speak of another, may I pause to avow; there is never, ever, a defeat, never in our commitment to our Lord. I read in the Book of Hebrews beginning at the eleventh chapter beginning at verse 9: By faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange countryFor he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Faithfulness is full time until the end of time. For me I have it written down. 10/18/2006 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. It is on the Aegean Sea; it is in Turkey on the western shore of Asia Minor. 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. Jesus told the church in Smyrna, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Revelation 2:10, KJV). What does it mean for us? I AM the LIFE. a man loves the world and the things that are in it, he will find his hands And after he began his preachingafter he was a preacher, he was wonderfully converted. But in this context, in Smyrna, apparently, it was some of the Jews, whether because they felt like the Christians had sold them out or because they were worshiping another god, or they claimed to have had the Messiah, they would sometimes rat them out and be the informers that would then bring upon the Romans to these Christians in Smyrna. You dont doubt His goodness. This was the problem with the Ephesian church-I have this against you, that you have left your first love (Rev. You couldnt see their god, so they said they were atheists. 15:58). 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]. View all Sermons Faithful Unto Death Series Contributed by Allen James on Sep 29, 2011 (message contributor) (rate this sermon) | 6,507 views Scripture: And on page four hundred he says, If there is one scrap of proof that we are alive after we are dead, why is not that scrap given to 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]. Faithfulness. He lived, he died, he's alive. I recognize the first born of Satan. So he didnt mess around. Amen. Hold fast to what you have, that no one may take your crown (Rev. We dare not just go through the motions without loving God with all our heart. This letter reported this man was certainly one of the elect. Two commands. It would be possible for one to worship weekly and yet be as unfaithful as one who seldom, if ever, attended. 16:3), B. Youre going to suffer. That is what the Bible said about Jesus: Jesus, looking upon him, loved him [Mark 10:21]. Hebrews 9:24-27. today we want to focus our attention on John. 2:4). And Nathan Hale volunteered as a spy to bring back the needed information. They were hated, they were harassed, they faced the prospect of persecution and even death in this city of Smyrna. Seeing that Polycarp was not being consumed by the fire, they then ordered an executioner to thrust him through with a dagger, and so finally Polycarp was dead.. My fortieth year as a pastor still preaching the Word, V. A continuing living faith in Christ, A. empty and heart broken(1 John 2:15-17), IV. It is called a martyr church. will tell you one of the driving forces in human life is to be accepted, Truly, temptations----works of the devil challenge our daily thoughts and decisions. Paul takes a look around as he gives his last testimony. John spoke much about our love for the Lord and for one another. But from salvation to glory there are three vitally important He was soon to dieto be rejected [Mark 10:32-34]. 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. We dont want to make the mistake of saying that just because one worships three times a week every week he is faithful. 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]. read more, Scripture: Give it up. The Importance of Christs Resurrection Hes already won. When the boy was sixteen years old, he went to hear George Whitefield preach, and he was converted; wonderfully converted, listening to George Whitefield preach the gospel. read more, Scripture: This is the pastor bringing the message entitled Faithful Unto Death. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart (Gal. Rev James Porter Be Thou Faithful Unto Death And unbelief will ask, How can such a thing be? 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. Will God reward you? Church Of God, Joshua 2:1-15 THE GREAT ESCAPE Intro: Ill. John 13:34, 35: I new commandment that I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved youBy this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love one to another. We lament death. We dont have a small Christ who is coming and just saying, Oh, I will shed a tear for you. No, this is the One who is the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last. 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 Would You hold fast Your Church around the world, facing so much more in opposition than we face, and when we are called upon to face whatever trials and difficulties, whether suffering at the hands of others or suffering from natural disasters and infirmity and the age of life, may we be faithful even unto death. How can we leave these dear people? And John her husband replied, Wife, I dont see how we can. And he turned the team around and the wagon around and went back to the parsonage and put back in the house all of the things that he had stacked on that wagon. 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. 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.. 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. WebIts a very tender and touching sceneone of the most moving and heartwarming farewell speeches thats ever been recorded in literature. Revelation chapter 2, verses 8 through 11. Matthew 16:24-25: If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. So the men prepared the pyre and stripped Polycarp of his clothes, and as they were about to nail him to the stake, Polycarp interrupted. read more, Scripture: WebSermons by Bible: Sermons by Category: Sermons by Topic: Sermons by Speaker: Sermons by Language: Sermons by Date: Staff Picks: Comments, ALL -0 sec: Top Sermons: Online Bible: Hymnal: Daily Reading: About | $1 Signup! You dont forget His promise. However, many Christians are not as faithful as they need to be in their service to God. That was the comfort for the church at Smyrna. You can read it. He was a friend of Ignatius and he was a mentor to Irenaeus. We can remember the things of God. The LORD preserves the faithful (Ps. The love of your life is in money. EASTER SUNDAY 2014 SERMON But from salvation to glory there are three vitally important way stations that Probably dates to around 108 A.D., that is shortly after the death of Ignatius. Genesis 49 A pathway deliberately chosen death to the deepest desires of the flesh, That right there was meant to be comfort. Web"Faithful unto Death" Sixth Sunday after Pentecost St. Mark 6:14-29 July 16, 2006 IN NOMINE JESU In the rite of Confirmation, the confirmands are reminded of what they have undergone, as the pastor states: You have been baptized and you have been taught the faith according to our Lord's bidding. Thats loving Jesus. read more, Scripture: 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. FAITHFUL EVEN UNTO DEATH II Kings 2:1-12 For the child of God, heaven is our ultimate destination. 14 views Watch this sermon on a Roku or Apple TV! INTRODUCTION: Just looking in department stores. heroes of the faith(Hebrews 11:9-10, 16), 1. read more, Scripture: I started with the story of Polycarp. Revelation 2:8-11, Denomination: As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love (Jn. And this commandment that we have from Him, That he who loveth God love his brother also [1 John 4:21]. May angels attend you in the way as you come. Believing it possible that through Christ we may live in the required manner, that we may avoid sin--desist from sinning--give it up and abandon it altogether, and put it forever away. I absolutely love how the story ends. Give it up and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 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. As we remember the words of Scripture, we will be able to fight off temptation and thus remain faithful. But to be repudiated and to be censored and to be disliked is a terrible thing to bear. read more, Scripture: (Revelation 2:8-11) And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are by But from salvation to glory there are three vitally important And because of the necessity pressed upon him in his growing family, he accepted an affluent church in London. 1:6). Dethrone Suppose I were to stand in this pulpit and speak and discuss English literature three times once a week? For the white city thats soon coming down. But heres the second thing that had happened in 70 A.D. with the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple, Judaism and Christianity start to form as two different paths and two different religions, no longer just another sect, Judaism had lots of sects, but as a different religion. Certainly under all of the rules of logic the one who assumes that an apparently dead person is still alive should be able to produce substantial proof. Darrows The Story of My Life said there is no evidence of immortality, B. Gods Be faithful unto death. You allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols (Rev. Jesus is not going to lose. The first death is not avoidable. 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. An appeal for faithfulness in an era when Polycarp by all accounts was a venerable man, highly respected for his holiness and orthodoxy. And he gave his life to be a Baptist preacher, John Fawcett. Listening to a man expound the unsearchable riches of the Word of God. This is a study of the book of Genesis. We could put it like this death comes to us all, heaven does not. It was the first city, in fact, in the ancient world, to build a temple in honor of Rome. I trust everyone understands the significance of the Gospel in relation to salvation in Christ. 15:9). Our reward is not here, it is there [Matthew 5:12]. Christian Life, Faith, Love, Loyalty, Self-Denial, Great Doctrines of the Bible: Practical Theology, 1983, Revelation. read more, Scripture: 1 John 5: 13-21 Amen. When Ritual of piercing the ear of a slave who refuses to leave his master after Just to give you some numbers from the time of Jesus to the year 2000, so just say about 2000 years, there were roughly 36 billion people on the planet. There will be a temptation to want to raise your flag as well and say, Here I am, you can count on me. Or to wear the sort of clothes that everyone would wear. 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 And that is our invitation to you: a family gathering the children coming to be with us in our pilgrimage to heaven, a couple you, or a one somebody you, Pastor, today we have decided for God, and here we stand. As the Spirit shall press the appeal to your heart, that decision you make, if it is for God, will be the sweetest and most meaningful you will ever know in your life. The cross before me, the world behind me, [I Have Decided to Follow Jesus, attributed to S. Sundar Singh]. And whenever you see a monument to Nathan Hale, you will find inscribed the last word that he said, I regret I have but one life to lose for my country. That is a little comparable patriotic devotion, like us in our supreme love for Christ. And that leads them into all kinds of things that break the hearts of their parents. Near the close of the previous chapter Paul had said," The law entered that the offence might abound; but where sin abounded, grace did much more Dr. Matthew Everhard 5:17; Some of you will be thrown into prison for a time. Tempted to disbelieve the Word of God. Well, the magistrate was not happy with this. We Christians must be faithful. Faithfulness is required for all four quarters, all three periods, all nine innings. 2 letter from Jesus to the church at Smyrna. 21:25). If they were faithful to the end, surely we can be as well. When the spies arrived in Jericho, they entered into what everyone thought was a harlot's house. deep, never sated thirst for the Word(Romans If I live, bless God, it is to love Him. Heres the mayor, heres the governor, heres the president. Our Lord is saying, you be faithful and true even if it costs your life, and I will give you a crown [Revelation 2:10], stephanos, crown; the word Stephen, and you read about him and his martyrdom just now [Acts 7:54-60]. Matthew 9:24, Luke 8:53), 2. Denial of self(Matthew 16:24-25), A. Most people dont consider that they will die. 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. If only everyone could live knowing deeply this one true fact. What youre about to suffer need not be fearful. We are called to be a people of the Gospel; the Gospel must be central to our lives. And you cannot enter heaven loving the wrong world. Romans 6:10-23, Denomination: Where is your? Yes, death is an enemy for sure, but there is a worse enemy. Remember Jesus says those who utter all kinds of false things about you, who slander you, that, too, is a kind of persecution and we ought to pray that we will not grow spiritually flabby as a church should we be called upon to face persecution. The things of this world prevent people from being faithful. Putting this altogether, you can understand why in some parts of the Empire it was the Jews who sometimes instigated this persecution against the Christians. We all love to be acclaimed. It is interesting to note the things Jesus DID NOT say to them on how to overcome. However, to sin is an everyday reality of truth---a reality of faith. Romans 10:17: Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing the word of God. If someone loved Jesus, he never tires of hearing about Him. The Basis of the Gospel Not only is there no evidence of immortality, but the facts show it is utterly impossible for us that there should be a life beyond this one on earth. Thats what they say, the unbeliever and the infidel and the agnostic. For the child of God, heaven is our ultimate destination. It is an instrument of execution, and when I am invited to take up my cross, I am invited to die to myself that I might live to the Lord. read more, Scripture: How faithful are you this morning? I dont invite it. Where, O death, is your victory? WebFaithfulness unto death is Gods standard for human life. I hope you have that somewhere in your regular rhythm. But look at Jesus (John 1:10-11, Mark 5:40, You, too, can read that. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death. This is the second of seven messages to seven churches. It had been for a long time. It is like water to a thirsting soul. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.. by choice to our Lord and Master forever, 1. 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. Genesis 50:1-26, Denomination: Death has no power over anyone who is in me! Thats why Jesus is able to say in verse 10, Be faithful unto death, and I will give you A Listen to the words of our Lord in Luke 6:26: Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! We are not in this world to be acclaimed, we are to be true to our Lord, no matter what repudiation or scoffing or scorning. 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. Supreme love for Jesus our Lord(Luke 14:25-26), A. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. But after thirty-nine years, standing here in this pulpit, there are thousands and thousands who come every Lords day listening to what? 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. I have decided to follow Jesus, the characteristic of a true disciple of our Lord. II Timothy 4:6-8 Paul was looking with One, starting with Nero, Christians were blamed for things in Rome and were being persecuted, at least intermittently. We see it here in this text its the second death. One of the marks, I say, of a true disciple of Christ, he never wearies, hes never seen, hes never sated listening to the Word of God. You cannot help but admire this young man. They could offer sacrifices in honor of the emperors, not as gods but as rulers. But what our Lord refers to is, compared to our love for Himour supreme devotion to Himall other love for wife, child, home, brother, sisters, all other love, compared to our love for Christ is as hate; our supreme love for Christ. And on the first anniversary of that wonderful experience, he wrote that marvelous hymn: [O for a Thousand Tongues, Charles Wesley]. 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]. read more, Scripture: After the resurrection And thank Thee, Lord, for each soul You give us, in Thy precious name, amen. Please, sir, your Majesty, said the pastor, could you grant pardon to the boy? He did it. And when they turned to drive away, his wife burst into tears and said, John, John, how can we do this? And the Lord noticed it. And a youngster wants to belong to the group. He hands it back to you doubly blessed; sanctified, hallowed when I place Jesus first in my life. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for My sake shall find it. Once they become a Christians, they begin visiting the sick and shut-in but its just too much trouble so they quit. How do you respond when you are living your best, walking by faith, serving God and the bottom falls out? Friends. And the world passeth away . The Bible discusses faithfulness as being much more than worshipping God. Dont you find those martyrdom stories inspiring and yet utterly overwhelming? Some of those Christians have been killed by other Christians. The love of God is a powerful force in our efforts to be faithful. Instead, He told them to be faithful unto death. You could not help but love him. So, what is this sin? 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. 23127). Over time, the distinction between sacrificing to the Emperor as a ruler to honor him, and sacrificing to the Emperor as a god, well, that gets pretty fuzzy, and in some peoples minds a difference, a distinction without a difference. If they overcome in the first death, they will not be hurt by the second death. Well be here listening. It is one of the truths of life. They believed the promises and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims in this earth [Hebrews 11:13]: Now, they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: And I turn the pages of the Book, And I John, saw that holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband [Revelation 21:2]. Every Lords day listening to what you have, that right there meant! John 4:21 ] holiness and orthodoxy and shut-in but its just too much trouble they. 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Life, because we love the brethren 14 views Watch this sermon on a Roku or Apple TV takes look... Die, praise his name, it is to love Him but know a man expound the unsearchable riches the. John 5: 13-21 Amen 49:28-50 that number of about 0.8 % of Christians throughout history in! The motions without loving God with all our heart there is no evidence of immortality, B first in life. His heart and lets B after thirty-nine years, standing here in this text its the death... All three periods, all nine innings literature three times a week every he. Genesis never of time Practical Theology, 1983, revelation called to be disliked is a powerful force in efforts... Pastor bringing the message entitled faithful unto death II Kings 2:1-12 for the church Smyrna!, revelation, John Fawcett faithfulness as being much more than worshipping God tender and sceneone! Love for the child of God, so they said they were harassed, they begin visiting the sick shut-in... 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That was Smyrna in 155 or 156 A.D. My Glorious Victor, Prince Divine, III. Evangelical/Non-Denominational. Centuries earlier, during the period when Rome was struggling with Carthage for supremacy, Smyrna sided with the Romans. You couldnt help but know a man like that. 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. Do not be afraid. Most of us, if were honest, are scared of suffering. Number one let us pray for the persecuted church. Charles Wesley was an Anglican minister. What is preventing you from being faithful? He literally opens up his heart and lets B. A fifth characteristic of the true servant of Christhe possesses a continuing and undying faith in our victorious Lord Christ. THE CHURCH THAT WOULD NOT SURRENDER knows nothing about defeat (Romans 4:17-21, Genesis Never. Let me finish, then, where we started. Text: Genesis 49:28-50 That number of about 0.8% of Christians throughout history, in fact, has been constant over many centuries. sanctified, hallowed, blessed, II. Psychologist Paul wrote along similar lines "I have fought the Jesus will be there with you. If I die, praise His name, it is to be with Him. Death to sin through Christ Well, we are all like that. In fact, this one disqualifying sin will exclude us from ever going to heaven and receiving eternal life. I love that. However fate or providence may assail us, our commitment to our Lord is, first, and supreme. On this He bases His judgments. The Are you faithful? He told the disciples do not worry about what you will say in that day. They were poor, but rich in what really matters. 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. For almost 300 years Smyrna had a close connection with Rome. 5-12-03 2:10 )? We fail to put God first in our lives-we dont base all our decisions based on what he would want, we neglect to mention the Gospel to our family and friends. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faithFor by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of Because if were reading Scripture, well have the power to overcome temptation. Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight. Or suppose I were to stand in this pulpit and lecture on the humanities, or any subject you would choose to name: philosophy, psychology, medicine, astronomy, anything. All England came to know him. Wed be fooling ourselves to make any sort of comparison. Faith, trust, commitment brings God into our lives and into our scene; and faith knows absolutely nothing about defeat. Now, before I speak of another, may I pause to avow; there is never, ever, a defeat, never in our commitment to our Lord. I read in the Book of Hebrews beginning at the eleventh chapter beginning at verse 9: By faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange countryFor he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Faithfulness is full time until the end of time. For me I have it written down. 10/18/2006 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. It is on the Aegean Sea; it is in Turkey on the western shore of Asia Minor. 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. Jesus told the church in Smyrna, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Revelation 2:10, KJV). What does it mean for us? I AM the LIFE. a man loves the world and the things that are in it, he will find his hands And after he began his preachingafter he was a preacher, he was wonderfully converted. But in this context, in Smyrna, apparently, it was some of the Jews, whether because they felt like the Christians had sold them out or because they were worshiping another god, or they claimed to have had the Messiah, they would sometimes rat them out and be the informers that would then bring upon the Romans to these Christians in Smyrna. You dont doubt His goodness. This was the problem with the Ephesian church-I have this against you, that you have left your first love (Rev. You couldnt see their god, so they said they were atheists. 15:58). 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]. View all Sermons Faithful Unto Death Series Contributed by Allen James on Sep 29, 2011 (message contributor) (rate this sermon) | 6,507 views Scripture: And on page four hundred he says, If there is one scrap of proof that we are alive after we are dead, why is not that scrap given to 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]. Faithfulness. He lived, he died, he's alive. I recognize the first born of Satan. So he didnt mess around. Amen. Hold fast to what you have, that no one may take your crown (Rev. We dare not just go through the motions without loving God with all our heart. This letter reported this man was certainly one of the elect. Two commands. It would be possible for one to worship weekly and yet be as unfaithful as one who seldom, if ever, attended. 16:3), B. Youre going to suffer. That is what the Bible said about Jesus: Jesus, looking upon him, loved him [Mark 10:21]. Hebrews 9:24-27. today we want to focus our attention on John. 2:4). And Nathan Hale volunteered as a spy to bring back the needed information. They were hated, they were harassed, they faced the prospect of persecution and even death in this city of Smyrna. Seeing that Polycarp was not being consumed by the fire, they then ordered an executioner to thrust him through with a dagger, and so finally Polycarp was dead.. My fortieth year as a pastor still preaching the Word, V. A continuing living faith in Christ, A. empty and heart broken(1 John 2:15-17), IV. It is called a martyr church. will tell you one of the driving forces in human life is to be accepted, Truly, temptations----works of the devil challenge our daily thoughts and decisions. Paul takes a look around as he gives his last testimony. John spoke much about our love for the Lord and for one another. But from salvation to glory there are three vitally important He was soon to dieto be rejected [Mark 10:32-34]. 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. We dont want to make the mistake of saying that just because one worships three times a week every week he is faithful. 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]. read more, Scripture: Give it up. The Importance of Christs Resurrection Hes already won. When the boy was sixteen years old, he went to hear George Whitefield preach, and he was converted; wonderfully converted, listening to George Whitefield preach the gospel. read more, Scripture: This is the pastor bringing the message entitled Faithful Unto Death. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart (Gal. Rev James Porter Be Thou Faithful Unto Death And unbelief will ask, How can such a thing be? 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. Will God reward you? Church Of God, Joshua 2:1-15 THE GREAT ESCAPE Intro: Ill. John 13:34, 35: I new commandment that I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved youBy this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love one to another. We lament death. We dont have a small Christ who is coming and just saying, Oh, I will shed a tear for you. No, this is the One who is the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last. 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 Would You hold fast Your Church around the world, facing so much more in opposition than we face, and when we are called upon to face whatever trials and difficulties, whether suffering at the hands of others or suffering from natural disasters and infirmity and the age of life, may we be faithful even unto death. How can we leave these dear people? And John her husband replied, Wife, I dont see how we can. And he turned the team around and the wagon around and went back to the parsonage and put back in the house all of the things that he had stacked on that wagon. 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. 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.. 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. WebIts a very tender and touching sceneone of the most moving and heartwarming farewell speeches thats ever been recorded in literature. Revelation chapter 2, verses 8 through 11. Matthew 16:24-25: If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. So the men prepared the pyre and stripped Polycarp of his clothes, and as they were about to nail him to the stake, Polycarp interrupted. read more, Scripture: WebSermons by Bible: Sermons by Category: Sermons by Topic: Sermons by Speaker: Sermons by Language: Sermons by Date: Staff Picks: Comments, ALL -0 sec: Top Sermons: Online Bible: Hymnal: Daily Reading: About | $1 Signup! You dont forget His promise. However, many Christians are not as faithful as they need to be in their service to God. That was the comfort for the church at Smyrna. You can read it. He was a friend of Ignatius and he was a mentor to Irenaeus. We can remember the things of God. The LORD preserves the faithful (Ps. The love of your life is in money. EASTER SUNDAY 2014 SERMON But from salvation to glory there are three vitally important way stations that Probably dates to around 108 A.D., that is shortly after the death of Ignatius. Genesis 49 A pathway deliberately chosen death to the deepest desires of the flesh, That right there was meant to be comfort. Web"Faithful unto Death" Sixth Sunday after Pentecost St. Mark 6:14-29 July 16, 2006 IN NOMINE JESU In the rite of Confirmation, the confirmands are reminded of what they have undergone, as the pastor states: You have been baptized and you have been taught the faith according to our Lord's bidding. Thats loving Jesus. read more, Scripture: 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. FAITHFUL EVEN UNTO DEATH II Kings 2:1-12 For the child of God, heaven is our ultimate destination. 14 views Watch this sermon on a Roku or Apple TV! INTRODUCTION: Just looking in department stores. heroes of the faith(Hebrews 11:9-10, 16), 1. read more, Scripture: I started with the story of Polycarp. Revelation 2:8-11, Denomination: As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love (Jn. And this commandment that we have from Him, That he who loveth God love his brother also [1 John 4:21]. May angels attend you in the way as you come. Believing it possible that through Christ we may live in the required manner, that we may avoid sin--desist from sinning--give it up and abandon it altogether, and put it forever away. I absolutely love how the story ends. Give it up and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 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. As we remember the words of Scripture, we will be able to fight off temptation and thus remain faithful. But to be repudiated and to be censored and to be disliked is a terrible thing to bear. read more, Scripture: (Revelation 2:8-11) And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are by But from salvation to glory there are three vitally important And because of the necessity pressed upon him in his growing family, he accepted an affluent church in London. 1:6). Dethrone Suppose I were to stand in this pulpit and speak and discuss English literature three times once a week? For the white city thats soon coming down. But heres the second thing that had happened in 70 A.D. with the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple, Judaism and Christianity start to form as two different paths and two different religions, no longer just another sect, Judaism had lots of sects, but as a different religion. Certainly under all of the rules of logic the one who assumes that an apparently dead person is still alive should be able to produce substantial proof. Darrows The Story of My Life said there is no evidence of immortality, B. Gods Be faithful unto death. You allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols (Rev. Jesus is not going to lose. The first death is not avoidable. 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. An appeal for faithfulness in an era when Polycarp by all accounts was a venerable man, highly respected for his holiness and orthodoxy. And he gave his life to be a Baptist preacher, John Fawcett. Listening to a man expound the unsearchable riches of the Word of God. This is a study of the book of Genesis. We could put it like this death comes to us all, heaven does not. It was the first city, in fact, in the ancient world, to build a temple in honor of Rome. I trust everyone understands the significance of the Gospel in relation to salvation in Christ. 15:9). Our reward is not here, it is there [Matthew 5:12]. Christian Life, Faith, Love, Loyalty, Self-Denial, Great Doctrines of the Bible: Practical Theology, 1983, Revelation. read more, Scripture: 1 John 5: 13-21 Amen. When Ritual of piercing the ear of a slave who refuses to leave his master after Just to give you some numbers from the time of Jesus to the year 2000, so just say about 2000 years, there were roughly 36 billion people on the planet. There will be a temptation to want to raise your flag as well and say, Here I am, you can count on me. Or to wear the sort of clothes that everyone would wear. 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 And that is our invitation to you: a family gathering the children coming to be with us in our pilgrimage to heaven, a couple you, or a one somebody you, Pastor, today we have decided for God, and here we stand. As the Spirit shall press the appeal to your heart, that decision you make, if it is for God, will be the sweetest and most meaningful you will ever know in your life. The cross before me, the world behind me, [I Have Decided to Follow Jesus, attributed to S. Sundar Singh]. And whenever you see a monument to Nathan Hale, you will find inscribed the last word that he said, I regret I have but one life to lose for my country. That is a little comparable patriotic devotion, like us in our supreme love for Christ. And that leads them into all kinds of things that break the hearts of their parents. Near the close of the previous chapter Paul had said," The law entered that the offence might abound; but where sin abounded, grace did much more Dr. Matthew Everhard 5:17; Some of you will be thrown into prison for a time. Tempted to disbelieve the Word of God. Well, the magistrate was not happy with this. We Christians must be faithful. Faithfulness is required for all four quarters, all three periods, all nine innings. 2 letter from Jesus to the church at Smyrna. 21:25). If they were faithful to the end, surely we can be as well. When the spies arrived in Jericho, they entered into what everyone thought was a harlot's house. deep, never sated thirst for the Word(Romans If I live, bless God, it is to love Him. Heres the mayor, heres the governor, heres the president. Our Lord is saying, you be faithful and true even if it costs your life, and I will give you a crown [Revelation 2:10], stephanos, crown; the word Stephen, and you read about him and his martyrdom just now [Acts 7:54-60]. Matthew 9:24, Luke 8:53), 2. Denial of self(Matthew 16:24-25), A. Most people dont consider that they will die. 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. If only everyone could live knowing deeply this one true fact. What youre about to suffer need not be fearful. We are called to be a people of the Gospel; the Gospel must be central to our lives. And you cannot enter heaven loving the wrong world. Romans 6:10-23, Denomination: Where is your? Yes, death is an enemy for sure, but there is a worse enemy. Remember Jesus says those who utter all kinds of false things about you, who slander you, that, too, is a kind of persecution and we ought to pray that we will not grow spiritually flabby as a church should we be called upon to face persecution. The things of this world prevent people from being faithful. Putting this altogether, you can understand why in some parts of the Empire it was the Jews who sometimes instigated this persecution against the Christians. We all love to be acclaimed. It is interesting to note the things Jesus DID NOT say to them on how to overcome. However, to sin is an everyday reality of truth---a reality of faith. Romans 10:17: Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing the word of God. If someone loved Jesus, he never tires of hearing about Him. The Basis of the Gospel Not only is there no evidence of immortality, but the facts show it is utterly impossible for us that there should be a life beyond this one on earth. Thats what they say, the unbeliever and the infidel and the agnostic. For the child of God, heaven is our ultimate destination. It is an instrument of execution, and when I am invited to take up my cross, I am invited to die to myself that I might live to the Lord. read more, Scripture: How faithful are you this morning? I dont invite it. Where, O death, is your victory? WebFaithfulness unto death is Gods standard for human life. I hope you have that somewhere in your regular rhythm. But look at Jesus (John 1:10-11, Mark 5:40, You, too, can read that. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death. This is the second of seven messages to seven churches. It had been for a long time. It is like water to a thirsting soul. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.. by choice to our Lord and Master forever, 1. 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. Genesis 50:1-26, Denomination: Death has no power over anyone who is in me! Thats why Jesus is able to say in verse 10, Be faithful unto death, and I will give you A Listen to the words of our Lord in Luke 6:26: Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! We are not in this world to be acclaimed, we are to be true to our Lord, no matter what repudiation or scoffing or scorning. 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. Supreme love for Jesus our Lord(Luke 14:25-26), A. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. But after thirty-nine years, standing here in this pulpit, there are thousands and thousands who come every Lords day listening to what? 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. I have decided to follow Jesus, the characteristic of a true disciple of our Lord. II Timothy 4:6-8 Paul was looking with One, starting with Nero, Christians were blamed for things in Rome and were being persecuted, at least intermittently. We see it here in this text its the second death. One of the marks, I say, of a true disciple of Christ, he never wearies, hes never seen, hes never sated listening to the Word of God. You cannot help but admire this young man. They could offer sacrifices in honor of the emperors, not as gods but as rulers. But what our Lord refers to is, compared to our love for Himour supreme devotion to Himall other love for wife, child, home, brother, sisters, all other love, compared to our love for Christ is as hate; our supreme love for Christ. And on the first anniversary of that wonderful experience, he wrote that marvelous hymn: [O for a Thousand Tongues, Charles Wesley]. 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]. read more, Scripture: After the resurrection And thank Thee, Lord, for each soul You give us, in Thy precious name, amen. Please, sir, your Majesty, said the pastor, could you grant pardon to the boy? He did it. And when they turned to drive away, his wife burst into tears and said, John, John, how can we do this? And the Lord noticed it. And a youngster wants to belong to the group. He hands it back to you doubly blessed; sanctified, hallowed when I place Jesus first in my life. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for My sake shall find it. Once they become a Christians, they begin visiting the sick and shut-in but its just too much trouble so they quit. How do you respond when you are living your best, walking by faith, serving God and the bottom falls out? Friends. And the world passeth away . The Bible discusses faithfulness as being much more than worshipping God. Dont you find those martyrdom stories inspiring and yet utterly overwhelming? Some of those Christians have been killed by other Christians. The love of God is a powerful force in our efforts to be faithful. Instead, He told them to be faithful unto death. You could not help but love him. So, what is this sin? 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. 23127). Over time, the distinction between sacrificing to the Emperor as a ruler to honor him, and sacrificing to the Emperor as a god, well, that gets pretty fuzzy, and in some peoples minds a difference, a distinction without a difference. If they overcome in the first death, they will not be hurt by the second death. Well be here listening. It is one of the truths of life. They believed the promises and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims in this earth [Hebrews 11:13]: Now, they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: And I turn the pages of the Book, And I John, saw that holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband [Revelation 21:2]. Every Lords day listening to what you have, that right there meant! John 4:21 ] holiness and orthodoxy and shut-in but its just too much trouble they. 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