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THIS WEEK’S BIBLE INSIGHTS ARE BY:
Cara Grant and are based on Revelation 2:8-11
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ MORE ON THIS WEEK’S MAJOR THEME:
John 11:1-44, Hebrews 4:12-16 and 1 Peter 4
To the Church in Smyrna
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.
11Whoever 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.
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Sunday December 14 - My church belongs to Jesus! “To the angel of the church in Smyrna...” Revelation 2:8
This week, we follow the footsteps of the apostle John’s ‘postman’, who carried the parchments of the whole book of Revelation north along the coast from Ephesus to the next church on his delivery list – the port city of Smyrna. What a task!
Revelation was given for the whole church down the centuries; Jesus’ words to these early churches resonate with us and speak to our church struggles today. Jesus’ personal ‘letter’ to Smyrna, which he embedded in Revelation, was a thrilling bonus for them – they must have hung on every precious word! It’s a bonus for us too, and as we also hang on to these precious words this week, Jesus will be reaching into our hearts, to bless us.
Many churches light their third Advent candle today, the increasing glow reminding us that Christmas is coming soon! John’s Revelation opens with a blaze of candlelight (Revelation 1:20) showing us God’s desire for our churches to be lampstands ablaze with the gospel of salvation. As our churches proclaim the gospel, the Spirit leads lost souls out of darkness into God’s radiant Kingdom of Light.
The living Lord Jesus moves among his churches by his Spirit. The Smyrna church was fearful, but faithful; ablaze for Jesus, in spite of hostility and poverty. What are your church’s struggles, and are you faithfully shining for Jesus in the world’s darkness?
Lord Jesus, you love my church and know its struggles. I pray for the following people now:...... Help us to overcome, and faithfully shine your gospel light this Christmas. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY