Comments on: The Seven Cities of Revelation II: Smyrna – Faithful Unto Death

By: Christian P

Christian P — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 17:56:31 +0000

I just now got to read these, very good. This series would preach well.

By: JohnD

JohnD — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:53:13 +0000

Excellent Chris. Thanks for taking the time to put this series together.

Peace,

By: Paul C

Paul C — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:15:43 +0000

Good post – I like this series.

I remember hearing a quote:
“95% of people tried by persecution pass; 95% of people tried by prosperity fail.”

To be faithful unto death, dying in obscurity – your name never being known – and perhaps dying in the most awful way for your faith is a concept so contrary to us in 21st century North America (though it happens regularly in other countries).

By: Rick Frueh

Rick Frueh — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:32:00 +0000

“I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days.”

It is my firm belief that only real and drastic persecution will bring the church into focus. Like a heavy person getting heavier until exercise, so will we be content with discussion and programs and interesting thoughts while continuing to be assimilated, more mentally than physically, into the culture.

Besides a few moral issues, let us pray there is enough spiritual conviction that would warrant persecution. I am not speaking of being abrasive and unloving and calling that “standing for Christ, but I am speaking of being loving, gracious, humanitarian minded, but being firmly evangelistic with Jesus being openly lifted up.

We will see.