Lifepoint Church Delaware
The Christian’s Trade
Persecution. Affliction. Poverty. These are some of the words that describe the church of Smyrna at the turn of the first century AD. And yet in his message to them in Revelation 2, Jesus tells them that they are “rich.” In this message, we look at Jesus’s words to the Church about perseverance, temporary suffering, and eternal life and joy.
Locations & Times
Lifepoint Church Delaware
104 N Sandusky St, Delaware, OH 43015, USA
Sunday 9:30 AM
Sunday 11:00 AM
Sometimes the way forward is backward.
Revelation 2:8
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. (NIV)
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. (NIV)
Revelation 1:17b-18
17b “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, 18 I am alive for ever and ever. And I hold the keys of death and Hades!” (NIV)
17b “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, 18 I am alive for ever and ever. And I hold the keys of death and Hades!” (NIV)
The Gospel is the reason for everything that we do.
Revelation 2:9
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. (NIV)
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. (NIV)
God sees things as they truly are.
You can be materially rich and spiritually poor.
Revelation 2:10-11
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.
11 Whoever 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. (NIV)
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.
11 Whoever 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. (NIV)
The Christian life is a battle, and the battle is won in Christ.
Are you fighting or are you drifting?
Revelation 2:10
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. (NIV)
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. (NIV)
The Christian’s Trade: temporary suffering for eternal life and joy.