God's Redemption Story (Revelation)Sample

The Seven Churches - Day 2

There is a common theme in Jesus’s messages to the Christians in Smyrna and Pergamum. To both of these groups of believers, He references martyrdom. To the Christians in Smyrna, Jesus tells them not to fear persecution but warns them that some of them will die for their faith. He encourages them with the knowledge that those who die in Christ are not truly dead but have been granted the gift of eternal life. To the Christians in Pergamum, Jesus praised them for standing strong in their faith and not denying Him, even when faced with the prospect of martyrdom.

For most people, death is the ultimate fear. Christians, however, have been given the unique blessing of not having to fear death. Paul writes in Philippians 1:21 that “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Today, spend a few moments remembering the Christians that have been martyred for their faith. Pray and ask the Lord to show you what you can learn from their experiences.