Smyrna was located 35 miles from Ephesus – a port city – called “The Crown City” or the “Crown of Asia” because it was surrounded by hills that resembled a crown. When the city chose a motto to be imprinted on their coinage, they stamped it, “The Flower Of Asia.” They chose this phrase because Smyrna was considered “First in Size and Beauty.” Smyrna was a planned city most cities of that day just sprang up without design, but its streets were planned down to the last detail. Considered …
(Luke 18:1-8)…..1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 “Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying,’Get justice for me from my adversary.’ 4 “And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself,’Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 ‘yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge …
(Philippians 3:10-12)…..that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
Never choose to be a worker! What are you saying Pastor Dan? Never choose to be a worker; but when God …
(Revelation 2:8-11)…..8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may …
(Revelation 2:1-7)…..“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have …
What makes a church grow? Is it the role of church leadership to put on a show every Sunday, and water down the Scriptures, just to get a church (the body and bride of Christ) to grow? That might be what it takes for the tares (unbelievers), but that is not what it takes for the real believers. When we study the early church we can see that from its inception it was a mighty entity that burst forth from God’s working, God’s will (Acts 2:41) (Acts 4:4) (Acts 5:14) …
(Revelation 2:2-3)…..“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. The church in Ephesus was commended from the Lord for several things, things that would make any church body happy if they were to hear these same things from the LORD. I wonder …
(Isaiah 40:31)…..But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
What do you think about this verse of Scripture? When you think about it there is actually a very difficult part to this verse. A certain action that is very hard to do for most, and certainly for myself. That is, to “wait” on the Lord. Yep, how about you? Is that difficult for you? Listen, I …
(Revelation 2:1-7)…..“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. …
(Acts 20:24)…..”But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
“None of these things move me.” Those are powerful words from Paul for sure because some believers are tempted to give up on their faith in God whenever the least thing seems to go wrong in their lives. The apostle Paul suffered many things: …
