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FAITH THAT HOLDS ON IN THE DARK
The Bible in a Year “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” — Job 13:15 There are certain passages in Scripture that feel as though they were written with tears still falling from the writer’s eyes. Job 13:15 is one of those verses. Job was not sitting in comfort when he spoke these words. He was buried beneath grief, confusion, sickness, and loss. His children were gone. His wealth had…
Living God
Magnify Yourself my God For while I am weak It must be so What is a man if his God lives not? Or when torment comes, has not God? When as I am is anger and fear Must there be Life found elsewhere Bless Yourself my Lord and Father For while I am dust and corruption It must be You are whole Could it mean anything at all If all my praises come only in joy And in laughter? Where would there be truth…
These Three Things Determine the strength and maturity of true faith in Christ.
What causes some Christians to grow deeper with the Lord and some to remain shallow?
What causes some newer Christians to know more about Scripture than those who've been Christians for many years?
What causes some Christians to get caught up in errors and some to recognize and avoid them?
Helaman 1–2: Unraveling Evil Secret Works and Societal Collapse
The backdrop of Helaman 1-2 is set in a time of great political upheaval and moral decay among the Nephites. The Nephites were a prosperous people with a strong tradition of faith and governance.
Societal Collapse: Lessons from Helaman 1–2 on Secretive Evil in Societies In our quest to understand societal collapse, the Book of Mormon offers profound insights. Helaman 1-2 intriguing chapters highlight how evil secret works can tear societies apart. Elder M. Russell Ballard, an influential voice on the subject, elucidates how clandestine plots and destructive ambitions historically…
Defending Liberty: Insights from the Book of Mormon War Chapters
In a world filled with adversities and challenges, defending our liberty necessitates an unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and our Christian faith. It is essential to recognize that liberty is not simply a political concept
The war chapters in the Book of Mormon (Alma 43-62) provide profound insights into the enduring faith of individuals and communities who stand firm in their beliefs while defending liberty. These sections of scripture illustrate that faith is not merely a passive state but an active force driving individuals to sacrifice for their principles. In these chapters, we see characters embodying the…
Pain and Purpose: Finding Sunshine in the Rain
Pain and Purpose: Finding Sunshine in the Rain
Do you believe God can create something out of nothing? How about creating something beautiful out of ugly? Purpose from pain? Yes, these are all possible and God wants you to know His power to transform the painful into purposeful. Our awesome God can take heartache to joy with His powerful love. Photo by Rodrigo Souza on Pexels.com God knows your pain. Pain is purposeful. I know it is not…
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delusion is the only thing thats gotten me this far
The Seven Churches of Revelation Lesson 03 – Do Not Fear Death
The city of Smyrna was a grand and beautiful city. Its citizens proudly proclaimed it to be the “Glory of Asia.” Smyrna had a large population of Jews. The temples of Apollo and Zeus were located in Smyrna, and heathen worship abounded.
Smryna was a center of emperor worship. Once a year, Roman citizens had to burn a pinch of incense then say, “Caesar is lord.” Once they had done so, they received a certificate and were free to worship whatever gods they pleased, within the bounds of public decency and order (1).
Let’s read Revelation 2:8-11.
Jesus commends the church of Smyrna for its faithfulness. The church of Smyrna was faithful in carrying out its work in sharing the Gospel, in spite of being surrounded by idolatry. Moreover, the church of Smyrna was faithful in the face of tribulation (Revelation 2:9).
Like Daniel’s friends in front of the golden statue (Daniel 3:12), Smyrnan Christians refused to engage in emperor worship. They would not burn incense to Caesar, even If such a small act would guarantee them religious freedom for the rest of the year.
As a result, Smyrnan Christians were considered outlaws of the empire and subject to persecution. Smrynan Jews even cooperated with authorities, informing on their Christian neighbors or inciting attacks on them (Revelation 2:9).
Jesus tells the church of Smyrna that Satan will put them through trials. Jesus exhorts them to be faithful to Him, even unto death (Revelation 2:10).
Oftentimes, when we hear about faith, we hear stories of people like Job and Daniel’s three friends (Azariah, Hananiah, and Mishael). They endured tribulation, but they made it through and were blessed by God for their perseverance. On the other hand, people don’t often talk about the faith of Abel, Zechariah, or John the Baptist. Those men were faithful to God, but were killed because of their faith (Matthew 14:10; 23:35).
Jesus warned us that life as a Christian would not always be easy (Matthew 24:9). When we decide to follow Jesus, we will be targeted by Satan (1 Peter 5:8) and will endure fiery trials in life (1 Peter 4:11-13).
Let’s read Hebrews chapter 11 together.
Abel was faithful and was killed. Enoch was faithful and never saw death. By faith, Abraham was called to leave his land. By faith, Moses was called to return to his land. As you can see by these examples, faith in God is independent of your circumstances. What all these people of faith shared in common was that they followed Jesus where ever He led them (Revelation 14:4). They all had a faith that endured, even unto death.
We are called to have that same enduring faith today (Romans 5:3). Jesus reminds us that we should not fear tribulation or death. Although some of us may suffer or even die for the sake of Jesus, He never asks us to do anything He was not willing to do. Jesus told the church of Smyrna that He is the First and the Last, who was dead and came to life (Revelation 2:8). Remember, Jesus conquered the grave and death (Luke 24:5-7; 1 Corinthians 15:55)!
Jesus promises us that He will rescue us from the second death, if we love Him and remain faithful Him all the way to the end (Romans 8:35; Revelation 2:11).
Friend, will you be faithful to Jesus, even unto death?
References:
1. Barkley, William. Letters to the Seven Churches. Letters of the Seven Churches. Westminster John Knox Press, 2001, p.15-21.
