I read in the Book of Hebrews beginning at the eleventh chapter beginning at verse 9: By faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange countryFor he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Genesis and Revelation are two of the most disputed books in the Bible. Leave me as I am, for the One who enables me to endure the fire will also enable me to remain on the pyre without moving. Then Polycarp prayed a final prayer and when he said amen, the men in charge of the fire lit it. 1 John 5:16-18, ON POINT, III But from salvation to glory there are three vitally important way stations that . Lets peer inside Pauls heart, and see whats in there. So, what is this sin? And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. But to be repudiated and to be censored and to be disliked is a terrible thing to bear. Listen to the words of our Lord in Luke 6:26: Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! We are not in this world to be acclaimed, we are to be true to our Lord, no matter what repudiation or scoffing or scorning. As long as Christianity was a sect of Judaism, there was little trouble. A hundred years old and Sarah, ninety years of age and no child is born [Genesis 17:17]. IF we are in CHRIST. A pathway deliberately chosen death to the deepest desires of the flesh, When that moment comes, you trust that the Lord gives you the words to say, gives you the courage. My Glorious Victor, Prince Divine, III. WebFEATURE SERMON TEXT-FEATURE Featuring a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and is the most effective way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faithFor by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of The apostle John writes in 1 John 2:15-17: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. Most of us, if were honest, are scared of suffering. He literally opens up his heart and lets Let me finish with three points of application. Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You (Ps. There is a marvelous thing that happens when a man places Jesus first in his lifeloves our Lord supremely above all other loveHe hands back to you your home, your family, your wife, your business, your children, every dream and vision of your soul. Say away with the atheists. And I dont know if this meant to be humorous at the moment of his almost death, but heres the story Polycarp solemnly looked at the whole crowd of lawless heathen who were in the stadium. Number one let us pray for the persecuted church. Hes telling us from Gods Holy Scriptures about our Lord. All of us do. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. People Listen In Different Wayscan You Reach All Of Them? FAITHFUL EVEN UNTO DEATH Youre faithful. 5:17; Would You hold fast Your Church around the world, facing so much more in opposition than we face, and when we are called upon to face whatever trials and difficulties, whether suffering at the hands of others or suffering from natural disasters and infirmity and the age of life, may we be faithful even unto death. That is a big number. Money causes individuals to work long hours and thus neglect their families. Yes, death is an enemy, and we mourn for death. Isaiah 38:1-8, James 1:2-4, 1 John 5:14-15, 1 Peter 3:12, Denomination: So he tells him, Swear by Caesar, or recant. Our Lord is saying, you be faithful and true even if it costs your life, and I will give you a crown [Revelation 2:10], stephanos, crown; the word Stephen, and you read about him and his martyrdom just now [Acts 7:54-60]. What does it mean for us? knows nothing about defeat (Romans 4:17-21, Genesis Since we know that God will richly reward us, we should be faithful. I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. And on page four hundred he says, If there is one scrap of proof that we are alive after we are dead, why is not that scrap given to the world? This is a study of the book of Genesis. "Faithful unto Death" Sixth Sunday after Pentecost St. Mark 6:14-29 July 16, 2006 IN NOMINE JESU In the rite of Confirmation, the confirmands are reminded of what Committed to a belief in another world(Colossians 3:2, 1 Corinthians 15:19), A. Clarence We respond in Faith! Oh, by the way, its while Jesus Christ was reigning as King forever. This was the problem with the Ephesian church-I have this against you, that you have left your first love (Rev. Well, Jesus said something about this. False doctrine leads many astray. Faithfulness is required for all four quarters, all three periods, all nine innings. 11:4). love for Him so great, any other in comparison is as hate, B. A To us, we use the word cross to refer to some handicap or some suffering or some disappointment, I have an incorrigible child, an obstreperous child, and it is a cross for me to bear. Or, I have some physical ailment, I have a cross to bear. Or, I have a frustration or a disappointment in my life; it is my cross. There is no such idea of that in the Bible; in the Scriptures a cross is something to die on. As the song says, Just one glimpse of him in glory will the toils of life repay. Surely, seeing Jesus face to face will be reward enough for our faithfulness. And a youngster wants to belong to the group. Well be here listening. It is one of the truths of life. A study of Johns presence at the cross will help us in the pursuit of faithfulness. WebKing James Version 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten So if we have a late date for Revelation around 90 A.D., then this is some 65 years later, not that long. Christian Life, Faith, Love, Loyalty, Self-Denial, Great Doctrines of the Bible: Practical Theology, 1983, Revelation. How do you respond when you are living your best, walking by faith, serving God and the bottom falls out? read more, Scripture: Matthew 16:24-25: If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. He said you can avoid that second hellish death and though you may face martyrdom, you can live a glorious, joyous life, because on the other side of the first death, is eternal life. read more, Scripture: We know what the commentator says, and we know what the politician says, and we know what the philosopher says, and we know what the academician says. We allow ourselves to be involved in so many activities that we no longer have the time to devote to Bible study and prayer. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. We cannot be defeated. Dethrone And a man who preaches the word of the Lord is someone people love to listen to. We are called to be a people of the Gospel; the Gospel must be central to our lives. WebSermon Series: RevelationSermon Title: The Church of Smyrna: Be Faithful Unto DeathScripture Text: Revelation 2:8-11Speaker: Rev. While we sing our appeal a thousand times welcome, come. If there was a crime worthy of death, what would it be? Would to God we had ten thousand lives to offer to Jesus. However, to sin is an everyday reality of truth---a reality of faith. The one who overcomes, who conquers, will not be hurt by the second death, that is, the eternal punishment in the lake of fire. Jesus Himself said, Do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul, rather fear Him who can destroy both body and soul in hell.. 5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions. Instead of worshipping as they should, they play golf on Sunday mornings or they go the race track or they go fishing. Now may I give, point out a poignant illustration of that in the Word of God? This morning, we want to examine the biblical teachings concerning our faithfulness and call us to faithfulness to God. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. [First John] 4:7, Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought to love one another [1 John 4:11]. But I do not have a child and I am old and my wife is old. The second characteristic and mark of a faithful Christian: the denial of self. Father in heaven, our prayer is simple. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions [Matthew 19:21-22; Mark 10:21, 22]. He knew what it was to face external temptation when that suffering came. They were poor, but Jesus says, Youre rich. They were persecuted by Jews who Jesus says were not really Jews. read more, Scripture: He said, Now if you want to learn the doctrine of Christianity, name a day and give me a hearing. The proconsul told Polycarp, No, persuade the people of your Christianity. Polycarp replied that he had been taught to respect the rulers and authorities and he would be happy to meet with the proconsul, but this was a lawless mob and he wasnt going to waste his time., So the proconsul said, I have wild beasts if you dont change your mind. Polycarp said, Call for them. The proconsul said, You will be consumed by the fire. Polycarp said, You threaten with a fire that burns only briefly and after just a little while is extinguished, for you are ignorant of the fire of the coming judgment and eternal punishment, which is reserved for the ungodly. And in Jerusalem, they nailed Him to a cross [Matthew 27:32-50]. But we also know that suffering brings with it many temptations. [John 13:34-35, 15:12-13, 15:7; 1 John 3:14, 4:7, 4:11, 4:21], Great Doctrines of the Bible: Practical Theology, And an unswerving continuance in the Word of God, A continuing living faith in a victorious Christ, And the last one that I mentioned: a devout, fervent love for Gods people. To Him be the glory, honor, majesty, and eternal throne, from generation to generation. In broad, open daylight where everyone could see, he knelt down before the Lord, the Prophet from Nazareth saying, Agathai didaskai [Mark 10:17]. How can we leave these dear people? And John her husband replied, Wife, I dont see how we can. And he turned the team around and the wagon around and went back to the parsonage and put back in the house all of the things that he had stacked on that wagon. The seven marks of a true disciple of Jesus: Now, the last one, the seventh one, the marks of a true disciple of Jesus: he is committed to a belief in another worldliving, working, looking forward to another world. You cannot help but admire this young man. Now, before I speak of another, may I pause to avow; there is never, ever, a defeat, never in our commitment to our Lord. 2 letter from Jesus to the church at Smyrna. We could put it like this death comes to us all, heaven does not. We can remember the love that God has for us. Number one. 2:4). Theres nothing that says we cant pray for it to be removed. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. He literally opens up his heart and lets us look inside. Self, by nature, is on the throne of my heart. And when John Fawcett stood and preached before the king, the king was so moved he said to the preacher, Ask anything and I will give it to thee. And the wonderful preacher replied, Sir, I have nothing for myself, but one of my families has a boy, a wayward boy who faces the sentence of death for forgery, in the strict laws of that time. WebClosed with a few words from Revelation chapter 2, including the line, "be faithful unto death." Revelation 2:8-11, Denomination: So the first command to the Church dont be afraid what youre about to suffer. INTRODUCTION: Just looking in department stores. I absolutely love how the story ends. Jesus told the church in Smyrna, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Revelation 2:10, KJV). General Washington needed information concerning the British troops. It is like manna from heaven to a hungry heart. Every sabbatical, every seventh year, the slave in a Hebrew household was to be free. By a living faith, I mean one consumed with one desireto please our Lord. The LORD preserves the faithful (Ps. They were hated, they were harassed, they faced the prospect of persecution and even death in this city of Smyrna. Individuals become Christians and know the truth, but they have a friend who attends a denominational church, so they attend every now and then, and before they know it, they believe what that church teaches. Our resurrection is dependent on his resurrection- Paul said We would like if He had said, Do not fear because you wont suffer. I would much prefer that. As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love (Jn. This comes in chapter 21, the final chapter in some of the manuscripts of The Martyrdom of Polycarp. If I die, praise His name, it is to be with Him. 2 Kings 2:1-12. And that leads me to the exact title of the sermon today, the seven characteristics of a disciple of our Lord, the seven marks of a true Christian. You may say, Well, wait a minute, Pastor. View all Sermons Faithful Unto Death Series Contributed by Allen James on Sep 29, 2011 (message contributor) (rate this sermon) | 6,507 views Scripture: John 1:10-11: Jesus was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. 15:9). And he gave his life to be a Baptist preacher, John Fawcett. Will you be willing to be faithful when youre misunderstood as a Christian? Charles Wesley was an Anglican minister. Certainly Christians in many places are relatively free from that threat, but at all times there will be part of the Church that will be called upon to make the good confession in the midst of danger, hostility, and death. WebIts a very tender and touching sceneone of the most moving and heartwarming farewell speeches thats ever been recorded in literature. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. And the Lord noticed it. You dont doubt His goodness. A reference to the fifteenth chapter of the Book of Genesis, where Abraham came before God and said, Lord, You say that I am to have a child and then the seed that comes out of my body, my loins, the whole world is be blessed. Dr. Gale A. Ragan-Reid (September 25, 2015) Heres the key-those men and women were just like we are. 1: 5). Featuring a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and Irenaeus tells the story that on one occasion when Polycarp came face-to-face with the gnostic heretic Marcion, Marcion asked, Do you recognize me? to which Polycarp responded, I do, indeed. Yet Jesus came that it would not keep you in bondage, because the end of this life, for the Christian, is the beginning of a life that is far better. living faith, consumed with one desire to please Him(John 12:42-43), 1. Dont think youre the only one to have this struggle. Theyre such a testimony to Gods grace. And the second characteristic and mark of a true child of Christ is to dethrone self in my heart and to enthrone the Lord Jesus: He is the King of my life. For Jesus sake we pray. An appeal for faithfulness in an era when Or it could refer to a garland, a victors crown. If they overcome in the first death, they will not be hurt by the second death. UNTO DEATH THE MARKS OF A TRUE CHRISTIAN, I. And Jesus will reign now and into eternity. Do not be afraid. His face beneath the cross is the face of faithfulness. Of those 70 million that scholars estimate, 70 million Christian martyrs in the history of the Church, 45 million were killed in the 20th century, in the last 100 years. We will suffer. They assume they will go to heaven. We all love to be accepted. 10:39). read more. and the rich young ruler(Mark 10:21-22, Matthew Certainly under all of the rules of logic the one who assumes that an apparently dead person is still alive should be able to produce substantial proof. Not some physical anguish or personal disappointment, 2. If we are faithful, God will save us and glorify us in the life to come. WebTrue faithfulness to God is maintained to the end. And Jesus is waiting for the day of our coming. Amen.. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.. 15:58). But in particular it blames some of the Jews. More were killed by other religious groups, and far and away, most of those Christian martyrs were killed by the state, some 55 million out of those 70 million. Most people dont consider that they will die. When Just to give you some numbers from the time of Jesus to the year 2000, so just say about 2000 years, there were roughly 36 billion people on the planet. When Jesus said follow Him, this is our life's course. It may be in the workplace when you will not agree to do the advertising campaign they want to do, or the training that theyre making everyone do. 2:10 )? 2:20). 5-12-03 WebUnto death! Believed and confessed they were strangers and pilgrims in this earth(Revelation 21:2). Please, sir, your Majesty, said the pastor, could you grant pardon to the boy? He did it. Its a letter from Jesus, who is the Jewish Messiah. And the world passeth away . He lived, he died, he's alive. Maybe take a half hour to read it. II Timothy 4:6-8 Paul was looking with 15, 16), VI. William Akehurst HSWC You, too, can read that. We come to see that the thing of value is not speed but endurance. Not only that, but the Lord Jesus can sympathize because He, too, is a man, a human being, even now in heaven, the God-man. by If I live, bless God, it is to love Him. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. His townspeople where He grew up in Nazareth took Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built to cast Him along to His death [Luke 4:28-29]. Listening to a man expound the unsearchable riches of the Word of God. False doctrine prevents people from being faithful. Now, listen to His exact word: Give away what you have. Your browser does not support the audio tag. The Bible tells us that there is a sin that leads unto death - one single sin - and it might not be what we expect. A third characteristic of the true child of Christ: we are one who has deliberately chosen the cross. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. Remember this is a letter from whom? Remember Paul said to the letter in Romans that those are Jews truly who are ones inwardly, written on the heart. So this letter is saying these are not spiritual Jews as we would understand the people of God, but they are people who have stirred up trouble. 1 John 5: 13-21 You cannot fail in Godnever, ever, ever. The real hero is not he who makes the fastest schedule but he who lasts the longest. Hebrews 9:24-27. today we want to focus our attention on John. . Gave his life to be a Baptist preacher, VII. As we think of Gods love, what could we do but be faithful? 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