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REVELATION 2: 8-11

"CHURCH IN SMYRNA"

I. ANGEL OF CHURCH IN SMYRNA.
        A. Smyrna 40 miles north of Ephesus still exists today, most Christianized area in
           Turkey.
                1. Means myrrh (a fragrant gun of popular use. especially for embalming
                   purposes.
                2. Smyrna church of persecution.
        B. Polycorp probably "Angel of church."
                1. It is said John set him as Bishop.
                2. Martyred in 168.

II. WEALTH IN POVERTY.
        A. Poverty is secular not spiritual.
                1. But thou art rich.
                2. Opposite to laodocia.
        B. Secular riches relative value.
                Spiritual are absolute.
        C. Spiritual wealth a blessing.
                Secular most generally a bane.
        D. Spiritual wealth gained by individual always Secular not so.

III. FRIENDS IN RELIGION "BLASPHEMY OF THOSE WHO SAY THEY ARE JEWS, BUT ARE THE SYNAGOGUE OF
     SATAN."
        A. Satan has much to do with religion.
                1. Religion not godliness in his shrine and instrument.
        B. Not all Jews who say.
                1. Jews for most part today is same condition.
                        a. Save a small few by election of grace.

IV. SAINTS IN PERSECUTION VS. 10.
        A. Persecution was religious.
        B. Persecution to be severe.
                1. Suffer.
                2. Tried.
                3. Tribulation.
                4. Imprisonment.
                5. Death.
        C. Persecution was testing "That ye may be tried."
        D. Persecution was to be 10 days.
                1. 10 Emperors.
                2. Last diocletain 10 yrs.
                        Sufferings not penal, but discipling.

V. DUTY IN TRIAL "BE THOU FAITHFUL."
        A. Attempts to sway polycorp.

VI. VICTORY IN DEATH "I WILL GIVE THEE CROWN OF LIFE" NOT BE HURT OF SECOND DEATH  "FEAR NOT
    HIM WHO IS ABLE TO KILL THE BODY."