Preservation of the Persecuted Church
After the resurrection of Jesus, the disciples faced persecution as they spread the gospel, leading to intense trials for believers. Explore Revelation's message to the church in Smyrna and the enduring relevance of Jesus' words amidst challenges. Reflect on the church's perseverance, the assurance of God's presence, and the ultimate victory promised to those who remain faithful.
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Presentation Transcript
PRESERVATION OF THE PERSECUTED CHURCH
MEMORY VERSE 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 days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life (Revelation 2:10). TEXT: Revelation 2:8-11
After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the disciples went everywhere preaching the gospel. The Lord, through the power of the Holy Spirit, worked mightily with them and many souls were saved and added to the disciples. These souls formed the foundation of the New Testament church, and the has continued to grow till this present generation. However, it has not been a smooth journey for friends of Jesus. True to Christ s prophecies and warnings, the church has been experiencing intense persecution in many different ways. But God has kept His people safe because He promised and said Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matthew 28:20). INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION CONTD As we continue with our study of the book of Revelation, we are going to examine the message of Jesus to the church in Smyrna Christ hadspecial and distinctive message to the seven churches in a territory known as Asia Minor which are the representative of the body of Christ worldwide These messages are still very relevant to the church in our present generation and those yet unborn If you are a member of the Universal Church, you must take heed to messages of Jesus Christ that says, He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches (Revelation 2:11).
If you are not a member of the church yet, turn away from your sins, believe in Jesus Christ as your Saviour and daily live a victorious life over sin, self and Satan (John 3:16). INTRODUCTION CONT D
THE TOPIC IS DIVIDED INTO THREE PARTS PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH PRESERVATION OF THE CHURCH PRIZE FOR OVERCOMERS
POINT 1: PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH Revelation 2:8-10; Mark 10:30; John 15:18-21; Acts 8: 1,2; 2 Thess. 1:4; 2 Timothy 3:12 Christ came into the world for the purpose of establishing the church, but He suffered, bled, died and rose again from death on the third day. Our Lord Jesus Christ, His immediate and present day disciples have said so much about the persecution of the church. Persecution is the day to day reproach, rejection, pain and even death that friends of Jesus must pass through while here on earth among the ungodly people.
POINT 1: PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH CONTD. Revelation 2:8-10; Mark 10:30; John 15:18-21; Acts 8: 1,2; 2 Thess. 1:4; 2 Timothy 3:12 The world that hated the Saviour will also hate His followers because their deeds are unrighteous. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you (John 15:18). Jesus has already warned us that as believers we will suffer persecution. The Bible also confirms that Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12)
POINT 1: PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH CONTD. Persecution is a common experience of every true believer. As He said to the church in Smyrna, Jesus wants us to be faithful to Him unto death. He is the foundation, and the owner and keeper of the church. The church is united, universal, will continue to the end of the world The church can never be destroyed by Satan and the wicked people who hate Jesus and want to destroy those who believe in Him. Though the church is persecuted, hated, reproached and rejected in all ages and all over the world, Yet the church will remain undefeated (Matthew16:18). Praise the Lord!!!
The angel of the church, in our text, stands for the pastor of that congregation. The counsel of the Lord to the church in Smyrna assures that: Jesus knows and appreciates all we are doing to glorify His name, all we are suffering for His name, as well as the lies of Satan against us. We must not be afraid of what the unbelievers will do to hurt us If we are faithful and overcome, we will wear the crown of life. The Lord will preserve His church through all her trials and at the end He will reward His faithful friends. POINT 2: PRESERVATION OF THE CHURCH Revelation 2:10; Matthew 16:18; Romans 8:35-37; 2 Timothy 3:11; 4:18
POINT 2: PRESERVATION OF THE CHURCH CONTD. A part of the church are already in heaven while some are not yet born. The Bible shows us that the church began in the wilderness (Acts 7:38). God delivered the children of Israel from the long and terrible torment and suffering in Egypt through Moses. God will also preserve the present and future church from persecution and tribulation through our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord Himself says that the gates of hell shall not overcome the church. Paul the apostles also confirms that it is the Lord that delivers us from persecutions.
POINT THREE: PRIZE FOR OVERCOMERS Revelation 2:10,11; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Philippians 3:13,14 There is a reward for all who remain faithful, endure and overcome temptations and persecution till the end for Jesus sake. Christ spoke to encourage the church in Smyrna, appreciated all the troubles they went through for His name s sake. He counselled them not to fear but to overcome all the suffering they would pass through. He promised them crown of life in heaven at the end of their journey here on earth. This should encourage you that every little pain and shame you endure for Jesus will be rewarded by Him.
POINT THREE: PRIZE FOR OVERCOMERS CONTD. There is a prize awaiting every child who turns away from sin. Live in righteousness and serve Jesus faithfully to the end. You will rise up now and pray that the Lord should keep you from sin. Give you the grace to endure shame for Him and preserve you for His kingdom.
1. The word church in our lesson refers to -------- ---------------------------------- 2. Who is the Head of the church? 3. How can you become a member of the church of Christ? 4. Mention three lessons you learnt from Jesus counsel to the church in Smyrna 5. What is the reward that Jesus has promised to give His faithful servants?
The Lord will preserve His church in times of trials and trouble. LESSON: THOUGHT: I will endure persecution and receive a crown of life at last.
PRAYER SESSION (i) That God should preserve Christian who are suffering persecution all over the world and comfort those whose loved ones have been killed because they believed in Jesus. (ii) That Jesus will help you not to deny Him when you face persecutions.
