THE CHURCH OF GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS (2 OF 7)
Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11
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The Church of Good News and Bad News (2 of 7)
Series: The 7 Churches of Revelation
Richard A. Bradley
Revelation 2:8-11
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 be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
11 ''He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.'''
NKJV
_______________
No doubt you've heard this question, ''I've got good news and bad news. Which do you want first?'' You know, like the doctor that walks into a patient's room and says, ''I've got good news and bad news. Which do you want first.'' The patient opts for the bad news first and the doctor says, ''We've had to amputate both of your legs.'' What could possibly be the good news you ask? ''The good news is the guy in the next room has made you a great offer on your sneakers.''
If you offer someone good news and bad news you better know what you're talking about. What Jesus knows for certain is the common theme of this passage. Occasionally, we wonder whether or not He really knows what's going on with us. I assure you that feeling is not unique to us. In the middle of a terrible day of tribulation I'm sure the believers in Smyrna had those exact feelings. The point is, Jesus knows. If your life is full of good news, Jesus knows that. If bad news is on the way, Jesus also knows that.
The risen Christ told the church at Smyrna that He had both good news and bad news for them. Isn't this the way life normall ...
Series: The 7 Churches of Revelation
Richard A. Bradley
Revelation 2:8-11
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 be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
11 ''He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.'''
NKJV
_______________
No doubt you've heard this question, ''I've got good news and bad news. Which do you want first?'' You know, like the doctor that walks into a patient's room and says, ''I've got good news and bad news. Which do you want first.'' The patient opts for the bad news first and the doctor says, ''We've had to amputate both of your legs.'' What could possibly be the good news you ask? ''The good news is the guy in the next room has made you a great offer on your sneakers.''
If you offer someone good news and bad news you better know what you're talking about. What Jesus knows for certain is the common theme of this passage. Occasionally, we wonder whether or not He really knows what's going on with us. I assure you that feeling is not unique to us. In the middle of a terrible day of tribulation I'm sure the believers in Smyrna had those exact feelings. The point is, Jesus knows. If your life is full of good news, Jesus knows that. If bad news is on the way, Jesus also knows that.
The risen Christ told the church at Smyrna that He had both good news and bad news for them. Isn't this the way life normall ...
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