To the Death! (4 of 30)
Series: Live Like You're Leaving
Keith Krell
Revelation 2:8-11
I would like to talk to you about some very important topics. What is on the menu for Sunday lunch? Are you going out to eat, or do you have something in the Crockpot? Are you going to watch the Seahawk game tomorrow evening? Who do you think is going to win: the Hawks or the Skins? Did you receive the latest Costco coupon catolog? There are some great deals and instant rebates. Are you going to do some shopping this afternoon?
Now, these three activities may have their place, but if I attempted to talk with a dying person about food, sports, or shopping, he or she wouldn't be interested. Such a person sees other things as far more important. People who are dying recognize what we often forget: that we're standing on the brink of another world. I want to tell you a secret: You are going to die! You entered into life with an impending death sentence. As a result of sin's curse, you will one day die. Now you may live to be a 100, but you will still die. And in light of eternity, 100 years will seem like a blink. However, dying of old age isn't our concern today. Rather, in Rev 2:8-11, Jesus challenges us to lay down our lives for the gospel-being ''faithful until death.'' I realize that this is a frightening prospect. I am sure you have a lot of questions and concerns. Yet, I must pose this question: If necessary, are you ready to die Christ? I would argue that we're not ready to live until we're ready to die.
1. The Commission (2:8a). John opens up with the words: ''And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write.'' This letter is sent to the church in Smyrna, which was experiencing pressures, poverty, and persecution. Smyrna represents every persecuted church in every age and every persecuted believer in every cultural setting. The Greek word Smyrna means ''bitter.'' It has been said, ''The trials of life can make one bitter or better.'' As we shall see, the Smyrn ...
Series: Live Like You're Leaving
Keith Krell
Revelation 2:8-11
I would like to talk to you about some very important topics. What is on the menu for Sunday lunch? Are you going out to eat, or do you have something in the Crockpot? Are you going to watch the Seahawk game tomorrow evening? Who do you think is going to win: the Hawks or the Skins? Did you receive the latest Costco coupon catolog? There are some great deals and instant rebates. Are you going to do some shopping this afternoon?
Now, these three activities may have their place, but if I attempted to talk with a dying person about food, sports, or shopping, he or she wouldn't be interested. Such a person sees other things as far more important. People who are dying recognize what we often forget: that we're standing on the brink of another world. I want to tell you a secret: You are going to die! You entered into life with an impending death sentence. As a result of sin's curse, you will one day die. Now you may live to be a 100, but you will still die. And in light of eternity, 100 years will seem like a blink. However, dying of old age isn't our concern today. Rather, in Rev 2:8-11, Jesus challenges us to lay down our lives for the gospel-being ''faithful until death.'' I realize that this is a frightening prospect. I am sure you have a lot of questions and concerns. Yet, I must pose this question: If necessary, are you ready to die Christ? I would argue that we're not ready to live until we're ready to die.
1. The Commission (2:8a). John opens up with the words: ''And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write.'' This letter is sent to the church in Smyrna, which was experiencing pressures, poverty, and persecution. Smyrna represents every persecuted church in every age and every persecuted believer in every cultural setting. The Greek word Smyrna means ''bitter.'' It has been said, ''The trials of life can make one bitter or better.'' As we shall see, the Smyrn ...
There are 26647 characters in the full content. This excerpt only shows a 2000 character sample of the full content.
Price: $5.99 or 1 credit
