Sign of Times (Part XVI -16)

by Moonings

The Message to Each Church

Smyrna/Persecuted Churches

Salutation: Christ is the ever-living One who rose from the dead.
Relevance to this church: As those facing death, the members of this church need to understand
that Christ has conquered death.

Acknowledgment: He notices their works, tribulation, poverty, and persecution by false believers.
Relevance to this church: The chief persecutor of true religion has always been false religion.

Exhortation/Prediction: They will be cast into prison and will suffer tribulation ten days. Relevance for this church: Although this church will disappear before Christ returns for the
church, it will reappear later during the Tribulation, when intense persecution breaks out anew (Matt. 24:9-10).

Assurance: If they are faithful unto death, they will receive a crown of life.
Relevance for this church: They must understand that death is merely a bridge to an exalted life.

Promise: Overcomers will escape the second death.
Relevance for this church: One motive driving them to accept death as the penalty for faith is
fear of the second death. Christ promises them that the second death will not touch them.