2. WE ARE TO BE A CHURCH THAT PREPARES FOR PERSECUTION

3. Revelation 2:8-11: “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: I know your afflictions and your

4. poverty--yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

5. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you,

6. and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.

7. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

8. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.”

9. WE ARE TO BE A CHURCH THAT PREPARES FOR PERSECUTION

10. Matt. 28:18 “Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

11. Lessons we can learn from this passage:

12. -When followers of Christ go public in any pagan world they should EXPECT persecution and a spiritual battle.

13. -Jesus knows EVERYTHING we go through.

14. Since we are in a spiritual battle, God calls us to confess our sins and be forgiven so that we can be clean vessels for His use.

15. Remember who is on your side-Jesus! First and Last Dead and Alive

16. God is calling us to surrender ourselves to be used to His glory-no matter the cost!

17. If we surrender to Him, NOTHING can stop us!