In recent years we've witnessed revolting attacks against the Christian Church.

Tragically some of the accusations are founded in scandal,

but many are baseless allegations that undermine our freedom of worship.

Today, on Insight for Living, Chuck Swindall continues his study in the Book of Revelation.

In Chapter 2, we learn about the gathering of true believers in Smyrna who felt intense persecution

from Rome.

And their story provides a lesson for all of us. If you missed any of our previous program, we'll begin with a quick summary. Chuck titled his message, The Suffering Church under a town.

Did you know that in the New Testament five crowns are promised believers?

Five possible crowns can be one, if you will, earned in life which will be

granted at the time of the judgment seat of Christ.

And the crown of life is promised not only to those who endure, but note carefully,

those who love him. who

love him while enduring. And the book that we're studying, the book that we're studying, the book of

revelation reveals that in that great day having been given the crowns we will cast him at his feet and

all the glory and praise will go to the one who gave us the crown.

Wonderful thought.

All of this is wonderful preparation for the letter that John wrote under God's direction to the church at Smyrna.

Smrna.

Revelation 2, beginning at verse 8.

And to the angel of the church in Smyrna, right, the first and the last who was dead and has come to life says this,

I know your tribulation and your poverty, but are rich and the blasphemy by those who say

they are Jews and are not but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you

...