Pastor Jim Hammond | July 17, 2022

Recap:
We’re right in the middle of the seven letters of Revelation written to seven different churches. These letters are important to understand for they lay the groundwork for things we need to be aware of as a church today. The letter Pastor Jim focused on this past weekend was the letter to the church at Smyrna who faced intense persecution. Jesus wanted them to know that they didn’t need to be afraid of persecution, but they could stand strong and hold onto their faith no matter what came their way!

Dive Deeper:
No one wants to be persecuted. Everyone would prefer to be well-liked by others and avoid the scrutiny that persecution brings. The church at Smyrna, however, wasn’t able to do that. False teachings were prevalent. In fact, they were one of the first cities to sponsor Caesar’s worship under the Romans. This included a gesture of formality that citizens had to annually and publicly acknowledge that Caesar was Lord. Rome didn’t necessarily care who you worshipped throughout the year. They simply wanted you to acknowledge Caesar that one time. Once you did, you could get a document that showed proof you obeyed.

Some Christians at that time figured it would be fine to say Caesar was Lord and then go back to church. Others recognized that their words were powerful and meant something. To say both Caesar and Jesus were Lord was incompatible and untrue. What that meant, though, was Christians were persecuted, burned at the stake, or fed to the lions if they didn’t obey.

Jesus encouraged these Christians to stand fast. He saw the trouble coming and what was awaiting the church, and He let them know that they did not need to be afraid of the certain persecution that was headed their way. Even when the Jews persecuted the Christians, they should stand firm in their faith.

May the Lord give us that same stamina, perseverance, and faith as well to hold to our faith! We don’t have to be afraid. We can choose Him!

Read About It:
Revelation 2:8–11 KJV
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

1 Corinthians 1:5 KJV
That in everything ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;

Hebrews 10:34 Amp.
For you did sympathize and suffer along with those who were imprisoned, and you bore cheerfully the plundering of your belongings and the confiscation of your property, in the knowledge and consciousness that you yourselves had a better and lasting possession.

Ephesians 2:4 KJV
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Discussion Questions:
1. Have you ever faced persecution of some sort?
2. What can we do today to strengthen our faith so we are ready for persecution that comes our way?
3. Why would people choose to claim that Caesar is Lord even when they knew it wasn’t true?

Rewatch or catch up on the full sermon with the link below!

Watch Now
Share
Share
Share

Recent Sermon Notes

THY KINGDOM COME, #2, “Seek First the Kingdom of God” | Mac Hammond

Jul 23, 2024

Pastor Mac delivered the second installment of his series entitled, “Thy Kingdom Come.” The book of Hebrews says that in the end times, God is going to shake the world systems. Some things will be removed by the shaking. Things that cannot be shaken will survive. And what survives the shaking will be transformed. Regarding the world’s systems, Pastor Mac says, “If our dependence is more grounded in these worldly systems than our dependence on God, we too will be shaken.” We are in the midst of the world being shaken. It’s important we understand why the shaking is happening and what we are to do in the midst of it.

THY KINGDOM COME: There Is a Shaking Going On | Mac Hammond

Jul 14, 2024

Pastor Mac began his new series, “Thy Kingdom Come,” by addressing the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. Calling the event one of the saddest days in our nation’s history, Pastor Mac went on to say the event, interestingly enough, fit into the subject of his message subtitled, “There’s a Shaking Going On.” He said, “A lot of us were truly shaken by what happened. But we must keep the perspective of the Bible in mind; He is not shaking things by having someone take a shot at President Trump that killed someone else.” He cautioned, “We’re going to see more and more of these things in the immediate future because we are living at the end of an age.” He continued to address the coming shaking of the world.

GRACE UNVEILED, #14, “Revelation Grace” | Jim Hammond

Jul 7, 2024

Pastor Jim shared the 14th installment of his series on the book of Romans, entitled “Grace Unveiled.” Revelation 5:3 was the text for the message: “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” It goes against our flesh nature, but this verse is telling us to jump for joy when you experience tribulation.

Spiritual Warfare and the Imagination | Jim Hammond and James Tan

Jun 30, 2024

Guest Minister James Tan joined together with Pastor Jim to tag team preach the message, “Spiritual Warfare and the Imagination.” Their message was based on 2nd Corinthians 10:3–5, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…” Pastor Jim and Guest Minister James took us step by step on how to cast down and take captive any thoughts that do not exalt the knowledge of God.

GRACE UNVEILED, #13, See Jesus in His Grace | Jim Hammond

Jun 23, 2024

, Pastor Jim gave his 13th installment of his series “Grace Unveiled.” Still in Romans chapter 4, Pastor Jim says if you don’t understand the message of this chapter, you will not be able to understand the rest of Romans. Chapter four makes the case that you are made righteous by His grace, not by your good works or by your good deeds. It is through faith in His grace. One must understand that His righteousness is a gift. It can’t be earned. Pastor Jim went through the chapter and carefully laid out the understanding of each verse.