Podcasts about Smyrna

This week, the gals celebrate some absolute icons of queer history. Topics include some powerful poetry, a tuberculosis breakthrough, and a dubious car launch. Grind up some Kushlato from Lifted Northwest, lock down that hottie from Smyrna, and tune in for Trans Excellence.  For a full list of show sponsors, visit https://wineandcrimepodcast.com/sponsors. To advertise on Wine & Crime, please email ad-sales@libsyn.com or go to advertising.libsyn.com/winecrime.  

What started as an air force base is now Tennessee's third-largest airport, but you probably will never fly in or out of it. Plus the local news for June 24, 2026 and this week's edition of What Where Whens-Day Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Sunday AM 06-21-2026. Topical Series.

Matt Smethurst preaches Revelation 2:8–11 at River City Baptist Church, a new congregation in Richmond, Virginia. For more information or to get in touch, visit https://rivercityrichmond.org.

What if your suffering is not a sign that God forgot you, but proof that you are worth the enemy's attention? Jesus had no rebuke for the church at Smyrna, only this: I see your pain, I have been there, and the crown waiting for you is worth it. Are you still standing?

Polycarp lived at a time when the early church was facing pressure from Rome, false teaching from within, and the growing challenge of preserving the message handed down by the apostles. In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany look at the life of Polycarp of Smyrna, one of the Apostolic Fathers and a direct link to the Apostle John. They discuss his role as bishop of Smyrna, his influence on Irenaeus, his defense of apostolic truth, and his faithful witness even unto death. Chapters:01:00 Who Was Polycarp of Smyrna?Polycarp was one of the Apostolic Fathers, a bishop in Smyrna, and a direct link between the apostles and the next generation of Christian leaders.03:00 Polycarp's Connection to the ApostlesPolycarp was a disciple of the Apostle John and was known by Irenaeus as someone instructed by the apostles and connected to those who had seen Christ.05:00 The Apostolic FathersThe Apostolic Fathers were early Christian leaders who lived just after the apostles and helped guide the church through its first generations.08:30 False Teaching in the Early ChurchThe early church faced pressure from Rome on the outside and false teaching from within, including movements like Gnosticism and Marcionism.10:00 What Was Marcionism?Marcion rejected parts of Scripture and taught a divided view of God, claiming the Old Testament God and the God revealed by Jesus were different.15:00 Polycarp and IrenaeusPolycarp mentored Irenaeus and modeled how to stand firmly for truth while showing grace in secondary disagreements.17:30 Polycarp's ArrestRoman authorities arrested Polycarp when he was 86 years old and pressured him to deny Christ by offering incense to Caesar.20:00 The Martyrdom of PolycarpPolycarp refused to deny Jesus, declaring that Christ had never done him wrong and that he “Nearly 2,000 years later, we sit here and we still remember Polycarp, not because he was powerful or wealthy or famous. We remember him because he was faithful.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston

Part 2 of our series, Jesus Revealed: Letters to the Church. Thanks for listening to this message from New Life Church. In this message, Pastor Joel Solomon continues our journey through the seven letters to the churches in Revelation. As Jesus addresses the church in Smyrna, we discover His call to remain faithful in the midst of suffering, persecution, and hardship. This message was recorded at New Life Church | Kempsville in Virginia Beach, VA.

Live Humbly and Serve | Live Free Week 3 June 21, 2026 Message by Jordan Raybon [Riverdale Associate Campus Minister]   Scripture References & Sermon Points Philippians 2:1-11   • Reject Yourself • Reflect Christ  

Sunday, June 21, 2026Ears to Hear: Listening to the Voice of Christ, "Smyrna: A Suffering Church" - Tyler TankersleySermon based on Revelation 2:8-11

Live Humbly and Serve | Live Free Week 3 June 21, 2026 Message by RC Ford [Stewarts Creek Campus Pastor]   Scripture References & Sermon Points Philippians 2:1-11   • Live Lowly Minded • Live Lord Minded  

What does it look like when fifth-generation farming meets modern food entrepreneurship? For Sue Heward of Singing Magpie Produce in Monash, South Australia, it looks like sun-dried Smyrna quinces, semi-dried black and white figs, vine-ripened Shiraz grapes dried on the vine, and artisan gift boxes that tell the full story of the Riverland. In this rich, grounded conversation recorded on the Heward family orchard, Tawnya Bahr sits down with Sue and her father Frank - a man who has farmed this property for over 60 years - to trace 105 years of family growing history, the birth of Sue’s business, Singing Magpie Produce nearly a decade ago, and the hard-won lessons of building a value-added food brand from the ground up. What You'll Hear in This Episode 105 years on the land - Frank traces the Heward family's growing history from the original quince trees to today's pecans, figs, quinces and grapes The fruit fly reality - How Queensland fruit fly regulations have reshaped what the Hewards can sell fresh, pushing them further into value-adding and manufacturing supply for Maggie Beer and Beerenberg The grape glut crisis - With Riverland winegrapes unwanted by the market, Frank explains how Sue turned the problem into "Dad's Vine Ripened Shiraz" - sun-dried Shiraz with a flavour that tastes like eating wine How Singing Magpie began - Sue returned from 16 years in Melbourne, swapped a career in health prevention for commercial cookery, and spent her first year back picking figs and figuring out her next act The first product and a Champion Award - Starting with 50 kilos of preservative-free, semi-sun-dried black figs sold on Facebook, the brand grew fast. The Smyrna sun-dried quince - made from her mother's recipe - won Champion at Sydney Royal Fine Foods in its first year The sticky quince syrup - A zero-waste product born from the poaching liquid; reduced for seven hours until it's sweet, tart and just on the edge of caramelised. Works with cheese, duck, lamb and dessert equally The full product range - From sun-dried mangoes to persimmons, jujubes from Black Sheep Produce in Loxton, locally sourced Medjool dates, and Solomon Gold vegan chocolate hand-tempered in the Riverland The spectacular diced fruit mix - Deliberately sultana-free; packed with black and white figs, peaches, pears, apricots and candied lemon (the very same lemon used in the quince cooking process, wasted by no one) Breast cancer and the business - Sue shares how a diagnosis at 50, followed by five months of chemotherapy, forced her to step back from the day-to-day - and accidentally prompted the team expansion and systems thinking that made the business stronger Tasting Australia 2026 - A marquee event for 50-60 guests on the quince orchard, in collaboration with Temperance Restaurant and Hotel Renmark, in 65mm of unexpected Riverland rain. It was magical. About Singing Magpie Produce Singing Magpie Produce is an artisan dried fruit and specialty food brand based in Monash, South Australia, in the Riverland. Founded by Sue Heward, the brand grows from a fifth-generation family orchard and sources exclusively from Riverland producers to create premium, preservative-free dried fruits, sun-dried quinces, quince syrups, specialty gift boxes, and seasonal products. Singing Magpie is a multi-award-winning producer. Their sun-dried Smyrna quince won Champion at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Competition in 2017, and the brand has since collected Gold and Silver medals at the RAS NSW Royal Fine Food Show and Australian Food Awards, appeared on MasterChef Australia (2018), have twice won the SA State title at the delicious. Harvey Norman Produce Awards (2019 and 2025), and in 2025 became a National Finalist in the Sun-Dried Fruits - From the Earth category. Their products are stocked and supplied to food service clients across Australia through their collaboration with Straight To The Source. People & Places Mentioned Frank Heward - Sue's father; fifth-generation grower; 60+ years on the Monash property; innovator (mushroom tunnels, dried fruit, pecan planting) Petty Orchards - Frank's grandmother's family orchards in Doncaster-Mitcham, Melbourne; a well-known horticultural name in the region Maggie Beer Products - 24-year supply relationship for figs and quinces for manufacturing Beerenberg - Current manufacturer customers for Heward Orchard Black Sheep Produce - Heidi and Dave, Loxton; growers of jujubes (Chinese red dates) supplied to Singing Magpie gift boxes Solomon Gold - Vegan chocolate sourced from Sydney; hand-tempered by the Singing Magpie team Almond Co. - Riverland almonds used in Singing Magpie gift boxes Tasting Australia - Festival platform that brought guests from Adelaide, Mildura, Mount Gambier and Inverloch to the Monash orchard Temperance Restaurant / Hotel Renmark - Collaborators on the Tasting Australia orchard event Straight To The Source - food consultancy; 10-year relationship with Singing Magpie; connected the brand to chefs and food service nationally Sydney Royal Fine Food Competition - Premier national food competition (Royal Agricultural Society); Singing Magpie's Smyrna sun-dried quince won Champion Award in its debut year delicious Produce Awards: Multiple award winner, including most recently 2025 From the Earth South Australian National Finalist Resources & Links Singing Magpie Produce - Find their products and gift boxes online Sydney Royal Fine Food Competition - rasnsw.com.au Tasting Australia - South Australia's premier food and drink festival - tastingaustralia.com.au Breast cancer awareness - Check your breasts monthly. National Breast Cancer Foundation - nbcf.org.au About Straight To The Source Straight To The Source brings you closer to the chefs, producers, growers and makers across the entire food chain, the people shaping where food is headed and why it matters. Hosted by food experts Tawnya Bahr and Lucy Allon. Follow, rate and review Straight To The Source to help more people discover the stories shaping Australia’s food and hospitality industry. You can find us: Straight To The Source Food Podcast: https://lnk.to/jBCTBE Straight To The Source Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/straight_to_the_source/ Straight To The Source Website: http://straighttothesource.com.au Tawnya Bahr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawnyabahr/ Instagram: @tawnyabahr Email: tbahr@straighttothesource.com.au Lucy Allon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyallon/ Instagram: @lucy_allon Email: lucy@straighttothesource.com.au Keywords: Straight To The Source Podcast, Straight To The Source, Sue Heward, Frank Heward, Singing Magpie Produce, Riverland, South Australia, Australian food producers, family farming, generational farming, Australian figs, semi-dried figs, Smyrna quince, quince products, Riverland Shiraz, dried fruit Australia, artisan food products, value-added agriculture, food innovation, Australian produce, provenance, regional Australia, food entrepreneurship, farm to table, producer stories. @straighttothesourcepodcast: https://www.youtube.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Revelation chapters 2 and 3, Jesus wrote letters to seven churches. One of these letters stands out because it is filled with incredible praise and encouragement from Christ. What was the reason for His good words to this church? Let's find out now, here, on Foreshadows Report!Learn more about Steve and his books at https://SteveMillerResources.comProduced by Unmutable™

Last time we completed John's look at the Lord's letter to Smyrna, in Revelation chapter two. It was a letter of encouragement and praise. Today, as we begin a study of the letter to Pergamum, we see a very different tone from the Lord. Pergamum had fallen into the hands of false teaching. They were compromising. The Lord's response? Repent! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1368/29?v=20251111

View this sermon (with video and/or audio recording) on our website: https://www.lordoflords.org/sermons/funeral-sermon-for-doris-miller-faithful-unto-death/Watch this sermon directly on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VdyEzsPZwIIn Jesus Christ's Revelation to Saint John, Jesus is speaking in chapters 2 and 3 to the seven churches in Asia Minor. In verses 8 through 11 of chapter 2, Jesus is speaking directly to the church in Smyrna. He says, "I know your suffering and your poverty―but you are rich. And I know the blasphemy that comes from those who say they are Jews but are not; rather, they are a synagogue of Satan."Smyrna was one of the finest seaports in the Roman world. Smyrna had exclusive rights to export myrrh, which was a valuable spice. Smyrna is named after myrrh. This is like the valuable spice in Star Wars with Han Solo's Kessel Run.Jesus noticed that the Christians in Smyrna were enduring a great deal of persecution or pressure. There was an ancient torture where a victim was laid on his back while a series of weights were laid on his chest. The three weights on the chest of the church of Smyrna were poverty, blasphemy, and persecution.It was a poor church -- a sitting duck for the afflictions Satan wanted to pour out on its members. Yet Jesus commends them. Despite their monetary poverty, because they held on to their faith in Jesus Christ, they were eternally rich.The angel at Jesus' open tomb tells the women, "Do not be afraid! I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here. He has risen, just as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay" (Matthew 28:5-6). The resurrected Christ later tells the women, "Do not be afraid. Go, tell my brothers that they should go to Galilee, and there they will see me" (Matthew 28:10). The ascended Lord Jesus tells the Christians in Smyrna, "Do not fear anything that you are about to suffer. Look, the Devil is about to throw some of you into prison so that you will be tested, and you will suffer for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10).The force of the verbs in Greek is "Stop being afraid." Stop being afraid -- not just once -- but always. Stop being afraid, because there is no one and nothing that can defeat you, overwhelm you, or take you out of the nail-scarred hands of your Good Shepherd. St. Paul gives this encouragement to the Christians in Rome, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor rulers, neither things present nor things to come, nor powerful forces, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).Jesus gives the goal for every Christian to be faithful in enduring whatever pressures he may allow Satan to set on our chests. Jesus desires Christians who are willing to suffer for him. Then they will receive the crown of eternal life. The crown is given to God's saints as they enter the glories of heaven. Jesus Christ is victorious as he sits on his higher throne, wearing his golden crown and robed in glory. Jesus -- our King, Savior, and Shepherd -- gifts his faithful saints with a crown as they gather around his golden throne for all eternity.Our faithful God gave physical life to Doris on October 6, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He then gave the gift of spiritual life through water and the Word when Doris was baptized at St. Lucas Lutheran Church in Milwaukee on October 14, 1933. Doris attended Sunday School and Catechism classes at St. Lucas during her childhood years. On May 25, 1947, she made her vows of faithfulness to her faithful God in her confirmation at St. Lucas. Doris was asked similar questions as these at her confirmation, "Do you intend to continue steadfast in this teaching and to endure all things, even death, rather than fall away from it? Do you intend faithfully to conform all your life to the teachings of God's Word, to be faithful in the use of the Word and Sacrament, and in faith and action remain true to God---Father, Son, and Holy Spirit---as long as you live?" The response to both questions is, "I do, and I ask God to help me."Doris chose Revelation 2:10 as her confirmation verse. "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." By God's grace and the working of the Holy Spirit, Doris took her confirmation vow seriously. It was a vow of life and death. Doris made another vow of faithfulness to Bob and the Lord on December 6, 1952, at St. Lucas. By God's grace, Bob and Doris remained faithful in marriage for 58 years, until God called Bob to receive his crown of life in 2011. God blessed Bob and Doris' marriage with seven children.You can witness Doris' faithfulness in her various vocations as wife, mother, and employee. In Milwaukee, Doris was employed as an office worker. When she lived in Casper, she served as a medical records clerk, she volunteered as an office worker for the Casper Police Department, and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. She was always busy packing lunches, doing (I'm assuming lots of) laundry, cooking meals, cleaning the house, and cleaning up after seven children. It was a challenge to get seven children to church, but they always made it.Doris was a good cook. She made peanut butter sandwiches served with chocolate milk. She made excellent potato pancakes. She even made tater tots taste good! She would get up early to ask how her kids were doing before they started the early shift at work. She made sure her children made it to doctor or dentist or ophthalmologist appointments. She volunteered to help with crafts at the St. Lucas Girls Club -- but not in her kids' classes -- to the chagrin of her children, who heard from other students, "Your mom is so nice!" She would play the organ in the family room, often taking requests. "Hernando's Hideaway" was the most popular request of her children. It seems that Star Wars theme music became popular with her grandchildren.Bob served in the U.S. Air Force. While Bob was stationed in Tripoli, Libya, Africa, he, Doris, and the first of their two children lived in an apartment building. During the day when Bob was at the airbase, an Arab man knocked on the apartment door. Doris opened the door, and the Arab man began insisting that he babysit the two daughters. The man continued to insist, trying to work his way inside the apartment, while Doris kept telling him to leave. This had no effect. So, she reached grabbed the shotgun on the wall, that was there for emergencies and pointed it at him. The Arab screamed and ran down the hallway. He never returned. I wonder why. Doris was faithful in protecting her family ... with a shotgun, if necessary.The family has great stories to tell. I encourage you to ask them to go more in-depth later in the fellowship hall. The beautiful part of a Christian funeral is that God is able to mix laughter and joy with our grief and tears.When Bob and Doris moved to Casper in 1981, Lord of Lords was small and only had a handful of members. You can imagine that those members were excited to see the Miller clan in church because they doubled the size of the congregation! Ruthie volunteered her mom to Pastor Russow to play the piano for worship. She played for a long time, until her fingers didn't cooperate. Doris made many of the banners that beautify our sanctuary. These were ways that the Lord of the Church used Doris and her vow of faithfulness to the Lord for his kingdom work.The members here miss Doris making coffee for them in the coffee pot every Sunday morning. When Doris became homebound, I took on that task of making coffee. That lasted two weeks ... until I was banned from making coffee. You can also ask me later to tell you the story of that misadventure.As faithful as Doris was in her vocations as a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, employee, organist, and church member, she did not do it on her own. Because of her inborn sin passed on to her from her parents Edward and Emilie, and because of her actual sins, Doris could not be faithful. None of us can be faithful for the same reasons. Not to our spouse or our children or our employers ... and especially not to our God. By his grace, God both calls us to be faithful and gives us the sanctified ability to be faithful. All through the faithfulness of his Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus makes us faithful.Jesus knows from experience about the pressures on his chest. The pressures of being born into a world that did not want him -- where the king of the country tried to murder him as an infant. The pressures of the Devil's 40-day desert temptations. The pressures of his hometown neighbors attempting to throw him off a cliff. The pressures of the Jewish religious leaders opposing everything Jesus claimed about himself. The pressures of the gates of hell being opened, so the demons possessed so many people. The pressures of one of his closest friends betraying him, another denying him, and the rest deserting him.Jesus was perfectly faithful in worship to his heavenly Father, faithful in respect to his earthly parents, faithful in his protection of life, faithful in his sanctity of marriage, and faithful in the way he never coveted a home, a meal, or even a pillow, since he didn't own any of those things. Why did he do this? Because he knew that Doris, and we as Doris' family and friends would not and could not be faithful. We don't always worship the Lord -- we skip worship if the weather is too nasty or too nice. We disrespect our parents and are frustrated with our children. We don't protect the lives of the most helpless among us. We are not faithful before marriage or during marriage. We have been given so much, yet we still covet more.Jesus was faithful, so he could give his faithfulness to cover our unfaithfulness. Jesus was perfect to cover our imperfections. Jesus was holy to cover our unholiness and then make us holy. More than that, Jesus went to the cross to pay for all our unfaithfulness.For every cowardly act on our part, Jesus stood strong against the temptations of Satan. Every time we put him last on the weekend, he made our salvation his singular thought on the cross. Every time we are afraid to be forsaken by friends or family because of our faith in Jesus, he endured being forsaken by his heavenly Father. He was crowned with thorns so that we might receive a crown of glory. He walked the streets of sorrow so that we might walk streets paved with gold. He endured an eternity of hell on the cross so that we might spend an eternity in heaven with him in Jerusalem the Golden. He was covered with blood so that we might be covered with his robes of righteousness.Today we celebrate that by God's grace, through his Word, Baptism, and Lord's Supper, Doris remained faithful to the Lord. On May 7, she entered the gates of heaven. Jesus was there to say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Then Jesus put a white robe and a golden crown on his new heavenly saint. Now the encouragement for you is to follow Doris' example as your mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. Remember, remain faithful to the Lord unto death. Not because of the vow you make before God's altar in church, but because of the vow Christ made to you on the altar of his cross. He is the One who is speaking in Revelation 2:10. He makes his promise to you: "Do not fear anything that you are about to suffer. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." Amen.

Today's message from pastor John Randall is centered on the Lord's message to the church in Smyrna, found in Revelation chapter two. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1368/29?v=20251111

We now come to the passage in the Bible that some of you have heard so much about. For some of you, you are already familiar with the story of how God miraculously healed me, so I will not spend much time retelling it. However, there is something I have not talked much about, and it has to do with my response to this passage in Revelation 7:9-17. When I was serving as the senior pastor at Northwest Baptist Church, the pressure of ministry began to affect me in ways I did not expect. The church was in a difficult season, and I was carrying a lot. Anxiety began to take a toll on my health. Because of my family history, my doctor sent me to a cardiologist, who ordered a CT scan in 2007. The results were sobering. The scan showed seven areas of calcified plaque in my left coronary artery, and my calcium score was higher than ninety percent of men my age. I was only thirty-two years old, and because my dad died when he was forty-seven, you can imagine where my mind went. Suddenly, I was scheduled for a cardiac catheterization, wondering whether I was going to die young like my father. That Friday morning, before a Converge Rocky Mountain regional gathering, I prayed a simple prayer: Lord, would You encourage me from Your Word? Then I opened my Bible, and it opened to Revelation 7:912. I read about the great multitude no one could number, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and the Lamb, crying out, Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb! Honestly, nothing happened. I read it, closed my Bible, and went on with my day. I believed Revelation was the Word of God, but I had mostly learned to read it as a book about future events, so I did not yet grasp the pastoral comfort God had placed in this vision. The next morning, as we sang How Great Is Our God, the imagery of Revelation 7 rushed back to me. It was as though the Lord gently pressed a question into my heart: Keith, do you understand what awaits you if you die? That was the question I had missed. I had read Revelation 7 as a future scene, but I had not yet learned to receive it as comfort for the present. In that moment, the fear began to liftnot because I knew what would happen during the catheterization, but because the Lord reminded me of where I was going if I belonged to the Lamb. If I lived, I belonged to Christ. If I died, I would be with Christ. Either way, my future was secure. The following week, during the cardiac catheterization, the cardiologist paused and said, Keith, theres nothing there. The plaque that had appeared on the CT scan was gone. I cannot explain it medically, but I believe God, in His mercy, protected me. Yet the gift God gave me in that season was not only more years. He also began to open my eyes to this books purpose. Revelation is not merely a book for charting future events. It is given to strengthen the church by showing us Jesus Christ. It is for suffering, anxious, grieving, persecuted, and weary saints who need to be reminded that the Lamb is on the throne. Revelation 7:917 shows us where every person who belongs to the Lamb is headed. The people of the Lamb will stand before the throne. They will be clothed in white. They will worship. They will be sheltered by God. They will hunger no more. They will thirst no more. The Lamb will be their Shepherd. God Himself will wipe away every tear from their eyes. What I did not understand then is that this passage not only gives us a glimpse of heaven; it also comforts every Christian from every generation. This passage is for me, and it is for you. God is the Keeper of Salvation (vv. 9-12) As we saw last week, John hears the number of Gods sealed people described as 144,000 from the tribes of Israel (Rev. 7:48), but when he looks, he sees a great multitude no one can number from every nation, tribe, people, and language (v. 9). These are not two separate peoples of God; they are Jews and Gentiles gathered into one redeemed people through Israels Messiah. The promise God gave to Abrahamthat all the families of the earth would be blessed through him (Gen. 12:3)has come to full bloom through Christ, the Lamb who purchased people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation (Rev. 5:910). Now, in Revelation 7, that redeemed people stands before the throne and the Lamb, where no one in Revelation 6 could stand (Rev. 6:17; 7:9). After God mercifully spared me and the doctors found my left coronary artery clear, one of the first people I told was Ed Hardesty. He said, Remember, son, just as quickly as God removed that plaque from your arteries, He can put it right back again. That was a word I needed to hear. God had not healed me so that I could go on living as though my life belonged to me. He had healed me for a purpose, and that purpose is centered around His mission. But there was another lesson for me right there in Revelation 7. Why does John first hear the people of God described as 144,000 sons of Israel before he sees them as a multitude from the nations? The list has the feel of a census, and more specifically, a military census. In Numbers 1, Israel was counted by tribe according to the number of men able to go to war (Num. 1:23), and that census begins with Reuben, Jacobs firstborn. But Revelation 7 begins with Judah, because from Judah came the Lion who is also the Lamb (Rev. 5:5). In other words, Revelation is not merely giving us a headcount of redeemed Jewish men; it is giving us a Christ-centered picture of the people of God gathered and ordered around the conquering Lamb. Scripture also connects wartime readiness with consecration. When David and his men needed bread, Ahimelech asked whether the young men had kept themselves from women, and David answered that they had, because they were on a holy mission (1 Sam. 21:45). Later, when David tried to cover up his sin with Bathsheba, Uriah refused to go home to his wife while Israels army was in the field. He said, The ark and Israel and Judah dwell in booths Shall I then go to my house, to eat and to drink and to lie with my wife? (2 Sam. 11:11). Uriah understood something David had forgotten: a soldier at war does not live as though the war does not exist. That background also helps us when we come to Revelation 14, where the 144,000 are described in the ESV and NIV as those who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins (Rev. 14:4). That wording can be misleading if we assume John is referring only to literal unmarried men. The Greek word translated virgins isparthenoi, fromparthenos, which can refer to virginity but can also carry the idea of chastity or purity. This is why the NASB2020 translates Revelation 14:4, These are the ones who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are celibate. The point is not that only unmarried men belong to the Lamb, or that these men are a specific group of virgin men who will be saved in the future. The point is symbolic. Revelation portrays the 144,000 as a consecrated people whose allegiance to the Lamb is marked by purity, devotion, and wartime faithfulness. They have not given themselves over to spiritual adultery with Babylon; they belong wholly to the Lamb. This is what I missed for so many years. The census of the 144,000 sons of Israel represents the great multitude redeemed from the nations, and their devotion to the Lamb includes a wartime ethic. Paul says, Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil, because we do not wrestle against flesh and blood (Eph. 6:1112). This ethic runs throughout Revelation. Jesus told the church in Smyrna, Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life (2:10). The martyrs under the altar had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne (6:9). Revelation 12 says the people of God conquered the dragon by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, because they loved not their lives even unto death (12:11). Revelation 14 describes the 144,000 as those who follow the Lamb wherever he goes (14:4). Revelation 18 calls Gods people to come out of her... lest you take part in her sins (18:4). How is the Christian able to remain faithful with a wartime ethic? They are able to resist because they have the seal of God upon them. It is the One on the throne who is keeping those who belong to Him (John 10:27-30), and it is He who promises to complete the work He is doing in and through them, for Paul wrote of this very thing: And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:6). Listen, salvation in the Bible is not only the forgiveness of sins and pardon from the wrath of God; it also includes the promise that those sealed by the Spirit belong to God and will be kept until the day of redemption (Eph. 1:13-14; 1 Pet. 1:5). This is why the redeemed multitude of both Jews and Gentiles from the nations cry out with a loud voice, Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb! (Rev. 7:10). And this is why all the angels around the throne and the four living creatures fall on their faces in worship of God, saying, Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen (v. 12). Salvation is for the Christian to Experience (vv. 13-17) Now, the other thing I did not recognize in 2007 but discovered while tracing the parallels in Revelation has been right in front of me all these yearsand I missed it. For years, I assumed the great multitude in Revelation 7 described only the martyred saints from the fifth seal, those who were slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne (Rev. 6:9). But one of the elders asked John, Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come? (v. 13). That question is our first clue to the identity of this great multitude. When was the last time in Revelation that one of the elders spoke directly to John? It was two chapters earlier, when John wept because no one was found worthy to open the scroll. Then one of the elders said to him, Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered (5:5). But when John looked, he did not see a conquering lion in the way we might expect; he saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain. Then the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders sang a new song explaining how the Lamb conquered: Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth (5:910). That matters because the elder in Revelation 7 is helping John see the result of the Lambs victory. The great multitude standing before the throne is not limited to the martyrs from the fifth seal, though they are certainly included. This multitude is the people Jesus ransomed by His bloodthe redeemed from every tribe, language, people, and nation across every generation, kept by God until the Day of the Lord. John knows that the elder already knows the answer, so he says, Sir, you know. Then the elder answers his own question: These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb (v. 14). The second clue to the identity of this multitude is what made their robes white: the blood of the Lamb. Blood does not normally make things clean; it stains. But Revelation shows us what the blood of Jesus does for sinners. Isaiah said, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow (Isa. 1:18). John writes, the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). Revelation has already told us that Jesus loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood (1:5). So when Revelation 7 says their robes have been made white in the blood of the Lamb, it speaks of salvation. They are clean before God because the Lamb was slain for them, and that salvation is received by faith in Him. There is a third clue about who these redeemed people are, found in verse 15: they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple. This is priestly language. In the Old Testament, Israel was called to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Ex. 19:6). Now, through the blood of the Lamb, that calling is fulfilled in the redeemed people of Jesus Christ. Revelation 5 has already told us that the Lamb ransomed people for God from every tribe, language, people, and nation, and made them a kingdom and priests to our God (Rev. 5:910). So the multitude in Revelation 7 is not a separate group from those introduced in Revelation 5. They are the priestly people of God, standing before His throne, serving Him in His temple, and wholly belonging to the Lamb. One other thing needs to be pointed out here. Revelation 7 does not say these Christians are only those who were slain for their faith, as we saw in the fifth seal (Rev. 6:9), nor does it identify them specifically as those who were beheaded, as we will see later in Revelation 20:4. Instead, they are identified as those coming out of the great tribulation (v. 14). We will have more time later in Revelation to unpack the repeated time markers John usesthree and a half years, 1,260 days, and forty-two monthsbut for now, it is enough to say that Revelation presents the church as living in tribulation now, while also pointing to an intensified expression of that tribulation before the return of Christ. So when the elder speaks of the great tribulation, I understand him to be describing the full reality of the churchs suffering in this age, including its intensified expression before Jesus comes again. The encouragement of Revelation 7 is not that the people of the Lamb avoid tribulation, but that they come out of it. They are brought safely through it, washed by the blood of the Lamb, and gathered before the throne of God. Notice how the elder describes those who are brought safely through the tribulation: They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb (v. 14). He portrays their cleansing as a completed action. In other words, nothing you can ever do can add to or take away from the salvation Jesus purchased for you through the shedding of His blood. Jesus could not have been clearer: Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him (John 3:36). You are saved by the blood of Christ and by Him alone. Belief results in salvation, but do not misunderstand: true belief in the Son also leads to obedience. While it is true that we will still sin, the evidence that you believe and have been saved by the blood of the Lamb is that you run to Him out of hatred for your sin and love for the One who saved your soul. This is the point John makes in his epistle: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:79). This is why the multitude cries out with a loud voice, and why one day we will join them: Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb! (Rev. 7:10). And what is this salvation that awaits all the redeemed of the Lord? It is salvation, full and completewhen sin and death are no more, when sighing and sorrow flee away, when what is mortal is swallowed up by life, and when God wipes away every tear from the eyes of those covered by the blood of the Lamb. On that day, we will experience the promise of Revelation 7:1617: They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. What guarantee do you have that you will come out of the tribulation? What assurance do you have that when you stand before Jesus, you will not hear those terrible words, I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness (Matt. 7:23)? Revelation gives us the answer at the very center of the book: And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death (12:11). The assurance of the Christian is not that we were strong enough to hold on to Jesus, but that the blood of the Lamb was strong enough to cleanse us, the testimony of Jesus was strong enough to keep us, and the grace of God was strong enough to make us faithful even unto death.

Pressure Doesn't Define Me — Lessons from Smyrna What do you do when you're doing the right thing—but life still feels hard? In this episode, we explore Jesus' letter to the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8–11) and discover a powerful truth: pressure doesn't define you—Jesus does. Learn how to stay faithful under pressure, resist comparison, and anchor your identity in the One who conquered death and rewrites every story.

To Live is Christ | Live Free Week 2 June 14, 2026 Message by Matt Stout [Franklin Campus Pastor]   Scripture References & Sermon Points Philippians 1:12-30   • A Life Leveraged for the Gospel • A Life Labored for the Gospel • A Life Lived Worthy of the Gospel  

Pastor Tex RuleIn this message, Pastor Tex continues our series, "Revelation: The Seven Churches," by exploring Jesus' letter to the church in Smyrna. In a city known for its loyalty to Rome, believers were called to remain faithful to Christ no matter the cost. Through Revelation 2:8-11, we discover what it means to count the cost of following Jesus, trust Him through suffering, and remain faithful to the very end.Pastor Tex examines the historical setting of Smyrna, the story of Polycarp, and Jesus' powerful promise that those who remain faithful will receive the crown of life. This message challenges us to ask a difficult but important question: Have we counted the cost of following Jesus, or have we only counted the benefits?Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

To Live is Christ | Live Free Week 2 June 14, 2026 Message by RC Ford [Stewarts Creek Campus Pastor]   Scripture References & Sermon Points Philippians 1:12-30   • A Life Leveraged for the Gospel • A Life Labored for the Gospel • A Life Lived Worthy of the Gospel  

https://smithfieldbaptist.org.au/sermons/rob-ayoub-revelation-28-11-to-the-church-in-smyrna/feed/ 0

Have you ever been through a trial or period of discouragement, and then you received a note or message from a friend that really ministered to you? It's always encouraging to know that a friend is thinking about us, isn't it, especially at a time like that! That's exactly what the Lord did for the church in Smyrna in the second chapter of Revelation. Smyrna was suffering persecution for their faith, and also tribulation and poverty. This little passage of just four verses is a reminder to stay faithful, and that the Lord understands what we're going through. If you're going through similar problems in your life today, allow this to encourage you, and join us for this uplifting message from Revelation chapter two, verses eight through eleven. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1368/29?v=20251111

Dr. Aja Gilmore - Nichols is from Indiana. She went to undergrad at Kentucky State University and to dental school at Indiana University. Aja served in the United States Navy for 8 years and now lives in Atlanta, Georgia. She is currently in private practice in Smyrna, Georgia.Contact Dr. Asa Gilmore - Nichols:Feel free to follow me on @lifestyledentistryatl on Instagram. I have just started an event called Sleepless In Smyrna, where I am educating all who will listen on the dangers of undiagnosed sleep apnea. My passion is to educate parents and to treat parents and their children. For far too long we have thought of snoring as something that is normal. It is not!Dr. Kimberley LinertSpeaker, Author, Broadcaster, Mentor, Trainer, Behavioral OptometristEvent Planners- I am available to speak at your event. Here is my media kit: https://brucemerrinscelebrityspeakers.com/portfolio/dr-kimberley-linert/To book Dr. Linert on your podcast, television show, conference, corporate training or as an expert guest please email her at incrediblelifepodcast@gmail.com or Contact Bruce Merrin at Bruce Merrin's Celebrity Speakers at merrinpr@gmail.com702.256.9199Host of the Podcast Series: Incredible Life Creator PodcastAvailable on...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/incredible-life-creator-with-dr-kimberley-linert/id1472641267Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DZE3EoHfhgcmSkxY1CvKf?si=ebe71549e7474663 and on 9 other podcast platformsAuthor of Book: "Visualizing Happiness in Every Area of Your Life"Get on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cmTOMwWebsite: https://linktr.ee/DrKimberleyLinertThe Great Discovery eLearning platform: https://thegreatdiscovery.com/kimberleyl

Live Free | Live Free Week 1 June 7, 2026 Message by Jody Livingston [Next Gen Minister]   Scripture References & Sermon Points Philippians 1:1-11   • Remember God's Work • Rest in God's Work • Respond to God's Work  

Live Free | Live Free Week 1 June 7, 2026 Message by RC Ford [Stewarts Creek Campus Pastor]   Scripture References & Sermon Points Philippians 1:1-11   • Free People Are God's People • Free People Partner Together • Free People Produce Fruit  

Tate is joined by Mark Williams, the newly appointed head football coach of the Smyrna Bulldogs. In this interview, Coach Williams discusses taking over the program from his brother and outlines his vision for the team's future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to another episode of High School Sports Saturday Host Tate Mathews opens the show by honoring the newly announced All-Midstate boys' soccer and track and field teams, highlighting exceptional performances from state champions like Station Camp's soccer squad and multi-event standout track stars from Pearl-Cohn and Brentwood. In addition to celebrating student-athletes, the segment breaks down major updates from the local baseball coaching carousel, announcing that Mike McClorie is taking over at Oakland and Wayne Kendrick is heading to Riverdale, while openings at Independence and Centennial remain vacant. The episode features an impressive lineup of guest interviews, starting with newly appointed Smyrna head football coach Mark Williams, who discusses succeeding his brother Matt and keeping program continuity by retaining Ben Coon as offensive coordinator. Williamson County Schools District Athletic Director Patrick Whitlock then drops by to preview the highly anticipated 12th annual WILLCOs at The Factory in Franklin, while also touching on major upcoming TSSAA proposals regarding state basketball tournament seeding and a potential shot clock. Finally, Tom Kreager of The Tennessean wraps up the guest segments by previewing the Middle Tennessee Sports Awards at the Music City Center and breaking news on Eagleville High School breaking ground on its new multi-sport synthetic turf facilities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're joined by Steve Ray, catholic convert and pilgrimage leader, will talk about saints who have influenced his faith life including Sts. Justin Martyr, Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp of Smyrna and Irenaeus of Lyon. Michael Acaldo, CEO of St. Vincent de Paul USA and Sunnie Johnson-Lain, CEO of St. Vincent de Paul Baton Rouge join us.

4 Pillars May 31, 2026 Message by Adam Comer [Guest Speaker]   Scripture References & Sermon Points Ephesians 2:1–6, John 16:33, John 10:10, Ephesians 6:17, Matthew 4:4, James 5:16, Philippians 4:6, Proverbs 27:17, Ecc 4:12, James 2:20, 2 Peter 1:8–9   • God's Word • Prayer • Good Fellowship • Action  

Laodicea, an important city of the Roman Empire, had a serious issue with drinkable water. Hot Springs filled with impurities were a main source of water for the city. Archaeological excavations have revealed an attempt to bring water from an outside source in through stone pipes containing limestone deposits which would have contaminated the water for drinking. Just as lukewarm water is useless, the church in Laodicea is useless to Jesus. Dependency is a sign of maturity for a Christian. The danger of wealth is that it has the potential to create independent people. They may feel competent and successful but they are in actuality poor, and pitiful. Jesus strong words are a love gift to wake them up and reset their lives onto a new trajectory. They need only to repent, turn away from self-sufficiency and turn back to Jesus!------------------------By now we can see each church named is located in a real place with real temptations, hardships, and opposition. This is how it is for all Christians in all centuries – for we do have a very real enemy and this world is not our home. Additionally we have also seen how Jesus uses illustrations from the reader's own environment to communicate deep spiritual truths for greater understanding among its hearers. He did this all throughout the gospels as well!  In Summary:• **Ephesus – drifting church:** right doctrine but did not have love• **Smyrna – suffering church:** going through persecution—encouraged to stay faithful• **Pergamum – compromising church:** held to the truth—exhorted to not compromise• **Thyatira – tolerant church:** tolerance led to unfaithfulness• **Sardis – defeated church:** apathy and material wealth lead to defeat• **Philadelphia—suffering church:** going through persecution—Jesus reminds them of His love.• **Laodicea—lukewarm church:** apathy and material wealth lead to uselessnessThe pattern laid out in these letters is: *who Jesus is, who the church is, exhortations and promises.*Let us take to heart the condition of each church, examining our own walk and the culture of our own church against each possible state. Let us receive both Jesus' words of encouragement in suffering and His warnings in apathy. Above all else let us wake up to and rejoice in our “great need for a Saviour and a great Saviour for our need!” (Spurgeon)Prepare for this week's teaching by reading Revelation 3:14-22

Laodicea, an important city of the Roman Empire, had a serious issue with drinkable water. Hot Springs filled with impurities were a main source of water for the city. Archaeological excavations have revealed an attempt to bring water from an outside source in through stone pipes containing limestone deposits which would have contaminated the water for drinking. Just as lukewarm water is useless, the church in Laodicea is useless to Jesus. Dependency is a sign of maturity for a Christian. The danger of wealth is that it has the potential to create independent people. They may feel competent and successful but they are in actuality poor, and pitiful. Jesus strong words are a love gift to wake them up and reset their lives onto a new trajectory. They need only to repent, turn away from self-sufficiency and turn back to Jesus!------------------------By now we can see each church named is located in a real place with real temptations, hardships, and opposition. This is how it is for all Christians in all centuries – for we do have a very real enemy and this world is not our home. Additionally we have also seen how Jesus uses illustrations from the reader's own environment to communicate deep spiritual truths for greater understanding among its hearers. He did this all throughout the gospels as well!  In Summary:• **Ephesus – drifting church:** right doctrine but did not have love• **Smyrna – suffering church:** going through persecution—encouraged to stay faithful• **Pergamum – compromising church:** held to the truth—exhorted to not compromise• **Thyatira – tolerant church:** tolerance led to unfaithfulness• **Sardis – defeated church:** apathy and material wealth lead to defeat• **Philadelphia—suffering church:** going through persecution—Jesus reminds them of His love.• **Laodicea—lukewarm church:** apathy and material wealth lead to uselessnessThe pattern laid out in these letters is: *who Jesus is, who the church is, exhortations and promises.*Let us take to heart the condition of each church, examining our own walk and the culture of our own church against each possible state. Let us receive both Jesus' words of encouragement in suffering and His warnings in apathy. Above all else let us wake up to and rejoice in our “great need for a Saviour and a great Saviour for our need!” (Spurgeon)Prepare for this week's teaching by reading Revelation 3:14-22

From our series titled Revelation: Loyalty to the Lamb in the Land of Idols. In this series, we will look at the first five chapters of Revelation and learn what whole-hearted allegiance to the way of the Lamb looks like. Scripture reading: Revelation 2:8-11Additional readings: Daniel 1James 1:2-12Revelation 20-21Learn more about Redeemer Church at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠redeemerclt.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Rev. 2:8-11 The suffering and persecuted church is a reality that many in America cannot fathom. But as our brothers and sisters throughout the world experience trials and tribulations, we need to use the grace and freedom we have to advance the kingdom forward, and lift up, support and encourage those worldwide.

Finishing Well Requires Faithfulness | Kingdom Come Vol 3 Week 8 May 31, 2026 Message by Ryan Garrett [Stewarts Creek Campus Associate Minister]   Scripture References & Sermon Points 1 Samuel 31   • The Faithful King • The Failed King • The Flawless King  

In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Michael T. Cooper and Andrew Johnson introduce Dr. Cooper's seminar, “Let the Stones Speak,” part of the Archaeology Meets Missiology series. The conversation explores five archaeological discoveries that preserve early memories of Jesus across Asia Minor, North Africa, Edessa, and the Arabian Peninsula. From inscriptions and graffiti to apocryphal traditions and Christograms, these discoveries reveal how the early church remembered, proclaimed, and worshiped Jesus, not only through written texts, but also through the material record left behind in stone. Along the way, Michael reflects on the difference between what Jesus did and who Jesus is, showing how archaeology can deepen our understanding of early Christology and encourage the church today. Keywords: Archaeology, Missiology, Ephesiology, Let the Stones Speak, Memory of Jesus, Early Church, Christology, Functional Christology, Ontological Christology, Abgar and Jesus, Edessa, Smyrna, Sardis, Pantokratoros Inscription, Christogram, North Africa, Thugga, Jordan, Arabian Peninsula, Crypto Portico, Archaeological Record, Material Culture, Early Christian Witness, Jesus in Archaeology, Gods Emperors Philosophers and a New Movement Key Takeaways Archaeology preserves early memories of Jesus.The episode highlights how inscriptions, graffiti, letters, and symbols offer physical evidence of how Jesus was remembered and proclaimed in the early centuries of the church. The archaeological record complements the biblical text.Michael emphasizes that while Scripture remains central, material culture provides additional historical evidence for what early Christians believed about Jesus. The early church remembered both what Jesus did and who Jesus is.The conversation introduces the distinction between functional Christology—what Jesus did—and ontological Christology—who Jesus is in his essence. Five discoveries point to the wide geographical reach of Jesus memory.The seminar focuses on evidence from places such as Edessa, Smyrna, Sardis, North Africa, and the desert of Jordan. The Abgar-Jesus tradition reflects a broad and enduring memory.Though apocryphal in nature, the Abgar tradition is significant because of its wide geographical spread across places such as Egypt, Armenia, and Turkey. The Sardis Pantokratoros inscription raises important questions.Michael notes that the inscription may contribute to broader evidence suggesting Christian use of the so-called synagogue at Sardis. The Christogram in North Africa shows how Christian symbols could be overlooked or forgotten.Michael recounts seeing a Christogram dismissed as a sundial, showing how visible Christian memory can remain unrecognized in certain contexts. The Arabian Peninsula may yield more discoveries.The Jordan inscription points toward the possibility of future finds that may further illuminate the presence and memory of Jesus in Arabia. Research continues after publication.Andrew notes that Michael's seminar includes discoveries and developments not fully represented in his book, reminding listeners that scholarship is an ongoing process. Archaeology can be faith-building and encouraging.The episode closes with the reminder that seeing the historical and physical impact of Jesus across regions and centuries can strengthen faith and deepen wonder. Connect With Us Follow Ephesiology: Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Follow Andrew Johnson @thediscfan.bsky.social If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with others exploring missional living in post-Christian contexts. Thanks for doing theology in community with us today! If you have a question or topic that you'd like to hear addressed on the Ephesiology Podcast, just send it to Andrew at thediscfan@gmail.com. Donate Find the podcast on your favorite podcast app Just search for “Ephesiology” Our Podcasters Michael CooperProfessor | Missiologist | AuthorMichael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.Andrew JohnsonMinistry Lead, West Village ChurchAndrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he's ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he's an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers. Pick up Dr. Cooper’s latest book Religions, politics, and education shaped the cultural world of Asia Minor where a new faith emerged that would change history. Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Movement uncovers how the earliest Christians navigated—and often disrupted and adapted—the dominant forces of their age. Drawing on decades of research, fieldwork, and teaching, Michael T. Cooper takes readers beneath the surface of Ephesos, Smyrna, Pergamon, and other cities to reveal how temples, inscriptions, and civic spaces illuminate the missionary impulse of the first Christians. Far from being silent, the archaeological record testifies to their resilience, creativity, and bold proclamation of the gospel in a world saturated with competing loyalties. This is more than history. By examining how the early church encountered powerful religious traditions, political ideologies, and systems of education, today's missionaries and church leaders gain fresh vision for gospel engagement in their own pluralistic and contested contexts. The dynamics that shaped mission in the first centuries—identity, power, worldview, and cultural disruption—remain central to how the good news advances today. This book is an invitation to rediscover the mission of God in the archaeological record and to discern its enduring relevance for faithful witness in the twenty-first century. Buy on Amazon Do you enjoy the Ephesiology Podcast? Partner with the Pod The Ephesiology Podcast comes to you from a desire to engage in community conversations about the intersection of theology and culture. We do not believe such dialogue should come with a cost so the podcast will always be free. However, if you've benefited from the Ephesiology Podcast, would you consider a nominal $5 per month donation? All proceeds from the podcast go toward helping bring needed theological education to the majority world through our Ephesiology Master Class initiative to end a theological famine. We'd be honored to partner with you to continue providing solid biblical, theological, and missiological content for listeners around the world. Donate Empowering Future Church Leaders Imagine a world where passionate, equipped Christian leaders spread God's Word in areas with the greatest need—leaders grounded in both deep theology and practical ministry skills, trained to make a lasting impact in their communities. Through your support, this vision can become a reality for students from countries like Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, and India who are eager to teach and multiply disciple-makers in their own regions. Learn More Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement If you want to understand principles for the growth of Christianity in the first century, the place to begin is the city of Ephesus. In this winsome study, Ephesiology offers readers a comprehensive view of the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the most significant city of the New Testament, and compels us to ask the question: how can we effectively connect Christ to our culture? “Masterfully handling the book of Ephesians and using its content as a definitive guide, Michael Cooper lays a theologically strong foundation that is both corrective and directive to disciple making movements. The principles he gleans from the book of Ephesians and related texts, help to ensure the on-going multiplication and maturation of a movement. Because these are supra-cultural principles, they are applicable anywhere in the world.” Marvin J. Newell, Staff Missiologist, Missio Nexus, Author of Crossing Cultures in Scripture Buy This Now! Educating to Shift the Tracks of History To shift the tracks of history requires leaders who are equipped to critically assess and engage the contours of contemporary culture. As a new initiative in collaboration with the Movement Leaders Collective, Kairos University, and Ephesiology, we deliver just-in-time theological education focused on issues important to you, mxAcademy is designed as the theological and missiological foundation to unlock your potential as a movement leader and catalytic thinker. mxAcademy is a dynamic and innovative educational experience rooted in mDNA.We dream of a church fully equipped, fully mature, fully mobilized, and fully alive. A church that lives and breathes the Good News of Jesus! Learn More Join a Community Conversation at Ephesiology Master Classes Areopagus Symposium Taking its inspiration from the historical and philosophical legacy of Athens, Greece, the Areopagus Symposium focuses on intellectual and philosophical topics related to Christology, missiology, and ecclesiology. We invite scholars, theologians, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to engage in a profound exploration of the theological landscape at the intersection of these vital disciplines. Sign up for an Ephesiology Master Classes account and gain free access to the Areopagus Symposium. Check it out! The Ephesiology Podcast and Ephesiology Master Classes are ministries of TELOS.GO, a registered 501c3 non-profit agency committed to imaginatively missional ways of engageing culture, church planting, and theological education. Your donation to the podcast is tax deductible.

He was born in Thessalonica and, though baptised a Christian, he accepted Islam as a young man, eventually becoming a Sufi (one of a mystical sect among the Muslims). But in time he began to repent, and concluded that martyrdom was the only way for him to cleanse himself from the stain of his denial of Christ. Having repented, he presented himself to the Turks dressed as a Christian. He was thrown into prison and tortured, but in response to every enticement, threat or torment, he would only say 'I was born a Christian, and as a Christian I shall die.' Finally he was sentenced to death, which Alexander joyfully accepted as a sign of God's forgiveness. He was slain by the sword in Smyrna in 1794.

My friend Shana Reif suffered from Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs and other organs. It causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the airways, leading to repeated infections, inflammation, and progressive lung damage. In many cases, the disease can advance until the lungs can no longer do what God created them to dobring oxygen into the body and sustain life. Cystic Fibrosis is a horrible and incurable disease, and it was the disease Shana endured all her life. When she was born, her parents were told she would not live much past her twentieth birthday. But Shana lived to be thirty-two. I came to know Shana in high school, not long after I became a follower of Jesus. After high school, we became very close friends. She edited my Bible college papers, and I visited her often during her many hospital stays. I also visited her at home as she recovered from the latest infection. By 2003, her lungs had been so damaged by chronic infections that she was placed on the waiting list for new lungs. She received a double lung transplant in 2004, but even then, her suffering did not fully end. Her body remained fragile. Her fight continued. But Shana loved Jesus. Though she struggled deeply with her disease, she held onto the hope of the gospel. One of the last emails I received from her was signed with words from her favorite hymn: Great is Thy faithfulness. In 2007, Shana died from complications after a procedure to reopen a constricted airway. When someone you love suffers like that, the question How long? is not theoretical. How long will disease ravage bodies? How long will death take those we love? How long will Gods people suffer in a world still broken by sin? How long before Christ makes all things new? Revelation 6:911 brings us to that question. But here, the cry comes specifically from those who have been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they maintained. The Martyrs: The Cost of Their Witness (v. 9) There are three cycles of judgment in Revelation: the seals, the trumpets, and the bowls. These cycles do not unfold in strict linear successionseals, then trumpets, then bowlsbut recapitulate the same period of history with increasing intensity, like birth pains. For our purposes, I simply want you to notice one pattern that helps us understand what is happening in this passage. In each cyclethe seals, trumpets, and bowlsthe first four judgments affect the world in broad, visible ways, but the fifth shifts the focus. The fifth seal shows the saints crying out for justice (Rev. 6:911). The fifth trumpet shows judgment beginning to fall on the enemies of Godthose who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads (Rev. 9:112; especially 9:4). The fifth bowl shows judgment reaching the very throne of the beast, whose kingdom wages war against all who refuse to worship him (Rev. 16:1011; cf. Rev. 13:78, 15). This is why the first four seals show us the horsemen riding across the earth. But when the fifth seal is opened, the focus shifts from what is happening on earth to what heaven sees when Gods people suffer because of the word of God and the testimony they maintain. These martyrs are not beneath the altar because they were victims of history. They are there because they belonged to the Lamb and remained faithful to the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. Their witness cost them their lives. John is showing us what Jesus had already told His disciples: If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me (Matt. 16:24; NASB). The fifth seal reminds us that following Jesus is not merely a call to believe certain truths about Him; it is a call to bear faithful witness to those truths, even when obedience is costly. Polycarp is said to have been a disciple of the apostle John and later became the bishop of Smyrna. Smyrna, you may remember, was one of the seven churches Jesus addressed in Revelation. Jesus told that suffering church, Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life (Rev. 2:10). Years later, Polycarp was arrested and ordered to deny Christ. When pressed to renounce Jesus, he replied, Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me any injury: how then can I blaspheme my King and my Saviour? Polycarps witness cost him his life, but heaven did not see his death as Rome did. Rome saw a criminal to be silenced. Heaven saw a faithful witness beneath the altar. And we do not have to go back to Polycarp to see this kind of witness. You may remember the twenty-one Coptic Christians who were taken by ISIS in Libya and led onto a beach in orange jumpsuits. They were ordinary men who refused to renounce their faith in Jesus. Their blood was shed on earth, but Revelation 6 reminds us that heaven did not miss a drop. The world saw men being led to execution. Heaven saw faithful witnesses beneath the altar. Since 2015, conservative estimates suggest that more than 50,000 Christians have been killed for faith-related reasons around the world. According to Open Doors 2026 World Watch List, North Korea remains the most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian, while Nigeria is the deadliest, accounting for 3,490 of the 4,849 Christians killed for their faith during the latest reporting period. The seals describe the birth pains that mark this present age. The first four seals show us a world marked by conquest, war, famine, and death. But when the fifth seal is opened, we are shown what heaven sees when Gods people suffer because of the word of God and the testimony they maintain. The Altar: The Cry Before God (v. 10) Notice that John not only tells us that these faithful Christ-followers suffered and died for their faith, but also tells us where he saw these Christians. They are under the altar. This is a crucial detail that you can only understand if you know something about the Old Testament tabernacle that God told Moses to build. Scripture tells us that the earthly tabernacle was a copy and shadow of the one in heaven (Heb. 8:4-5; Exod. 25-31; 35-40). So when John sees an altar in heaven, he is not seeing something new, but the heavenly reality to which Israels worship had always pointed. Within the tabernacle, there were two primary altars. The bronze altar stood in the courtyard, where sacrifices were offered. The altar of incense stood near the Most Holy Place, close to the ark of the covenant, which represented the throne of God. Both altars help us understand what John sees. The blood of the sacrifice was poured at the altars base, and the incense rising before the Lord symbolized the prayers of Gods people ascending into His presence. So when John sees the souls of the martyrs beneath the altar, he sees their lives as precious before God and their prayers as heard before His throne. In the earthly tabernacle, a veil stood between the priests and God's immediate presence. But in heaven, no curtain hides His throne from His redeemed people. The martyrs are not far from God. They are beneath the altar, before the throne, and in the presence of the Lord God Almighty. Now, picture what is happening before Johns eyes. Those who suffered the ultimate cost for following Jesus are not behind the altar, nor are they on top of the altar. These saints are under the altar, which tells us that they are closest to the throne. Also, the martyrs are not passive, but are actively pleading for vindication in Gods heavenly court. There is no magical language here, for their cries are raw and honest. There is no anger hurled before God, but cries of vindication in light of their understanding of who God is! Notice what these dear saints include in their prayer: O Sovereign Lord, holy and true... Now lets stop there for a moment. The ESV translates the word well asSovereign Lord.The Greek word used here is not the most common term for Lord,kyrios, butdespotēs, and this is the only time it appears in the entire book of Revelation. The word these martyred saints use conveys absolute ownership, supreme authority, and sovereign mastery. We get our English worddespotfrom this word, but whiledespotusually carries a negative meaning in English, that is not the case whendespotēs is used of God in the New Testament. When used of God, it emphasizes His complete authority over creation, His servants, history, judgment, and justice. This matters because these Christians are not merely crying out to God as sufferers, asking whether He cares. They are crying out to the One they know to be the Sovereign Master over all things. They are appealing to the One who has the authority to judge, avenge, vindicate, and bring history to its appointed end. They are not crying out in doubt. They are crying out in faith. They know He is able. They know He is holy. They know He is true. And they know that the Sovereign Lord will do what is right. Notice what the saints attribute to God next. Not only is He the Sovereign Master, but He is holy. These saints who have suffered much understand that their God is utterly set apart from all evil, corruption, compromise, and injustice. He is not like the kingdoms and the kings of this world. He is not indifferent to injustice and the bloodshed at the hands of the wicked. He is not morally conflicted. He is pure in all His judgments, righteous in all His ways, and completely opposed to everything wicked. He is holy and these saints know it! God is not only holy; He is also true. When these saints plead their case before the throne of God, they do so knowing that He is faithful to all He has promised. He does not forget. He does not make empty threats or hollow promises. What He has spoken, He will do (Num. 23:19; Josh. 21:45; Isa. 55:1011; Titus 1:2; Heb. 10:23). So when these martyrs cry, How long? they are not questioning Gods goodness, nor are they doubting that He will keep His word. They are asking when the God who is holy and true will act in perfect faithfulness to His word and to those He has promised never to forsake (Deut. 31:6; Heb. 13:5; Rev). The breaking of the fifth seal and the prayer of these suffering saints teach us an important truth about how we can and should pray. They pray from their understanding of who God truly is. This is the kind of thing we read about in Daniel 11:32: ...the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. These saints know their God, and so they cry out, O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth? This prayer is not a contradiction of Jesus command to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matt. 5:44). It is a plea to the holy and true God to judge evil, vindicate His people, and set the world right. Their cry is rooted in the justice of God, knowing that His Word teaches that vengeance belongs to Him and not to His people (Deut. 32:35; Rom. 12:19). The martyrs beneath the altar are asking God to do what only God has the right and authority to do. The Throne: The Completion of Gods Purpose (v. 11) Now, notice what happens next. God responds, meaning He heard their prayer. But He does not respond as we might initially expect. The God who is sovereign, holy, and true responds by giving these Christians white robes as a sign of honor, purity, and vindication. These robes signify the righteousness that is theirs because of Jesus. When we see this great multitude again in Revelation 7, we are told, They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 7:14). These martyred saints represent every faithful witness who has been slain for the word of God and the testimony they upheldfrom the earliest martyrs of the church to our brothers and sisters suffering for Christ today. They are not treated as victims of random violence but as saints who belong to Christ and whose witness is precious before God. God responds by giving them white robes and telling them to do the thing we all hate: wait. Verse 11 says they were told to rest a little longer. That word, rest, matters. God is not dismissing their cry. He is not ignoring their suffering. He is calling them to rest in His presence, assured that perfect justice will come in His appointed time and in His sovereign way. Why must they wait? Because other Christians will suffer as they did, and they must wait until their number is complete. This means Gods justice is not delayed because He is indifferent. It is delayed because His purpose is not yet complete. There are still more witnesses to be gathered, more saints to be strengthened, and more glory to be given to Christ through the faithful endurance of His people. Gods answer to their prayer was to wait a little while longer. Conclusion My friend Shana frequently asked the same question you may have asked more than you can count: How long O Sovereign Lord, holy and true... It is the plea of the suffering. Shana was not a martyr, she was not killed by persecutors because of the word of God. She died on the operating table due to complications at the hands of surgeons who were trying to ease her suffering. Let me tell you what Shana did know. She knew what it meant to suffer in a world that is still waiting for Christ to make all things new. She knew what it meant to groan. She knew what it meant to wait. She knew what it meant to hope. I know that God used her life to encourage and strengthen the faith of others. Revelation 6:9-11 teaches us that we need not pretend the pain we experience is small. We need not pretend injustice does not matter. We need not pretend that death is natural. We can cry How long and do so in faith, not despair. We can cry it to the Sovereign Lord, who is holy and true. The Lamb who opens the fifth seal, is the Lamb who sees the suffering of His people. He honors the witness of His redeemed. He gives those who follow Him rest. The Lamb who died for you, is the Lord who will bring His purpose to completion for His glory and for your good! So, my dear brothers and sisters, we wait. But we do not wait as people forgotten by the One who sits upon the throne. We wait as those who belong to the Lamb. We wait as those whose lives are precious before the One on the throne. And we wait with confidence that the One who is sovereign, holy, and true will do exactly what He has promised. We can trust Him to do what is good and right because that is who He is.

Continuing our series on Revelation, Pastor Keith teaches on persecution, using Jesus' encouragement to the church in Smyrna to remind us to pray for those in persecution and those who are persecuting the Body of Christ.

Revelation 2: 8-118 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.9 “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander[a] of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.'

Finishing Well Requires Faithfulness | Kingdom Come Vol 3 Week 7 May 24, 2026 Message by Jordan Raybon [Riverdale Associate Campus Minister] Scripture References & Sermon Points 1 Samuel 30-31   The Faithful King The Failed King The Flawless King  

Wednesday Evening

We may think that making a small compromise here and there doesn’t matter. But the truth is that there is inherent danger in compromising our beliefs or morals, danger that can sometimes lead to disaster. In this message from Revelation 2, Pastor J.D. takes us through John's letters to the churches at Ephesus and Smyrna, showing us where Jesus both commends and challenges these congregations. Jesus’ warning should serve as a sobering reminder to us today: It’s possible to be faithful to the doctrines and practices of Jesus while having hearts that are cold and far from him.

Text: Revelation 2:8-11  A sermon from our Wednesday night series through the Revelation 

Today's readings.. (Joshua 5,6), (Isaiah 10), (2 Thessalonians 1,2)Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians shows he now has greater confidence in them, in their faith and love, this causes him “to give thanks to God … because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.” [1 v.3] He commends their “steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions”  [v.4]  We are aware that there are true believers in some countries of whom this can be said today – and this is true of every generation.  As Jesus said in his message to Smyrna, “I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) … Be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life.” [Rev.2 v.9,10]   Let us all be “rich in faith.”Ukraine is much in the news these days – and there are true believers there today and we pray specially for them and for those in Iran  – and we know that Stalin wiped out our community of believers in Ukraine in the 1930s.   We ponder the reference in the 2nd chapter  to a particular “man of lawlessness” and that there will be a “rebellion”.  We see just about everyone, in a sense, rebelling against any meaningful belief in their being a God. The “day of the Lord” then occurs.  The leader of this rebellion is “against every so-called god or object of worship” [v.4]   In a sense the ‘doctrine' of evolution fulfils this, being against any concept of their being a God, a Creator whom humans should worship and serve. Humans are also worshipping money – and Jesus said, no one “can serve two Masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and money.” [Luke 16 v.13]  Nearly everyone is devoted to the things money can buy today. Finally we note Paul's warning that “those who are perishing” will do so because “they refused to love the truth and so be saved.” [v.10]   James wrote [2 v.5], “has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to those who love him”  Let us be “rich” in the things our Master approves making sure we truly “love him” and that our “faith is growing abundantly”.

284 Intro Historical Theology: Why Church History MattersAfter the apostles died, the church did not disappear. It continued to preserve, defend, and pass down the truth once delivered to the saints. In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Tiffany continue their historical theology series by introducing Clement of Rome, one of the earliest Apostolic Fathers. They explain why Clement matters, what his letter to the Corinthian church reveals about early Christian belief, and how his writings point believers back to Scripture, humility, unity, and justification by faith in Christ alone.00:55 What Is Historical Theology?Historical theology studies how Christian doctrine developed and was defended throughout church history.02:30 The Patristic PeriodAfter the death of the Apostle John, the church entered the patristic period, the era of the early church fathers.04:00 Who Were the Apostolic Fathers?The Apostolic Fathers include Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp of Smyrna, Papias of Hierapolis, and several key early Christian writings, including The Didache, The Epistle of Barnabas, The Shepherd of Hermas, and The Epistle to Diognetus. 06:15 What Does Orthodoxy Mean?Orthodoxy means right belief, helping Christians distinguish true biblical doctrine from error.07:30 Preserving Apostolic TeachingAfter the apostles died, the church did not disappear. Early Christian leaders helped preserve and defend the teachings handed down to them.11:00 Who Was Clement of Rome?Clement of Rome was an early bishop who lived near the end of the first century and wrote an important letter to the church at Corinth.18:15 Justification by Faith in the Early ChurchClement clearly taught that salvation is not earned by human effort, but received by faith in Christ.20:30 What Clement Teaches Us TodayClement reminds believers to be shaped by Scripture, pursue unity, and trust in Christ alone for salvation.“ Studying historical theology should make us steadier. Clement reminds us that faithful Christians anchor themselves in scripture. We pursue humility.” – Pastor Jeff Cranston

Protected by Providence | Kingdom Come Vol 3 Week 6 May 17, 2026 Message by Jody Livingston [Next Gen Minister] Scripture References & Sermon Points 1 Samuel 29:1-11   Compromise Creates Confusion. Providence Provides Protection. Discernment Recognizes Deliverance.  

By Bart Bornhorst - A look into the churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira and the spiritual application to our lives today.

Drifting into the Darkness | Kingdom Come Vol 3 Week 5 May 10, 2026 Message by Pat Hood [Lead Pastor] Scripture References & Sermon Points 1 Samuel 28:3-25   Silent God Selfish Agenda Strange Voices Sentence of Death Submit to the Lord  

Billy Graham once said, “A checkbook is a theological document. It tells you who and what you worship.” It's a striking statement—but an important one. Most of us make financial decisions every day without thinking much about them. We buy groceries, renew subscriptions, grab coffee, replace something that broke, or make an impulse purchase that feels harmless in the moment. These choices can seem ordinary and disconnected from our spiritual lives. But Scripture invites us to look deeper. Our spending habits often reveal more about our hearts than we realize. They can uncover what we value, what we pursue, and where we place our trust. More Than Transactions A bank statement may look like a list of numbers and purchases, but over time, it tells a story. It reflects priorities. Where our money goes often shows what matters most to us. That's why money is never just about math—it also has a spiritual dimension. Financial decisions can expose desires, fears, habits, and hopes that might otherwise remain hidden. The prophet Isaiah asked this searching question: “Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?” (Isaiah 55:2) That's not merely a budgeting question. It's a heart question. God is asking His people why they keep investing themselves in things that can never truly satisfy. It's a question worth asking today as well. Jesus adds another layer in Luke 16: “If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?” (Luke 16:11) Jesus is not condemning money. He is reframing it. Money is temporary. It is a tool. But how we handle that tool reveals something deeper about our readiness to receive what truly matters. In that sense, money becomes a test of trust. Every purchase, every swipe of the card, every budgeting decision expresses something about what we love. And because of that, even everyday spending can become an opportunity for worship. Ownership vs. Stewardship The early church martyr Polycarp of Smyrna is often credited with this insight: “The world asks, What does a man own? Christ asks, How does he use it?” That gets to the heart of biblical stewardship. The question is not simply what we possess, but how we use what God has entrusted to us. Scripture consistently reminds us that everything belongs to the Lord, and we are called to manage His resources faithfully. That changes the way we think about spending. We are not merely consumers deciding what to do with “our money.” We are stewards seeking to honor God with what He has placed in our hands. A Warning from Haggai The book of Haggai gives us a vivid picture of what happens when priorities drift. After returning from exile in Babylon, the people of Israel came home to ruins. The temple—the center of worship and identity—had been destroyed. At first, they began rebuilding it. But as opposition grew and enthusiasm faded, their focus shifted. Instead of restoring God's house, they concentrated on their own comfort, building paneled homes while the temple remained neglected. So God sent the prophet Haggai with a piercing message: “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? … You have sown much, and harvested little… and he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes.” (Haggai 1:4–6) Their spending reflected misplaced priorities. And the result was frustration, emptiness, and lack of satisfaction. The Same Tension Today That same dynamic can surface in our lives. When spending is driven more by comfort than conviction, we may find ourselves chasing more while enjoying less. The satisfaction we expected never quite arrives. Sometimes the issue is overspending. Other times, it's an unwillingness to spend generously at all. If generosity feels difficult while personal indulgence comes easily, that tells a story too. If fear keeps us from open-handedness, it may reveal a struggle to trust God as our provider. Our spending always reflects something deeper. Grace and Realignment Here is the good news: God meets us with grace. No matter what our financial story has been, He invites us to realign our hearts with His. That process rarely happens all at once. It begins through simple, intentional steps. You might start by asking: What story does my recent spending tell? Do my financial habits reflect my deepest values? Am I giving first or only if there is something left over? Does this purchase align with eternal priorities? These questions are not meant to produce guilt. They are invitations to greater awareness and faithful stewardship. Spiritual Decisions in Everyday Life Ultimately, our spending reveals what—or whom—we love most. The goal is not perfection. It is alignment. It is learning that everything we have belongs to God and growing in the freedom of using it for His purposes. When that happens, our financial lives begin to tell a different story—one marked by contentment, generosity, and trust. And that's when we realize something important: Spending decisions are really spiritual decisions. If you'd like to explore this theme further, we cover this in Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship. You can find it at FaithFi.com/Shop. Bulk discounts are also available for churches and small groups. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Could you explain what a fiduciary is? Many people think they have a financial planner, but sometimes it's really an insurance salesperson offering only a limited set of products. How can someone truly act in a client's best interest if they're paid by what they sell? My wife and I want to pay off one of our sons' student loans—about $20,000. He's married. Would that create any tax consequences for him, and is it better to pay the loan servicer directly or give him the money to make the payment? My mom went to be with the Lord in November and left a trust with money, two homes, and a large piece of property. There are also two small annuities that may not be in the trust. My brother and I are co-trustees. What steps should we take, and do I need to think about creating a trust for myself? I'm 65, still working, and expect to work until about 67. I may receive more than $200,000, but I'm not experienced with investing. What should I do with that money? And can the FaithFi app help my wife and me start budgeting? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.