Podcasts about Smyrna

Pastor JD draws prophetic parallels with the church in Smyrna to the church today being prepared for both pre-rapture persecution and pre-tribulation affliction.Prophecy Update Links All referenced links are at http://jdfarag.orgSocial MediaApple App Store: https://subsplash.com/calvarychapelkaneohe/appGoogle Play: https://subsplash.com/calvarychapelkaneohe/appAmazon Appstore: https://subsplash.com/calvarychapelkaneohe/appRoku Channel Store: https://subsplash.com/calvarychapelkaneohe/appProphecy Website: http://jdfarag.orgChurch Website: http://www.calvarychapelkaneohe.com/X: https://x.com/JDFaragFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JDFarag/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JDFarag/

Pastor JD draws prophetic parallels with the church in Smyrna to the church today being prepared for both pre-rapture persecution and pre-tribulation affliction.

Hey everyone! Join us this week as we continue to talk about the Churches in Revelation chapter 2.  This week we begin to discuss the church of Smyrna and the hurdles they faced as a group of Believers.Need Prayer? Got questions?  Email us at media@watsonchapel.netGot Questions? Email us at media@watsonchapel.net!

In this episode, I'm joined by Lurch and we talk about the 2026 Indian Roadmaster that was just added to the Law Abiding Biker stable.  This isn't my first time in the saddle of an Indian. Long-time viewers of my YouTube Channel will remember I ran a Pursuit PowerPlus for about a year, followed by a loaned 2025 Indian Roadmaster PowerPlus last fall, a bike I still have on hand. Both of those were loaner relationships, which is exactly why this 2026 Roadmaster means something different: it's the first Indian Motorcycle that's actually mine. I've also attended multiple Indian Motorcycle press events to test ride and review other motorcycles and those are also on my YouTube Channel. SUPPORT US AND SHOP IN THE OFFICIAL LAW ABIDING BIKER STORE I want to remind newer viewers what's always set Law Abiding Biker apart: I'm independent. I don't work for any motorcycle manufacturer — I work for myself and for you, the riding community. That means every video, including this one, comes with the same honest treatment: what I like right out of the box, and just as importantly, the small things that could be improved as I rack up miles. Owning this bike now, rather than borrowing it, means I can go further than ever — full customization, long-term testing, and an ongoing series of ride and review videos as the PowerPlus Dark Horse gets broken in. CHECK OUT OUR HUNDREDS OF FREE HELPFUL VIDEOS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND SUBSCRIBE! True to form, I wasted no time getting the rider triangle set up before the bike's even been started. First up was pulling the reflectors — step one on basically every bike that rolls into my shop. From there: Ciro drink holder — available in black or chrome, installed here using the perch mount (swapping the factory half-clamp for hardware and a ball head), with a universal bar mount option also available for those who don't want to swap the factory clamp bolts. Biker Gripper phone mount — my own cell phone mount, made in the USA and sold exclusively through the Law Abiding Biker Store. It's rated for 18 lbs of grip strength, needs no proprietary case, fits the largest of smartphones out there, has built-in vibration dampening, and switches between vertical and horizontal on the fly. I'm running the perch-mount version on this bike, with universal bar mount options also available. Figurati magnetic engine oil dipstick — going on right away. The Law Abiding Biker Store is the top reseller of these in North America, and for good reason: a 2,000-gauss magnet on the tip pulls ferrous metal and debris out of the oil that a filter alone won't catch, so I can pull it anytime and check what's happening inside the motor. Available in stainless steel, black, knurled, and curved styles. Exhaust — multiple options are already on the way for me to test on the PowerPlus 112, with reviews to follow. NEW FREE VIDEO RELEASED: I Didn't Think It Would Be THIS Much Better — Hogworkz Silvertooth on Harley Street Glide! Sponsor-Ciro 3D CLICK HERE! Innovative products for Harley-Davidson & Goldwing Affordable chrome, lighting, and comfort products Ciro 3D has a passion for design and innovation Sponsor-Butt Buffer CLICK HERE Want to ride longer? Tired of a sore and achy ass? Then fix it with a high-quality Butt Buffer seat cushion? Sponsor-Hogworkz CLICK HERE HogWorkz builds motorcycle parts the way bikers want them. Clean fit, quality finish, and customer service that actually answers. We run their gear on our own Harleys because we trust it. New Patrons: Joshua Reed of Smyrna, Tennessee Terry Curran of Cerro Gordo, Illinois Michael Moore of Gresham, Oregon If you appreciate the content we put out and want to make sure it keeps on coming your way then become a Patron too! There are benefits and there is no risk. Thanks to the following bikers for supporting us via a flat donation: Otilo Viramontes of Canyon Country, Califonia Steven Mittleider Francisco Carrion of Winters, California HELP SUPPORT US! JOIN THE BIKER REVOLUTION! #BikerRevolution #LawAbidingBiker #Bikaholics #RyanUrlacher

600 Garland Ave. Hot Springs, AR 71913 | gospellight.org

The title of this teaching might raise a few eyebrows. Most of you would probably quote me Hebrews 9:26 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. That is correct. Man dies once….physically. However, in Revelation 2:11, The Lord Jesus said to the church in Smyrna, He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.Please note the reference that Jesus makes to the second death. There is a death that is far more serious than physical death. It is the second death. The death of a soul separated from the very presence of God and Jesus Christ throughout all eternity. Only He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. I'll return to the identity of those who overcome in a moment. Both you and I want to be certain that we are amongst those who overcome.Are there any more references to this second death in Scripture? Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power,j but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Quite sobering.Those who die the second death are cast into the lake of fire. Those who are fearful (cowards), unbelieving, abominable, murderers, whoremongers, sorcerers, idolaters and liars shall suffer the second death. Those who suffer the second death for all eternity are those who chose to reject believing in Jesus Christ as Lord on earth.Who are those who overcome and escape this second death? 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?Reader, are you an overcomer? SELAHKoinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com

In this message, Samuel Goulet challenges the church to measure spiritual health by faithfulness rather than comfort, success, or financial security. Looking at the churches of Smyrna and Laodicea, he contrasts a people who are materially poor yet spiritually rich with a people who appear prosperous but have grown lukewarm and complacent. Samuel encourages listeners to remain steadfast through suffering, allow trials to deepen trust in God, and remember that true richness comes from intimacy with Jesus, repentance, purity, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.

Kingdom Ambition | Kingdom Come vol 4 August 16, 2026 Message by Pat Hood [Lead Pastor] Scripture References & Sermon Points 2 Samuel 2–3 • Kingdom Ambition Trusts God's Timing • Kingdom Ambition Seeks God's Direction • Kingdom Ambition Fights for God's Kingdom • Kingdom Ambition Trusts God's Justice

Kingdom Ambition | Kingdom Come vol 4 August 16, 2026 Message by RC Ford [Stewarts Creek Campus Pastor] Scripture References & Sermon Points 2 Samuel 2–3 • Kingdom Ambition Pursues God's Will • Kingdom Ambition Fights Opposition • Kingdom Ambition Patiently Waits on God's Promises

The sermon analyzes the letter to the church in Philadelphia through a chiastic literary structure, positioning it as the central message of Revelation chapters 2 and 3. It highlights Jesus as the Holy One and True One who holds the key of David, emphasizing His sovereign authority to open doors for gospel witness that no one can shut. The preacher contrasts the persecuted church in Smyrna with Philadelphia, noting that while believers may feel weak, God's strength is perfected in their vulnerability. A key theme is the surprising promise that persecutors from the synagogue of Satan will eventually bow down and recognize God's love for His people, illustrating the power of conversion. The message concludes by encouraging patient endurance and faithful stewardship, trusting that Jesus manages all affairs for the ultimate glory of God and the good of His church.

The sermon analyzes the letter to the church in Philadelphia through a chiastic literary structure, positioning it as the central message of Revelation chapters 2 and 3. It highlights Jesus as the Holy One and True One who holds the key of David, emphasizing His sovereign authority to open doors for gospel witness that no one can shut. The preacher contrasts the persecuted church in Smyrna with Philadelphia, noting that while believers may feel weak, God's strength is perfected in their vulnerability. A key theme is the surprising promise that persecutors from the synagogue of Satan will eventually bow down and recognize God's love for His people, illustrating the power of conversion. The message concludes by encouraging patient endurance and faithful stewardship, trusting that Jesus manages all affairs for the ultimate glory of God and the good of His church.

The sermon analyzes the letter to the church in Philadelphia through a chiastic literary structure, positioning it as the central message of Revelation chapters 2 and 3. It highlights Jesus as the Holy One and True One who holds the key of David, emphasizing His sovereign authority to open doors for gospel witness that no one can shut. The preacher contrasts the persecuted church in Smyrna with Philadelphia, noting that while believers may feel weak, God's strength is perfected in their vulnerability. A key theme is the surprising promise that persecutors from the synagogue of Satan will eventually bow down and recognize God's love for His people, illustrating the power of conversion. The message concludes by encouraging patient endurance and faithful stewardship, trusting that Jesus manages all affairs for the ultimate glory of God and the good of His church.

Send us Fan MailRevelation gets treated like a codebook for timelines, yet the text keeps pulling us back to something far more personal: patient endurance with Christ. We open Revelation 3:10 and ask what Jesus actually promises the church of Philadelphia when He says He will “keep you from the hour of trial.” Instead of assuming escape, we make the case for preservation through suffering, the kind of keeping that guards faith when pressure is real and temptation is loud.From there, we put popular dispensationalism to the test by comparing Philadelphia with Smyrna and by tracking how Revelation uses the word tribulation. If the book never names a seven-year tribulation, and if Smyrna is told to expect “ten days” of tribulation, what happens to the confident charts and the rapture-first storyline? We also talk honestly about how easy it is to turn any nation, movement, or prophetic narrative into an idol, and how that kind of loyalty can dull Christian discernment and excuse what Christ would never excuse.We close with one of the most comforting images in the letters to the churches: the overcomer made a pillar in God's temple. We explain why that promise points to the living temple of Christ and His church, not a future brick-and-mortar rebuild, and we end with a call to contend for the faith like Jude commands while trusting the God who is able to keep us from stumbling. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves Revelation, and leave a review. What part of Revelation 3 do you most want us to unpack next?Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

How the Mighty Stand | Kingdom Come vol 4 August 9, 2026 Message by Pat Hood [Lead Pastor] Scripture References & Sermon Points 2 Samuel 1 • How the Mighty Fall • How the Mighty Stand

The sermon analyzes the letter to the church in Smyrna, highlighting their experience of severe tribulation and poverty caused by persecution from a hostile synagogue. It contrasts their material suffering with their spiritual richness, emphasizing that true wealth is found in faithfulness to Christ rather than earthly possessions. The preacher warns against developing a persecution complex and clarifies that opposition often stems from religious zeal rather than mere state authority. Drawing parallels to Daniel and the martyrdom of Polycarp, the message encourages believers to remain steadfast without fear, trusting in Jesus' victory over death. Ultimately, it calls the congregation to hold fast to their name in Christ, assured that conquering through suffering leads to eternal life.

The sermon analyzes the letter to the church in Smyrna, highlighting their experience of severe tribulation and poverty caused by persecution from a hostile synagogue. It contrasts their material suffering with their spiritual richness, emphasizing that true wealth is found in faithfulness to Christ rather than earthly possessions. The preacher warns against developing a persecution complex and clarifies that opposition often stems from religious zeal rather than mere state authority. Drawing parallels to Daniel and the martyrdom of Polycarp, the message encourages believers to remain steadfast without fear, trusting in Jesus' victory over death. Ultimately, it calls the congregation to hold fast to their name in Christ, assured that conquering through suffering leads to eternal life.

How the Mighty Stand | Kingdom Come vol 4 August 9, 2026 Message by RC Ford [Stewarts Creek Campus Pastor] Scripture References & Sermon Points 2 Samuel 1 • How the Mighty Fall • How the Mighty Stand

The sermon analyzes the letter to the church in Smyrna, highlighting their experience of severe tribulation and poverty caused by persecution from a hostile synagogue. It contrasts their material suffering with their spiritual richness, emphasizing that true wealth is found in faithfulness to Christ rather than earthly possessions. The preacher warns against developing a persecution complex and clarifies that opposition often stems from religious zeal rather than mere state authority. Drawing parallels to Daniel and the martyrdom of Polycarp, the message encourages believers to remain steadfast without fear, trusting in Jesus' victory over death. Ultimately, it calls the congregation to hold fast to their name in Christ, assured that conquering through suffering leads to eternal life.

Welcome to Faith Church Online! As we study Revelation 2:8-11, Jesus is encouraging the church as they are about to face persecution. Jesus reminds them that he is aware of their suffering, forewarns them of coming persecution, and encourages them to remain faithful through it all.  Jesus' reminder is that death is not the end of the Christian's story. We hope this serves you well!

Jesus Above All | Stand Alone Sermon August 2, 2026 Message by Jody Livingston [Next Gen Minister] Scripture References & Sermon Points Colossians 1:15-23 • Recognize Who Jesus Is • Remember What Jesus Has Done • Remain Steadfast in the Faith

So That… | Stand Alone Sermon August 2, 2026 Message by RC Ford [Stewarts Creek Campus Pastor] Scripture References & Sermon Points 1 Peter 2:21-25 • Christ died so that we would follow in his steps • Christ died so that we would die to sin • Christ died so that we would live to righteousness

Can a church do everything right and still lose the one thing that matters most? Jim Scudder opens Jesus' letters to Ephesus and Smyrna—a forgotten first love, a suffering church called rich—and asks whether just a little compromise is ever really okay.

Revelation 2:8-11 To the Church in Smyrna 8 “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 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.'   Introduction: To the Church in Smyrna I. Christ Is Greater Than Our Suffering (Revelation 2:8) "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: 'The words of the First and the Last, who died and came to life.'" (Revelation 2:8)   II. Christ Knows Every Trial We Face (Revelation 2:9–10a)   "I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer." (Revelation 2:9–10a)   III. Christ Calls Us to Faithful Endurance (Revelation 2:10b–11) "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life... 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." (Revelation 2:10b–11)   Conclusion

In our culture, self-preservation is the default setting. Like crows circling a fallen companion, we spend our lives scanning for threats, avoiding discomfort, and fiercely protecting our time, status, and control. Yet, despite our best efforts to protect ourselves, we often find that holding on tight leaves us completely trapped—unable to experience the very peace and freedom we crave.In this powerful conclusion to the ZOEOLOGY series, we examine Jesus' radical declaration in John 12 and His encouraging message to the suffering church of Smyrna in Revelation 2. In John 12, Jesus uses the picture of a grain of wheat to demonstrate that fruitfulness requires death, reminding us that a clenched fist can hold onto a seed, but only an open hand produces a harvest. By pairing this with Smyrna—a city known for myrrh, crushed under intense pressure—we see that surrendering our self-sufficiency isn't a tragic end, but the precise moment Christ gives us the crown of life.Key Takeaways:The Monkey Trap Metaphor: How holding onto our fears, anger, control, or temporary pleasures traps us into missing out on God's best.Cold Stratification & The Peach Pit: Discover why the hardest, darkest, and coldest seasons of life are often what God uses to break open our tough outer shell so His life can burst forth.The Grain Offering Paradox: A look at John 12:24 and the Leviticus grain offering—why holding onto the seed leaves us alone, but surrendering it leads to abundant fruit.Smyrna and the Stephanos Crown: The history of Smyrna (the city of myrrh and emperor worship) and Jesus' promise of the victor's crown to those who remain faithful unto death.Scripture: John 12:20–26; Revelation 2:8–11; Leviticus 2:1–16; Psalm 126:5–6

Pastor Gene Joo

Live Free In Christ | Live Free Week 8 July 26, 2026 Message by Kyle Goen [Riverdale Campus Pastor] Scripture References & Sermon Points Philippians 4:10–23 • Cultivate Contentment in Christ • Carry Concern for the Kingdom • Count on God's Provision

Life hurts, and when it does, something always steps in to fill the gap. In this message from Revelation 2:8-11, Minister Lynne Bradley unpacks Jesus's letter to the persecuted church in Smyrna, a congregation the world called poor but Heaven called rich. Discover why Jesus introduces Himself before He explains your suffering, how fearless faith carries you through trials with a beginning and an end, and why the crown of life outlasts every hard season.

Life hurts, and when it does, something always steps in to fill the gap. In this message from Revelation 2:8-11, Minister Lynne Bradley unpacks Jesus's letter to the persecuted church in Smyrna, a congregation the world called poor but Heaven called rich. Discover why Jesus introduces Himself before He explains your suffering, how fearless faith carries you through trials with a beginning and an end, and why the crown of life outlasts every hard season.

Live Free In Christ | Live Free Week 8 July 26, 2026 Message by RC Ford [Stewarts Creek Campus Pastor] Scripture References & Sermon Points Philippians 4:10–23 • Cultivate Contentment in Christ • Carry Concern for the Kingdom • Count on God's Provision

What keeps a faith vibrant after four decades of ministry? That unexpected question, asked by a young church leader in Baltimore after a discussion on archaeology and the early church, became the catalyst for one of the most important chapters I've written in Missiological Theology. In this episode of The 10-Minute Ephesiologist, I explore what I have come to call missiological spirituality—a way of life that begins not with spiritual practices alone, but with the Triune God who continually speaks and acts. Rather than reducing spirituality to knowledge, experience, or ministry activity, I propose a rhythm of curiosity, discovery, reflection, wonder, and participation that draws us ever deeper into God's perichoretic life and mission. If you've ever wondered why some faith grows stale while other faith remains vibrant, this conversation may help you ask two life-changing questions: What is God saying? What is God doing? Keywords: missiological spirituality, missiology, Triune God, Trinity, perichoresis, perichoretic mission, missiological theology, curiosity, discovery, reflection, wonder, participation, spiritual formation, Christian spirituality, theology, archaeology, New Testament archaeology, archaeology and the Bible, ecclesiology, mission of God, missio Dei, discipleship, church planting, theological education, discernment, God speaks, God acts, Kingdom of God, early church, Ephesiology, Michael T. Cooper Key Takeaways Why one simple question in Baltimore reshaped my understanding of spirituality. Why spirituality must begin with the missionary nature of the Triune God. How God's self-revelation through His words and His works forms the foundation of Christian spirituality. The fivefold rhythm of Curiosity → Discovery → Reflection → Wonder → Participation. Why theology without wonder becomes intellectualism. Why wonder without participation becomes emotionalism. Why ministry itself can become mechanical if it is no longer sustained by ongoing curiosity about God's activity. How archaeology, Scripture, culture, and everyday life continually invite us to discern God's presence and mission. Why the Christian life is best understood not as a ladder to climb, but as a lifelong spiral into deeper communion with God and fuller participation in His mission. 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.

Following Jesus doesn't exempt us from suffering—it transforms how we walk through it.As part of our Summer of Revelation series, “If You Can't Stand the Heat” explores Revelation 2:8–11, where Jesus encourages the persecuted church in Smyrna to remain faithful in the midst of tribulation. This message reminds us that faith isn't built on comfort or cultural acceptance but on the unshakable authority of Christ. When we keep our eyes on the King instead of our circumstances, even the fires of suffering become places where God refines our faith and reveals His presence.Scripture: Revelation 2:8–11Speaker: Pastor Kyle HornerDid you make a decision to follow Christ today? We'd love to support you—email us at info@theconnectchurch.com.Learn more about The Connect Church and stay connected: https://linktr.ee/theconnectchurch

This week, City Central Elder Darrin Miller continued our Revelation series by exploring Jesus' letter to the church in Smyrna—a church marked by poverty, persecution, and suffering, yet one that received no rebuke from Jesus, only His encouragement to remain faithful until the end. Through His words, Jesus reminds us that He sees our struggles, has already conquered death, and calls us to live with an eternal perspective rather than being shaped by the values of this world. As we study this passage, we'll discover that true faithfulness isn't measured by comfort or success, but by steadfast trust in Christ, whose promise of eternal life gives us courage to persevere through every trial.

Pursuing Peace | Live Free Week 7 July 19, 2026 Message by Matt Stout [Franklin Campus Pastor]   Scripture References & Sermon Points Philippians 4:2-9 • Reconcile with Others • Remember What Matters • Rejoice in the Lord • Replace Your Worry with Worship    

REVELATION 2:8-11

Armored Against Demon Invasion (audio) David Eells – 7/15/26 Bundle of Serpents Attacks  John David Feagin - 10/31/2011 (David's notes in red) In the brief dream I had, there was a bundle, like the old-fashioned bundle of wheat that was being passed down from two others in line to me, only this bundle was a bundle of serpents. I could tell that they were very venomous serpents, like sea snakes, cobras, mambas, or coral snakes. They tried to bite my arm and, naturally, I did not like this. I did remember that we are immune to the bites of serpents if we are covered in the Blood of Jesus, so this is where I put my trust. I was no longer so concerned and set them aside. At the time I awoke, this was puzzling to me, but now, after some thought, I believe I understand it more fully. The snakes involved have neurotoxins, which attack the brain, that is, our thoughts. We are strictly warned to take captive our every thought (that is, against the knowledge of God's Word) and this now means much more to me than it ever has before. I am certainly no expert with such things or spiritual warfare, but I do know that demons associated with pornography, bitterness, criticism, faction, etc., are very powerful and deadly. I also know that demons can be transferred by men, and inadvertently opening doors, even with the best of intentions, can invite personal attack. I personally believe this was a warning to be very careful, but it may also be a general warning to others as well, and may be applied to all sorts of demonic or thought influence. If the enemy can truly read our thoughts and insert them, as has been shown in a previous UBM study, then this is particularly devious. It is difficult to reject such thoughts if you think they are your own.  Then, this morning, as a sort of confirmation, I saw the UBM update about the bug detector and casting such thoughts to hell immediately in the name of Jesus. I also noticed that when I was praying, in the Word, and seeking wisdom in such matters, my thoughts were clear, but when my guard was down, my own thoughts and emotions in the matter, no matter how well-intended, were somewhat intoxicating. So, forewarned is forearmed. God bless always in His service.  Be careful of slander and criticism for the purpose of making disciples. It comes only from demons, and those they can use, and it comes for only one reason -- to impart demons and poison minds against someone the devil hates. Demons impersonating aliens to turn the world to the mark of the beast to destroy Christianity. The Word for “heresies” or “parties” in Galatians 5:20 means “a self-willed opinion leading to division”. The word for factions among these works of the flesh means separating followers through selfish ambition. Demons impersonate righteous indignation but are actually criticism or new revelation. {Jas.3:14} But if ye have bitter jealousy and faction in your heart, glory not and lie not against the truth. {15} This wisdom is not [a wisdom] that cometh down from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. {16} For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed.   Bluffing Demons & Spiritual Authority  Sandy Shaw 11/09/2011 (David's notes in red) The way this dream starts is that I'm walking into this room, and I'm watching a group of men (some I know, some I don't know) who are turning around and leaving the room. I ask the ladies there, “Where are the men going?” (These men are the chosen.)  The women who are there tell me not to worry because they need to go -- they have to go. The Lord wants them to go. When this happens, I feel like all the women are in unity that the men needed to go. (The spiritual catching up to the throne anointing of those who will return as the Man-child reformer ministry.) I then grab Tina's hand and ask, “Don't you feel the winds of change?” She answers, “What?” Then I say, “The change. The winds of change. Don't you feel the winds of change?” (From this point on, everything will change both positively for those who love God and are called according to His purpose and negatively for the wicked; a separation of the wheat from the tares. Tina ended up going factious, the opposite of Sandy.)  Then I go from there to an ancient-looking town square or plaza. People are walking all around. There are archways all around the square leading into different hallways, buildings, or rooms. It looks and feels like it's an ancient city. (Archways were made famous by the ancient Romans, who were the first to apply the technique to a wide range of structures. We are seeing a revival of the iron and clay of Daniel's end-time vision of the 10 toes of the world beast kingdom. There is no dispute that the iron is the seed of the Roman Empire.) As I'm walking slowly through this square, I'm praying. I'm praying continuously because I can feel the presence of evil so strongly there. (Great darkness is about to descend as the principality of the old Roman Empire prepares to take charge and make the covenant with many, as spoken of in Daniel 9:26,27.) As I'm looking at some of the people, they look human, but for a brief moment, I can see certain demons that are controlling them. (As we watch this progressive revelation, the people who belong to the body of the beast become less and less human and more and more demon, just as those who belong to the body of Christ become less and less human and more and more sons of God. Those from among the people of God who do not forsake their evil will go with the wicked. {Rev.22:11} He that is unrighteous, let him do unrighteousness still: and he that is filthy, let him be made filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him do righteousness still: and he that is holy, let him be made holy still. In the days before the coming of the Lord, at the end of the tribulation, Jesus will come in and then with His saints. {2Th.1:7} and to you that are afflicted rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire, {8} rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus: {9} who shall suffer punishment, [even] eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might, {10} when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day.) As I'm praying, some man grabs my arm and pulls me into one of the hallways. As he is pulling me into the hallway, I hear someone in the square saying, “We gotta find her. We gotta find her. We have to stop her. Her prayers are reaching the throne of Heaven!” (These voices are the demons speaking through men). (Our prayers do reach the throne when sent by faith, and the demons' plans are thwarted. {Psa.10:17} Jehovah, thou hast heard the desire of the meek: Thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear. {Rom.10:13} for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. {Jer.33:3} Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and will show thee great things, and difficult, which thou knowest not.) So the man pulls me into this room, and there are mostly men and a few women there. This room is full of uniforms of all different kinds. The people are trying to figure out which uniform to put on. Some of the uniforms are military. As they are excited about finding the right uniform to wear, they are trying them on. I know in the dream that these people are Christians. (The “Christians” will be worried about how to appear to the world in this dangerous time and what lifestyle to put on besides Christ's. A military uniform indicates a militant lifestyle in dealing with this beast system, which will be disastrous since “they who take the sword will die by the sword”. We must put on the uniform of the new man, who is in the image of Jesus and His actions, according to the knowledge of the Word. {Col.3:9} lie not one to another; seeing that ye have put off the old man with his doings, {10} and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him.)  I tell them that they have it wrong and that the full armor that they need to put on is the full armor of God, not one of these physical uniforms made by man. The people just look at me, not receiving anything I'm saying (as apostate patriotic Christians). A man asks me to sit down and take a look at this uniform. Then this man puts on some kind of uniform with a jacket. The jacket and uniform cover his legs, feet, and everything. There is a hood to the jacket that covers his whole head with a face-covering mask. The material of the jacket is a material I've never felt before. They then pour chemicals over it, resulting in no damage. Then they turn a blowtorch on it, and the torch doesn't burn or damage it. (As a volunteer fireman for Exxon, they gave us shirts that had metal woven into them to reflect heat.  Our government is allying with alien impersonating demons like the galactic federation or alliance in hopes of profiting from their “higher technology.” But these hate Christians and will help to bring about the mark of the beast to be rid of them.) They are really excited about the uniform/jacket and are picking it to be the one they will use. (There is no safety outside of God's will. He sent the curse, and no man can defend from it. {Jer.17:5} Thus saith Jehovah: Cursed is the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from Jehovah. ... {7} Blessed is the man that trusteth in Jehovah, and whose trust Jehovah is. {8} For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, that spreadeth out its roots by the river, and shall not fear when heat cometh, but its leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.) I tell them again, “No, you have it wrong; it's the full armor of God that you need to put on. There is nothing manmade that will help you. You only need the full armor of God”. I then get up and walk out of there into the long hallway. As I walk down the hallway, it is full of men lining up to put on the uniform they think is going to help them in the battle ahead. {Psa.33:16} There is no king saved by the multitude of a host: A mighty man is not delivered by great strength. {17} A horse is a vain thing for safety; Neither doth he deliver any by his great power. {18} Behold, the eye of Jehovah is upon them that fear him, Upon them that hope in his lovingkindness; {19} To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine. {20} Our soul hath waited for Jehovah: He is our help and our shield. ... {Psa.34:7} The angel of Jehovah encampeth round about them that fear him, And delivereth them. {8} Oh taste and see that Jehovah is good: Blessed is the man that taketh refuge in him.) After leaving the “Christians” in their false confidence, I kept walking and went back to the square. The ground in the square has changed: it's all dirt now, and I could see through the dirt. I see under the dirt different piles of bones all over the place. No one knows that those bones are there, and no one sees them either. I'm not quite sure why I'm seeing them. (The hidden bones represent those who are martyred behind the scenes because they are not prepared for the battle by putting on the Lord Jesus Christ, as in Romans 13:12-14. Notice that putting on Jesus IS putting on God's armor or protection. Notice that it is always called the “armor of God” because it is God Himself. {Eph.6:11} Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. {12} For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places]. {13} Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.  {14} Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, {15} and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; {16} withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil [one]. {17} And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: {18} with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. Notice that putting on all of these attributes: truth, righteousness, the Gospel, and salvation are manifestations of the Word, Who is Jesus. Putting on Jesus is putting on God. It is the armor of GOD Himself.) I'm walking through the square again, and I'm praying because I need to get to the other side of the square. (Contrary to popular opinion, we will all have to pass through this time of the revived Roman beast with America at the head.) As I'm walking and praying, the people that I saw with demons controlling them, I now see as full-blown demons, but to the natural eye, they still looked human. (The worldly people will be totally possessed, though they appear to each other as normal, and we are seeing more of this happening now. The D.S. can only be picked out by their leftist demon doctrines.) There was one demon that would walk really fast. So fast that it seemed as if he was flying. This demon went right in front of my face, standing right in front of me but he could not see me. He was really angry and talking with authority, telling the other demons, “We have to find these people who are praying! NOW! NOW, I say! Find them! (Prayer by those who believe in its power will be both destructive to Satan's kingdom and defensive to those who walk in the Lord's Kingdom. {Jas.5:16} Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working. {17} Elijah was a man of like passions with us, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain; and it rained not on the earth for three years and six months. {18} And he prayed again; and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.)  I was standing right in front of him, praying, and the demon had no clue that I was there. (In other words, I was hidden in Christ.) So, I keep walking and when I get to the right-hand corner of the square, I look. I stop, turn around, and I'm looking! I'm watching these people. And the room is not really a room. The way that it feels is completely off, like when you walk into a room, and you can see the light, yet you can see shadows behind things. This was now completely reversed. There was light where shadows would normally be. There were bits and pieces of light. It was completely off, completely out of order. It just didn't feel or look right. (When the light is dark, and the dark is light, it is when good is called evil and evil is called good. This is where demon-possessed society is and has been going. {Isa.5:20} Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! We see this with demon-possessed people now.) After I walked through there, I saw what looked like some kind of old train depot-type thing. I know it's some kind of old transportation system. I'm in this room where there are two big fences with gates -- a cement-type fence. There is a gate, and people are going in and out of the gate. And then there is like a middle part where a lot of people are walking -- a lot of traffic. (To get where they want to go, Christians can't walk where the masses do in their bondage, spiritually speaking. {Mat.7:13} Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. {14} For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it. We must be conformed by the Word within.) On the other end is the same kind of gate that people are entering this place from somewhere else. When I go there, I'm waiting for Tina, Sam, and my mom. I feel like Tina and Sam went to get my mom wherever she was to bring her here. I knew that it hadn't been very long since I had seen Tina and Sam, but that I hadn't seen my mom in a while. Tina and Sam were getting ready to go through the gate that's on the other side to go to the middle. My mom stopped them and said, “No, we can't go that way. We have to go the other way”. (Sandy said that she felt that if they had gone into the middle, they would have died. This warning was not taken seriously by them and they spiritually died. They did not listen. This is where the people of God need to go from the worldly to the spiritual; there cannot be ‘a halfway', ‘a lukewarm'. This would mean spiritual death to them in this time and a spewing out of the body of Christ. {Rev.3:15} I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. {16} So because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth.) If you walked all the way around to the end, there was another part that was covered by the fence. They did not walk in the middle part. They had to walk all the way around to where I was. (The path of least resistance, or the shortcut, is the wrong way. The worldly church offers many of these. Just listen to them, and they will show you the quick and easy way to get saved and fly away, but the end is death.) They were almost down to that part, and there was another little gate to walk to the middle. My mom stopped and turned around and told Tina, “Grab Sam. He cannot walk in the middle. There is no middle; he can't walk in the middle”. (None of those who are lukewarm, middle-of-the-road walkers will spiritually survive.) As Sam goes toward the middle, Tina grabs him and they walk all the way around to where I was. I greet them and hug them. (This awakening was temporary.) Then I tell them, “Things are not what they seem to be”. My mom then says, “It's okay, it's okay, because everything that is happening is according to God's will. We just need to stay in constant prayer. {Pro.14:12} There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; But the end thereof are the ways of death. We just need to stay in constant prayer”. (In the days of strong delusion and deception, there's much advanced technology now using AI, CGI, and programming through drugs, mind control and manipulation, etc., we cannot walk according to our carnal mind or senses, or we will stumble. Prayer without ceasing is our command.) So, I'm walking ahead of them. Tina is walking on one side, my mom on the other side, both holding Sam's hand. Sam was not as old as he is now. He looked to be eight or nine years old. (We will have to help guide those Christians who are not yet mature in discernment. God will hear their prayers, too. Samuel is Hebrew for “God heard” or “God's name”. Shem is a variant of Sam, meaning “name”. Shem was the father of the people of the name, as Christians are now. Shem was the father of the Israelites.) Sam was trying not to act afraid when there was the presence of evil all around us. Even amongst all the evil, we knew we were under the protection of the Lord. There was no safe place other than the arms of God. I bent down to talk to Sam in his ear, saying, “It's okay to be afraid; you just fear the Lord. Don't fear anyone else or anything else. Nothing can harm you because they have to go through the Father first. Don't be afraid”. (Fear permits faith to be robbed and the enemies to take advantage of us. It is faith in reverse. {Psa.23:4} Yea, thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; Thy rod [of correction] and thy staff [of direction], they comfort me. {5} Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup runneth over. (With this anointing of the Holy Spirit, we should give the good confession.) {6} Surely goodness and lovingkindness shall follow me all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of Jehovah for ever.) Then we started walking back to the square. The dirt has changed again. The dirt now seems like it's a mud-like consistency. But to the natural eye, it looks just like dirt. I still see the piles of bones now with the mud going between the fingers, toes, etc. But now I also see something like a circle; it's a tunnel and I can see it at weird angles and kind of far. The things that I'm seeing in these tunnels are body parts with the flesh. I'm seeing arms cut off, legs, face, head, all different kinds of body parts. They look to be freshly cut off from the body because I can still see the blood. The blood is still wet. I can see the nerves on some of these parts still shaking and moving. (The ‘powers that be' have made many underground tunnels connecting cities, where the military and special forces have found remains of countless people who were murdered by satanists. According to other dreams and prophecies I have seen, it is in these tunnels that the saints will be expected to renounce Jesus or die. It behooves us to walk carefully so we fill out both our days and our ministry.)  I'm getting ready to step, and I stop. I put my hand out to stop my mom, Tina, and Sam as I watch the details of the body parts freshly cut off. It was gross. I then asked them if they saw those parts. Tina and my mom saw it; Sam closed his eyes. He didn't want to see it. I then asked, “But it's not there?” My mom said, “Oh, but it is there under the dirt”. We stopped then and there, and we started praying. We were praying in tongues. While we were praying, I told Tina to take my mom and Sam to the outer part of the square, find a place, and begin praying and interceding. And that's what they did. (As with the Nazi persecutions in the death camps of World War 2, many will deny for the sake of soothing their own conscience that these persecutions are happening, but they will be out of sight and out of mind, “under the dirt”.) I was taking very small steps as the Lord was guiding me and telling me to. (Every step in these days will need to be according to the Father's will because of the dangers. {Eph.5:15} Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; {16} redeeming the time, because the days are evil.) And I was just praying and praying and praying. As I was starting to pray, I saw the people in the square now completely as demons. I no longer saw them as humans. (The righteous will be able to see in the spirit realm those who have been displaced by demons.) As I was walking, I felt as if they were trying to find me, and they were bumping into me, but didn't know they were hitting me. I kept praying more and more. I prayed out loud, and they could hear me but couldn't see me. (Invisibility in the spirit realm makes for peace from the flesh realm.)  That big demon I saw earlier that walked really fast was now there, and there were more demons of his stature and size. They were frantic, upset and mad. One of them said, “Now there are more praying. Do you hear them praying? We have to find them NOW! I'm telling you, their prayers are reaching the throne room of Heaven. Things are going to change. Find them NOW!” There was such an urgency to find us. I walked all the way to the end of the square and I turned around and asked, “Okay, Lord. What is it that You want me to do?” (Truly, “things are going to change.” Walking to the end of the square represents that the saints will go through this beast tribulation and bring the Gospel to the whole world. Watch volume one of Hidden Manna for the End Times.) I don't know where the Lord took the men whom I saw at the beginning of the dream or what had happened, but I just knew that they were coming back. The demons were still looking really hard for the people who were praying. Not just us, but they were looking to stop everyone everywhere from praying. The Lord told me to step a foot back in the square, and I did. When I stepped back in the square, I was speaking the Word out loud. Everything that the Lord was saying to me, I was speaking out loud. The demons could now see me and were in my face, trying to intimidate or scare me. I knew that they could not touch me. They were telling me to shut up, be quiet, that my prayers were dead, and I was doing no good. “Don't you know we can kill you? We can take you out! You are nothing!” Many of them kept saying those things to me over and over. (Demons are full of threats to discourage the prayers and works of God, but most Christians don't recognize them as coming from demons, but feel they are their own thoughts and are defeated. The knowledge of God's Word will enable them to defeat the deceivers. {2Co.10:3} For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh {4} (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds), {5} casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.) I said to them, “I am nothing, but through Christ Jesus He is everything. He is my all and all. Everything that I need, God is. God is the source. God is the strength. God is the great I AM! One of the demons was so close to my face that I could smell his stench. So close that he was almost touching me. I told him, “You are nothing! You can't do anything other than what my God allows. You are nothing! (God is sovereign over all, but He will allow many things that we allow because He has delegated authority over all the power of the enemies. {Mat.18:18} Verily I say unto you, what things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. {19} Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven. ... {Luk.10:19} Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you. {20} Nevertheless in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. I heard a noise behind me, and I turned around and saw all the men who had gone out, and there were more with them coming, and with what looked like Christ in the middle. Everyone was dressed in white. When Christ and all those men came on the scene, some of those demons became smaller and smaller. The ones that were already small were trying to run, but they couldn't go anywhere, as you have seen in cartoons, only this was not a cartoon; they were liquefying before me into a puddle on the floor, and then they were gone. I was backing up as the men were going forward. I went with Tina, Sam, and my mom to this place where I saw a lot more people who were praying and interceding. Then I woke up. (Who are these men whom the demons fear? The Lord is in the Man-child ministry to raise up many in the image of the Lord. These are coming to wreak havoc on the spiritual hosts of wickedness. Hallelujah!)  After I woke up from the dream, I heard the Lord say, “Write this down: “You have all power and authority in the name of Jesus Christ. Understand and know the power of His blood. For you are adopted, therefore you are entitled to everything. Hear Me! Understand Me! Know Me! For then the enemy cannot deceive you for what's ahead.”   The Men Whom the Demons Fear Seven spiritual shepherds who are sent by the Man-child to minister to the seven Churches, which is mentioned in Hidden Manna for the End Times. First, Jesus is coming to be manifested in the Man-child ministry. (Mic.5:2) But thou, Beth-lehem Ephrathah, which art little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall one come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting. Obviously, this is Jesus. (3) Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she who travaileth hath brought forth (the man-child body): then the residue of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. Jesus left because of rebellion and will return in the Man-child who is born of the travailing woman in Revelation 12. As Jesus fed the former rain woman in a body of flesh, so He will feed the latter rain woman in a corporate body of flesh. (Mic.5:4) And He shall stand, and shall feed [His flock] in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God: and they shall abide; for now shall He be great unto the ends of the earth. The Jesus of the former rain was revered by the disciples and feared by His enemies, but because of apostasy, this has not been true for many centuries since because they have had “another Jesus.” The Man-child body and those disciples who follow in His/their steps will restore this, and He shall be “great unto the ends of the earth”. The Man-child's teaching will bring peace to the seven churches that are at war with the beast and harlot. (5) And this [man] shall be [our] peace, When the Assyrian shall come into our land, and shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds and eight principal (Hebrew: “princes among”) men. The corporate body of the Man-child is “this man” who brings peace to the corporate woman with his teachings, which enable her to resist the beast invasion. He brings peace because the “Prince of peace” is in his heart. Spiritually speaking, we are the “land” with the “palaces” that the corporate beast is trying to invade. (1Co.3:9) For we are God's fellow-workers: ye are God's husbandry (Greek: “tilled land”), God's building (“palaces”). As we shall see, the beast is a corporate spirit from the abyss (Rev.17:8) that inhabits the body of the wicked (3) and seeks to inhabit the righteous and mark them. Notice that the “Assyrians” are called “him” which shows that they are seen as the corporate body of the beast. Since the Assyrian beast kingdom passed away over 600 years before Christ, they could not have been connected with Jesus or the Man-child. Therefore, God, as usual, was using the beast of that day to represent a particular aspect of the end time beast. As the Assyrian beast did not conquer Jerusalem, so the end time beast will not conquer those spiritually abiding in the New Jerusalem. (Mic.5:5) ...Then shall we raise against him seven shepherds and eight principal (Hebrew: “princes among”) men. The Man-child Jesus raised up twelve apostolic shepherds primarily to restore those of the “twelve-tribes of Israel” who would listen (Mat.10:5; Act.26:7; Jas.1:1; 1Pet.1:1). In exact parallel, the corporate Man-child will raise up “seven” corporate apostolic “shepherds” primarily to restore the “seven churches”. The Man-child's primary job is to feed the unleavened bread of the Word to disciples in order to manifest Christ in them. These will be the new leadership for the seven churches in the last 3 1/2 years. These “seven shepherds” are not sectarian religious leaders but one man in Christ and are inhabited by one “prince of peace”, Jesus, hence “eight princes among men”. In the next chapter of Micah, we will see that even after the Man-child Jesus' 3 ½-year ministry, He promised to be with the shepherds in spirit “unto the consummation of the age,” (Greek: Mat.28:20) hence “eight princes among men”. These princes are sons of the King and have authority over His realm of the seven churches. The seven churches of Revelation are a type of seven different types of Christians in the Church. (Isa.4:1) And seven women (the Church) shall take hold of one man in that day. The “one man” here is Jesus manifested in the Man-child. Then He will be manifested in the seven shepherds and then in the true Church. One of God's solutions to the apostasy in the Church is new leadership. (Isa.1:26) And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counselors as at the beginning. The same type of counselors in the former rain will be given in the latter rain. Here is another confirmation of the Man-child giving His revelation to seven shepherds, who passed it on to the seven churches. When the Man-child Jesus sent His shepherds out, He called them “apostles”, meaning “one sent forth”. In other words, the shepherds were the Man-child's messengers to the churches. As a type of the Man-child, John on the Isle of Patmos was “a partaker with you in the tribulation” (Rev.1:9) when he was caught up to the throne of God and given a revelation of the coming tribulation to give to the seven churches. (4:1) After these things I saw, and behold, a door opened in heaven, and the first voice that I heard, [a voice] as of a trumpet speaking with me, one saying, Come up hither, and I will show thee the things which must come to pass hereafter. (2) Straightway I was in the Spirit: and behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and one sitting upon the throne. Like Jesus, he was given a revelation of the apostasy in the Church and told to send it to the seven churches by the hand of seven angels. (1:11) ...What thou seest, write in a book and send [it] to the seven churches.... (Rev.2:1,8,12,18; 3:1,7,14) To the angel of the church in Ephesus (and so with Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea) write.... “Angel” in these cases is the Greek word angelos meaning “messengers” and is also used of ministers in the New Testament (Example: Luk.4:24,27; 9:52). The equivalent Hebrew word in the Old Testament is translated “messenger” when speaking of priests (Mal.2:7), John the Baptist, and Jesus (Luk.3:1). Since it doesn't make sense that John sent the revelation by angels, he must have sent it by seven minister messengers to the seven churches. This is exactly what Jesus did as Man-child. He shared His revelation with minister messengers, who shared it with the seven churches.

After commending the Church in Smyrna, Jesus reminds them of two key truths: do not fear and be faithful. In this study, we explore these two powerful key truths found in Revelation 2:10–11 and Jesus' promise to the overcomers that they will not see the second death if they live fearlessly faithful.------------» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Nathan, Eric, Leslie, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more at: https://ellerslie.com/be-discipled/» Receive our free “Five Keys to Walking Through Difficulty” PDF by going to: https://ellerslie.com/subscribe/» For more information about Daily Thunder and the ministry of Ellerslie Mission Society, please visit: https://ellerslie.com/daily» If you have been blessed by Ellerslie, consider partnering with the ministry by donating at: https://ellerslie.com/donate/» Discover more Christ-centered teaching and resources from Nathan Johnson that will help you grow spiritually by checking out his website at: https://deeperchristian.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Drew Zylstra preaches from Revelation 2:8-17, “Faithful Under Fire.” —————————— More from Oostburg CRC Sermons: https://www.firstcrcoostburg.org/sermons Bible Study Resources: https://www.firstcrcoostburg.org/resources Original Music: https://open.spotify.com/album/4P7JbJlHzabPNW8GpdxKcB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJSouYxM1rwWZ4cYAvTIqVA

Press On Towards The Goal | Live Free Week 6 July 12, 2026 Message by David McCaman [Guest Speaker]   Scripture References & Sermon Points Philippians 3:12–4:1 • Perfection Worth Pursuing • Pattern Worth Following • Promise Worth Waiting For    

This message examines Revelation 2:8–11, exploring the persecuted church in Smyrna, the imperial Caesar cult, and the historical witness of martyrs like Polycarp. We see how the church's suffering and poverty were met with Christ's promise of eternal reward. The episode draws connections between first-century trials and present-day faithfulness, highlighting the call to endure, the meaning of the “crown of life,” and the assurance of victory over the second death. Listeners are encouraged to trust Christ in hardship, learn from the Smyrna church's testimony, and respond to the gospel today.

The Christian life was never intended to be easy—Jesus promised trials, difficulty, suffering, and persecution. Yet it is in those very difficulties that Christians have the grace and presence of God to triumph. In this study, Nathan explores the suffering of the believers in Smyrna and gives encouragement to us when we face similar difficulties (including God's silence in the suffering). ------------» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Nathan, Eric, Leslie, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more at: https://ellerslie.com/be-discipled/» Receive our free “Five Keys to Walking Through Difficulty” PDF by going to: https://ellerslie.com/subscribe/» For more information about Daily Thunder and the ministry of Ellerslie Mission Society, please visit: https://ellerslie.com/daily» If you have been blessed by Ellerslie, consider partnering with the ministry by donating at: https://ellerslie.com/donate/» Discover more Christ-centered teaching and resources from Nathan Johnson that will help you grow spiritually by checking out his website at: https://deeperchristian.com/

In one of only two letters where Jesus didn't say anything negative, the believers in Smyrna were a church facing great difficulty, suffering, and persecution. In this message, Nathan talks about the city of Smyrna, why they would have been hostile to Christianity, and discusses the two key descriptions that Jesus gives to the church of Smyrna and why those characteristics of Jesus mean so much to believers today. ------------» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Nathan, Eric, Leslie, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more at: https://ellerslie.com/be-discipled/» Receive our free “Five Keys to Walking Through Difficulty” PDF by going to: https://ellerslie.com/subscribe/» For more information about Daily Thunder and the ministry of Ellerslie Mission Society, please visit: https://ellerslie.com/daily» If you have been blessed by Ellerslie, consider partnering with the ministry by donating at: https://ellerslie.com/donate/» Discover more Christ-centered teaching and resources from Nathan Johnson that will help you grow spiritually by checking out his website at: https://deeperchristian.com/

Free By Faith | Live Free Week 5 July 5, 2026 Message by Zach Baker [Lead Kids Minister]   Scripture References & Sermon Points Philippians 3:1-11 • Free from Earning • Free by Grace • Free to Pursue Christ    

What if the faithfulness Jesus asks of you isn't measured by what you'd die for, but by what you're willing to lose today?This message walks through Jesus' letter to the church in Smyrna from Revelation 2—a group of believers facing real persecution, real poverty, and real fear. Unlike most of the seven churches, Jesus doesn't rebuke them. He acknowledges their pain, names their suffering, and then challenges them to stay faithful anyway. The core question isn't whether you'll face hardship. It's whether you'll trust that the end of the story is already written—and that the end is victory.Whether you're in a season of grief, walking through something that feels impossible to survive, or just quietly wondering if your faith is real enough to hold up under pressure, this message is for you. Jesus wrote a letter to people in pain, and it still speaks.In this message you'll discover:Why having faith is free but being faithful always costs somethingHow knowing "the End" gives you the strength to endure "the middle" of your storyWhat Jesus' letter to Smyrna reveals about suffering, persecution, and His presence in your painThe true story behind the hymn "It Is Well" and what it looks like to trust God when everything falls apartKey Scriptures: Revelation 2:8-11, Revelation 21:1-5

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.  

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