Today is Sunday, 2023.01.15 -- Letter to the Church in Smyrna
Question: What good things can you say about your church and the overall church in America?
In my post on Sunday, 2023.01.01, I discussed a pattern I discovered in Jesus' assessment of the seven churches in Revelation 2-3. Links to the posts are included at the bottom of this post.
In this post, I will go through the letter to the Church in Smyrna {Revelation 2.8-11} and identify what I saw for each of the six elements of Jesus assessment.
Authority Of The Assessor
These are the words of the First and the Last, who died and returned to life. {2.8}
Acknowledgment of some good things
I know your affliction and your poverty — though you are rich! {2.9}
And I am aware of the slander of those who falsely claim to be Jews, but are in fact a synagogue of Satan. {2.9}
Condemnation of some negative things
NONE
Plan of action
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. {2.10}
Be faithful even unto death. {2.10}
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches {2.11}
Consequence for failing to complete the plan of action
NONE
Promise / reward
I will give you the crown of life. {2.10}
The one who is victorious will not be harmed by the second death. {2.11}
Other Noteworthy Observations
No mention any negative behavior
No consequence for failing to complete the plan of action
Previously posted letters to the churches
Biblical Assessment of the Seven Churches
Letter to the Church in Ephesus