WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.000 Good morning everyone. Please turn with me to Revelation chapter 2. 00:00:08.779 --> 00:00:20.039 And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, 00:00:20.879 --> 00:00:25.640 the words of the first and the last who died and came to life. 00:00:25.640 --> 00:00:30.780 I know your tribulation and your poverty, but you are rich. 00:00:31.700 --> 00:00:37.600 And the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 00:00:39.359 --> 00:00:42.179 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. 00:00:43.480 --> 00:00:48.760 Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison that you may be tested. 00:00:49.719 --> 00:00:52.320 And for 10 days you will have tribulation. 00:00:52.320 --> 00:00:57.960 Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 00:00:59.280 --> 00:01:03.780 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 00:01:04.840 --> 00:01:09.439 The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death. 00:01:22.319 --> 00:01:27.459 Well, good morning everyone. 00:01:28.279 --> 00:01:36.280 In my first semester at uni, while trying to find my place in a new city, 00:01:36.379 --> 00:01:40.139 I moved from Tamworth to Newcastle trying to make new friends. 00:01:40.839 --> 00:01:48.439 I was studying PE teaching, and I had to give a lesson in front of my peers on sexual health. 00:01:48.439 --> 00:01:54.859 Now, I can't really remember what I said, but I remember in the feedback time afterward, 00:01:55.859 --> 00:01:58.400 the lecturer challenged me in front of everyone. 00:01:59.500 --> 00:02:00.420 Are you a Christian? 00:02:01.679 --> 00:02:04.959 Where in the Bible does it say you shouldn't have sex before marriage? 00:02:08.659 --> 00:02:11.219 I was stunned into silence. 00:02:11.219 --> 00:02:15.419 There was a strong feeling in that moment. 00:02:16.039 --> 00:02:18.740 It was more than embarrassment. 00:02:19.680 --> 00:02:22.520 The lecturer had the authority in that situation, 00:02:22.520 --> 00:02:26.500 and everyone in the room understood the subtext going on. 00:02:27.360 --> 00:02:29.819 He wasn't just claiming I was factually incorrect. 00:02:30.860 --> 00:02:33.259 He was saying something deeper than that. 00:02:33.259 --> 00:02:38.939 He was saying I was a fool for my view on sex before marriage, 00:02:39.199 --> 00:02:42.439 and I was wrong to even mention it to other people. 00:02:43.259 --> 00:02:45.379 In that moment, I felt shame. 00:02:46.379 --> 00:02:48.079 I don't fully belong. 00:02:50.259 --> 00:02:53.639 For me, the first and second year of university, 00:02:53.639 --> 00:02:58.979 I wrestled trying to decide, is Christianity worth it? 00:02:58.979 --> 00:03:06.079 Then after uni, after not getting a PE job straight away, 00:03:06.280 --> 00:03:10.819 my first job was as a high school SRE or scripture teacher. 00:03:11.459 --> 00:03:14.919 Now, the school tried to give SRE a proper classroom 00:03:14.919 --> 00:03:19.019 and a proper place in the timetable, 00:03:19.019 --> 00:03:23.739 but there seemed to be a common understanding among the students 00:03:23.739 --> 00:03:27.159 that SRE just wasn't a real subject. 00:03:27.159 --> 00:03:31.960 Normal classroom rules can be pushed to the limit. 00:03:33.960 --> 00:03:37.979 The amount of times I ask myself, is this worth it? 00:03:39.340 --> 00:03:43.060 I lost count by the last bell on Monday, usually. 00:03:45.280 --> 00:03:47.939 A little side plug here, SRE is excellent. 00:03:48.240 --> 00:03:50.379 I highly recommend it if you have the opportunity. 00:03:50.919 --> 00:03:52.099 Talk to me any time. 00:03:53.199 --> 00:03:56.819 But they're just two examples for me, for my story so far. 00:03:57.159 --> 00:04:03.479 It would be fascinating to hear how each one of us have been forced 00:04:03.479 --> 00:04:06.960 to ask yourself the question, is Christianity worth it? 00:04:07.340 --> 00:04:09.620 Is it worth the loss and the cost? 00:04:11.319 --> 00:04:17.839 What have you had to give up or lose simply because you're a Christian? 00:04:17.839 --> 00:04:23.159 It could be money, it could be time. 00:04:24.839 --> 00:04:28.479 What relationships have been strained, not by your arrogance, 00:04:28.799 --> 00:04:31.819 but because you've decided to side with Christ? 00:04:34.399 --> 00:04:37.859 What hardship could you have easily avoided? 00:04:37.860 --> 00:04:42.960 All you had to do was go with the flow of what everyone else did. 00:04:46.259 --> 00:04:49.480 We're all faced with this question, is it worth it? 00:04:51.639 --> 00:04:58.220 As we come to the letter to Smyrna, which is about severe persecution, 00:04:58.460 --> 00:05:02.020 we shouldn't think this doesn't apply to us here in Australia today 00:05:02.019 --> 00:05:03.339 for at least two reasons. 00:05:03.919 --> 00:05:08.560 Firstly, there is no guarantee that we will continue to be safe 00:05:08.560 --> 00:05:09.699 in Australia going forward. 00:05:10.219 --> 00:05:15.019 And secondly, the cost you and I are faced with every day at school, 00:05:15.139 --> 00:05:19.599 at uni, with colleagues, with our sporting teams and friends and family. 00:05:20.879 --> 00:05:26.819 We can be tempted to distance ourselves from Christ bit by bit by bit. 00:05:26.819 --> 00:05:33.519 So what's going to motivate us to stand with Christ and walk into trouble 00:05:33.519 --> 00:05:35.719 and not away from it? 00:05:36.740 --> 00:05:41.060 We've got to hear what Christ has to say to Smyrna. 00:05:43.159 --> 00:05:50.879 So Smyrna competed with Ephesus for the title of the greatest city of Asia. 00:05:51.259 --> 00:05:53.600 It too was a centre for trade and wealth. 00:05:54.019 --> 00:05:56.759 It too was full of worship to the gods. 00:05:56.819 --> 00:05:57.779 The Roman gods. 00:05:58.719 --> 00:06:03.579 The most defining feature of Smyrna was that it had been totally destroyed 00:06:03.579 --> 00:06:06.040 about 600 years before Christ. 00:06:06.860 --> 00:06:11.279 And it laid in ruins for 300 years before it was raised again. 00:06:12.279 --> 00:06:14.860 And unlike most cities, it was carefully designed. 00:06:15.279 --> 00:06:17.779 And so it had this order and beauty to it. 00:06:18.779 --> 00:06:20.240 And today it still stands. 00:06:20.439 --> 00:06:23.879 It's Isma, the second largest city in Turkey. 00:06:23.879 --> 00:06:32.100 To live in Smyrna was to belong to the glorious resurrected city 00:06:32.100 --> 00:06:36.899 that boasted of its allegiance to the emperor. 00:06:36.899 --> 00:06:45.339 And there in the midst of this little, of this city is this little local church, 00:06:46.379 --> 00:06:47.279 a lampstand. 00:06:48.399 --> 00:06:53.620 This lampstand, it's a picture of every Christian being a priest. 00:06:53.620 --> 00:06:57.920 You might be familiar with the phrase, the priesthood of all believers. 00:06:59.600 --> 00:07:05.800 To be priest is to be totally dedicated to the service of Christ. 00:07:07.259 --> 00:07:10.439 Your allegiance is totally to him. 00:07:10.800 --> 00:07:15.399 And your role is to represent him to the rest of the world. 00:07:15.399 --> 00:07:21.239 What will it mean to be Christ's lampstand in Smyrna? 00:07:24.620 --> 00:07:31.120 The words of the first and the last who died and came to life. 00:07:31.219 --> 00:07:35.879 Into this resurrected city speaks one who also died and came to life. 00:07:36.899 --> 00:07:40.060 These words echo the description of the Lord in chapter 1, 00:07:40.500 --> 00:07:42.939 as do all the introductions to the seven letters. 00:07:42.939 --> 00:07:46.819 He is the first and the last, the alpha and the omega, 00:07:47.100 --> 00:07:48.219 and everything in between. 00:07:48.339 --> 00:07:54.000 He is the eternal one who chose to die for his church 00:07:54.000 --> 00:08:00.759 and who came back to life and now holds the keys of death and hell. 00:08:02.639 --> 00:08:07.420 Church in Smyrna, Christians today, to which will you belong? 00:08:08.540 --> 00:08:11.579 The life and glory of the city you live in? 00:08:11.579 --> 00:08:16.439 Or the life and glory of the risen Lord Jesus? 00:08:20.240 --> 00:08:23.259 This letter is the briefest letter. 00:08:24.939 --> 00:08:28.719 And because it's brief, it gives a solemn air to it. 00:08:28.720 --> 00:08:33.480 And when you compare this letter to the Ephesians, 00:08:34.300 --> 00:08:35.720 something appears to be missing. 00:08:36.620 --> 00:08:39.300 The Ephesians are praised for their hard work, 00:08:39.420 --> 00:08:41.620 their concern for truth, their endurance. 00:08:42.060 --> 00:08:44.899 But to those in Smyrna, he says, 00:08:44.899 --> 00:08:52.480 I know your tribulation and your poverty, but you are rich. 00:08:53.959 --> 00:08:57.759 And the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, 00:08:58.419 --> 00:09:00.159 but are a synagogue of Satan. 00:09:02.639 --> 00:09:08.639 Outwardly, all this church has going for it is pain and loss. 00:09:08.639 --> 00:09:16.779 Is their suffering a divine punishment for their lack of devotion to Christ? 00:09:16.779 --> 00:09:22.259 Doesn't that thought cross your mind when hard times hit you? 00:09:24.639 --> 00:09:26.500 But that doesn't fit here. 00:09:27.059 --> 00:09:30.779 There's no explicit indictment from Christ. 00:09:31.639 --> 00:09:34.919 No hint of needing to repent. 00:09:35.419 --> 00:09:37.620 And no warning if they don't change. 00:09:37.620 --> 00:09:41.639 Instead, Christ says, you are rich. 00:09:43.500 --> 00:09:49.220 Materially suffering loss, but spiritually rich. 00:09:50.960 --> 00:09:56.320 In chapter 1, verse 9, John introduces his letter to all Christians saying, 00:09:56.500 --> 00:10:03.340 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom 00:10:03.340 --> 00:10:06.379 and the patient endurance that are in Jesus. 00:10:06.379 --> 00:10:09.720 Tribulation means great trouble or suffering, 00:10:09.939 --> 00:10:13.000 and it is the new normal for every Christian. 00:10:14.399 --> 00:10:19.159 Aligning yourself to Christ when the world wants to live without Christ 00:10:19.159 --> 00:10:21.860 is going to mean trouble. 00:10:24.179 --> 00:10:27.100 Tribulation isn't a mark of God's punishment. 00:10:27.279 --> 00:10:28.879 It's the mark of faithfulness. 00:10:30.899 --> 00:10:33.740 It's not the experience of some Christians. 00:10:33.740 --> 00:10:36.460 It is par for the course. 00:10:36.659 --> 00:10:37.860 It's the new normal. 00:10:39.299 --> 00:10:42.299 We don't experience it in equal measure, of course. 00:10:44.519 --> 00:10:46.000 For those in Smyrna, 00:10:46.500 --> 00:10:53.060 the source of their trouble is the slanderous accusations of the Jews 00:10:53.060 --> 00:10:55.159 who claim to worship God 00:10:55.159 --> 00:10:58.500 and claim that the Christians are evil. 00:10:58.500 --> 00:11:03.339 All the while, these Jews reject Christ. 00:11:04.839 --> 00:11:07.179 Lying and murdering like Satan. 00:11:09.939 --> 00:11:12.079 Christianity had no legal standing, 00:11:12.500 --> 00:11:16.679 and so it made it easy for Jews and others to take advantage of them. 00:11:16.679 --> 00:11:21.359 The Roman Empire was very tolerant of all religions, 00:11:21.559 --> 00:11:26.959 but it was dangerous to believe that only one God exists and rules over all. 00:11:26.960 --> 00:11:33.100 And when the Roman Emperor himself started to be worshipped as a god, 00:11:33.560 --> 00:11:36.060 to not worship him was seen as treason. 00:11:37.759 --> 00:11:39.560 By following Christ, 00:11:40.060 --> 00:11:42.759 they no longer belonged to their community. 00:11:44.379 --> 00:11:49.379 Legally, they had no grounds for rights or freedoms. 00:11:49.379 --> 00:11:53.600 And perhaps even their own family members, 00:11:53.720 --> 00:11:55.259 their Jewish family members, 00:11:55.679 --> 00:11:58.320 would drag them into court, 00:11:58.460 --> 00:12:01.320 publicly slandering them to the loss of their property 00:12:01.320 --> 00:12:02.720 or their reputation, 00:12:03.340 --> 00:12:05.039 even their life. 00:12:07.120 --> 00:12:09.179 This is heavy stuff, isn't it? 00:12:09.960 --> 00:12:11.220 Was it worth it? 00:12:14.740 --> 00:12:16.379 Do you feel the pressure, 00:12:16.379 --> 00:12:20.580 the threat to be tolerant of all opinions 00:12:20.580 --> 00:12:22.120 and all people's choices? 00:12:24.500 --> 00:12:26.159 Perhaps we feel it most 00:12:26.159 --> 00:12:28.120 with those closest to us, 00:12:28.220 --> 00:12:30.039 the relationships we hold dear, 00:12:31.019 --> 00:12:32.340 the respect we crave. 00:12:33.720 --> 00:12:34.700 Into this pressure, 00:12:34.799 --> 00:12:35.460 Christ says, 00:12:35.820 --> 00:12:36.639 I know your pain. 00:12:38.360 --> 00:12:40.080 More than just acknowledging it, 00:12:41.000 --> 00:12:44.039 our Lord is speaking as having gone ahead of us, 00:12:44.039 --> 00:12:46.819 slandered as evil 00:12:46.819 --> 00:12:49.620 only because he was faithful to his father. 00:12:50.099 --> 00:12:53.679 He perfectly reflected his father's character. 00:12:56.079 --> 00:12:57.879 And it resulted in death. 00:12:59.019 --> 00:12:59.579 Christ says, 00:12:59.679 --> 00:13:00.899 I know your pain. 00:13:04.000 --> 00:13:05.199 And at this point, 00:13:05.779 --> 00:13:07.779 I want Christ to say, 00:13:08.019 --> 00:13:08.599 don't worry, 00:13:09.219 --> 00:13:11.079 your trouble will be over tomorrow. 00:13:11.080 --> 00:13:15.660 But instead of taking the trouble away, 00:13:16.600 --> 00:13:19.879 he gives us strength to move into the pain 00:13:19.879 --> 00:13:23.320 by giving us a bigger perspective 00:13:23.320 --> 00:13:25.560 to what's actually going on 00:13:25.560 --> 00:13:27.820 behind what the eye can see. 00:13:29.100 --> 00:13:30.139 Look at verse 10. 00:13:32.200 --> 00:13:35.500 Do not fear what you're about to suffer. 00:13:35.500 --> 00:13:37.500 Behold, 00:13:38.019 --> 00:13:41.559 the devil is about to throw some of you into prison 00:13:41.559 --> 00:13:42.899 that you may be tested. 00:13:43.980 --> 00:13:45.139 And for 10 days, 00:13:45.200 --> 00:13:46.360 you will have tribulation. 00:13:47.500 --> 00:13:49.240 Be faithful unto death 00:13:49.240 --> 00:13:53.159 and I will give you the crown of life. 00:13:56.279 --> 00:13:57.960 Behind the slander of people 00:13:57.960 --> 00:13:59.700 is the devil himself, 00:13:59.799 --> 00:14:03.559 whose name means slanderer or accuser. 00:14:03.559 --> 00:14:05.919 He is the one 00:14:05.919 --> 00:14:08.599 who will bring such allegations 00:14:08.599 --> 00:14:10.539 and injustice and loss. 00:14:11.039 --> 00:14:12.459 Some of you will go into prison. 00:14:12.899 --> 00:14:14.619 Some of you will even be killed. 00:14:15.399 --> 00:14:17.939 Christ doesn't offer them a comfortable life. 00:14:19.699 --> 00:14:22.779 Whoever wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus 00:14:22.779 --> 00:14:24.659 will be persecuted. 00:14:26.479 --> 00:14:28.500 And this isn't for a short time. 00:14:28.979 --> 00:14:29.859 10 days, 00:14:30.000 --> 00:14:33.419 10 represents an extended period 00:14:33.419 --> 00:14:33.539 of time. 00:14:33.559 --> 00:14:38.559 What will empower them 00:14:38.559 --> 00:14:40.859 to move into the trouble? 00:14:41.439 --> 00:14:43.679 Not in a cavalier bring on the pain way, 00:14:43.819 --> 00:14:45.559 but remaining steadfast. 00:14:50.199 --> 00:14:51.239 They're told, 00:14:51.359 --> 00:14:53.379 we're told there's a purpose to it all. 00:14:54.799 --> 00:14:57.799 The devil will do this to test you. 00:14:58.739 --> 00:15:00.299 The implication here 00:15:00.299 --> 00:15:02.059 is that you will pass the test. 00:15:02.059 --> 00:15:04.919 This sounds a lot like the story of Job. 00:15:05.719 --> 00:15:08.259 Job is praised as faithful 00:15:08.259 --> 00:15:09.659 by the Lord himself. 00:15:10.439 --> 00:15:12.699 And Satan wants to test his faith, 00:15:13.179 --> 00:15:14.099 accusing Job 00:15:14.099 --> 00:15:15.959 that he only serves the Lord 00:15:15.959 --> 00:15:17.619 because of all the earthly comfort 00:15:17.619 --> 00:15:19.259 that God provides him. 00:15:20.059 --> 00:15:20.819 Take it away 00:15:20.820 --> 00:15:24.160 and Job will curse you to your face. 00:15:24.160 --> 00:15:27.660 All his children killed, 00:15:27.820 --> 00:15:30.879 financially ruined and covered in sores from head to foot. 00:15:30.940 --> 00:15:33.800 No guarantee of a better day tomorrow. 00:15:33.799 --> 00:15:36.559 And the story ends with Job 00:15:36.559 --> 00:15:39.839 counting the Lord as worth it, 00:15:40.399 --> 00:15:41.959 as all he needs. 00:15:44.519 --> 00:15:45.979 Times of testing 00:15:45.979 --> 00:15:48.799 shows that for God's sake alone, 00:15:49.799 --> 00:15:52.159 not the extra stuff he gives, 00:15:52.799 --> 00:15:54.419 for his sake alone, 00:15:54.799 --> 00:15:56.539 it is worth worshipping him. 00:15:56.539 --> 00:16:01.159 And beyond Satan, 00:16:02.159 --> 00:16:04.379 there is the eternal judge 00:16:04.379 --> 00:16:06.059 and life giver. 00:16:07.599 --> 00:16:09.059 Trouble is certain, 00:16:09.459 --> 00:16:11.039 but just as certain is 00:16:11.039 --> 00:16:12.459 it's limited. 00:16:13.639 --> 00:16:14.620 There will be 00:16:14.620 --> 00:16:16.740 an eleventh day, 00:16:16.939 --> 00:16:17.659 so to speak. 00:16:17.659 --> 00:16:21.100 Most importantly, 00:16:21.259 --> 00:16:22.459 remember who's speaking. 00:16:23.679 --> 00:16:25.679 The one who died himself 00:16:25.679 --> 00:16:27.100 and who came alive. 00:16:28.259 --> 00:16:30.819 He holds the keys of death and hell 00:16:30.819 --> 00:16:32.500 and he guarantees 00:16:32.500 --> 00:16:35.740 resurrection for those who belong to him. 00:16:37.519 --> 00:16:39.480 Be faithful unto death 00:16:39.480 --> 00:16:41.639 and I will give you the crown 00:16:41.639 --> 00:16:43.159 of life. 00:16:45.179 --> 00:16:46.839 He has the authority 00:16:46.840 --> 00:16:48.320 to give life. 00:16:49.860 --> 00:16:51.060 After the cross 00:16:51.060 --> 00:16:52.899 comes the crown. 00:16:54.220 --> 00:16:55.540 People in this world 00:16:55.540 --> 00:16:57.100 chase after the glory 00:16:57.100 --> 00:16:57.780 of a crown 00:16:57.780 --> 00:16:59.100 like in the Olympic Games 00:16:59.100 --> 00:17:00.080 of the Roman Empire, 00:17:00.620 --> 00:17:01.980 a wreath of flowers, 00:17:02.160 --> 00:17:03.420 a garland around the head, 00:17:04.299 --> 00:17:05.840 the praise of the world 00:17:05.840 --> 00:17:06.700 and wealth, 00:17:07.640 --> 00:17:09.039 but it doesn't last. 00:17:11.100 --> 00:17:12.220 Christ offers 00:17:12.220 --> 00:17:13.539 an enduring crown, 00:17:14.960 --> 00:17:15.860 eternal life 00:17:15.860 --> 00:17:16.579 in his kingdom. 00:17:16.839 --> 00:17:19.619 This is not 00:17:19.619 --> 00:17:20.919 a special reward 00:17:20.919 --> 00:17:22.299 on top of your salvation. 00:17:23.459 --> 00:17:24.139 This promise 00:17:24.139 --> 00:17:25.539 is for every person 00:17:25.539 --> 00:17:27.539 who counts Christ 00:17:27.539 --> 00:17:28.359 as worthy 00:17:28.359 --> 00:17:30.319 to endure trouble for, 00:17:30.439 --> 00:17:31.000 which is every 00:17:31.000 --> 00:17:31.839 genuine Christian. 00:17:33.519 --> 00:17:34.579 To conquer 00:17:34.579 --> 00:17:36.579 is John's way 00:17:36.579 --> 00:17:37.959 of talking about faith. 00:17:39.099 --> 00:17:40.199 When a person 00:17:40.199 --> 00:17:41.279 is tempted 00:17:41.279 --> 00:17:42.319 to end the pain 00:17:42.319 --> 00:17:43.339 of being a Christian 00:17:43.339 --> 00:17:45.399 by going with the flow 00:17:45.400 --> 00:17:46.180 of the world, 00:17:46.180 --> 00:17:48.300 what does that person 00:17:48.300 --> 00:17:48.920 need to do 00:17:48.920 --> 00:17:50.180 to stick with Christ? 00:17:51.500 --> 00:17:52.800 We need to listen 00:17:52.800 --> 00:17:53.800 to Christ's words 00:17:53.800 --> 00:17:54.920 and believe him 00:17:54.920 --> 00:17:56.420 more than the world. 00:17:58.420 --> 00:17:59.060 Trust 00:17:59.060 --> 00:18:00.780 that the eternal 00:18:00.780 --> 00:18:01.980 judgment of the Lord 00:18:01.980 --> 00:18:03.440 is the only judgment 00:18:03.440 --> 00:18:05.720 that ultimately matters. 00:18:06.580 --> 00:18:07.960 It is judgment 00:18:07.960 --> 00:18:08.740 that is true. 00:18:10.320 --> 00:18:11.000 Trust 00:18:11.000 --> 00:18:12.660 that true 00:18:12.660 --> 00:18:13.599 life and glory 00:18:13.599 --> 00:18:15.220 is only 00:18:15.220 --> 00:18:15.920 found 00:18:15.920 --> 00:18:17.819 in the resurrected 00:18:17.819 --> 00:18:18.460 Christ, 00:18:18.539 --> 00:18:19.420 not in the world. 00:18:21.740 --> 00:18:23.200 How we conquer 00:18:23.200 --> 00:18:25.400 is to use 00:18:25.400 --> 00:18:26.359 our ears 00:18:26.359 --> 00:18:27.119 to listen 00:18:27.119 --> 00:18:28.599 and believe 00:18:28.599 --> 00:18:30.140 and respond 00:18:30.140 --> 00:18:31.119 to what Christ 00:18:31.119 --> 00:18:31.799 says to us. 00:18:31.799 --> 00:18:35.159 and Christ 00:18:35.159 --> 00:18:36.139 has an amazing 00:18:36.139 --> 00:18:36.720 promise 00:18:36.720 --> 00:18:38.559 for us. 00:18:38.720 --> 00:18:39.099 The one 00:18:39.099 --> 00:18:39.779 who conquers 00:18:39.779 --> 00:18:41.919 will not 00:18:41.919 --> 00:18:42.859 be hurt 00:18:42.859 --> 00:18:44.299 by the second 00:18:44.299 --> 00:18:44.639 death. 00:18:46.379 --> 00:18:47.220 The second 00:18:47.220 --> 00:18:47.579 death 00:18:47.579 --> 00:18:48.259 is a picture 00:18:48.259 --> 00:18:49.339 in Revelation 20 00:18:49.339 --> 00:18:50.059 for the judgment 00:18:50.059 --> 00:18:50.659 of God, 00:18:51.519 --> 00:18:52.200 the lake 00:18:52.200 --> 00:18:52.879 of fire 00:18:52.879 --> 00:18:53.599 where Satan 00:18:53.599 --> 00:18:54.159 and everyone 00:18:54.159 --> 00:18:54.619 else who 00:18:54.619 --> 00:18:55.399 oppose Christ 00:18:55.399 --> 00:18:56.019 will be thrown. 00:18:57.059 --> 00:18:57.740 Eternal 00:18:57.740 --> 00:18:58.419 loss 00:18:58.419 --> 00:18:59.980 of the life 00:18:59.980 --> 00:19:00.759 giving presence 00:19:00.759 --> 00:19:01.319 of God, 00:19:02.579 --> 00:19:02.900 hell. 00:19:05.799 --> 00:19:06.400 Brothers 00:19:06.400 --> 00:19:06.900 and sisters, 00:19:07.059 --> 00:19:07.500 in times 00:19:07.500 --> 00:19:08.059 of trial, 00:19:08.839 --> 00:19:10.660 we need 00:19:10.660 --> 00:19:11.019 to look 00:19:11.019 --> 00:19:11.680 beyond the 00:19:11.680 --> 00:19:12.079 loss 00:19:12.079 --> 00:19:12.859 and pain. 00:19:14.680 --> 00:19:15.599 When you 00:19:15.599 --> 00:19:16.579 stand before 00:19:16.579 --> 00:19:17.200 the Lord 00:19:17.200 --> 00:19:17.839 at judgment, 00:19:18.019 --> 00:19:18.740 which each 00:19:18.740 --> 00:19:19.240 of us has 00:19:19.240 --> 00:19:19.460 to, 00:19:20.279 --> 00:19:20.980 you will 00:19:20.980 --> 00:19:21.779 have zero 00:19:21.779 --> 00:19:22.559 reason 00:19:22.559 --> 00:19:23.579 to be 00:19:23.579 --> 00:19:24.000 afraid. 00:19:26.200 --> 00:19:27.039 You can 00:19:27.039 --> 00:19:27.680 lift your 00:19:27.680 --> 00:19:28.079 head 00:19:28.079 --> 00:19:30.160 assured 00:19:30.160 --> 00:19:31.380 that you 00:19:31.380 --> 00:19:31.600 have 00:19:31.600 --> 00:19:32.120 entrusted 00:19:32.120 --> 00:19:32.380 your 00:19:32.380 --> 00:19:32.740 life 00:19:32.740 --> 00:19:33.080 to the 00:19:33.080 --> 00:19:33.500 resurrected 00:19:33.500 --> 00:19:33.900 one, 00:19:35.460 --> 00:19:36.600 the judge 00:19:36.600 --> 00:19:36.900 of all 00:19:36.900 --> 00:19:37.279 the earth. 00:19:38.960 --> 00:19:39.740 You 00:19:39.740 --> 00:19:40.340 already 00:19:40.340 --> 00:19:40.980 know 00:19:40.980 --> 00:19:42.400 the real 00:19:42.400 --> 00:19:43.000 judge's 00:19:43.000 --> 00:19:43.519 judgment 00:19:43.519 --> 00:19:43.980 of you. 00:19:45.740 --> 00:19:46.820 The wording 00:19:46.820 --> 00:19:47.840 here is 00:19:47.840 --> 00:19:48.480 certainly 00:19:48.480 --> 00:19:49.160 not. 00:19:49.560 --> 00:19:49.980 You 00:19:49.980 --> 00:19:50.279 will 00:19:50.279 --> 00:19:50.960 certainly 00:19:50.960 --> 00:19:52.060 not 00:19:52.060 --> 00:19:53.100 be hurt 00:19:53.100 --> 00:19:54.040 by the 00:19:54.040 --> 00:19:54.400 eternal 00:19:54.400 --> 00:19:54.860 judgment. 00:19:56.300 --> 00:19:57.040 You 00:19:57.040 --> 00:19:57.720 will have 00:19:57.720 --> 00:19:58.620 the crown 00:19:58.620 --> 00:19:59.180 of life. 00:20:00.519 --> 00:20:01.220 Do you 00:20:01.220 --> 00:20:01.720 hear the 00:20:01.720 --> 00:20:02.440 assurance? 00:20:07.880 --> 00:20:08.539 As 00:20:08.539 --> 00:20:09.299 Marty told 00:20:09.299 --> 00:20:09.920 the story 00:20:09.920 --> 00:20:10.279 in his 00:20:10.279 --> 00:20:10.680 intro, 00:20:11.440 --> 00:20:12.160 sitting in 00:20:12.160 --> 00:20:12.900 the congregation 00:20:12.900 --> 00:20:13.539 at Smyrna, 00:20:13.940 --> 00:20:15.420 where Revelation 00:20:15.420 --> 00:20:16.240 was first read, 00:20:16.339 --> 00:20:16.980 could have sat 00:20:16.980 --> 00:20:17.460 this young 00:20:17.460 --> 00:20:17.779 man, 00:20:17.880 --> 00:20:18.420 Polycarp. 00:20:18.420 --> 00:20:20.980 he became 00:20:20.980 --> 00:20:21.420 bishop, 00:20:22.180 --> 00:20:22.840 and in 00:20:22.840 --> 00:20:23.279 his old 00:20:23.279 --> 00:20:23.720 age, 00:20:23.920 --> 00:20:24.400 arrested, 00:20:25.120 --> 00:20:25.539 taken to 00:20:25.539 --> 00:20:26.060 the public 00:20:26.060 --> 00:20:26.460 arena, 00:20:27.019 --> 00:20:27.840 and he 00:20:27.840 --> 00:20:28.320 was ordered 00:20:28.320 --> 00:20:28.940 to offer 00:20:28.940 --> 00:20:30.360 incense to 00:20:30.360 --> 00:20:30.940 Caesar as 00:20:30.940 --> 00:20:31.279 Lord. 00:20:32.640 --> 00:20:33.560 Before being 00:20:33.560 --> 00:20:34.039 burnt, 00:20:34.920 --> 00:20:35.360 he said 00:20:35.360 --> 00:20:35.860 those words, 00:20:35.900 --> 00:20:36.500 let me repeat 00:20:36.500 --> 00:20:36.759 them, 00:20:38.060 --> 00:20:38.820 eighty and 00:20:38.820 --> 00:20:39.620 six years 00:20:39.620 --> 00:20:39.960 have I 00:20:39.960 --> 00:20:40.279 served 00:20:40.279 --> 00:20:40.740 Christ, 00:20:41.320 --> 00:20:42.080 and he 00:20:42.080 --> 00:20:42.460 has done 00:20:42.460 --> 00:20:42.920 me no 00:20:42.920 --> 00:20:43.220 wrong. 00:20:44.740 --> 00:20:45.740 How then 00:20:45.740 --> 00:20:46.120 can I 00:20:46.120 --> 00:20:46.800 blaspheme 00:20:46.800 --> 00:20:47.420 my king 00:20:47.420 --> 00:20:47.980 who saved 00:20:47.980 --> 00:20:48.180 me? 00:20:50.420 --> 00:20:51.240 He was 00:20:51.240 --> 00:20:51.519 looking 00:20:51.519 --> 00:20:52.039 beyond 00:20:52.039 --> 00:20:53.099 that 00:20:53.099 --> 00:20:53.559 moment. 00:20:54.799 --> 00:20:55.759 He knew 00:20:55.759 --> 00:20:56.279 the crown 00:20:56.279 --> 00:20:56.940 of life 00:20:56.940 --> 00:20:57.960 that was 00:20:57.960 --> 00:20:58.599 his by 00:20:58.599 --> 00:20:59.180 grace 00:20:59.180 --> 00:20:59.920 through 00:20:59.920 --> 00:21:00.279 the blood 00:21:00.279 --> 00:21:00.880 of Christ. 00:21:02.299 --> 00:21:03.120 He was 00:21:03.120 --> 00:21:03.880 more scared, 00:21:04.200 --> 00:21:04.839 he was 00:21:04.839 --> 00:21:05.620 more assured 00:21:05.620 --> 00:21:06.019 that the 00:21:06.019 --> 00:21:06.339 judgment 00:21:06.339 --> 00:21:07.000 of Christ 00:21:07.000 --> 00:21:08.360 is what 00:21:08.360 --> 00:21:08.860 counts, 00:21:09.640 --> 00:21:10.400 not what 00:21:10.400 --> 00:21:10.920 the public 00:21:10.920 --> 00:21:11.420 thinks, 00:21:11.819 --> 00:21:12.319 not even 00:21:12.319 --> 00:21:12.759 the pain. 00:21:14.400 --> 00:21:14.799 This 00:21:14.799 --> 00:21:15.500 perspective 00:21:15.500 --> 00:21:16.480 turns loss 00:21:16.480 --> 00:21:17.180 and pain 00:21:17.180 --> 00:21:17.900 and slander 00:21:17.900 --> 00:21:18.279 of other 00:21:18.279 --> 00:21:18.580 people 00:21:18.580 --> 00:21:19.060 upside 00:21:19.060 --> 00:21:19.759 down. 00:21:20.620 --> 00:21:21.480 Or more 00:21:21.480 --> 00:21:22.320 accurately, 00:21:22.500 --> 00:21:22.860 it turns 00:21:22.860 --> 00:21:23.100 it the 00:21:23.100 --> 00:21:23.500 right way 00:21:23.500 --> 00:21:23.820 up. 00:21:24.880 --> 00:21:25.259 Look at 00:21:25.259 --> 00:21:25.500 what's 00:21:25.500 --> 00:21:26.060 going on. 00:21:26.720 --> 00:21:26.920 Whatever 00:21:26.920 --> 00:21:27.700 loss you 00:21:27.700 --> 00:21:28.180 face, 00:21:28.560 --> 00:21:29.060 while 00:21:29.060 --> 00:21:29.480 remaining 00:21:29.480 --> 00:21:30.060 devoted 00:21:30.060 --> 00:21:30.420 to the 00:21:30.420 --> 00:21:30.720 Lord, 00:21:30.940 --> 00:21:31.259 you are 00:21:31.259 --> 00:21:31.820 declaring 00:21:31.820 --> 00:21:32.299 to people 00:21:32.299 --> 00:21:32.980 around you 00:21:32.980 --> 00:21:33.299 and to 00:21:33.299 --> 00:21:33.480 the 00:21:33.480 --> 00:21:33.980 spiritual 00:21:33.980 --> 00:21:34.620 realities, 00:21:35.120 --> 00:21:35.600 Christ 00:21:35.600 --> 00:21:37.360 is worth 00:21:37.360 --> 00:21:37.600 it. 00:21:39.220 --> 00:21:39.759 Christ 00:21:39.759 --> 00:21:40.500 is my 00:21:40.500 --> 00:21:40.960 life. 00:21:41.960 --> 00:21:42.600 Not the 00:21:42.600 --> 00:21:43.019 things he 00:21:43.019 --> 00:21:43.480 gives me, 00:21:43.680 --> 00:21:43.960 not the 00:21:43.960 --> 00:21:44.420 things you 00:21:44.420 --> 00:21:44.759 can offer 00:21:44.759 --> 00:21:44.980 me, 00:21:45.279 --> 00:21:45.680 Christ 00:21:45.680 --> 00:21:46.240 himself 00:21:46.240 --> 00:21:46.800 is my 00:21:46.800 --> 00:21:47.220 life. 00:21:50.200 --> 00:21:50.720 The 00:21:50.720 --> 00:21:51.680 church in 00:21:51.680 --> 00:21:52.080 Ephesus 00:21:52.080 --> 00:21:53.140 had all 00:21:53.140 --> 00:21:53.960 the external 00:21:53.960 --> 00:21:54.880 marks of 00:21:54.880 --> 00:21:55.320 a healthy 00:21:55.320 --> 00:21:55.779 church, 00:21:55.920 --> 00:21:56.320 but in 00:21:56.320 --> 00:21:56.980 their heart 00:21:56.980 --> 00:21:58.340 they'd lost 00:21:58.340 --> 00:21:59.160 their passionate 00:21:59.160 --> 00:21:59.880 devotion to 00:21:59.880 --> 00:22:00.320 the Lord 00:22:00.320 --> 00:22:00.759 who died 00:22:00.759 --> 00:22:01.120 for them. 00:22:02.720 --> 00:22:03.320 And here's 00:22:03.320 --> 00:22:03.779 Smyrna, 00:22:04.539 --> 00:22:05.460 looking ahead, 00:22:05.840 --> 00:22:06.480 and all 00:22:06.480 --> 00:22:07.259 they see 00:22:07.259 --> 00:22:08.420 is loss 00:22:08.420 --> 00:22:09.039 and pain, 00:22:09.700 --> 00:22:10.660 and all 00:22:10.660 --> 00:22:11.160 they get 00:22:11.160 --> 00:22:11.720 for it 00:22:11.720 --> 00:22:13.600 is Christ. 00:22:15.240 --> 00:22:16.019 And they 00:22:16.019 --> 00:22:16.540 decide 00:22:16.540 --> 00:22:19.320 worth it. 00:22:22.480 --> 00:22:23.279 Is there 00:22:23.279 --> 00:22:23.820 a greater 00:22:23.820 --> 00:22:24.680 expression of 00:22:24.680 --> 00:22:25.360 devotion than 00:22:25.360 --> 00:22:25.620 that? 00:22:27.340 --> 00:22:28.160 Is there 00:22:28.160 --> 00:22:28.779 a brighter 00:22:28.779 --> 00:22:30.860 light and 00:22:30.860 --> 00:22:31.560 witness to 00:22:31.560 --> 00:22:32.140 the truth 00:22:32.140 --> 00:22:32.940 than 00:22:32.940 --> 00:22:34.040 faithfulness 00:22:34.040 --> 00:22:35.540 in the face 00:22:35.540 --> 00:22:36.140 of suffering 00:22:36.140 --> 00:22:36.660 and loss? 00:22:36.660 --> 00:22:40.279 is there 00:22:40.279 --> 00:22:40.820 a greater 00:22:40.820 --> 00:22:41.340 word of 00:22:41.340 --> 00:22:41.960 praise 00:22:41.960 --> 00:22:42.560 Christ 00:22:42.560 --> 00:22:42.840 could 00:22:42.840 --> 00:22:43.240 give 00:22:43.240 --> 00:22:43.519 them 00:22:43.519 --> 00:22:44.700 than 00:22:44.700 --> 00:22:45.000 on the 00:22:45.000 --> 00:22:45.440 last 00:22:45.440 --> 00:22:45.900 day 00:22:45.900 --> 00:22:46.200 at 00:22:46.200 --> 00:22:46.680 judgment? 00:22:48.500 --> 00:22:48.779 Well 00:22:48.779 --> 00:22:49.160 done, 00:22:50.160 --> 00:22:50.960 good and 00:22:50.960 --> 00:22:51.660 faithful 00:22:51.660 --> 00:22:52.779 servant. 00:22:56.820 --> 00:22:57.460 Having 00:22:57.460 --> 00:22:57.759 lost 00:22:57.759 --> 00:22:58.080 everything 00:22:58.080 --> 00:22:58.480 else, 00:22:59.480 --> 00:23:00.259 but being 00:23:00.259 --> 00:23:00.940 close to 00:23:00.940 --> 00:23:01.460 the Lord, 00:23:01.720 --> 00:23:02.040 they are 00:23:02.040 --> 00:23:02.440 rich. 00:23:02.440 --> 00:23:05.700 Charles 00:23:05.700 --> 00:23:06.160 Spurgeon 00:23:06.160 --> 00:23:06.539 said it 00:23:06.539 --> 00:23:06.880 better than 00:23:06.880 --> 00:23:07.320 I can, 00:23:08.039 --> 00:23:08.299 for the 00:23:08.299 --> 00:23:08.759 Christian, 00:23:10.059 --> 00:23:10.720 losses 00:23:10.720 --> 00:23:11.920 enrich him, 00:23:13.539 --> 00:23:13.840 sickness 00:23:13.840 --> 00:23:14.440 is his 00:23:14.440 --> 00:23:14.920 medicine, 00:23:16.279 --> 00:23:17.039 reproach 00:23:17.039 --> 00:23:18.000 is his 00:23:18.000 --> 00:23:18.340 honour, 00:23:19.860 --> 00:23:20.180 death 00:23:20.180 --> 00:23:20.620 is his 00:23:20.620 --> 00:23:21.140 gain. 00:23:24.299 --> 00:23:25.080 This can 00:23:25.080 --> 00:23:25.580 only be 00:23:25.580 --> 00:23:26.000 true of 00:23:26.000 --> 00:23:26.279 you if 00:23:26.279 --> 00:23:26.860 you believe 00:23:26.860 --> 00:23:27.200 in your 00:23:27.200 --> 00:23:27.559 heart, 00:23:28.259 --> 00:23:28.759 Christ 00:23:28.759 --> 00:23:30.380 is worth 00:23:30.380 --> 00:23:30.580 it. 00:23:30.579 --> 00:23:33.119 friends, 00:23:33.179 --> 00:23:33.399 as we 00:23:33.399 --> 00:23:33.919 look ahead 00:23:33.919 --> 00:23:34.359 to our 00:23:34.359 --> 00:23:34.759 immediate 00:23:34.759 --> 00:23:35.279 future, 00:23:35.379 --> 00:23:35.679 as a 00:23:35.679 --> 00:23:35.919 church 00:23:35.919 --> 00:23:36.419 family 00:23:36.419 --> 00:23:36.919 and as 00:23:36.919 --> 00:23:37.639 individuals, 00:23:38.839 --> 00:23:39.439 trouble 00:23:39.439 --> 00:23:40.939 and loss 00:23:40.939 --> 00:23:42.079 and not 00:23:42.079 --> 00:23:42.679 belonging in 00:23:42.679 --> 00:23:43.159 this world 00:23:43.159 --> 00:23:43.639 is before 00:23:43.639 --> 00:23:44.039 us. 00:23:45.659 --> 00:23:46.419 But we 00:23:46.419 --> 00:23:46.779 need to 00:23:46.779 --> 00:23:47.439 look beyond 00:23:47.439 --> 00:23:48.299 and see 00:23:48.299 --> 00:23:49.599 him who 00:23:49.599 --> 00:23:50.059 has gone 00:23:50.059 --> 00:23:50.619 ahead of 00:23:50.619 --> 00:23:50.899 us, 00:23:51.139 --> 00:23:52.159 who has 00:23:52.159 --> 00:23:52.919 died in 00:23:52.919 --> 00:23:53.480 our place 00:23:53.480 --> 00:23:53.859 and has 00:23:53.859 --> 00:23:54.339 come to 00:23:54.339 --> 00:23:54.720 life. 00:23:55.759 --> 00:23:56.539 Don't be 00:23:56.539 --> 00:23:56.939 afraid. 00:23:58.220 --> 00:23:59.119 Be faithful 00:23:59.119 --> 00:23:59.799 unto death 00:23:59.799 --> 00:24:00.139 and I 00:24:00.139 --> 00:24:00.559 will give 00:24:00.559 --> 00:24:00.899 you the 00:24:00.899 --> 00:24:01.379 crown of 00:24:01.379 --> 00:24:01.740 life. 00:24:03.680 --> 00:24:04.279 What a 00:24:04.279 --> 00:24:04.919 light for 00:24:04.919 --> 00:24:06.619 Christ in 00:24:06.619 --> 00:24:07.319 this dark 00:24:07.319 --> 00:24:07.879 world we 00:24:07.879 --> 00:24:09.139 will be if 00:24:09.139 --> 00:24:09.819 when trouble 00:24:09.819 --> 00:24:10.639 comes we 00:24:10.639 --> 00:24:11.299 can say 00:24:11.299 --> 00:24:12.779 Christ is 00:24:12.779 --> 00:24:13.359 worth it. 00:24:15.680 --> 00:24:16.359 Will you 00:24:16.359 --> 00:24:16.819 pray with me 00:24:16.819 --> 00:24:17.240 to finish? 00:24:17.399 --> 00:24:17.799 Let's pray. 00:24:17.799 --> 00:24:25.720 Father, you 00:24:25.720 --> 00:24:26.399 know our 00:24:26.399 --> 00:24:27.059 hearts and 00:24:27.059 --> 00:24:28.559 how we 00:24:28.559 --> 00:24:29.559 struggle to 00:24:29.559 --> 00:24:30.379 believe that 00:24:30.379 --> 00:24:31.879 what this 00:24:31.879 --> 00:24:32.720 world offers 00:24:32.720 --> 00:24:33.399 us isn't 00:24:33.399 --> 00:24:33.960 better than 00:24:33.960 --> 00:24:34.319 what you 00:24:34.319 --> 00:24:34.859 offer us. 00:24:36.079 --> 00:24:36.779 Forgive us 00:24:36.779 --> 00:24:37.159 Lord for 00:24:37.159 --> 00:24:37.460 this. 00:24:38.159 --> 00:24:38.579 Thank you 00:24:38.579 --> 00:24:38.980 that it's 00:24:38.980 --> 00:24:39.419 by your 00:24:39.419 --> 00:24:40.220 blood alone 00:24:40.220 --> 00:24:40.759 that we 00:24:40.759 --> 00:24:41.139 stand 00:24:41.139 --> 00:24:41.659 secure 00:24:41.659 --> 00:24:44.720 knowing that 00:24:44.720 --> 00:24:45.599 judgment has 00:24:45.599 --> 00:24:46.339 already passed 00:24:46.339 --> 00:24:46.980 on Christ 00:24:46.980 --> 00:24:48.319 and that 00:24:48.319 --> 00:24:48.879 by grace 00:24:48.879 --> 00:24:49.419 alone we 00:24:49.419 --> 00:24:49.740 get to 00:24:49.740 --> 00:24:50.379 share in 00:24:50.379 --> 00:24:50.799 the crown 00:24:50.799 --> 00:24:51.399 of life. 00:24:53.399 --> 00:24:54.079 Lord, I 00:24:54.079 --> 00:24:54.579 pray for us 00:24:54.579 --> 00:24:55.299 as a church 00:24:55.299 --> 00:24:56.559 that we 00:24:56.559 --> 00:24:57.279 wouldn't just 00:24:57.279 --> 00:24:57.839 go with the 00:24:57.839 --> 00:24:58.419 flow of 00:24:58.419 --> 00:24:59.019 this world 00:24:59.019 --> 00:25:00.879 that you 00:25:00.879 --> 00:25:01.319 would help 00:25:01.319 --> 00:25:02.000 us to 00:25:02.000 --> 00:25:03.939 see Christ 00:25:03.939 --> 00:25:04.919 in all his 00:25:04.919 --> 00:25:05.899 truth and 00:25:05.899 --> 00:25:07.939 beauty and 00:25:07.939 --> 00:25:08.679 count having 00:25:08.679 --> 00:25:09.119 him as 00:25:09.119 --> 00:25:09.779 worth it. 00:25:12.159 --> 00:25:12.959 Lord, give 00:25:12.960 --> 00:25:13.819 us ears to 00:25:13.819 --> 00:25:14.380 hear you. 00:25:15.579 --> 00:25:16.160 Make us 00:25:16.160 --> 00:25:16.620 rich. 00:25:17.620 --> 00:25:18.259 In Jesus' 00:25:18.440 --> 00:25:18.620 name. 00:25:18.840 --> 00:25:19.100 Amen.