IS JESUS LORD? IS CHRIST KING? DEVOTIONAL II
Have you noticed the headlines, lately? The world has always been wild and crazy! However, I believe it was King Solomon who said, “Nothing is new under the sun.”
Please examine yourself as you read the messages to the Church in Revelation 2. The message to the Ephesian Church in Revelations 2 emphasizes God’s requirement of passion and love for Christ, the passion that makes God first in all things.
Many Churches today, like the Church of Ephesus, individually and collectively, have all the boxes checked, except the main box of maintaining and growing an intimate relationship with Christ. How about you are all your boxes checked, also?
Even the phrase, “Christ is King” has been made a controversy by worldly standards. Are you able to maintain your peace amid all the lies, false narratives and, “Christian” persecution?
The attacks of the enemy are never his first rodeo. His tactics are the same. As you read the scripture try to find yourself and the church today. Do you see yourself? Do you see the modern church crisis’? The word of God is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore.
Read Revelations 2:8-10
9 I know how much you suffer and how poor you are, but you are rich. I also know the cruel things being said about you by people who”Claim to be God’s people.” But they are not really God’s people. They are a group that belongs to Satan.
10 Don’t worry about what you will suffer. The devil will throw some of you into jail, and you will be tested and made to suffer for ten days. But if you are faithful until you die, I will reward you with a glorious life. (Gk. crown of life)
11 If you have ears, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. Whoever wins the victory will not be hurt by the second death.
Context & Cultural Background:
The Smyrna culture was deeply committed to idolatry and worship of the Roman Emperor. (Government) The evidence of their worship was political allegiance and civic pride. (Socialism) They were required to burn incense and say “Caesar is Lord” to receive a certificate that they had performed their religious duty. They could then go away and worship as they pleased.
However, the true-to-faith Christians determined they would give no man the name “Lord” because that name is reserved for “Jesus Christ” alone. The faithful refused to conform to the culture.
Are you conforming to the pressures of the culture today? Is Christ King? Is Christ Lord?
As a result of not conforming the True Christians of Smyrna knew poverty because they were robbed and fired from jobs in persecution for the gospel. This kind of economic persecution was one important reason why Christians were poor. Even today across the globe it’s happening! Find yourself yet?
The Blessing to Christians who remain True to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Are you rich?
Rich in spirituals; rich in faith; rich in grace; rich in good works; rich in bonds and deeds; of gifts;: rich in hope: rich in reversion;
When God’s people are impoverished for the sake of Christ and a good conscience, God makes all up to them in spiritual riches, which are much more satisfying and enduring, eternally.
Gospel of Jesus Christ vs Gospel of Satan?
Those Christians in name only were really the synagogue/church of Satan. (Rev. 2:9)
15 Watch out for false prophets! They dress up like sheep, but inside they are wolves who have come to attack you. (Matthew 7:15)
They were doing the bidding and work of Satan, then and now. Have you seen anything in churches that look less like Christ and more like Satan, lately? As Christ has a church in the world, “The Body of Christ”, so Satan has his church. Those assemblies which are set up in opposition to the truths of the gospel. They promote and publicize fake gospel news.
Their gospel is set up in opposition to the purity and spirituality of gospel worship according to the scriptures, They promote and multiply the narcissistic inspiration of men and their rites, rituals, and ceremonies that never entered into the thoughts of God.
Have you seen any Satan Churches disguised as Christian Churches, lately?
Synagogues/Churches of Satan carrying on, where Satan presides over them, he works in them, and his interests are served by them. God is greatly dishonored when his name is made use of to promote and patronize the interests of Satan. He will take revenge on those who persist in it.
Sadly, many followers don’t know the truth, because the pure word of God is not spoken. It just feels good and right to them. An emotional rollercoaster! Religious modification and no transformation!
(Rev. 2:10) Don’t worry about what you will suffer. The devil will throw some of you into jail, and you will be tested and made to suffer for ten days.
Question: Why couldn’t the Christians stop the attack? Rebuke the Devil, Right?
Answer: God had a purpose in their suffering, so he allowed it. In their suffering, God proved the true riches of the church.
God has a Promise:
(Rev. 2:10b) …But if you are faithful until you die, I will reward you with a glorious life. (Gk. crown of life)
What is in your treasure chest of Riches? Does your faith journey align with the Smyrna Church?
Action Steps: Study the scriptures to ensure your faith aligns with the gospel of Jesus Christ and not Satan’s gospel. God’s Church and not Satan’s church. Are you attending a church where Jesus Christ is the main attraction? Check yourself daily!
The Prayer Escape 