What season of life are you in today? So, they were infatuated with the Roman government and they worshipped the emperors. Garlands of victory were bestowed only to the highest achieving athletes. We will be rewarded for staying strong until death. Oct 04, 2021 41:20. I know what it is like to face death at their hands. Have you experienced suffering in your life where it was difficult for a time to stand firm? Jesus was reminding these suffering Christians in Smyrna who may be facing death in the near future. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. She and her husband have five childrenthree who have already flown the coop and two adopted teens still roosting at homeplus two adorable grands who add immeasurable joy and laughter to the whole flock. I had some coworkers in Dallas who used to joke about the parties they were going to have in hell. Be thankful that He did this that He died for us. Time and time again, wars, massacres, earthquakes, and plagues have threatened to destroy Smyrna, but the city has always bounced back and rebuilt. What do I do about calling a priest father at my Catholic University? (NASB). Jun 21, 2021 42:17. It was like the Word just pierced my heart. Jesus had a reason for mentioning this fact. It was already being persecuted. Christians are not exempt from suffering. I was with another student, another medical technology student, and I noticed that this lady had very little to do with me. The words of Jesus to the church in Smyrna in Revelation 2:8-11 offer insight into the life of a first-century congregation, and there are many applications for today's believers. It is the only one of the seven cities still in flourishing condition. The letter to the church at Smyrna is unique for several reasons. Jesus has no censure for the church They said you make light of that then we will burn you at the stake! The Jews who hated him gathered the wood for the fire. They were Jews by race and that is it. Some Jews, like the Sadducees, believed this was annihilation (John 5:28-29; Rev. Kingdom 102: Kingdom of Light or Darkness? 6. Most American Christians today will not be called to die a martyrs death. Smyrna was a hotbed for pagan worship. When we go through the troubles of life, we can either take shelter in Him or seek to go it alone in our fears and pride. They despised and hated Jesus Christ. 1.3 Orthodoxy. Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) Perhaps the most well-known of the seven letters addresses the church in Laodicea. The city rivaled Ephesus in grandeur and influence. Finally, Jesus warns His people to expect more suffering, persecution, and testing. But we do experience our own pressures, suffering, and afflictions. 3. They cannot coexist. Most of us will never die for our faith and I hope we do not. Why would this description of Christ be especially encouraging for this church? Presumably, this church was founded during Pauls ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:10).1, The Greek word translated Smyrna was used in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) to translate the Hebrew word for myrrh, a resinous substance used as a perfume for the living (Matthew 2:11) and the dead (John 19:39). The ultimate reward is life. It was probably six weeks. The trade unions would have nothing to do with them. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. - Psalm 37:7. For the first He says in Revelation 2:10, Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. The first way they are suffering is through pressure. Kingdom 103: Your Faith is Essential in the Kingdom, Kingdom 103: They Praise Him, But Fail to Obey Him, Kingdom 103: The King's Will and the King's Word, Kingdom 103: Know Your Purpose While on This Earth. In verses 10 and 11, he makes two promises. He always will exist. Ask God to strengthen your faith so that you can endure the suffering in your own life more victoriously. It was used to embalm the dead in the first century (Jn. How do you respond to suffering and tribulation? But, the word used here means absolute poverty, possessing absolutely nothing. They were not poor. As believers, we should expect persecution and suffering in this life. I was on staff at Texas Heart as one of the instructors through the University of Texas. But, Jesus reminded them that they were poor here on this earth but you are so rich. 3. Maybe someone you love is hurting. Christians were viewed as antisocial elitists for refusing to participate in it. What can be done to invite Him further into your church? Its association with death perfectly pictures the suffering church at Smyrna. In the center of the ancient city, Mount Pagos (modern name: Kadifekale) stood 500 ft. high and was encircled by a garland of architecturally impressive buildings and templeswhich was probably why the hill was known as The Crown of Smyrna.. It is like Sally and I were saying this morning. Kingdom 103: On What Foundation Does Your Faith Stand? We will become lifesavers, thrown to those who are drowning. 4. Among them, 347 clergymen of the Smyrna region and Metropolitan of Smyrna Chrysostomos were tortured and martyred. 5. The church at Smyrna was to undergo some intense persecution and tribulation. 6. ATTOM AVM; Home Equity Data . People did not want to buy from them because they were Christians. We can have confidence as believers that we will spend eternity with God and not face the second death. I have heard it said and I put this up on the screen to help you, If you are born twice, you will only die once. If you are born physically and then later you are born spiritually, you will only die once and that will be when you die physically, (unless the Lord comes back, in which case you would not die at all). How is it possible to not fear impending tribulation and suffering? Janene Keeth (nicknamed "Crickett") holds a M.A. Smyrna was a large, important city on the western coast of Asia Minor, famed for its schools of medicine and science. ), Note: Jesus use of the strong term blasphemy, which was usually reserved for hostile words against God, indicates the slanders wickedness, intensity, and severity.4, 4. Just trust the One who holds your life in His hands. How do these verses affirm Christs equality with God? Specific Messages to 7 Churches of Revelation Some of these seven churches kept closer to the gospel than others. Jesus is passionately concerned with how and what we do in our churches, and wants to be intimately involved. I know your afflictions and your povertyyet you are rich! He was martyred for his faith in A.D. 156. This approval will take place when we as believers will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and He will evaluate us for all the works that we have done on this earth. The Church of Smyrna: The Church that Remains Faithful Amidst Persecution (Revelation 2:8-11) Summary and Explanation: Smyrna was home to a large Jewish community hostile to Christians. I have a picture of modern day Smyrna in contrast to Ephesus which, today, is a deserted ruin with no people. You do not need to fear or worry about the future! While there, the Holy Spirit spoke to John and instructed him to record everything Jesus was about to reveal via a vision. Where Does the Bible Mention These Seven Churches? They were going to nail him to the stake, but he said they did not have to nail me, I will stay. The Cross And Christs Suffering For Sins (1 Peter 3:18-22), 6. What are some reasons God allows suffering in our lives? Ch 1 pt 3, Kingdom 104: Masculine-Minded Men of the Kingdom Government Pt 1, Kingdom 104: Masculine-Minded Men of the Kingdom Government Pt 2, Kingdom 104: The Benefits of Understanding the Simplicity of the Kingdom, Kingdom 104: The Benefits of Discernment, The Kingdom Is the Crux of the Problem Pt 1, The Kingdom Is the Crux of the Problem Pt 2. Judaism What causes a Christian to become belligerent against Christ and a church to turn on one another, forsaking their call and duty? Take some time to praise God for who He is in light of the Scripture you read today. But, you know, they heard every word. What similarities to Revelation 2:8-11 do you see in this passage? As a matter of fact, she began to teach me. And finally, Smyrna was the only congregation besides Philadelphia that did not receive admonishment from Jesus. 5. Well, the first type of suffering they were going through is pressure. In Jesus name, amen. How do our stubbornness, recklessness, and selfishness contribute to a church's dysfunction? What does this passage mean? However, Jesus wanted to remind them that their sufferings would anoint them for a Christlike death and burial that could only result in an eternal resurrected life. That is the doctrine or the view of annihilation of hell. So, I opened the door and walked through the lab. 19:20; 20:10-15). (NASB). This is a church under persecution yet denounced every false pretension of Jews who were (Synagogue of Satan) abode of Satan. I noticed it and after a few weeks I thought you know I think I need to say something to her. They will eventually die and they will eventually be put out of their misery. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victors crown.(Revelation 2:8-10). I need strength. She started and began by reading from Isaiah 53 about Jesus the suffering servant. Smyrna, an ancient city now surrounded by the modern city of Izmir, was originally established around 1000 BC by Aeolian Greek settlers in "Old Smyrna" (Bayrakl Hy) on a small peninsula jutting out from Asia Minor into the Aegean Sea, similar to Old Tyre. After college (the first time), Crickett was on staff with C More. Verses 9 and 10 also go on to tell us a third thing we need to remember in order to suffer well. 5. With a population of over 3 million, Smyrna continues to thrive today as the modern Turkish city of Izmir. The purpose of this crown or crowns is not for you. From the message to Smyrna, Christians today can glean several important truths. They, and the zealot Jewish leaders, hated Christians and prohibited them from working, buying, or selling, any time they got a chance. I was ready to share Christ with anybody and, you know, I could handle this lady. Consider this: when we are independent from Christ in our personal lives and in running our churches, we are forsaking and opposing Him. Until recently, we who live in the United States and Canada have had many personal liberties, particularly the freedom to worship God.In the post-World War II era, most other modern Israelitish nations have also enjoyed such freedoms, and thus most in the church of God are not accustomed to widespread or severe persecution. Those crowns are not to make us feel good about ourselves. If they kill you, they just ended your physical life. I was not Crickett then. He knows exactly what you are going through. The crown of victory belonged to the victor alone, and every other competitor was considered defeated. So, I caught all kinds of grief, you know, comments made like: oh, you would fit well into grandmothers generation. You are really out of touch with reality today. Just cruel comments. He is the One who overcame life and death for our benefit, and when we seek to run His church our way, we embarrass and dishonor Him and His Way. When we seek to do His church on our own, we turn it into a church of evil, as diametrically opposed to Christ, as Satan is opposed to Him. I would leave every night saying, God, why do I have to go to these events? because I did not feel like I was having a witness. Also, death is mentioned three times in these four verses. Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. But, we are going to experience suffering on this earth without doubt. The Bible notes that slanderous accusations by Jews against Christians had led to Christian persecution by Roman authorities (Acts 14:2, 19: Acts 17:13). Why does God allow Satan to bring tribulation in our lives if God is ultimately in control? If you have ever gone to a funeral or to a visitation and you have looked in a coffin to view the body, you see that physical body, but you know something is missing. They might face death. He is not referring to eternal life here because you do not work for eternal life. I was just going through my mind of what I was going to say. The Cross And Our Response to Trials (1 Peter 4:12-19), 8. Which attributes of God most comfort you in the midst of trials and why? When fear grips the human heart, and our very life is threatened, nothing can bring tranquility like faith in Him who is both the first and the last.3. After introducing the first vision, John is commanded to write a letter to seven churches. What two instructions did Jesus give them concerning the upcoming tribulation? Editor's Note: a lightly edited transcription of the attached audio file will be found at the end of this originally written daily study guide. You cannot do them at the same time. Be on guard. They cannot coexist. Rest in His presence. I never wanted to open my mouth to pray because my words seemed so shallow compared to the prayers of these godly men and women who had suffered greatly. It would be fine if they just left me alone. Located just 35 miles north of Ephesus, at the head of the Aegean Sea, the thriving city of Smyrna was known for its beauty, wealth, and achievement. Maybe you have a financial issue. In verse 9 when He says, I know your tribulations. That word used here for tribulation literally means pressure. Then, they would want to pray with us. What was Jesus message to the church in Ephesus in Revelation? I came back that fall and I was so on fire for the Lord. 7. Be hopeful. . 2. How can such a church be turned around? Of course, all the other med techs are sitting there pretending like they were not listening. The church in Smyrna and the church in Laodicea stand in stark contrast to each other (Rev. Right now, I hate this woman. So, I got up the next morning before dawn and I took a walk. She finally said, do you have anything you want to say? I said nope. I did not know what to say because I thought I knew I was going to cry. Ch 1 Pt 1, Kingdom 104: Where Are the Masculine-Thinking Men? And finally, Smyrna was the only congregation besides Philadelphia that did not receive admonishment from Jesus. They are for us to give back to Him. Lets pray. I thought, okay we can pray about this. Scripture does not record the founding of the church of Smyrna. She would not teach me. For instance, telling them that they were practicing cannibalism because they were partaking of the Lords Supper, eating of the body of Christ, drinking His blood. Their enemies can only take their lives once. We need to look for that end result. . The Second Coming of JesusWho Are the 144,000 in Revelation?Who Are Gog and Magog in the Bible?What Is the Apollyon?Is the Apocalypse Mentioned in the Bible?Signs of the End Times and the Rapture. The term may also refer to anyone who sacrifices their life or something of great value for the sake of principle. She went on and on and on and I was dumbfounded. As much as I want to believe that, I do not believe the Bible backs that up. Maybe you are dealing with an illness. Do you fear God more than people? There was coming another form of suffering and that is prison in verse 10: Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for 10 days. For example, the letter to Ephesus . In Revelation 2:9 He says, , I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. No second-place prize existed. (Notice the similarities to the description of Christ in 1:17-18). I had just started walking with the Lord that year before and I had gone on a beach project with Campus Crusade that summer. Perfusionists, for some reason, or at least the ones I know, love to drink and party. Oh, I do not think she should be doing that or I do not think he should be. Be careful. Revelation 20:14 and Revelation 21:8 tells us that the second death is the lake of fire and brimstone. They would tell us about their relationship with the Lord and they would tell us about the things they had endured during the Cultural Revolution because of their faith in Christ. It went on and on. I was kind of scared. View property report for 975 Church St Se, Smyrna, GA 30080 on ATTOM's Property Navigator. He looks for people who oh, lets see, boy, shes always critical. She is always a gossip. She is always kind of stirring up the pot about one of the leaders saying I do not like the way he is doing this or I do not think they should. Be careful, because he is looking for someone he can just grab and go, yeah, build on that, talk that up in your church, yeah, talk about that leader. We need to really commit to pray. What are the other crowns and to what are they referring? Throughout history, Smyrna has suffered its fair share of hardship. Kingdom 103: Honoring the Father Through the Son, Kingdom 103: Living in the Kingdom Culture, Kingdom 103: Power and Authority in His Name, Kingdom 103: Many Little Kingdoms, But Only One is True, Kingdom 103: Kingdom Citizens Are Examples. The Church at Smyrna would have been familiar with the extreme honor associated with a victors crown. The city was well known for its Olympic-style athletic contests. The letter to the church at Smyrna in Revelation 2 is notable for many reasons, one being that it's one of the only letters that doesn't have a rebuke. The second thing He promises is eternal life. You are so in love with the Lord. By surrendering our lives to our born-again existence, we join our Smyrnaean brethren as overcomers who wont be harmed in the second death, which is the final judgment of the wicked (Revelation 20:6, 20:14, 21:8) Jesus Christ paid for our sin on the cross at Calvary. But, when we trust in Him, He will give us the strength to endure. Why Did Jesus Give Believers the Beatitudes? Seldom has a decade gone by without a significant event ravishing the city. You see, Smyrna had a lot of religions. 1. She also has two B.S. I want that kind of prayer life. But then we would always say, I dont want to go through what they went through. You see, the road to getting there is through suffering. He just came in. The fourth thing we need to remember is that the ultimate solution is trust. I will be the first to admit to you that I do not like to suffer. Facing Life Successfully and Effectively Pt 1, Facing Life Successfully and Effectively Pt 2, The Power of Motive and Faith in God's Word, Your Faith in Jesus the Christ: the Work of God, Your Faith in Jesus the Christ: the Work of God Pt 2, The Challenges of Your Faith In God's Written Word, God Created Marriage as a Foundational Institution, Populating the Earth Wasn't the Primary Purpose of Marriage, Citizenship Pt 2--Becoming a Kingdom Citizen, Citizenship Pt 3-The Concept of Dual Citizenship, Citizenship Pt 4: The Invisible Citizenship, The Kingdom Versus the Government of Man Pt 2, The Birth of the Kingdom, The Spirit of Dominion, Ruling the Visible World From the Invisible Realm, We Were Born to Rule, But Not Over Each Other, Jesus' Assignment Was to Restore the Kingdom, The Kingdom--Preached In Word, Demonstrated In Power, Understanding Principles of Kingdom Culture, Understanding the Kingdom Concept of Culture Pt 1, Understanding the Kingdom Concept of Culture Pt 2, Understanding the Kingdom Concept of Culture Pt 3, Culture and Its Many Manifestations Part 1, Culture and Its Many Manifestations Part 2, Culture and Its Many Manifestations Part 3, Culture and Its Many Manifestations Part 4, The Kingdom: Social and Economic Differences, Kingdom Culture vs The Culture of Christianity, Change Is Inevitable When Obeying the King's Word, Faith in the Written Word and Hardship Pt 1, Faith In the Written Word and Hardship Pt 2, The Principles and Benefits of Purpose Pt 1, The Principles and Benefits of Purpose Pt 2, The Principles and Benefits of Purpose Pt 3, The Principles and Benefits of Purpose Pt 4, The Principles and Benefits of Purpose Pt 5, The Principles and Benefits of Purpose Pt 6, The Principles and Benefits of Purpose Pt 7, The Principles for the Nature of Your Purpose, The Lord Provides for His Purpose, Not for Our Plans Pt1, The Lord Provides for His Purpose, Not for Our Plans Pt 2, It's Imperative That One Knows Their Purpose, Your Purpose is Being Accomplished Through Christ. In James 1:12, James write, Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him. It has been described as the most beautiful of the seven cities. He does not want you to know that he loses. "In Roman times, Smyrna was considered the most brilliant city of Asia Minor, successfully rivaling Pergamos and Ephesus. How does this ruin a church? 6. Annette has also written curriculum for character growth and development of elementary-age children and has developed parent training seminars to benefit the community. c. Slanderings. Absolutely nothing is hidden from our all-knowing, all-seeing God. Thus, it is not that much of a stretch or even a job relocation to be a church of Satan, since we are already such a place. What harm can it do? They made up whatever they could and went to the government and they were persecuted. Smyrna covers the second church period from approximately from 100 C. E. to 323 C. E.; the Age of Martyrdom, 200-250 years during the second and third centuries C. E. The church in Smyrna faced bitter persecution and death, yet it emitted a fragrant testimony of faithful commitment to . Such was the case for the ancient church at Smyrna. He is an enemy who will stop at nothing. He says, Do not fear.. It is because the soul is no longer there. Revelation 2:11a - "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.". Jesus thus says in effect, you know what, I know what it is like to be persecuted by your enemies. We need to be on guard and we need to commit to pray for the church for the leaders. He is the overcomer and it says here in Revelation 2:11. I shut the door and I stood there. It is not a question of, will you suffer? The question is, how will you handle it when it comes?. They will only last for a moment in life of the blessings that you will have for eternity. Well, they were under pressure from several forces. . Undoubtedly, the church of Smyrna could have justified any syncretistic actions to preserve their livelihood and lives by proof texted scripture or by claiming that their compromise was for the greater good of tolerance, love, and grace. He is aware of the enemys plans and the afflictions we face (Hebrews 2:17-18). Kingdom 103: Where Does the Governor Reside? How does this apply to me? It is emphatic in the Greek. 9. The Essential Inductive Questions (for more Inductive questions see Inductive Bible Study): What does this passage say? Pt 2, Kingdom 104: Christianity Misrepresents the Kingdom Pt 1, Kingdom 104: Christianity Misrepresents the Kingdom Pt 2, Kingdom 104: A Focused Representative of the Kingdom, Kingdom 104: Where Are the Masculine-Thinking Men? Even after I left to go on staff of Campus Crusade, she wrote me while I was in ministry. I wanted to hurt her and I wanted her to go to hell. But every born-again Christian is called to die to the things of this world (Galatians 2:20, Luke 9:23), become a bondservant of Christ (1 Corinthians 7:22; Ephesians 6:6; 2 Timothy 2:24), and to consider all earthly things loss compared to the worth of knowing Jesus as Lord (Philippians 3:8). The trials that you are going to go through will be brief. I Peter 4:19 instructs those who suffer according to the will of God to entrust their souls to a faithful creator in doing what is right. Then, I got my purse and I drove home. They were poor. Maybe someone in your family is causing you some grief. What was Jesus message to the church in Pergamum in Revelation? 2:8-11. Read Revelation 2:8-11 (Our focus will be on verse 8 today, but read the entire letter to get an overview.). Well, the second thing we need to remember is that the ultimate test is suffering. As I said in your study this week that fear and trust are opposites. It was home to the Greek poet Homer and Polycarp, a personal disciple of the Apostle John and the bishop of the church at Smyrna, known for his faithfulness to Jesus even to martyrdom. I was doing an internship in medical technology at Baton Rouge General Hospital. It may seem as if people were the enemy, the Jews in the synagogue of Satan, or the government that wants you to worship its emperor. I am so thankful. But, in the process, when I am in the middle of it, it is hard to find joy in why He has me there. What is in the way of these precepts affecting me? The ultimate reward is life. They were boycotted. Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History). He assures His people that their continued faithfulness, even to the point of death, will earn them a reward that far outweighs their earthly trialsa victors crown. Look at Revelation 2:8 with me, And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: (NASB). Christ not only knew their hearts, but He spoke to this flock using language and terms that held deep personal meaning for them. Not only was this bustling seaport considered a center of prosperity, but the city prided itself as a hub of intellect, art, religion, and athletic prowess. Give it to the Lord, trust His hand, and look ahead to the blessings that await you eternally. degrees -- one in Medical Technology and the other in Perfusion Technology. Smyrna: The Suffering Church Revelation 2:8-11. We Were Created to Inhabit This Earth Part 1, We Were Created to Inhabit This Earth Part 2, Kingdom 102: The Kingdom of God is Relevant, Kingdom 102: Knowing How to Apply the Kingdom Concept, Kingdom 103: He Needs No Assistance in Keeping His Promise, Kingdom 103: Seven Last Days Churches and Their Believers' Characteristics, Kingdom 103: Reconsidering the End Times, Kingdom 104: Misrepresenting the Kingdom Gospel. Why do we do it? How do you demonstrate faithfulness? Also, death is mentioned three times in these four verses. 4 Reasons Why We Have a Hard Time Talking about Loneliness. The second death is spending eternity in hell, separated from God forever. He is not just a Savior and/or best Friend; He gives us life, holds our lives, and will judge our lives. Look at the conversation between Jesus and the Jews in John 8:31-47. With the warning comes the exhortation that they should not succumb to fear. In Revelation, the Apostle John records Jesuss address to seven churches in Asia Minor. I wish I had more time to go into detail of his story. The only place the Bible mentions the Church at Smyrna is in Jesus letters to the churches: To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. As with all Jesuss letters to the seven churches, His letter to Smyrna ends on a note that invites every Believer, in every age, to hear and receive these important messages. Rev. They were once a vibrant, healthy church that was now starting to die. by David C. Grabbe Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," January 2, 2009 . Tina said, you know Crickett, or at that time I was Janene. Jesus gave each one a short "report card." Ephesus had "abandoned the love it had at first," (Revelation 2:4, ESV ). How would these verses encourage you to persevere in the midst of tribulation and suffering? I was so bitter. Jesus lived life in purity and sinlessness for our benefit, to enable us to have eternal life and partake in His fellowship. Hope-Full: Revelation 2:1-7. I think it is a way to deal with stress in the operating room. I believe it is something so horrible that it is hard to describe in words. My prayer for us is that we would suffer well. I want that kind of depth. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. These churches were seven real churches at the time, and some believe they represent seven church ages, while others argue they represent seven church types that have existed since the church began, and will exist until Christ returns. Suffering either gives me my self or it destroys my self. When Jesus introduces Himself as theFirst and the Last, who died and came to life again,He is drawing their attention to the power of His resurrection. The troubles we face can cause us to fear so we seek to cover them up with our pride and/or bitterness. Called: Jude 1-4. But, the second type they were dealing with was poverty. You will not worship the Roman emperor, then we will make you! So, how is He involved in your church? They were hated. 10. Its system of coinage was old, and now about the city coins of every period are found. In verse 11 he says, He who overcomes and again last week we talked about who the overcomer is. She said, Janene, lets just get down on our knees. Today, it is known as Izmir, Turkey. Some people use this verse about dying the second death to uphold their view of the doctrine of annihilation. I had no choice. He fled briefly and then they caught him and he did not run that time. An aspect of maturity is being slow to respond to accusation-as our Lord did. When Jesus refers to the crown of life, is He referring to eternal life or to a reward for those who are faithful through tribulation on this earth? I do not want anyone to go there. Death means separation. But, if we are not faithful, there is no outstretched hand, only missed opportunities and an infamy to a community, a life wasted, a church of dysfunction, and a crown of shame instead of a crown of life.
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