Letter to Smyrna. Oh boy, here's a real pick-me-up. A summary of the letter: words from Jesus to a real church. "Hey, I know your afflictions and your poverty. I know things aren't going the way you would like them to go. I know it feels as though you've lost control, like you've lost everything - yet, you are rich! I know you're being marginalized. It's gonna get worse before it gets better...if it gets better. So hang in there and be as faithful as you can for as long as you live."

Yikes.

This letter shows that Jesus followers suffer, too, sometimes greatly. But the words in this letter acknowledge that suffering. They also make it clear that it's okay to question God. In fact, questioning God is a deep, profound expression of faith because, in spite of what's happening all around us, we refuse to believe that God has abandoned us.

Jesus also acknowledges the people's profound poverty. But also says, "Yet you are rich!" So which is it?

Well, whether we are rich or poor or somewhere in between, we all have the same access to God's love, joy, power, and light as anyone else. We all have that light...and that light can give off warmth, and energy, and brightness. Are we living into it?

ReNew Community Worship Service
Speaker: Aaron Vis
Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11
http://bible.com/events/48886060

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