Rev. 2:8 “To the church in Smyrna write….Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer…be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

Rev. 2:12 “To the church in Pergammon write…you did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.”

I often wonder if we would be more faithful if it was harder to be a Christian in this country. Or would persecution and hardship cause us to turn away? The next time we feel like sleeping in instead of worshipping, skipping our offering, ignoring the needs of the church for volunteers, or leaving the Bible unopened and the TV on, it might be worth considering how others are so committed to their faith that they are willing to suffer for it. 

Pastor Andy