When rogue states or individuals misuse their authority, people can get hurt. The readers of this letter had endured much hardship - economic, social and religious. The Jewish community opposed them. And their troubles were about to get much worse! To these beleaguered Christians, Jesus speaks earnestly and tenderly in order to inspire them to hold on. What are the hardships of the church in Canada? What would motivate us to stay the course of faithfulness?
A Heavily Persecuted, Discouraged Church: Smyrna
Walter Hogarth
Elder
June 12, 2016
