Be Encouraged (Safeguarding the Church #8) — Revelation 2:8–11. Christ, “the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive,” speaks to the suffering church at Smyrna. He knows our “tribulation” and “poverty, (but thou art rich),” warns of trials, and says, “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer” and “be thou faithful unto death.” Stand fast in His rewards: “I will give thee a crown of life”—and the overcomer “shall not be hurt of the second death.” Hope for believers in hard days.