The church in Pergamum endured a great deal of persecution, including even the execution of one of its members. But when Satan realized that persecution would not dissuade this early church, he turned to something more subtle, compromise. By making it easy to submit to the idols of the day, the church in Pergamum found itself drifting away from the One who saved them.

The church in Smyrna faced increasingly difficult days with impressive faithfulness. While Jesus examines and speaks to them, He has nothing negative to say about their faith, but instead gives them hope to continue on and overcome suffering.

Ephesus was the major metropolis of Asia Minor in the first century. Known for its worship of the goddess Artemis, this city was marked by commerce, adultery, and idolatry. In this city, the church of Ephesus is known for its devotion to the truth, yet Jesus has some stern words of correction for His church given alongside some incredible encouragement about what is to come.

Decades after Jesus' death and resurrection, His disciples spread the Gospel through the Roman Empire and beyond. But many in power saw this as an attack on their influence and began persecuting these early churches. Amid this turmoil, Jesus reveals Himself to John in a magnificent way and helps him understand His plans even through the hardships of the day.

In the final challenge to His disciples, Jesus gives what is often called His "Great Commission." While we may expect last words to be complex or heavy, He simply leaves His followers with two commands, to go and make disciples.

Fear is something that we all have in common. And it's an essential part of the resurrection story. We enter Matthew 28 with fear-filled disciples, but once they understand the Jesus is alive, everything is changed.

Jesus is crucified. As He lays down His life as a sacrifice for our sin, some incredible things happen, and even those who had mocked just moments before can't help but be compelled by Jesus. In the end, even His opponents will learn that man cannot stop what God is doing.

Rejected and mocked by the Jewish and Roman authorities, Jesus the King is crowned with thorns and degraded. After Matthew has argued for and presented clearly the kingship of Jesus, we see our King dehumanized.

While there are days that we are faithless, God is still faithful. One of the clearest contrasts of this is found is Jesus' willingness to endure the pain and shame of the cross while Peter is faithless nearby. But before we're too hard on Peter, let's remember that God is faithful even as WE are faithless.

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In our second study of Gospel Fluency, we break down what the Gospel is and how it affects our lives.

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New to Heritage?

Want to get more involved?

Looking for a Group or Ministry Team?

Let us know at https://heritage.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/6/responses/new

--

Stay Connected:

Website: http://www.hbcmonroe.org

Heritage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeritageBaptistChurchMonroe