This week, we continue our series titled "Letters to the Church", where we are looking at the seven letters in the book of Revelation and the message they have for the church back then, the church of today, and our own church.

This week, we study the letter to the church of Smyrna. When the church was addressed, they were facing severe persecution and enduring suffering because of their refusal to worship anyone else besides Jesus. Jesus recognized the great costs they were paying as a result of their faith. He was a source of comfort as He was both present with them in their suffering, understanding because of His own past experiences, and providing hope with His promise of the crown of life.