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Jesus, who is eternal; from Him all things have come, and to Him all things must return. Jesus was dead, for the redemption of the world; and He is alive today, to die no more for ever and ever.
“And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the FIRST AND THE LAST, WHICH WAS DEAD, AND IS ALIVE;” (Rev. 2:8) [This may have been addressed the bishop of this Church Polycarp, he had much to suffer; and was at last burnt alive at Smyrna, about the year 166.] “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: BE THOU FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH, AND I WILL GIVE THEE A CROWN OF LIFE.” (Rev. 2:10) [Polycarp was brought before the judge, and commanded to shun and blaspheme Christ, but he firmly answered, “Eighty and six years have I served him, and he never did me wrong, HOW THEN CAN I BLASPHEME MY KING WHO HATH SAVED ME?” He was then sentenced to the fires, and suffered cheerfully for Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.] “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; IF SO BE THAT WE SUFFER WITH HIM, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon THAT THE SUFFERINGS OF THIS PRESENT TIME ARE NOT WORTHY TO BE COMPARED WITH THE GLORY WHICH SHALL BE REVEALED IN US.” (Rom. 8:16-18) [The glory that is to be revealed in us will be for the enjoyment of God, so then any sufferings we have in this life, which, when compared with eternity, are just as for a moment, are not worthy to be compared with this glory that is going to be revealed in us.] “…if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, THE SPIRIT HELPS US IN OUR WEAKNESS. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in ALL THINGS GOD WORKS FOR THE GOOD OF THOSE WHO LOVE HIM, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Rom. 8:25-28)
Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that IN ALL THINGS GOD WORKS FOR THE GOOD OF THOSE WHO LOVE HIM EACH DAY!
-Bill Stockham
