As we continue to look at Revelation 2, two things stood out. Smyrna had a synagogue that Jesus referred to as a Synagogue of satan (chose not to capitalize). Then to the church at Pergamum, Jesus relayed that satan resided and ruled from that town. Sadly, most people read right by these two declarations of The Lord and treat them as insignificant. Given a more lingering look, Jesus never told either church to move to an area with better demographics, or the “get the heaven” out of hell’s presence. Instead, he told the Smyrna church that bad (affliction, poverty and slander) was about to get worse. HE also told them “Don’t BE AFRAID of what they are about to SUFFER!” Tonight’s message is about NOT being surprised and NOT being afraid of suffering. In fact, it’s almost as if we should be startled if suffering of some sort isn’t in our life. Someone (sorry I can’t credit who) said, “You are either suffering, just got out of a suffering situation, or are just about to go into suffering.” But we have been deceived to believe Jesus will prevent suffering to His true followers. You might want to get your Bible out and see if that holds water with the Faithful in the Bible. Jesus most certainly did, Peter did, and Paul’s life got to a point where he PLEADED for The Lord to remove the thorn…God said no. So let’s adjust our view, take The Lord at HIS WORD, put Faith over Feelings, and start out by not being afraid. He promises the Crown of Life will be given those that are faithful (to HIM) up to and through death. We need to hold to Christ and His Spirit so we don’t become a “church of satan” like the synagogue in Smyrna.