It Starts Small

Author: Kimberlee Smith

  • Smyrna: Do Not be Afraid!

    In the “7 Churches” blog series, Jesus warns the church in Smyrna about forthcoming imprisonment and death, urging them not to fear. He assures them of God’s care and provision amid trials and temptations. Jesus promises a crown of life to those who remain faithful, encouraging them to endure persecution…

  • Smyrna: Spiritual Riches.

    The church at Smyrna faced intense suffering and poverty, yet Jesus commended their faithfulness. Despite persecution from Romans and apostate Jews, they remained spiritually pure and rich in their relationship with God. This message encourages believers to endure suffering, knowing that it strengthens their faith and brings spiritual riches beyond…

  • Jesus: First, Last, was dead, and Came to Life.

    In the “7 Churches” blog series, Jesus is depicted as the eternal Creator and the resurrected Lord. The church in Smyrna, enduring intense persecution, finds hope in Jesus’ promise of overcoming suffering and preserving their lives. His eternal nature and victory over death offer encouragement amidst their hardships. (Word count:…

  • Ephesus: the Invitation and Promise.

    In the blog series about the church at Ephesus, Jesus invites individuals to heed the Holy Spirit’s message. Those who follow Jesus’s instructions are conquerors. They will face persecution but must remember, repent, return, and do good works. The promise is to partake in the tree of life in God’s…

  • The Nicolaitans: Accepting Compromise.

    The church at Ephesus received both rebuke and praise from Jesus. They hated the Nicolaitan doctrine as much as Jesus did. This doctrine, stemming from Nicolaitus of Antioch, promoted compromise by blending pagan and Christian beliefs. It led to a weak, worldly form of salvation and encouraged sinful behaviors. This…

  • Ephesus: you lost your first love.

    The Church at Ephesus was praised for its endurance but rebuked for losing its initial love for Jesus. Despite their commitment to doctrine, their love had waned, leading to a cold faith. Jesus urged them to remember and repent, emphasizing the primacy of love for Him above all else. This…

  • Ephesus: The Praise.

    Jesus commends the church at Ephesus for its diligent work and patience in suffering. When we looked at the historical and cultural background of Ephesus, we learned it was a large city with a melting pot of culture. Not only were there Greeks, but there were also other oriental cultures…

  • Jesus: Holds us in His Hand and Walks with us!

       In each letter through out this series, we will examine each of the churches that Jesus chose to write letters to. These were real churches located in Asia Minor, now western Turkey. There are two explanations of why Jesus chose these specific seven churches. The first is that each of…

  • The Church at Smyrna.

    Something interesting to learn about Smyrna is it’s name is synonymous with myrrh. Myrrh is an aromatic substance used sometimes as a healing ointment but more especially for embalming the dead. Myrrh, aloes, and cassia perfume all your garments;from ivory palaces harps bring you joy. Psalm 45:8 Myrrh seems to…

  • The Church at Ephesus.

    Welcome to the 7 Churches Blog Series! For the first day we are going to take a deep dive into the church at Ephesus and the church at Smyrna (two different blog posts will be written). We can trace the beginnings of the church at Ephesus in the New Testament!…