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[–] 14375464? [S] 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago  (edited ago)

Hello. Thank you for the response. I was listening to an audio version but found this online (like I said, I was not raised in the faith so don't have a physical copy yet).

It is from Revelation 2

8 “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. 11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.

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[–] 14377765? 0 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago 

MY pleasure, I've spent the last 5 years studying the bible. I enjoy sharing what I have learned. Just like today we have Christians who are not Christians and yet spread false doctrine for their own nefarious purposes. The same would have been true in the early days of the church when they all were Judeans. I hope this helps:

The Seven Churches are actual places in Asia Minor where the apostles in ACTS set up churches. The 10 days of persecution were 10 years of persecution suffered under Diocletian when he tried to wipe out the Christian faith. "I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan" Jesus referred to the Pharisees as Satan in John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. What puzzles me here is that the word "Jew"didn't come into existence till around 1800. Judeans was used.

Although the Book "Revelation of Jesus Christ" is a prophetic book and relates to the Church through history this particular church had no condemnation attached to the letter. The message it makes to me is keep the faith even when tested to death. When Constantine put an end to the Diocletian persecution in 313 AD he said something to the effect "no matter how hard people try to wipe out the Christian Faith it keeps growing." So keeping the faith is a blessing for yourself and to the faith of others.

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[–] 14402644? [S] 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago 

Thank you for the thoughtful reply! I look forward to reading, learning and listening more. Lately, I have been focused outwardly and not concerned with my faith. Perhaps this moment in time is a time to shift inwards and strengthen my faith. God bless you, patriot.