Continuing to explore the modern significance of the seven churches of Asia beyond their representation as church ages, we consider the church in Smyrna. Despite the crushing pressure and destitution, this church was spiritually rich. As with myrrh, Smyrna pertains to preparation for death. Christ, who died and is alive again, encourages us with the promise of resurrection: if we are faithful unto death, we are promised a victor’s crown and to not suffer the second death in the lake of fire. VF-2042 Revelation 2:8-11

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Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to leave a message for Pastor Scott. You may make reservations to attend a live service, leave a prayer request or make a commitment. Pastor Scott appreciates messages and reads them often during live broadcasts. Follow @Pastor_Scott on Twitter and visit her official Facebook page @Pastor.M.Scott.

Download Pastor Scott's "Understand the Bible" app for iPhone, iPad and iPod at the Apple App Store and for Android devices in the Google Store. Pastor Scott can also be seen 24x7 on Roku and Amazon Fire on the "Understand the Bible?" channel.

©2025 Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D., All Rights Reserved

The seven churches of Asia have modern significance beyond their representation as church ages. The church of Ephesus is the example of mechanical Christianity, where the love for Christ has been lost. The exhortation to the church is to remember from where you have fallen, change your mind (metanoia), and do your first works of faith again. We are warned by the example of Ephesus, which did not go back to its first works and thereby had its candlestick removed. Meditating on Psalm 51 provides a clear path to metanoia and regaining that love.

Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com

Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to leave a message for Pastor Scott. You may make reservations to attend a live service, leave a prayer request or make a commitment. Pastor Scott appreciates messages and reads them often during live broadcasts. Follow @Pastor_Scott on Twitter and visit her official Facebook page @Pastor.M.Scott.

Download Pastor Scott's "Understand the Bible" app for iPhone, iPad and iPod at the Apple App Store and for Android devices in the Google Store. Pastor Scott can also be seen 24x7 on Roku and Amazon Fire on the "Understand the Bible?" channel.

©2025 Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D., All Rights Reserved

In the book of Revelation, John, by the commission of Christ, and on His power and authority, recorded the things that were past, the things that are present, and the things that are yet to come. By delving into the Greek, we get an outline of the book and a key to interpret what he saw. (Note: This message highlights four theories of interpretation and the Greek illative particle, noun.) VF-2040 Revelation 1:19

Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com

Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to leave a message for Pastor Scott. You may make reservations to attend a live service, leave a prayer request or make a commitment. Pastor Scott appreciates messages and reads them often during live broadcasts. Follow @Pastor_Scott on Twitter and visit her official Facebook page @Pastor.M.Scott.

Download Pastor Scott's "Understand the Bible" app for iPhone, iPad and iPod at the Apple App Store and for Android devices in the Google Store. Pastor Scott can also be seen 24x7 on Roku and Amazon Fire on the "Understand the Bible?" channel.

©2025 Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D., All Rights Reserved