Smyrna, one of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation, is emblematic of steadfast faith and resilience in the face of persecution. The church is lauded for its unwavering commitment amidst trials, symbolizing resilient knowledge (gnosis). In the 7Churches Modalities, Smyrna's gift is quick obedience, often represented by barley, which triggers divine actions. This church stands against the spirit and man of lawlessness, embodying the deaconic hand gift, which signifies artisanal excellence in executing God's will. The angel Telios, also known as Gabriel, guards this community, perfecting love within the City of Faith. Smyrna's perseverance, as exemplified by figures like Bishop Polycarp, underscores the ultimate price of advancing the Kingdom, even unto death.
<aside> <img src="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49de0235-e8bc-4eca-bf20-2a9d6d267a02/d79b2dc6-1504-4ea4-88d5-124fcb457f61/IMAGE_2024-02-23_213637.jpg" alt="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49de0235-e8bc-4eca-bf20-2a9d6d267a02/d79b2dc6-1504-4ea4-88d5-124fcb457f61/IMAGE_2024-02-23_213637.jpg" width="40px" /> 2. Smyrna: Smyrna's battle involved facing intense persecution but remained steadfast in faith. The gift here is resilient knowledge (gnosis), enabling believers to endure trials with obedience in life and death. Barley symbolizes artisanal execution by hands quick to obey, triggering the next big move of heaven on earth. The mantle of Jesus given to Smyrna represents the willingness to pay the ultimate price for advancing the Kingdom in hearts and minds.
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[Second] - Refers to the 2nd of seven communities within the larger City of faith, known for its strategic role in the precise and timely execution of the divine gameplan. This community represents the mission-critical ground offensive, part of a higher command that operates under divine secrecy. The reasons for this are not always disclosed, as they are sometimes hidden within the divine counsel for purposes that He is not at liberty to reveal.
[Telios] - In Hebrew tradition, this term is associated with angelic activity and is sometimes referred to as “Gabriel”. Gabriel is known for his appearance at the right side of the altar of incense during the birth narrative of John the Baptist, as detailed in Luke 1:20-25. His announcement to a disbelieving Zachariah in the Tabernacle marked the start of a new messianic era. The term 'Telios' is used to describe a journey from alpha to omega, where the final destination or goal is reached through a timetable that is not always published in advance. Often, the details of this journey are hidden in plain sight and are only revealed after the fact, not before.
[lawlessness] - This term refers to a spirit and principle of evil that defies God's authority. It is personified in the Bible as a destructive "thief" (John 10:10). The "man of lawlessness" is a figure who is prophesied to oppose God in the end times. The term is used to describe both the spirit of rebellion that underlies all sin, as well as specific individuals who embody this spirit in particularly significant ways.
[hand gift] - This term refers to the remarkable motor skills of an athlete who, through extensive practice, delivers a performance that far exceeds expectations. It's a display of kinaesthetic intelligence and a drive to excel. The concept is akin to a heavenly script for earthly implementation, as symbolised by Gabriel at the right side of the altar of incense where the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah.
[deaconic genius] - The deaconic genius is known for its brilliance and strategic foresight. It's like a star in the night sky, guiding us with its light. This genius is not just about having a knack for something, but it's about making a mark in the world with our unique talents and abilities. It's about creating a legacy that stands the test of time, much like how a star's light continues to shine long after it's gone.
[love perfected] - This term refers to love in its purest and most perfect form, often compared to a bride meticulously prepared for her king. It's a love that's been refined through trials, much like how a diamond is formed under pressure. It's about a love that's been prepared in the background, away from the public eye, and is finally revealed in all its glory at the right time. It's a love that's not just about feelings, but about a deep, unshakable commitment that stands the test of time.
[interpret] - The term "hermeneutic" in 1 Cor 14:26 refers to the process of making sense of a complex idea. It involves more than just translation; it's about making the idea clear and ready for action. This is like the "thus says the Lord" moment, where the Spirit helps us understand and apply the mind of Christ in real time.
Teaching series inspired by the sacrifices and devotion of the ecclesial community at ancient Smyrna as mentioned in the Book of Revelation, Rev 2:8-11
“He who has ears to hear, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches: Those who win the victory will not be hurt by the second death"
Content creation by the HAND of Adam, in the original pattern of sevens and the natural endowment GNOSIS: moral courage, future state KNOWLEDGE (2 Peter 1:6)
Brought to you by BARLEY (Hordeum vulgare) alongside the colour BLUE representing the specialist genius of EXECUTION to a script, plan or score under the covering of the Angel AGAPE (Gabriel) responsible for love perfected among the ecclesial communities in the triumphal millennial rule of the heavenly Jerusalem.
