It's Hard, but it's Worth it - Revelation 2:8-11 - Mark Bourne

The church in Smyrna faced difficult times. Jesus encouraged them to remain faithful to Him. Remaining faithful to Jesus and His work is the only way to have hope in life and at the end of life.Questions:1. Why did Jesus identify Himself as the First and the Last?2. How does persecution "test us"?3. What are some of the reasons Jesus doesn't remove hardships? See 1 Peter 1:6-7 and James 2:2-4.4. What is the second death? How can we help others avoid the second death? See Rev 20:6 and Rom 6:3-5.