The Lord Jesus was direct in His warning to the Church in Smyrna – they were going to suffer. Christ never hides from His people that they can anticipate opposition, and violent hostility in many instances. To be frank, suffering for Jesus’ sake is a foreign concept for most of us in North America, although increasing antagonism towards evangelical Christianity suggests our situation is beginning to change. The message to the Church of Smyrna is full of both warning and tremendous encouragement for us. Will we stand fearless and remain faithful when the tests grow tougher?