Revelation 2:8-10

New International Version

To the Church in Smyrna

⁸“To the angel of the church in Smyrna^(A) write:

These are the words of him who is the First and the Last,^(B) who died and came to life again.^(C) ⁹I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich!^(D) I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not,^(E) but are a synagogue of Satan.^(F) ¹⁰Do 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,^(G) and you will suffer persecution for ten days.^(H) Be faithful,^(I) even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.^(J)

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1 Peter 4:12-13

New International Version

Suffering for Being a Christian

¹²Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you^(A) to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³But rejoice^(B) inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,^(C) so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.^(D)

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Matthew 28:19-20

New International Version

¹⁹Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,^(A) baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,^(B) ²⁰and teaching^(C) them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you^(D) always, to the very end of the age.”^(E)

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Matthew 22:36-40

New International Version

³⁶“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

³⁷Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’^[a]^(A) ³⁸This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’^[b]^(B) ⁴⁰All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”^(C)