https://www.bible.com/events/49127708

Church of the Nazarene – East Rock

The Seven Churches of Revelation Part 8

Church in Laodicea

Today we conclude our teaching series called “The Seven Churches of Revelation”

Over the last few weeks, we have been seeking to understand the importance and relevance of this text in our lives today. Just like the rest of our Bible, we believe that Revelation is valuable and integral to our faith- It’s there for a reason.

Through this study we have sought to hear and understand the warnings and instructions to these churches. As we do that, we also want to discern how we can learn from these warnings in our lives and through our local church.

Our desire is to renew and refine our vision of life and what the church should be. Our series has been specifically focused on Jesus’ words to the 7 Churches in Asia minor

Revelation 3:14-16

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Can you imagine hearing that from the Lord?

Of course, the English word there is really being nice.

In the original language, it was more like “I am about to vomit you out of my mouth”

Revelation 3:17-22

You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Today we conclude our teaching series The 7 churches of Revelation where we have studied Jesus’ words to 7 different first century churches.

Some words of encouragement, some of rebuke and warning, but each containing a hope-filled invitation to life with him.

I don’t think it should be lost on us today that the Lord’s last words to the Seven Churches is filled with disgust and a warning against being lukewarm. We must look that truth head on today.

Jesus is knocking at the door, inviting you to relationship with him- Will you answer?

Revelation 3:15-16

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Laodicea, for all its wealth and extravagance, did not have good drinking water. They had to use open troughs to funnel water from miles away to sustain life in the city and by the time the water arrived it was lukewarm, dirty, and very hard.

The message begins likening the church to their drinking water.

To be lukewarm spiritually is to be in the middle of the road- like a crazed squirrel darting back and forth, uncommitted to any direction.

It is a picture of a fluctuating soul, seeking a little bit of Jesus, and a little bit of fulfillment from the world. Not committed to follow Jesus exclusively, yet not ready to deny him completely. Stuck living in the middle of the road.

Jesus says of lukewarm believers- I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

This is a warning that Jesus is about to be completely done with these lukewarm believers if something doesn’t change.

Revelation 3:17

You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

Laodicea was wealthy and self-sufficient, and that attitude made its way into the heart of the church.

Jesus says- “But you don’t realize, in reality, you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked”

One of the stark lessons to be learned from studying the 7 churches of Revelation is that there can be a stark difference between how we see ourselves and true reality before Christ.

The Laodicean’s were giving their lives to the pursuit of worldly things, and they were quite successful- Perhaps it even seemed like they had it all- health, wealth, and fashion.

White picket fence, two-car garage, trampoline for the kids.

However, in their pursuit of the good life, they were forfeiting their soul. They became lukewarm, middle of the road Christians, not fully committed. Jesus calls them to act before it’s too late.

Revelation 3:18

I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

To the people who thought they had it all- Jesus says come to me and find all that you really need. Christ alone is the remedy to their lukewarm state. He alone is the life they need

Revelation 3:19

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.

The turning point of this letter begins with is this message from the Lord- I love you.

To those facing the reality of hearing that they are lukewarm, middle of the road Christians, feeling the weight of conviction on their chest: Jesus says “Those I LOVE I rebuke and discipline”

If you feel that weight of conviction, realizing that you are living a lukewarm faith- you need to hear this. God disciplines and rebukes those that he LOVES.

Revelation 3:20

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Is there a more inviting, encouraging, compassionate word from the Lord?

Here I am… here I am

“I am standing at the threshold of your life, I am knocking.”

The hard news is that, at this moment, Jesus is on the outside of your life…looking in.

The good news is all it takes is a turn of the handle on that door.

iii.Look what he promises- To the one who will open the door, I WILL COME. Not I’ll think about. Not I might.

I WILL COME and eat with that person, and they with me.

This passage began with the vivid and harsh warning “because you are neither hot nor cold- I am about to vomit you out of my mouth”. But it ends with an invitation to feast with Jesus.

Revelation is a Jesus letter and in that there is great hope today. He is knocking- Will you open the door?

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Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg

The Seven Churches of Revelation Part 7

Church in Philadelphia

Today we continue our teaching series called “The Seven Churches of Revelation”

Over the last few weeks, we have been seeking to understand the importance and relevance of this text in our lives today. Just like the rest of our Bible, we believe that Revelation is valuable and integral to our faith- It’s there for a reason.

Through this study we want to hear and understand the warnings and instructions to these churches. As we do that, we also want to discern how we can learn from these warnings in our lives and through our local church.

Our desire is to renew and refine our vision of life and what the church should be. Our series is specifically focused on Jesus’ words to the 7 Churches in Asia minor

Today we continue with the Church in Philadelphia

The church at Philadelphia is the one church of the seven that seems to be getting it completely, this is despite facing the opposition and challenges the other six churches face

Life isn’t any easier for the people at Philadelphia, they are simply more faithful, more loyal, and, by implication, obedient.

Here we will see Jesus offers no condemnation, only commendation and comfort.

Revelation 3:7-13

“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Charles Swindoll

“Whatever I entrust to Him, He can take care of better than I…

Nothing under His control can ever be out of control.”

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“To rely on Christ’s word and cling to it offers greater security than all the securities in the world.”

Spiritual effectiveness is not measured by capability or capacity, It is measured by commitment.

Hebrews 10:36-39

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.” And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.

Ray Stedman

“Hold on to what you have so that no one will take your crown.” As the times get harder and it is even more difficult to be a Christian, as hostility increases and the world becomes more and more secular and casts aside much of the trappings of Christianity that it had formerly practiced, then we must be careful that we do not give up and go along with worldly attitudes and worldly pursuits. We must not allow a desire for status, prestige, fame, a beautiful home and the things the world lusts for, to become central in our thinking.”

Matthew 7:24-27

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Pastor Brian Michaels

“Each and every day we hear the command of God. It may be something amazing, some ministry to engage, some miracle to perform, and we have no ability to accomplish the task. God does! He has every ability to accomplish through you whatever He would command to be done! More likely, the command will be more daily, perhaps even seemingly mundane: Love your wife; disciple your kids; be kind to your coworkers; serve your brother; forgive your neighbor. How many times have we encountered the impossibility of these tasks? And yet His word commands it! What a great time to fall on our face in humble submission to Him, asking for His Spirit to fill us and empower us to stand to our feet in simple, but profound, obedience. If we know He’s commanded it, we know He will enable us to obey it!”

Warren Wiersbe

“Its not the size or strength of a church that determines its ministry, but faith in the call and commandments of the Lord.”

A CHURCH THAT IS FAITHFUL

WILL RECEIVE CHRIST FAVOR

Today, are you following Him faithfully?

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If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: finance@cotnaz.org

Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ!

Giving

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Church of the Nazarene – East Rock

The Seven Churches of Revelation Part 7

Church in Philadelphia

Today we continue our teaching series called “The Seven Churches of Revelation”

Over the last few weeks, we have been seeking to understand the importance and relevance of this text in our lives today. Just like the rest of our Bible, we believe that Revelation is valuable and integral to our faith- It’s there for a reason.

Through this study we want to hear and understand the warnings and instructions to these churches. As we do that, we also want to discern how we can learn from these warnings in our lives and through our local church.

Our desire is to renew and refine our vision of life and what the church should be. Our series is specifically focused on Jesus’ words to the 7 Churches in Asia minor

Today we continue with the Church in Philadelphia

Esther 4:12-14

When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Throughout Esther’s life, God’s had been upon her. Guiding her, providing for her and she had been faithful to follow him. Now before her was an opportunity, an open door to step into God’s redemption story for his people.

Mordecai says, “Hey don’t think that just because you’re the queen that you won’t be killed too.” “Esther if you don’t do anything, God’s plan of redemption will come from somewhere else.”

“But what if, what if Esther God has so orchestrated your life that you are in the Kings house for such a time as this?”

Will you be faithful?

As we continue in our teaching series The Seven Churches of Revelation, we will hear Christs words of encouragement to the Christians who in the face of persecution and challenge remained faithful to the Lord.

The Church at Philadelphia was facing just as much difficulty as the churches around them – Yet Jesus commends them for a job well done, and encourages them to hold on, to keep up the good work.

In fact, of all of the letters to the seven churches, the one before us today is, by far, the most positive. The most affirming.

What made them different than the other Churches?

What can we learn from the Church in Philadelphia that might change our church here in Elkton?

Revelation 3:7-8

“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

The opening of the message to the church in Philadelphia begins with a focus on Jesus. He is the Holy one, pure, righteous, and true. He is sovereign and in control over all things, including his Church.

Many times, in the New Testament the phrase “open door” speaks of an opportunity to share the gospel of Christ. Jesus wants them to realize the opportunity that’s before them- It’s for such a time as this- I have given you this opportunity to take part in my redemption story and nobody can cut you off from that.

When it might have been easy for them to feel that they were too insignificant to make a difference- Jesus says, “I’m holding the door, I have a plan for you, let’s GO!”

Their lack of strength did not dis-qualify them from being used mightily by God.

While so many of the other churches in Revelation are called out for compromising with sin and denying Christ- The church in Philadelphia had been faithful.

Revelation 3:9-10

I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

We see that these faithful believers found themselves amidst the heated contention between some professing Jews and the Christian community.

We read about this tension throughout the New Testament, especially in the book of Acts. Jewish leaders, more zealous for the law than for God, persecuted Christians severely, and it appears that was happening here too.

But, in the face of that opposition God makes it clear “I’ve God you. I will sort this out and they will know that you are my beloved”

Revelation 3:11

I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.

Jesus’ one command for the Church in Philadelphia? HOLD ON! Keep doing what you’re doing, I am coming soon.

At his coming, the reward of the faithful will be realized for all eternity.

Revelation 3:12-13

The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

The message to the faithful church ends with the hope filled reality of Christ, and the culmination of his redemption story. They will be safe and secure in the presence of God for all of eternity.

Revelation is a Jesus Letter, and in that there is great hope for those in Christ. We have the steadfast hope of eternity in heaven. The Church had Philadelphia had a hope they could rejoice in, and so do we!

We began this morning asking two questions:

What made Philadelphia different than the other Churches?

What can we learn that might change our church here in Elkton?

I want to propose 3 simple, yet important things we can take with us for the church in 2023:

i.Remain faithful

ii.Rely on God

iii.Rejoice in Hope

Esther 4:15-16

Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

Esther realized the opportunity God had placed before her in that moment. In calling her attendants along with Mordecai and all the Jews to fast- she relied on the Lord. And through her faithfulness, God spared the Jewish people from certain death.

And about 600 years later, Jesus speaks to the church at Philadelphia: “I know that you have little strength, “Yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name”

We don’t know what was on the other side of that open door of opportunity for the Church in Philadelphia- We don’t know the specifics of what God was calling them to do.

But what we know beyond any doubt is that God was pleased with the faithfulness of his people in Philadelphia. In their time, in their city, they were faithful.

Will that be said of us? In our lives, at home, at work, in our community- will that be said of us?

Let us remain faithful, rely on God, and rejoice in hope!

Giving at COTN

If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: finance@cotnaz.org

Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ!

Giving

https://www.bible.com/events/49122386

Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg

The Seven Churches of Revelation

Church in Sardis

Today we continue our teaching series called “The Seven Churches of Revelation”

Over the next several weeks we will seek to understand the importance and relevance of this text in our lives today. Just like the rest of our Bible, we believe that Revelation is valuable and integral to our faith- It’s there for a reason.

Through this study we want to hear and understand the warnings and instructions to these churches. As we do that, we also want to discern how we can learn from these warnings in our lives and through our local church.

Our desire is to renew and refine our vision of life and what the church should be. Our series is specifically focused on Jesus’ words to the 7 Churches in Asia minor

Today we continue with the Church in Sardis, found in Revelation 3:1-6.

Revelation 3:1-6

“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

-Imagine hearing this from Jesus: “You have a reputation of being alive but you are dead.”

-Jesus is saying there is a huge and terrible distance between what is on the outside – what people see – and what is on the inside – what God sees.

-It’s worth considering that at one point, this church was alive. That’s the implication of the work that is ‘unfinished’. At one point, it was alive! But not anymore.

2 Timothy 3:5

having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

-Two verbs are central to the message to Sardis. And really, this is what Jesus means when he says, ‘wake up’: “Remember” and “Repent” (verse 3).

-Remember what you once did, more than what you did, who you were. Remember who God is. Remember what’s at stake. Remember the call.

-Repent of any standard than is less than His standard. Repent of any form of religion that looks alive and is really dead.

Some of the hardest words Jesus ever speaks are also filled with hope.

“I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! “

The letter to Sardis doesn’t say, “You’re dead. (Period)”

It says, “You’re dead, wake up!”

The resurrected Jesus is saying, “You are dead. Now come on, let’s get up! I am the resurrection and the life. I am your resurrection and your life.”

SCRIPTURE FOR FURTHER STUDY/REFLECTION:

Matthew 7:21-23

Matthew 23:27-28

1 Samuel 16:7

Revelation 3:1-6 (The Message)

3 Write this to Sardis, to the Angel of the church. The One holding the Seven Spirits of God in one hand, a firm grip on the Seven Stars with the other, speaks:

“I see right through your work. You have a reputation for vigor and zest, but you’re dead, stone-dead.

2-3 “Up on your feet! Take a deep breath! Maybe there’s life in you yet. But I wouldn’t know it by looking at your busywork; nothing of Your condition is desperate. Think of the gift you once had in your hands, the Message you heard with your ears—grasp it again and turn back to God.

“If you pull the covers back over your head and sleep on, oblivious to God, I’ll return when you least expect it, break into your life like a thief in the night.

4 “You still have a few followers of Jesus in Sardis who haven’t ruined themselves wallowing in the muck of the world’s ways. They’ll walk with me on parade! They’ve proved their worth!

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If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: finance@cotnaz.org

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Church of the Nazarene – East Rock

The Seven Churches of Revelation Part 6

Church in Sardis

Today we continue our teaching series called “The Seven Churches of Revelation”

Over the next several weeks we will seek to understand the importance and relevance of this text in our lives today. Just like the rest of our Bible, we believe that Revelation is valuable and integral to our faith- It’s there for a reason.

Through this study we want to hear and understand the warnings and instructions to these churches. As we do that, we also want to discern how we can learn from these warnings in our lives and through our local church.

Our desire is to renew and refine our vision of life and what the church should be. Our series is specifically focused on Jesus’ words to the 7 Churches in Asia minor

Today we continue with the Church in Sardis found in Revelation 3:1-6

Matthew 21:18-19

Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.

This fig tree, beautifully adorned in leaves, having all the appearances of life, failed to produce what mattered most.

This was exactly what Jesus saw in the temple at Jerusalem. A place with all the outward appearances of religious life and fervor, but void of the true life, the fruit of relationship with God.

The outside was beautiful, but the inside was dead.

What do you think mattered most to Jesus? What matters most to him today?

Revelation 3:1-6

“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Can you imagine a more alarming or dreadful declaration from the Lord? You are dead… Think about that

Some of the other churches in revelation have received some harsh words, but Sardis is declared DEAD

“To be called dead by the one who brings LIFE, is a very serious inditement” – Beth Elyard

For the church, the people who are supposed to bear the name “Christian” to be declared dead by the giver of life, that is a serious problem.

Jesus said of himself in John 10:10 “I have come that they may have life, and that to the full”

So, what happened? Perhaps we might even ask- what was the cause of death?

What should we learn as we listen into the message to Sardis today?

Thankfully for you and for me- Jesus, the giver of life, is here. Speaking through is word, searching our hearts by his spirit- inviting us to partake in the life that only he can give.

Revelation 3:1

“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.

As we would seek to understand the cause of death as it were for this church, it becomes tricky to nail down specifics.

In the scripture, there is no doctrinal error highlighted.

There is no specific heresy mentioned, when that was true for many of the other churches in Revelation.

There is not even any persecution or pressure.

Later, Jesus will refer to a few that have remained pure- so we can assume that sin has crept its way into the church- but we don’t know specifics.

Whatever happened in the first century church of Sardis, faces us with this truth today: Outward appearances are meaningless without true life in Christ.

All of the things a church can be known for, a warm welcome, big parking lot, dynamic band, awesome preacher, works in the community- all of those things are no substitute for relationship, earnest seeking of the person of Christ.

Revelation 3:2

Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God.

For the Church in Sardis, it was not that they never started the work- It’s not that they weren’t ever alive- it’s that they have stopped pursuing Christ and settled for religious busyness instead.

Jesus in rousting them from their slumber, calling them back to their life at the beginning.

Revelation 3:3

Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

Jesus calls the church in Sardis to remember the message, remember the life they experienced when they first encountered Christ.

The call out of a religious slumber is to remember and hold fast to intimacy with Christ Jesus.

Jesus says to the church- if you don’t wake up, if you don’t stand guard and be alert to this warning- I will come like a thief, when you least expect it. Wake up! Repent of your empty ways!

Revelation 3:4-6

Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

We begin to understand the desperate state of the church when we realize that there were only a few that had not embraced sin and forfeited their purity.

In the churches we have covered so far, it was only a few embracing the false teaching or idolatry. We begin to realize- Sardis was all but dead…

But Revelation is a Jesus letter- and in that there is hope for those who will seek Him. To this nearly fatal church, Jesus invites them back to life.

Whoever has ears let him hear- Wake up! Repent! Remember and return to the life you had at first.

The thought of looking alive and having great things happening yet being dead causes me to come to a full stop and reflect on that possibility.

That was the message to Sardis, and the severity is still relevant for us today.

One of the most haunting passages in the new testament for me doesn’t come from revelation, but the sermon on the mount.

Matthew 7:21-23

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and, in your name, perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

Do you think they realized that they were missing relationship with the Lord in the midst of all their success? Did the Church at Sardis realize anything was wrong amidst their seeming success?

Friend, would you want to know that hard truth today?

Would you want to know that the comfortable place you are in is actually void of the power and life of God?

Would you be willing to hear his call to purity, to leave sin behind in pursuit of him?

The very fact that you are here this morning says one thing: You aren’t dead yet. And the author and giver of life is holding out His hand…

His spirit is here, He is calling you to life- will you wake up and repent?

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If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: finance@cotnaz.org

Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ!

Giving