“Strengthen what Remains” B

Opening:

Last week, we looked at God’s command to “Arise and shine” (Isaiah 60:1)

We have received God’s favor.

We must partner with God to accomplish His Kingdom work.

Partnering with God will result in the “nations coming to the Light of Christ.”

We celebrated God’s faithfulness to us throughout 2024.

Highlights

Today, I want to share what God calls us to for 2025.

Introduction:

The seven churches of Asia Minor in Revelation.

These are specific churches in a particular place at a specific time.

The message of Christ to these churches equally applies to us today.

The church of Ephesus: “You have left your first Love.”

The church of Smyrna: “Days of tribulation.”

The church of Pergamum: false teaching

The church of Thyatira: sexual immorality

The church of Sardis: “I have not found your works complete.”

The church of Philadelphia: the “open door.”

The church of Laodicea: the lukewarm church

As mentioned, Christ's words to these churches highlighted specific characteristics He wanted them to recognize and repent of.

Other than the Church of Philadelphia and the Church of Smyrna, the remaining five churches each received Christ's rebuke and were faced with the decision to respond.

Although our situation differs from the specifics of these seven churches, we can hear Jesus' instructions for us today.

[Rev 3:1-6 ESV] 1 "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: 'The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. "'I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.

2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.

3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.

4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.

5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.

6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'

Our theme for 2025 is: “Strengthen what Remains.”

In our text, the verb “strengthen” means: “to make stable, place firmly, set fast.”

For the church of Sardis, this is a sober rebuke from Jesus.

“I know your works.”

“You have a reputation.”

“Wake up.”

“I have not found your works complete.”

“If you will not wake up . . .”

“The one who conquers . . .”

Why would Jesus say a word like this to a church?

[Heb 12:5-6 ESV] 5 “And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives."

Exhortation that addresses you as sons.

The discipline of the Lord

The Lord disciplines the one He loves.

Discipline, although unpleasant, is vitally needed and serves as an indication of God’s love.

There is another reason why Jesus would speak in this manner.

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

[Luk 13:6-9 ESV] 6 “And he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, 'Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?' 8 And he answered him, 'Sir, let it alone this year also until I dig around it and put on manure. 9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'"

God expects fruit!

“He came seeking fruit and found none.”

Digging around the roots.

2025 is a year to dig around the roots.

To grow and bear Kingdom fruit, we must honestly examine where we are today.

This is not to suggest that we are barren or about to die.

Last week, we rejoiced and celebrated the victories God gave us in 2024.

It is to say that digging is required if we continue to receive God’s favor.

A vision for renewal and revival . . .

Today, as we cast vision for 2025, Jesus' call to 'strengthen what remains' gives us direction.

It challenges us to build on what God has already given while recognizing areas where we must grow.

This year’s vision is not about starting over; it’s about building on the foundation of what God has already established.

A key understanding to Christ’s command for the church in Sardis is to recognize “what remains.”

Strengthening is connected to what remains.

We can’t strengthen what is no longer present.

Therefore, we must rightly discern what remains in order to correctly identify where we are to strengthen.

So where do we start? . . .

Building Better Systems:

Goal: “We’re creating clear paths for guests to feel welcomed, supported, and connected from the moment they step through our doors.”

Measurement: “By the end of the year, we aim to connect personally with 100% of first-time visitors through calls, emails, or in-person follow-ups.”

Win: Visitors feel seen, valued, and more likely to stay connected, resulting in a more welcoming and thriving church community.

Spiritual Growth

Goal: “Our goal is for every member to spend 10 minutes in daily prayer and Bible reading this year. We’ll provide guides and resources to help you make this a habit.”

Measurement: “By midyear, we’ll offer a survey to check how many have embraced this practice and celebrate testimonies of spiritual growth.”

Win: Members experience a deeper relationship with God, leading to greater peace, purpose, and spiritual maturity.

Increasing Community Impact

Goal: “This year, we will host three community events to meet practical needs: a back-to-school drive, a holiday meal program, and a local park cleanup.”

Measurement: “Our goal is to engage at least 50 new families in these events and invite them to join our church community.”

Win: The church becomes a visible, trusted presence in the community, building relationships with unchurched individuals and meeting tangible needs.

Aligning Ministries

Goal: “We’re conducting a review of all ministries to ensure they align with our mission to make disciples and impact the community. This means every ministry will have a clear mission statement and measurable outcomes by June.”

Measurement: “By summer, every ministry leader will present their plan for growth and alignment to our vision.”

Win: Every ministry operates with purpose and clarity, creating a unified effort toward the church’s vision and maximizing impact.

Encouraging Generosity

Goal: “We’ll teach a four-week series on biblical stewardship and introduce new ways to give, like online platforms and automated giving options.”

Measurement: “Our goal is for 75% of active members to participate in consistent giving by year-end.”

Win: Increased financial resources enable the church to expand ministries, support missions, and meet pressing needs with greater freedom and impact.

Fostering Discipleship

Goal: “This year, we’re launching a discipleship pathway that includes small groups, mentoring, and leadership development opportunities. We’ll offer a clear next step for every stage of faith.”

Measurement: “By December, we aim to have 70% of our members involved in a small group or discipleship relationship.”

Win: Members grow in their faith through intentional relationships, resulting in a stronger, more active church body equipped to disciple others.

Church Attendance Growth

Goal: “We’ll challenge every member to invite two people to church this year. To support this, we’ll host ‘invite-friendly’ services on Easter, Christmas, and during a special outreach series in October.”

Measurement: “Our goal is to see weekly attendance grow to 500 by the end of 2025.”

Win: A larger, more engaged congregation creates greater momentum for ministry, outreach, and community impact, while also energizing existing members.

Leadership Development

Goal: “We’ll launch a leadership development program to train and equip 10 new leaders this year. The program will include monthly workshops, mentoring sessions, and practical ministry opportunities.”

Measurement: “Our goal is for at least five of these leaders to step into active ministry roles by year-end.”

Win: A pipeline of equipped leaders ensures the church is prepared to grow, sustain ministries, and face future challenges with confidence.

Strengthening Worship

Goal: “We’ll introduce a worship survey to gather feedback and make adjustments to create a more engaging, Spirit-filled environment.”

Measurement: “By December, we’ll integrate at least three changes based on feedback to enhance worship participation and impact.”

Win: A more engaging and Spirit-filled worship experience leads to increased participation, deeper encounters with God, and greater spiritual renewal.

Broadening the Base . . .

“To grow in our Kingdom impact, we need to strengthen the foundation that supports everything we do. This means equipping and expanding our team of volunteers, ensuring financial stability and generosity, and improving the systems and structures that help us serve effectively. When our base is strong, we can reach higher, go further, and make a greater impact for God’s glory.”

Key Benefits to Emphasize:

Volunteers: A broader team means we can care for more people, meet more needs, and avoid burnout among those already serving.

Finances: Stronger financial health allows us to support new ministries, expand outreach, and respond quickly to community needs.

Organizational Development: Clearer systems and strategies enable us to work more efficiently, ensuring every effort maximizes impact.

"To go higher we must go wider.

Personal challenge . . .

21-day prayer challenge: “Praying the 10”

10 minutes in the a.m.

10 minutes in the p.m.

Areas for prayer:

Church-wide strengthening

Spiritual growth

Increased community impact

Ministries

Generosity

Discipleship

Attendance growth

Leadership development

Worship