An Autopsy of a Dead Church
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AN AUTOPSY OF A DEAD CHURCH
AN AUTOPSY OF A DEAD CHURCH
1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.
3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.
4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but 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.” ’
1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.
3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.
4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but 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.” ’
1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.
3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.
4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but 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.” ’
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.
2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.
3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, 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.
4 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.
5 He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.
6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
1 “Write to the angel of the church in Sardis: “The One who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars says: I know your works; you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead.
2 Be alert and strengthen what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before My God.
3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent. But if you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come against you.
4 But you have a few people in Sardis who have not defiled their clothes, and they will walk with Me in white, because they are worthy.
5 In the same way, the victor will be dressed in white clothes, and I will never erase his name from the book of life but will acknowledge his name before My Father and before His angels.
6 “Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.
1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
1 “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
2 ‘Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God.
3 ‘So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.
4 ‘But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
5 ‘He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and 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.’
1 “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
2 ‘Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God.
3 ‘So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.
4 ‘But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
5 ‘He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and 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.’
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.’
1 “Write to the angel of the church in Sardis: “The One who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars says: I know your works; you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead.
2 Be alert and strengthen what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before My God.
3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent. But if you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come against you.
4 But you have a few people in Sardis who have not defiled their clothes, and they will walk with Me in white, because they are worthy.
5 In the same way, the victor will be dressed in white clothes, and I will never erase his name from the book of life but will acknowledge his name before My Father and before His angels.
6 “Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.
1 “Write to the angel of the church in Sardis: Thus says the one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: I know your works; you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead.
2 Be alert and strengthen what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before my God.
3 Remember, then, what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent. If you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come upon you.
4 But you have a few people in Sardis who have not defiled their clothes, and they will walk with me in white, because they are worthy.
5 “In the same way, the one who conquers will be dressed in white clothes, and I will never erase his name from the book of life but will acknowledge his name before my Father and before his angels.
6 “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.
INTRODUCTION:
INTRODUCTION:
HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A CHURCH THAT WAS DEAD, DYING, & COMPLETELY LIFELESS?
HAVE YOU EVER GONE TO A CHURCH & COME AWAY WITH THE FEELING THAT IT WAS A DEAD CHURCH...THAT THEY WERE SATISFIED WITH ITSELF, & WITH KEEPING THINGS THE WAY THEY HAD ALWAYS BEEN?
THIS WAS THE CHURCH AT SARDIS…SARDIS PICTURES THE CHURCH THAT HAS AN EXCELLENT REPUTATION & IS HIGHLY RESPECTED BY THE COMMUNITY, BUT IT’S DEAD & LIFELESS.
THE CHURCH AT SARDIS WASN’T A WEAK CHURCH THAT NEEDED RESTORATION...IT WASN’T A SICK CHURCH THAT NEEDED REJUVENATION...IT WAS A DEAD CHURCH THAT NEEDED A RESURRECTION.
NEEDED RESTORATION. IT WAS NOT A SICK CHURCH THAT
NEEDED REJUVENATION. IT WAS A DEAD CHURCH THAT NEEDED
SOCIETY HAD WRITTEN "GREAT" OVER ITS DOOR.
A RESURRECTION, SOCIETY HAD WRITTEN "GREAT" OVER HER
THE DENOMINATION HAD WRITTEN "EXCELLENT" OVER ITS DOOR, BUT GOD HAD WRITTEN "ICHABOD" OVER ITS DOOR.
DOOR. THE DENOMINATION HAD WRITTEN "SUPER" OVER HER
NOTE: THIS CHURCH HAD TWO PROBLEMS...
DOOR, BUT GOD HAD WRITTEN "ICHABOD" OVER HER DOOR.
THIS CHURCH REALLY HAD TWO PROBLEMS. FIRST OF ALL,
FIRST OF ALL, IT WASN’T THE CHURCH THAT THE WORLD THOUGHT IT WAS...BUT NEITHER WAS IT THE CHURCH THAT GOD WANTED IT TO BE.
IT WAS NOT THE CHURCH THAT THE WORLD THOUGHT THAT IT
VANCE HAVNER ONCE SAID THAT EVERY MINISTRY BEGINS WITH A MAN...IT THEN BECOMES A MOVEMENT...IT THEN BECOMES A MACHINE...BUT IT THEN BECOMES A MONUMENT.
WAS. BUT NEITHER WAS IT THE CHURCH THAT GOD WANTED IT
TO BE. DR. VANCE HAVNER SAID THAT EVERY MINIS TRY
BEGINS WITH A MAN. IT THEN BECOMES A MOVEMENT. IT THEN
BECOMES A MACHINE. BUT IT THEN BECOMES A MONUMENT.
THE CHURCH IN SARDIS WAS IN THE MONUMENT STAGE OF EXISTENCE.
IT WAS LIVING ON A PAST REPUTATION, BUT IT WAS A
IT WAS LIVING ON A PAST REPUTATION, BUT IT WAS A SHADOW OF ITS FORMER SELF.
1) THE REPUTATION OF THE CHURCH (V 1)
1) THE REPUTATION OF THE CHURCH (V 1)
SHADOW OF ITS FORMER SELF.
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.
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.
1 “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
1 “Write to the angel of the church in Sardis: “The One who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars says: I know your works; you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead.
1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
1 “Write to the angel of the church in Sardis: Thus says the one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: I know your works; you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead.
1 “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
1 “Write to the angel of the church in Sardis: “The One who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars says: I know your works; you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead.
1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
REV 3:1
1. THERE IS NO COMMENDATION GIVEN TO THIS CHURCH…WHICH MEANS THAT ITS SIN IS ONE OF THE MOST SERIOUS PROBLEMS THAT A CHURCH CAN HAVE.
2. THIS CHURCH WAS DEAD & LIFELESS BUT NOTICE THAT JESUS SAYS THEY HAD WORKS…& A NAME/REPUTATION FOR BEING ALIVE.
3. THIS CHURCH WAS A BUSY CHURCH…IT WAS FULL OF PROGRAMS, MINISTRIES, & ACTIVITIES...
IN FACT, IT HAD SO MUCH BUSTLING ACTIVITY THAT IT MADE A GREAT NAME FOR ITSELF IN THE COMMUNITY.
OTHER CHURCHES PROBABLY LOOKED AT THIS CHURCH & THOUGHT IT WAS ALIVE, WELL ATTENDED, & FULL OF GOOD FELLOWSHIP.
HAD YOU MOVED TO THE CITY OF SARDIS ANYBODY AND EVERYBODY WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU, IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A CHURCH YOU NEED TO CHECK OUT THE FIRST CHURCH OF SARDIS.
HAD YOU MOVED TO THE CITY OF SARDIS ANYBODY AND
EVERYBODY WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU, IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR
4. THERE WAS NO FALSE DOCTRINE TAKING ROOT IN THE FELLOWSHIP...NO ONE WAS TEACHING THE DOCTRINE OF BALAAM...THERE WEREN’T ANY NICOLAITANS IN THE CHURCH.
A CHURCH YOU NEED TO CHECK OUT THE FIRST BAPTIST
ANYBODY WHO WAS SOMEBODY WAS A MEMBER OF THAT CHURCH.
THERE WAS NO FALSE DOCTRINE TAKING ROOT IN THE
FELLOWSHIP. NO ONE WAS TEACHING THE DOCTRINE OF
THE DOCTORS, THE LAWYERS, THE PROFESSIONALS, & THE POLITICIANS WERE PROBABLY ALL MEMBERS OF THIS CHURCH.
BALAAM. THERE WERE NOT ANY NICOLAITANS IN THE CHURCH.
CHURCH. I HEAR THAT THINGS ARE REALLY POPPING DOWN
AND ANYBODY WHO WAS SOMEBODY WAS A MEMBER OF THAT
CHURCH. THE DOCTORS JOINED THE CHURCH, THE LAWYERS
FROM EVERY APPEARANCE IT WAS A DEVOTED AND DYNAMIC FELLOWSHIP.
JOINED THE CHURCH, THE PROFESSIONALS JOINED THE
CHURCH, THE POLITICIANS JOINED THE CHURCH. FROM EVERY
THEY HAD MONEY TO SPEND AND MANPOWER TO BURN.
APPEARANCE IT WAS A TREMENDOUSLY DEVOTED AND DYNAMIC
THERE. ALL I HEAR ABOUT THAT CHURCH IS GOOD."
FELLOWSHIP. THEY HAD MONEY TO SPEND AND MANPOWER TO
THEY HAD WORKED HARD AT MAKING A NAME FOR THEMSELVES AND JESUS SAYS, "I KNOW THAT YOU HAVE A REPUTATION THAT YOU ARE ALIVE."
BURN. THEY HAD WORKED HARD AT MAKING A NAME FOR
NOTE: LABELS CAN BE DECEIVING.
YOU CAN’T ALWAYS RELY ON A NAME TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH ABOUT A SITUATION.
THEMSELVES AND JESUS SAYS, "I KNOW THAT YOU HAVE A
YOU CANNOT ALWAYS RELY ON A NAME TO TELL
YOU THE TRUTH ABOUT A SITUATION. REPUTATION IS NOT
REPUTATION ISN’T NECESSARILY THE SAME THING AS REALITY.
NECESSARILY THE SAME THING AS REALITY. BUT EVERY "I"
NAME THAT YOU ARE ALIVE."
NOTE: LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING & EVERYTHING ISN’T ALWAYS WHAT IT APPEARS TO BE.
WAS DOTTED, EVERY "T" WAS CROSSED AND ON THE OUTSIDE
THIS CHURCH LOOKED GOOD ON THE OUTSIDE.
BUT EVERY "I" WAS DOTTED, EVERY "T" WAS CROSSED AND ON THE OUTSIDE IT LOOKED LIKE A MARVELOUS CHURCH.
IT LOOKED LIKE A MARVELOUS CHURCH.
EVERY "I" WAS DOTTED & EVERY "T" WAS CROSSED AND ON THE OUTSIDE IT LOOKED LIKE A MARVELOUS CHURCH.
BUT INWARDLY THERE WAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM.
WHAT THIS CHURCH SAID ABOUT ITSELF & WHAT OTHERS SAID ABOUT IT WERE TOTALLY DIFFERENT THAN WHAT JESUS SAID ABOUT IT.
NOTE: THERE’S A GREAT LESSON FOR US TO LEARN HERE - WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WHAT WE APPEAR TO BE & WHAT WE REALLY ARE…ARE THE SAME.
IOW’S, OUR REPUTATION (WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT US) & OUR CHARACTER (WHAT WE REALLY ARE & WHAT GOD KNOWS WE ARE) NEED TO LINE UP WITH EACH OTHER.
2) THE REALITY OF THE CHURCH (V 1)
2) THE REALITY OF THE CHURCH (V 1)
NOTE: JESUS ISN’T IMPRESSED WITH THEIR REPUTATION.
JESUS NEVER HAS BEEN MUCH IMPRESSED WITH
REPUTATION. WHEN HE LOOKED AT THIS CHURCH HIS VERDICT
WHEN HE LOOKED AT THIS CHURCH HIS VERDICT WAS, "YOU ARE DEAD." (V.1)
THE REALITY WAS DIFFERENT FROM THE REPUTATION.
WAS, "YOU ARE DEAD." (V.1) THE REALITY WAS FAR
JESUS SAID, "THOUGH YOUR REPUTATION IS THAT OF A CHURCH WHICH IS ALIVE, IN REALITY YOU ARE DEAD."
DIFFERENT FROM THE REPUTATION, JESUS SAID, "THOUGH
YOUR REPUTATION IS THAT OF A CHURCH WHICH IS ALIVE IN
THE GREAT PHYSICIAN HAD TAKEN THE PULSE OF THIS CHURCH AND FOUND NO HEARTBEAT & PRONOUNCED THEM DEAD.
REALITY, YOU ARE DEAD." THE GREAT PHYSICIAN HAD TAKEN
NOTE: THIS CHURCH HAD REPUTATION WITHOUT REALITY...IT HAD FORM WITHOUT FORCE...IT HAD FUNCTION WITHOUT UNCTION...IT WAS ALL SMOKE AND MIRRORS…THEY HAD A “FORM OF GODLINESS” BUT NO POWER...
THE PULSE OF THIS CHURCH AND HAD FOUND NO HEARTBEAT
THIS WAS A CHURCH THAT HAD REPUTATION WITHOUT
REALITY. IT HAD FORM WITHOUT FORCE. IT HAD FUNCTION
THIS CHURCH WAS A SPIRITUAL GRAVEYARD.
THE PULPIT WAS A COFFIN…AND THE PEWS WERE SIMPLY OPEN GRAVES AND THE BUILDING WAS A MAUSOLEUM.
GRAVES AND THE BUILDING WAS A MAUSOLEUM. THIS CHURCH
WITHOUT UNCTION. IT WAS ALL SMOKE AND MIRRORS
THIS CHURCH WAS LIKE A ROTTEN TOOTH - ALIVE ON THE OUTSIDE, BUT DEAD ON THE INSIDE.
WAS LIKE A ROTTEN TOOTH - ALIVE ON THE OUTSIDE, BUT
1. BUT THAT RAISES THE QUESTION - WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A DEAD CHURCH?
DEAD ON THE INSIDE.
WELL, A DEAD CHURCH HAS THE SAME CHARACTERISTICS OF A DEAD MAN.
A. IT WAS A LIFELESS CHURCH
WHEN A MAN DIES HIS SPIRIT DEPARTS…AND THE SAME IS TRUE OF A DEAD CHURCH - A DEAD CHURCH IS A CHURCH WHERE THE H.S. HAS DEPARTED.
A DEAD MAN IS A MAN FROM WHOM THE HUMAN SPIRIT HAS
NOTE: IT’S THE H.S. THAT GIVES LIFE TO A CHURCH...
DEPARTED. LIKEWISE, A DEAD CHURCH IS A CHURCH FROM
THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT GIVES
IT’S NOT THE PROGRAM, OR THE PASTOR, OR THE PREACHING, OR THE SINGING, OR THE SERVICE...IT’S THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT GIVES LIFE TO A CHURCH.
LIFE TO A CHURCH? IT IS NOT THE PROGRAM, OR THE
PASTOR, OR THE PREACHING, OR THE SINGING, OR THE
WHOM THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS DEPARTED.
SERVICE. IT IS THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT GIVES LIFE TO A
CHURCH.
BUT THE CHURCH AT SARDIS WAS A LIFELESS CHURCH, A CHURCH WHERE THE HOLY SPIRIT HAD DEPARTED THE PREMISES.
THE CHURCH AT SARDIS WAS THIS KIND OF CHURCH. IT
WAS A LIFELESS CHURCH, A CHURCH WHERE THE HOLY SPIRIT
WHEN JESUS STUCK HIS HEAD IN THE DOOR, THE STENCH OF DEATH FILLED HIS NOSTRILS.
HAD DEPARTED THE PREMISES. WITHIN JESUS STUCK HIS HEAD
NOTE: THE CHURCH AT SARDIS, LIKE MANY CHURCHES TODAY ARE LIKE SAMSON WHO "DID NOT KNOW THAT THE LORD HAD DEPARTED FROM HIM." ()
MANY CHURCHES ARE LIKE SAMSON WHO "DID NOT KNOW
IN THE DOOR, THE STENCH OF DEATH FILLED HIS NOSTRILS.
THAT THE LORD HAD DEPARTED FROM HIM." ()
ONE OF THE MOST FASCINATING THINGS ABOUT A DEAD CHURCH IS THAT IT CAN LOOK ALIVE ON THE OUTSIDE, AND YET BE DEAD ON THE INSIDE.
BUT WHAT’S EVEN MORE DISTURBING IS THAT A CHURCH CAN BE DEAD & NOT KNOW IT.
IS SO OFTEN IT CAN LOOK ALIVE ON THE OUTSIDE, AND YET
THIS WAS THE CONDITION OF THE CHURCH IN SARDIS - THEY WERE DEAD & DIDN’T KNOW IT.
BE DEAD ON THE INSIDE.
SARDIS WAS A CHURCH THAT WAS LIVING OFF THE GLOW OF A PAST REPUTATION THAT DIDN’T MATCH ITS PRESENT REALITY.
SARDIS WAS A CHURCH THAT WAS LIVING OFF
THERE WAS STILL ACTIVITY BUT NO POWER & NO STRENGTH.
OF ITS REPUTATION.
NOTE: WHAT’S DISTURBING ABOUT THIS IS THAT THE H.S. CAN DEPART & CHURCHES CAN KEEP DOING WHAT THEY HAVE ALWAYS DONE.
IF THE H.S. WERE TO DIE, MOST CHURCHES WOULD KEEP MEETING ON SUNDAY’S & IT WOULD BE CHURCH AS USUAL.
NOTE: IF A CHURCH CAN HAVE SERVICES W/O THE PRESENCE & POWER OF THE H.S. - IT’S A DEAD CHURCH.
I READ A STORY ABOUT A MAN WHO WENT TO ONE OF THESE DEAD CHURCHES…WHILE THE PREACHER WAS UP THERE PREACHING HIS SERMON…A MAN WALKED IN OFF THE STREET WHO DIDN’T KNOW IT WAS A DEAD CHURCH.
CHURCHES WHERE YOU WOULD HAVE THOUGHT AMENS AND
HALLELUJAHS WERE $100 A PIECE. AND THE PREACHER WAS UP
THERE PREACHING A DRY, DEAD, DUSTY SERMON. THE PEOPLE
WERE AUDITIONING FOR SOMINEX COMMERCIALS. THE CHOIR
HE WAS HAPPY IN THE LORD & FILLED WITH THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT...WHEN HE CAME INTO THE CHURCH HE WALKED DOWN TO THE FRONT AND SAT DOWN TO ENJOY THE SERMON.
HAD EVEN BROUGHT PILLOWS TO MAKE THEMSELVES A LITTLE
MORE COMFORTABLE. ONE MAN WALKED IN OFF THE STREET WHO
DID NOT KNOW THIS WAS SUCH A DEAD CHURCH. HE WAS HAPPY
HE FINALLY HEARD SOMETHING THAT THE PREACHER SAID THAT HE LIKED AND HE SAID, "AMEN!"
IN THE LORD JESUS, FILLED WITH THE POWER OF THE HOLY
SPIRIT.
WELL IT DISRUPTED THE PASTOR...HE WASN'T USED TO IT...AND SO THE PASTOR BEGAN PREACHING AGAIN...AND THE PASTOR SAID SOMETHING ELSE THAT THE MAN ENJOYED AND HE SAID, "WELL, HALLELUJAH!"
6. WHEN HE CAME INTO THE CHURCH HE WALKED RIGHT DOWN
TO THE FRONT AND SAT DOWN TO ENJOY THE SERMON, AND HE
FINALLY HEARD SOMETHING THAT THIS PREACHER SAID THAT
HE LIKED AND HE SAID, "AMEN!" WELL IT DISRUPTED THE
AND AGAIN THE PASTOR FORGOT HIS SERMON...WELL THE THIRD TIME HE HEARD SOMETHING HE LIKED HE SAID..."WELL PRAISE THE LORD!"
PASTOR. HE WASN'T USED TO IT. AND SO THE PASTOR BEGAN
FRONT TO SEE IF HE COULD NOT CALM THIS MAN DOWN A
ABOUT THAT TIME AN USHER CAME DOWN TO THE FRONT TO SEE IF HE COULD CALM THIS MAN DOWN A LITTLE BIT...AND HE SAID, "SIR, YOU WILL HAVE TO BE QUIET...YOU ARE DISRUPTING THE WORSHIP SERVICE."
LITTLE BIT. AND HE SAID, "SIR, YOU WILL HAVE TO BE
PREACHING AGAIN. AND THE PASTOR SAID SOMETHING ELSE
QUIET. YOU ARE DISRUPTING THE WORSHIP SERVICE." HE
HE SAID, "OH, I'M SORRY. I'M JUST HAPPY." THE USHER SAID, "WELL, YOU'LL HAVE TO BE HAPPY SOMEWHERE ELSE."
THAT HE ENJOYED AND HE SAID, "WELL, HALLELUJAH!" AND
SAID, "OH, I'M SORRY. I'M JUST HAPPY." THE MAN SAID,
HE SAID, WELL, I JUST LOVE THE LORD JESUS." AND THE USHER SAID, "YOU'LL JUST HAVE TO LOVE JESUS SOMEWHERE ELSE."
"WELL, YOU'LL HAVE TO BE HAPPY SOMEWHERE ELSE." HE
AGAIN THE PASTOR FORGOT HIS SERMON, WELL THE THIRD
SAID, WELL, I JUST LOVE THE LORD JESUS." HE SAID,
"YOU'LL JUST HAVE TO LOVE JESUS SOMEWHERE ELSE."
TIME HE HEARD SOMETHING HE LIKED HE SAID. "WELL PRAISE
FINALLY THE MAN SAID, "WELL YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND. I HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT."
HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT." THEN THE USHER GOT ANGRY AND
THE LORD!"
THEN THE USHER GOT ANGRY AND SAID, "WELL, YOU DIDN'T GET HIM HERE!"
SAID, "WELL, YOU DIDN'T GET HIM HERE, SO SHUT UP!"
NOTE: THAT’S THE REALITY OF MANY CHURCHES TODAY - THE PRESENCE OF GOD IS MISSING & THERE IS NO LIFE.
THE CHURCH AT SARDIS WAS LIFELESS, BUT IT WAS ALSO...
B. A LOVELESS CHURCH
A DEAD PERSON DOESN’T LOVE ANYBODY…A DEAD PERSON DOESN’T HAVE EMOTIONS OR FEELINGS.
LIKEWISE, A DEAD CHURCH IS A LOVELESS CHURCH…AND THE REASON I KNOW THIS TO BE TRUE IS B/C WHEREVER GOD IS, THERE WILL BE LOVE.
THE BIBLE SAYS, “GOD IS LOVE” BUT A DEAD CHURCH LOVES NOTHING, FEELS NOTHING, AND EXPERIENCES NOTHING.
NOTE: THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS HAD NOT LOST ITS LOVE...IT HAD JUST LEFT ITS FIRST LOVE.
THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS HAD NOT LOST ITS LOVE. IT HAD
BUT JESUS DOESN'T EVEN SAY THIS ABOUT THE CHURCH AT SARDIS.
JUST LOST ITS FIRST LOVE. JESUS DOESN'T EVEN SAY THIS
THEY DIDN'T LOVE ANYONE BUT THEMSELVES.
ABOUT THE CHURCH AT SARDIS, THEY DIDN'T LOVE ANYONE
NOTHING MATTERED TO THEM BUT THEIR REPUTATION.
BUT THEMSELVES. NOTHING MATTERED TO THEM BUT THEIR
THEY JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE COMMUNITY, THE DENOMINATION AND ANYONE WHO WAS ANYBODY, THOUGHT THEIR CHURCH WAS A GREAT GREAT CHURCH.
REPUTATION. THEY JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE
2. I WONDER WHAT JESUS WOULD SAY ABOUT OUR CHURCH IF HE WERE TO WALK IN ONE SUNDAY.
COMMUNITY, THE DENOMINATION AND ANYONE WHO WAS
WOULD WE HAVE ANYTHING FOR HIM TO COMMEND OR WOULD HE HAVE ALL COMPLAINTS?
ANYBODY, THOUGHT THEIR CHURCH WAS A GREAT GREAT
NOTE: JESUS KNOWS THE REALITY OF OUR CHURCH REGARDLESS OF WHAT OUR REPUTATION MAY BE.
CHURCH.
OTHERS MAY THINK HIGHLY OF US & SPEAK WELL OF US AS A CHURCH…BUT WHAT REALLY MATTERS IS WHAT GOD THINKS...
THE APPROVAL OF MAN ISN’T WHAT WE NEED…WE NEED THE APPROVAL OF GOD...
3) THE REBUKE TO THE CHURCH (V 2-3)
3) THE REBUKE TO THE CHURCH (V 2-3)
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
2 ‘Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God.
3 ‘So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.
2 Be alert and strengthen what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before My God.
3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent. But if you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come against you.
2 Be alert and strengthen what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before My God.
3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent. But if you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come against you.
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.
2 ‘Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God.
3 ‘So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.
3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.
1. THERE WERE 3 KINDS OF CHRISTIANS IN THIS CHURCH…
2. THERE WERE 3 KINDS OF CHRISTIANS IN THIS CHURCH…
THERE WERE DEAD CHRISTIANS & JESUS SAYS TO THEM “WAKE UP...”
THIS CHURCH HAD GROWN SLEEPY & SLOTHFUL & JESUS TELLS THEM IT’S TIME TO GET UP.
YOU ALSO HAD THE DYING CHRISTIANS & HE SAYS TO THEM “STRENGTHEN WHAT REMAINS AND IS ABOUT TO DIE...”
IOW’S, YOU’RE NOT DEAD YET BUT YOU’RE ABOUT TO DIE, SO GET WITH THE PROGRAM & GET DOWN TO BUSINESS.
BUT THEN THERE WERE THE DEDICATED CHRISTIANS THAT HE ADDRESSES IN V. 4-5
2. BUT JESUS GIVES 3 PIECES OF ADVICE TO THIS DEAD CHURCH…HE GIVES A RECIPE FOR REVIVAL...
A. REMEMBER THE PAST (V 3)
THIS CHURCH HAD ONCE BEEN A GREAT ORGANISM BUT IT HAD NOW BECOME A STALE ORGANIZATION.
SO, JESUS SAYS TO THEM, “GO BACK TO YOUR PAST...REMEMBER HOW IT WAS WHEN YOU WERE ON FIRE FOR GOD.”
IOW’S, GO BACK TO WHEN YOU WERE EARNING THAT REPUTATION AS A GREAT CHURCH - A CHURCH THAT WAS ON FIRE FOR GOD.
NOTE: IT DOES US GOOD AT TIMES TO REMEMBER THE PAST - AND TO REMEMBER WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR US.
IF YOUR WALK WITH GOD HAS GROWN STALE & IF YOU’RE JUST GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS - REMEMBER THE PAST...
REMEMBER HOW IT USED TO BE IN YOUR WALK WITH GOD.
NOTE: THE MEMORY IS A POWERFUL THING…IT WILL HELP US TO TAP INTO FEELINGS THAT WE HAVEN’T FELT IN A WHILE.
WHENEVER I SLOW DOWN LONG ENOUGH TO THINK ABOUT GOD & HOW GOOD HE’S BEEN TO ME - I CAN’T HELP BUT CRY & REJOICE OVER GOD’S FAITHFULNESS.
B. REPENT IN THE PRESENT (V 3)
“KEEP IT, AND REPENT”
IT’S INTERESTING THAT IN EVERY LETTER WHERE JESUS HAS A WORD OF CRITICISM, HE ALWAYS GIVES AS PART OF THE REMEDY, TO REPENT.
INTERESTING THING THAT IN EVERY LETTER WHERE JESUS HAS
JOHN STOTT HAS SAID THAT THE SHORTEST ROAD TO REPENTANCE IS REMEMBRANCE...BUT I ALSO WANT TO SAY THAT THE ONLY ROAD TO REVIVAL IS REPENTANCE.
A WORD OF CRITICISM, HE ALWAYS GIVES, AS PART OF THE
REMEDY, TO REPENT. JOHN R. W. STOTT HAS SAID THAT THE
SHORTEST ROAD TO REPENTANCE IS REMEMBRANCE. BUT MAY I
SAY THAT THE ONLY ROAD TO REVIVAL IS REPENTANCE.
NOTE: REPENTANCE ISN’T MERELY UNDERSTANDING THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM, OR EVEN BEING SORRY ABOUT THE PROBLEM - REPENTANCE IS TURING FROM THE PROBLEM TO THE SOLUTION.
NOW UNDERSTAND THAT REPENTANCE IS NOT MERELY
UNDERSTANDING THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM, OR EVEN BEING
REPENTANCE ISN’T JUST TO BE BROKEN IN YOUR SIN, IT’S TO BE BROKEN FROM YOUR SIN.
SORRY ABOUT THE PROBLEM, REPENTANCE IS TURING FROM THE
PROBLEM TO THE SOLUTION, REPENTANCE IS NOT JUST TO BE
AND JESUS WAS SAYING TO THIS DEAD CHURCH, "DON'T SIT THERE MOURNING OVER THE CORPSE, GET DOWN ON YOUR KNEES, REPENT OF YOUR SINS, AND ASK GOD TO RAISE THAT CORPSE FROM THE DEAD."
BROKEN IN YOUR SIN, IT IS TO BE BROKEN FROM YOUR SIN.
AND JESUS WAS SAYING TO THIS DEAD CHURCH, "DON'T SIT
THERE MOURNING OVER THE CORPSE, GET DOWN ON YOUR
NOTE: THERE'S ALWAYS HOPE FOR A DEAD CHURCH B/C IF GOD COULD RAISE JESUS FROM THE DEAD, AND IF JESUS COULD RAISE LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD, THE H.S. CAN RAISE A CHURCH FROM THE DEAD.
KNEES, REPENT OF YOUR SINS, AND ASK GOD TO RAISE THAT
C. A READINESS FOR THE FUTURE (V 3)
The Holman Christian Standard Bible Chapter 3
if you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come against you. s
The New King James Version Chapter 3
Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.
The Holman Christian Standard Bible Chapter 3
But if you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come against you.
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update Chapter 3
Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.
English Standard Version Chapter 3
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.
CORPSE FROM THE DEAD." THERE'S ALWAYS HOPE FOR A DEAD
NOTE: WHEN A CHURCH REMEMBERS AND THEN REPENTS, IT WILL THEN BE REVIVED...BUT REPENTANCE IS ALWAYS THE KEY LINK IN THIS CHAIN.
“IF YOU ARE NOT ALERT, I WILL COME LIKE A THIEF, AND YOU HAVE NO IDEA AT WHAT HOUR I WILL COME AGAINST YOU...”
The picture of Jesus coming like a thief always carries the idea of imminent judgment (Matt. 24:43; Luke 12:39; 1 Thess. 5:2, 4; 2 Pet. 3:10; Rev. 16:15). The threat here is not related to His second coming, but is that the Lord would come and destroy the Sardis church if there is no revival. It can also be extrapolated into a warning of the judgment that faces all dead churches at Christ’s return.
“IF YOU ARE NOT ALERT, I WILL COME LIKE A THIEF, AND YOU HAVE NO IDEA AT WHAT HOUR I WILL COME AGAINST YOU...”
CHURCH BECAUSE IF GOD COULD RAISE JESUS FROM THE DEAD,
NOTE: WHEN A CHURCH REMEMBERS AND THEN REPENTS, IT WILL THEN BE REVIVED...BUT REPENTANCE IS ALWAYS THE KEY LINK IN THIS CHAIN.
NOTE: WHEN A CHURCH REMEMBERS AND THEN REPENTS, IT WILL THEN BE REVIVED...BUT REPENTANCE IS ALWAYS THE KEY LINK IN THIS CHAIN.
AND IF JESUS COULD RAISE LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD, THE
REPENTS, IT WILL THEN BE REVIVED. BUT REPENTANCE IS
SOMEONE ONCE SAID, "TRUE REPENTANCE HAS A DOUBLE ASPECT, IT LOOKS UPON THINGS PAST WITH A WEEPING EYE, BUT IT LOOKS UPON THINGS FUTURE WITH A WATCHFUL EYE."
HOLY SPIRIT CAN RAISE A CHURCH FROM THE DEAD.
ALWAYS THE KEY LINK IN THIS CHAIN. ONE MAN HAS WELL
SAID, "TRUE REPENTANCE HAS A DOUBLE ASPECT, IT LOOKS
UPON THINGS PAST WITH A WEEPING EYE, BUT IT LOOKS UPON
THINGS FUTURE WITH A WATCHFUL EYE."
NOTE: A REVIVED CHURCH IS A CHURCH THAT IS WATCHING, WORKING, AND WAITING FOR THE SECOND COMING OF J.C.
WORKING, AND WAITING FOR THE SECOND COMING OF THE LORD
4) THE REMNANT IN THE CHURCH (V 4-5)
4) THE REMNANT IN THE CHURCH (V 4-5)
JESUS CHRIST, IT WILL NOT BE OVERTAKEN SO MUCH AS A
4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
4 ‘But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
5 ‘He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
4 But you have a few people in Sardis who have not defiled their clothes, and they will walk with Me in white, because they are worthy.
5 In the same way, the victor will be dressed in white clothes, and I will never erase his name from the book of life but will acknowledge his name before My Father and before His angels.
THIEF IN THE NIGHT.
1. EVEN IN THIS DEAD CHURCH THERE WERE A FAITHFUL FEW, BRIMMING WITH SPIRITUAL LIFE.
A. IT WAS A VIRTUOUS REMNANT (V 4)
4 But you have a few people in Sardis who have not defiled their clothes, and they will walk with Me in white, because they are worthy.
The Holman Christian Standard Bible Chapter 3
you have a few people in Sardis who have not defiled their clothes, and they will walk with Me in white, because they are worthy
4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
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.
4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
4 ‘But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
“you have a few people in Sardis who have not defiled their clothes, and they will walk with Me in white, because they are worthy.”
WHITE IN THE BIBLE IS A COLOR THAT SYMBOLIZED PURITY.
“you have a few people in Sardis who have not defiled their clothes, and they will walk with Me in white, because they are worthy.”
WHITE IN THE BIBLE IS A COLOR THAT SYMBOLIZED PURITY.
EX: WE READ ABOUT A WHITE STONE, A WHITE CLOUD, & WHITE HORSES…AND WE ARE TOLD ABOUT A GREAT WHITE THRONE.
THIS COLOR REPRESENTS PURITY & CLEANLINESS.
THERE WERE PEOPLE IN THIS CHURCH WHO HAD KEPT THEMSELVES PURE & KEPT THEMSELVES HOLY.
THERE WERE A FAITHFUL FEW THAT HAD MAINTAINED THEIR WALK WITH GOD - & HAD REMAINED FILLED WITH THE H.S. - & WHO WERE STILL IN LOVE WITH JESUS...
NOTE: THERE WAS STILL A REMNANT WHO WANTED GOD & DESIRED REVIVAL MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE.
JOHN WESLEY SAID, “GIVE ME 100 MEN WHO HATE NOTHING BUT SIN, AND LOVE NOTHING BUT JESUS, AND I WILL TURN THIS WORLD UPSIDE DOWN FOR GOD.”
NOTE: JESUS ONLY NEEDS A FAITHFUL FEW TO SEND REVIVAL.
B. IT WAS A VICTORIOUS REMNANT (V 5)
5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
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.
32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
The Holman Christian Standard Bible Chapter 3
the victor will be dressed in white clothes, and I will never erase his name from the book of life but will acknowledge his name before My Father and before His angels.
5 In the same way, the victor will be dressed in white clothes, and I will never erase his name from the book of life but will acknowledge his name before My Father and before His angels.
5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
The Holman Christian Standard Bible Chapter 3
the victor will be dressed in white clothes, and I will never erase his name from the book of life but will acknowledge his name before My Father and before His angels
5 ‘He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven,
32 “Therefore, everyone who will acknowledge Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before My Father in heaven.
32 “Therefore, everyone who will acknowledge Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before My Father in heaven.
32 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.
32 “Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven.
VERSE 5 IS THE FULFILLMENT OF THAT PROMISE.
ONE DAY THOSE OF US WHO OVERCOME, WHO REMAIN FAITHFUL TO JESUS ARE GOING TO BE TAKEN FROM THIS WORLD INTO HEAVEN...
AND WE WILL STAND BEFORE THE THRONE OF GOD & JESUS IS GOING TO INTRODUCE US ONE BY ONE, NAME BY NAME TO GOD THE FATHER.
NOTE: VERSE 5 IS A PROMISE NOT A THREAT.
SOME READ THOSE WORDS “I WILL NEVER BLOT HIS NAME OUT OF THE BOOK OF LIFE” AND BELIEVE THAT IT’S SAYING WE CAN LOSE OUR SALVATION & HAVE OUR NAMES REMOVED.
SOME PEOPLE SEEM TO HAVE THIS IDEA THAT JESUS SITS IN HEAVEN WITH AN ERASER TAKING PEOPLE’S NAME OUT OF THIS BOOK.
The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Three: Christ and the Churches, Part 2 (Revelation 3)
It would appear that God’s “Book of Life” contains the names of all the living, the wicked as well as the righteous (Ps. 69:28). Revelation 13:8 and 17:8 suggest that the names of the saved are written in the book from the foundation of the world—that is, before they had done anything good or bad. By God’s grace, they have been chosen in Christ before the beginning of time (Eph. 1:4; see also Matt. 25:34).
Jesus told His disciples to rejoice because their names were “written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). The Greek verb is in the perfect tense, which means it can be translated (as Kenneth Wuest does in his Expanded Translation), “your names have been written in heaven and are on permanent record up there.” It is not likely that Jesus would contradict Himself in this important matter!
If the names of believers (the elect) are written from the foundation of the world, and if God knows all things, why would He enter the name of somebody who would one day fall and have to be removed from the book?
The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Three: Christ and the Churches, Part 2 (Revelation 3)
As unbelievers die, their names are removed from the book; thus, at the final judgment, the book contains only the names of believers (Rev. 20:12–15). It then becomes “the Lamb’s Book of Life” (Rev. 21:27), because only those saved by the Lord Jesus Christ have their names in it. All the others have been blotted out, something God would never do for any true child of God (see Ex. 32:32; Rom. 9:3). It is a book of life, and lost sinners are dead (Eph. 2:1).
Revelation (King James Version) F. The Message to Sardis: The Church that Has a Strong Reputation but Is Dying, 3:1–6
The overcomer will not be blotted out of the book of life. This is a book that God keeps. The picture of Scripture is this: every person’s name is written in the book of life when the person is born. But at death the names of unbelievers are erased from the book and they are judged to eternal death. The names of true believers are never touched. They receive eternal life.
Life Application Bible Commentary, Revelation The Lifeless Church / 3:1–6
This “book” symbolizes God’s knowledge of who belongs to him. At that time cities had registry books, so having one’s name removed meant losing citizenship. A city would also erase a person’s name from the registry when he or she died. For the citizens of heaven, however, death is not a cause for one’s name to be removed; instead, it is the way of entrance.
Some have suggested that Christ’s statement that he will “never erase” certain names leaves open the possibility that he might erase some name, and may imply that people can lose their salvation. In other words, can a name be written in the book and then later erased? It would be shaky to base one’s theology of salvation on this symbol, so it is best to take Christ’s statement at face value. Those who remain faithful to him are promised future honor and eternal life—they are guaranteed citizenship in heaven.
The names of all believers are registered in the Book of Life, and Christ will introduce them to the hosts of heaven (“my Father and his angels”) as belonging to him.
“I will not blot out his name out of the book of life” - They will be made secure in the relationship with Him. By the way, God is not saying that He blots out names. This verse is often used by people who try to say that Christians can “lose their salvation”. It is not a verse that serves as a threat of loss. It is a verse that offers a precious promise of absolute security to all those who believe in Jesus.
There is a lot that can be said about these books. It appears that there is a book of life that contains all the names of those living, . It also appears that there is a Lamb’s Book of Life that contains all the names of the redeemed, . When a person is saved, there names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Jesus said that this was the real reason for rejoicing, . It may be that when a person dies lost, their name is blotted out of the book of the living. So, when the end comes, the names written in both books will match. (Alan Carr sermon)
NOTE: IF YOU TRUST JESUS & WALK WITH HIM, YOUR NAME WILL NEVER BE REMOVED FROM THIS BOOK.
NOTE: IF YOU TRUST JESUS & WALK WITH HIM, YOUR NAME WILL NEVER BE REMOVED FROM THIS BOOK.
CONCLUSION:
CONCLUSION:
1. There is always the danger that any church can die.
2. Denis Lyle has written these words...,
“Tragically, many churches are dead. Like the rotting carcass of Lazarus, these church bodies have the foul stench of death upon them.
They have the appearance of life, but they are in actuality, dead. Their sanctuary is A Morgue with a Steeple. They are congregations of corpses.
They have undertakers for ushers; embalmers for elders; and morticians for ministers. Their pastor graduated from the Cemetery.
The choir master is the local coroner. They sing, "Embalmed in Gilead."
At the Rapture, they will be the first churches taken for the Bible says, “the dead in Christ shall rise first.”
2. Jesus has His finger on the pulse of this church and on that of every member…and I wonder tonight what His touch reveals about us.
3. If He has spoken to your heart tonight, talk to Him about it.
Let’s pray!!!
Most folks I know look good on the outside, but I can’t see the heart. Are they sincere in their service for Jesus, or is all just an outward, empty shell? I don’t want to become spiritually dead. I’m praying that God will ignite a fire within our souls that cannot be put out. Has God spoken to you about your relationship with Him? He can give you the spark that is needed to rekindle the flame!
What does His touch reveal about us? I want to challenge each of you to examine your heart and the life of this church.