Podcasts about Sardis

Suddenly wilted I. Cain II. King Saul III. Demas IV. Sardis church V. You

We're looking at the dead church of Sardis, and the Lord's remedy for how to fix the problem, if its you.

Sunday Pastor Rick Barnett 7/6/2025

We're looking at this scathing letter the Lord Jesus Christ sent to the spiritual leader of the Church of Sardis.

Today on WGOD Radio, we start the dead church of Sardis. Jesus calls them dead--deceived and dead.

“Lukewarm” isn't really a desirable trait in, well, just about anything. After all, is there anyone who actually looks forward to a lukewarm cup of coffee in the morning? But when Jesus uses this word, what he has in mind is something far worse. In this week's message from Revelation 3, Pastor J.D. takes us through John's last three letters to the churches. Though Jesus doesn't have anything negative to say to the church at Philadelphia, he has plenty to say to the congregation of Laodicea, and it begins with his visceral reaction to their halfhearted Christianity. We, of course, have to be careful not to fall into the same trap: claiming the name of Jesus with our lips but living lives that are in no way distinct from the world.  

July 6th, 2025 Moss Brook Church Seven Letters to the (2)1st Century Church: Sardis: The Dead Church Pastor Mike Booker

In a world where it's easy to coast, conform, or fall asleep spiritually, Jesus calls us to wake up and live as fully engaged, passionate followers. Discover what it means to be a faith walker, not a sleepwalker. Learn how to strengthen what remains, stand firm on your core values, and live with eternal urgency. We're honored to have guest speaker, Jim Kragel, bring the message and challenge us from Revelation 3, as well as verses from Romans 12, Philippians 3, Psalms, and more—this message is packed with truth to reignite your heart for God.

In Revelations 3, Jesus speaks to the Christians at Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, and, through them, to us! We notice one church is hot, one is cold, and one is lukewarm with respect to their relationship with Jesus. Listen out for which is which, and which one reflects your heart. There are great promises here for the person who takes following Jesus seriously. Let the one who hears listen to what the Spirit says to us through these letters!

Sunday Pastor Rick Barnett 6/29/2025

harvestva

Of all the 7 letters to the 7 churches found in Revelation 2 and 3, I think this one is the most applicable to the church in Canada in 2025. - Pastor Kevin

Pastor Ken Biggs | Wed June 25th, 2025 | Revelation (Sardis cont'd)

In this sermon, Senior Pastor JJ Johnson delivers a sermon from the series on Jesus' letters to the seven churches in Revelation, focusing on the church in Sardis. He challenges believers, especially men and fathers on Father's Day, to move beyond a superficial reputation of faith to an authentic, Spirit-filled life by emphasizing the importance of genuine faith, spiritual awareness, and leaving a godly legacy.

Comfortable Church part 2Pastor Brad Farnsworth Core Church, a place to find the Hope, Healing, Peace, and Purpose of Jesus. We'd love to hear from you. To connect visit https://corechurch.com Need Prayer? Submit a request at https://corechurch.com/prayer

Revelation 3 is our Lord's timeless message of warning, advice and essential attitudinal changes were required of the 3 of the 7 Turkish ecclesias Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. The first had to realise that the reputation Sardis once enjoyed was gone and they needed to wake up, repent and get back to their roots. Philadelphia, alone of the ecclesias received no condemnation, but rather they are encouraged to remain steadfast. On the other hand, the wealthy Laodicea was pitifully ignorant of their true state and needed to open the door of their hearts to the soon to be returned and door-knocking Lord Jesus Christ. Chapter 4 presents the Christ ruling with his saints in glory. The chapter is an invitation for the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ, to ascend into the political heavens through the open door and rule upon the earth. This is an encouraging vision of the kingdom on which we will elaborate on in tomorrows' comments. Chapter 4 presents the Christ ruling with his saints in glory. It is part of a vision of the Lord Jesus Christ ruling in glory with his saints - faithful believers - during the kingdom age soon to come. The Apostle John as part of the Lords bride is invited into the political heavens of rulership at the start of this vision. The first part of this vision is revealed in chapter 4 verses 2-11. John sees the throne of the Lamb surrounded by 24 elders who represent the worthy saints of all time until the resurrection. They are the 24 orders of king-priests that reign with Jesus Messiah. These 24 elders are described in verse 7 as being like the cherubim of Ezekiel 1 and the seraphim of Isaiah 6. In verses 8-11 they rightfully ascribe glory to God and His glorious Son.

Samuel, as well as being Israel's last judge, was the bridge between the 450 year era of the judges and the kingdom of God on earth in its first constitution. From the lofty heights of Ramathaim-Zophim came a devout Levite named Elkanah, who has two wives Hannah and Peninnah - the former being barren, but greatly loved. Hannah was sorely grieved and provoked by her adversary Peninnah. Together Elkanah and Hannah went to the Tabernacle at Shiloh to entreat God for a son. In her extreme grief Eli, the High Priest, mistakenly thinks she is a drunken loose woman and implores her to leave. She pours out to him her heart, just as she has done to God, and he asks that Yahweh would grant her the petition she made. Samuel is born, prepared and educated at home for a life of service to the LORD. At the appropriate time he is presented at the house of worship and returned to God. Isaiah 46 outlines the utter futility of idols, which had to be rescued and rushed away from the battle at Babylon's fall. Verses 3-4 tell of Yahweh being Israel's nursing Father who from the time of the nation's birth until  their old age. He is the Redeemer of Israel and will save them with an everlasting salvation in Messiah's kingdom. Verses 5-7 describe the mindset of idol worshippers and the futility that comes with their exertions to make a beautiful idol. Verses 8-11 tell of the Almighty judging of all idolators and the foreknowledge and power of our Omnipotent Creator who knows everything that will happen and reveals the important truths about His people through His prophets: Amos 3verses 1-8. The man destined to conquer Babylon and execute the LORD's judgement s was Cyrus king of Persia. Cyrus Is likened to a bird of prey ravening the carcass of degenerate Babylon. Contrast this with our Omniscient Creator who tells the future, even predicting the overthrowing of Babylon about 200 years after this prophecy by Isaiah concerning Cyrus, whose method of capturing the impregnable city of Babylon is described. That he would also decree for the exiles from Jerusalem to return - see Ezra 1 verses 1-4; which occurred in BC 537. A coin commemorating this and the relocation of the US Embassy to Jerusalem was issued in 2017 with the quote from Ezra.Isaiah 47 is a chapter of Zion's rejoicing at the humiliation of Babylon. That majestic harlot sits in the dust to eke out an existence and she does so because as  verse 4 says: "Yahweh has redeemed Zion". The two women of this chapter are the two women of Proverbs and the two women of Revelation. Verses 5-9 outline the haughty thoughts of literal Babylon and they are symbolic of the thinking of mystical Babylon. The words are quoted in Revelation 18:7. Verses 10-13 tell of her lying enchantments and sorceries which are commented on in Revelation 18 verses 11-24. Isaiah 47 verses 14-15 speaks of Babylon's being brought to nought. Revelation 3 is our Lord's timeless message of warning, advice and essential attitudinal changes were required of the  3 of the 7 Turkish ecclesias Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. The first had to realise that the reputation Sardis once enjoyed was gone and they needed to wake up, repent and get back to their roots. Philadelphia, alone of the ecclesias received no condemnation, but rather they are encouraged to remain steadfast. On the other hand, the wealthy Laodicea was pitifully ignorant of their true state and needed to open the door of their hearts to the soon to be returned and door-knocking Lord Jesus Christ. Chapter 4 presents the Christ ruling with his saints in glory. The chapter is an invitation for the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ, to ascend into the political heavens through the open door and rule upon the earth. This is an encouraging vision of the kingdom on which we will elaborate on in tomorrows' comments. Chapter 4 presents the Christ ruling with his saints in glory. It is part of a vision of the Lord Jesus Christ ruling in glory with his saints - faithful believers - during the kingdom age soon to come. The Apostle John as part of the Lords bride is invited into the political heavens of rulership at the start of this vision. The first part of this vision is revealed in chapter 4 verses 2-11. John sees the throne of the Lamb surrounded by 24 elders who represent the worthy saints of all time until the resurrection. They are the 24 orders of king-priests that reign with Jesus Messiah. These 24 elders are described in verse 7 as being like the cherubim of Ezekiel 1 and the seraphim of Isaiah 6. In verses 8-11 they rightfully ascribe glory to God and His glorious Son.

Revelation Chapters 2 & 3 - "The Churches in Thyatira & Sardis" by Mission Ebenezer Family Church

Apocalipsis Capítulos 2 y 3 - "Las Iglesias de Tiatira y Sardis" by Mission Ebenezer Family Church

June 8, 2025Jesus' letter to Sardis Church must have been difficult to receive for almost all of its members.  Sardis Church had a reputation in the community for being alive, but Jesus knew this was inaccurate, a result of people looking at their outward appearances.  He rebuked them and called them “dead”, meaning almost all of them were apathetic Christians: half-hearted, complacent, going through the motions.  Furthermore, their works were displeasing to God.  They were a church with dead people, and dead works.  Jesus commanded them to wake up, strengthen one another, remember and obey what they had received (and forgotten), and repent, or else Jesus would come against them unexpectedly, and discipline them.  Fortunately for Sardis Church, all was not lost.  Jesus knew there were “a few” (not many at all) vibrant Christians in Sardis Church that had remained spiritually alive, devoted followers of Jesus.  Jesus praised these few for resisting the pull to follow the sinful culture of the city, and He considered them worthy.  Jesus promised to walk with them, clothe them in white, protect their names in the book of life, and claim them as His own.  The timeless theological principle:  Jesus desires and blesses vibrant Christians, and will discipline apathetic Christians who do not wake up and repent.  The application for us today is straightforward:  strive to be a vibrant Christian, and ensure your firm commitment to Jesus is contagious.Revelation 3:1-6

SCRIPTURE PASSAGESRevelation 3:1-6 Reflection Questions Subscribe!YouTubeSpotifyApple Podcasts

     The Corinthian Christians were undeniably saved, as Paul calls them saints (1 Cor 1:2) and brethren (1 Cor 3:1). Yet, they exhibited a persistent pattern of carnality, evidenced by their divisive behavior, internal conflicts, and failure to mature spiritually. Paul rebuked them for their immaturity and misguided allegiance to human leaders, which had fractured the church into competing factions (1 Cor 1:10-13). He then directly addressed their spiritual condition, describing them as “men of flesh” (1 Cor 3:1), signifying their prolonged carnality. He writes, “I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able” (1 Cor 3:2). This was an embarrassing reality for the Corinthians, for by the time Paul wrote to them, they should have progressed further in their spiritual walk. He then laments their ongoing carnality, declaring, “for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?” (1 Cor 3:3). The phrase “you are still fleshly” (ἔτι γὰρ σαρκικοί ἐστε, eti gar sarkikoi este) uses the present indicative, indicating a continued state of carnality. Here, the present tense describes customary or habitual action. Wallace notes, “The customary present is used to signal either an action that regularly occurs or an ongoing state.”[1] The Christians at Corinth were habitually driven by the flesh rather than the Spirit. This confirms that their failure to mature spiritually was not due to a temporary lapse but an entrenched pattern of behavior. Had their sinful patterns been proof of lostness, Paul would have addressed them as unbelievers needing salvation rather than carnal believers needing correction. Paul does not suggest they should question their salvation; rather, he exhorts them toward spiritual growth and maturity. The solution is not introspective doubt but a call to align their practice with their position in Christ.[2]      Several of the seven churches in Revelation (Rev 2-3) exhibited patterns of habitual sin, as evidenced by Jesus' rebukes. The church in Ephesus, though commended for its hard work and perseverance, was rebuked by Jesus, who said, “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love” (Rev 2:4). The phrase “you have left” translates the Greek verb aphekas (ἀφῆκας), which is in the aorist tense, indicating a decisive act in the past. These believers had, at some point, turned away from their original love for Christ, and the context suggests they had not yet returned to it.      Pergamum, while faithful to Christ's name under persecution, tolerated the false teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, which led to idolatry and sexual immorality within the congregation (Rev 2:14-15). Jesus said, “I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality” (Rev 2:14). The word “hold” translates the Greek kratountas (κρατοῦντας), which is a present participle, denoting ongoing adherence to false doctrine. This wasn't a one-time deviation but an entrenched pattern that led to idolatry and immorality.      Thyatira, despite its love and perseverance, was rebuked for tolerating “the woman Jezebel,” whose false teachings encouraged sin through idolatry and immorality (Rev 2:20-21). Jesus said, “I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols” (Rev 2:20). The word “tolerate” translates the Greek verb apheis (ἀφεῖς), which is a present active indicative, indicating that the church at Thyatira habitually permitted Jezebel's corrupting influence.      Jesus called each of these churches to repent. To the church at Ephesus, He said, “Remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first” (Rev 2:5). Thomas notes, the church “had simply lost their bearings, like the prodigal son, and needed to regain them.”[3] Repentance (metanōeō) meant they were to recalibrate their thinking according to God's standard and redirect their behavior to righteous living. Repentance, according to Thomas, “Calls for a decisive change of attitude with its resultant action. It is a reversal of the status quo, a deliberate repudiation of former sins and a complete return to the standards and will of God. It is an appeal to begin at this moment a complete change. It calls for a quick and effective decision.”[4] Similar exhortations were given to Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, and Laodicea, urging them to change their minds and turn from their habit of sin and return to faithful obedience (Rev 2:16, 2:22, 3:3, 3:19). Jesus' warnings reveal the serious consequences of habitual sin, including loss of fellowship, diminished spiritual vitality, and potential divine discipline. Jesus said, “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore, be zealous and repent” (Rev 3:19; cf. Heb 12:6). Habitual sin does not jeopardize salvation, which is secured by Christ's finished work. Instead, believers are called to address their spiritual failures through humble submission and reliance on God's grace, restoring their walk with Him through confession (1 John 1:9) and obedience (Jam 1:22). Dr. Steven R. Cook   [1] Daniel B. Wallace, Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics - Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament (Zondervan Publishing House and Galaxie Software, 1996), 521. [2] The Corinthian church struggled with a variety of sins, including sexual immorality (1 Cor 5:1-2), lawsuits between believers, greed, and a lack of brotherly love (1 Cor 6:1-8). They also misused their Christian liberty, causing others to stumble, and dishonored the Lord's Supper by indulging selfishly and even getting drunk during the meal (1 Cor 8–10; 11:20-22). Additionally, their pride in spiritual gifts, especially tongues, led to disorder in worship, as they prioritized self-glory over the edification of the church (1 Cor 12–14). These recurring sins reflected an ongoing pattern of spiritual immaturity. [3] Robert L. Thomas, Revelation 1-7: An Exegetical Commentary (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 1992), 142. [4] Ibid., 142–143.

In this powerful exploration of Revelation 3:1-6, we're confronted with the sobering reality of spiritual complacency. The church in Sardis serves as a stark warning to us all - having a reputation for being alive, yet being spiritually dead. This message challenges us to examine our own spiritual vitality. Are we, like Sardis, merely going through the motions of faith? The call to 'wake up' and 'strengthen what remains' resonates deeply, urging us to revitalize our relationship with Christ. The imagery of white garments symbolizes purity and victory, reminding us of the transformative power of Christ's blood. As we reflect on our own spiritual state, let's remember that our God is one who can breathe life into dead bones. He offers us the opportunity for spiritual resurrection, challenging us to move beyond mere reputation to a living, vibrant faith that impacts every aspect of our lives.

Assembly of Yahusha The Logos episode 78 Officiated by Bro. Jon Dizon 06-04-2025 ©2025 Assembly of Yahusha All rights reserved.#Yahuah #Yahusha #biblestudy #truefaithReproduction of this audio or parts of this audio is prohibited without the written consent from the author. The objective of the Assembly of Yahusha is to proclaim, advance, propagate, share, and continuously disseminate the pure teachings of Yahuah God and Yahusha Christ to all of mankind. The Assembly of Yahusha provides weekly bible study classes and live worship services through online gatherings and organized Assembly of Yahusha groups. The mission is to proclaim and share the teachings of God and the pure gospel of Christ to everyone around the world. If you are interested in exploring what is taught, please contact the Assembly of Yahusha with your inquiries at info@aoy.today

Anthony Gammage preaches on Revelation 3:1-6 on Sunday, June 1st.To the Church in Sardis.

Sunday Service (5/25/25) // Revelation 3:1-6 // Visit our website: https://mbchicago.org Follow us to remain connected: Facebook:   / mbc.chicago   Instagram:   / mbc.chicago   TikTok:   / mbc.chicago   Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & others To support this ministry, you can donate via: Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Web: https://mbchicago.org/give Venmo: https://venmo.com/mbchurch DAF Donations: https://every.org/mbc.chicago PayPal/Credit: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but... Revelation 3:1-6 (ESV) To the Church in Sardis3 “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.'#DanielBatarseh #Revelation #BookofRevelation #BibleStudy #mbchicago #mbcchicago #Bible #versebyverse #sermon #sermons #sermononline #bookofrevelation #bookofrevelations #revelation #revelations #newtestament #scripture #verses #lessons #church #chicago #livechurch #churchlive #chicagochurch #chicagochurches #prophecy #prophetic #jesus #jesuschrist

We're often content with appearances, but Jesus calls us to something deeper: true spiritual life. In Revelation 3, the church in Sardis had the reputation of being alive but was spiritually dead. This message is a wake-up call to shake off apathy, remember the gospel, and return to a life marked by repentance, power, and purpose. It's time to wake up, strengthen what remains, and walk in the purity and victory that only comes through Jesus.

Dr. Tom Curran continues to discuss 18 scripture passages that will change your life. Tom shares insights on how to overcome comfortable dissipation through disruption, breakthrough and transformation.Tom's List of Life-Changing Scripture PassagesI was caught up in spirit on the Lord's day and heard behind me a voice as loud as a trumpet, which said, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me, and when I turned, I saw seven gold lampstands and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, wearing an ankle-length robe, with a gold sash around his chest. The hair of his head was as white as white wool or as snow,* and his eyes were like a fiery flame. His feet were like polished brass refined in a furnace,* and his voice was like the sound of rushing water.In his right hand he held seven stars. A sharp two-edged sword came out of his mouth, and his face shone like the sun at its brightest.When I caught sight of him, I fell down at his feet as though dead.* He touched me with his right hand and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last, the one who lives. Once I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever. I hold the keys to death and the netherworld. (Rev 1: 10-18)For Zion's sake I will not be silent, for Jerusalem's sake I will not keep still, Until her vindication shines forth like the dawn and her salvation like a burning torch. Nations shall behold your vindication, and all kings your glory; You shall be called by a new name bestowed by the mouth of the LORD. You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the LORD, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. No more shall you be called “Forsaken,” nor your land called “Desolate,” But you shall be called “My Delight is in her,” and your land “Espoused.” For the LORD delights in you, and your land shall be espoused. For as a young man marries a virgin, your Builder shall marry you; And as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you. (Isa 62: 1-5)Look! I am bringing the city recovery and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them an abundance of lasting peace. I will restore the fortunes of Judah and Israel, and rebuild them as they were in the beginning. I will purify them of all the guilt they incurred by sinning against me; I will forgive all their offenses by which they sinned and rebelled against me. Then this city shall become joy for me, a name of praise and pride, before all the nations of the earth, as they hear of all the good I am doing for them. They shall fear and tremble because of all the prosperity I give it. (Jer 33: 6-9)

The Letter to Sardis, from our Midweek Bible Study: "What Christ Thinks of the Church" - 5.21.25 Taught by Nathan Gross. Presented by McGregor Podcast 2025 Visit Our Website at McGregorPodcast.com

The warning to the church at Sardis was to be vigilant in their faith and resist complacency. We too need to heed this warning and recognize that we are stewards for Christ's sake. Otherwise, we face the danger of becoming walking dead people: having the outer shell of a Christian without any spiritual life.  VF-2045 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to leave a message for Pastor Scott. You may make reservations to attend a live service, leave a prayer request or make a commitment. Pastor Scott appreciates messages and reads them often during live broadcasts. Follow @Pastor_Scott on Twitter and visit her official Facebook page @Pastor.M.Scott. Download Pastor Scott's "Understand the Bible" app for iPhone, iPad and iPod at the Apple App Store and for Android devices in the Google Store. Pastor Scott can also be seen 24x7 on Roku and Amazon Fire on the "Understand the Bible?" channel. ©2025 Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D., All Rights Reserved

Have you ever been surprised in a relationship? You thought everything was going well only to find out the other person had major issues. Or perhaps as you got to know someone you realized they aren't who you thought they were. It's one thing to be surprised by someone else. It's a whole 'nother level when you discover you're surprised by...you! Today we again pick up the series in Revelation exploring the personalized letters from Jesus to seven unique churches. In today's letter, Jesus shocks the church of Sardis with the revelation that everything is not as it seems, and they are facing a peril they didn't see coming. Discover that Jesus knows your situation and knows what needs to be done to make every believer and congregation survive and thrive in Part Five of 7 Letters to 7 Churches.

James Jordan on the churches at Sardis and Philadelphia in Revelation 3. To listen to this ENTIRE series right now (with class notes!), download the Theopolis App! Use the code "theopolitan" to get your first month for FREE. app.theopolisinstitute.com/menu

In our vocation, in our relationships, and in our walk with Christ, experience very often leads to complacency. In Revelation chapter three, Jesus dictates a letter to the church at Sardis. Although the church had a good public reputation, the Lord knew most of its members had grown complacent. Sardis was a dead church, but as you'll see today, the news wasn't all bad. Stay with us now as Ron moves ahead in his teaching series, “Ready For His Return,” based on Revelation chapters 1-3.  

It may be nice to have a good public image. But ultimately, you're not defined by what people think you are, but by what God says you are. The New Testament church in Sardis had something of a good reputation. By all appearances, it was vibrant and alive. But Jesus saw through the facade, and in Revelation chapter three, He calls them a dead church. What did He mean by that proclamation? What are the traits of a lifeless church? Ron has answers next, as he continues his teaching series, “Ready for His Return,” based on Revelation chapters 1-3.

When our oldest grandson was 15 months old, he was our favorite entertainer. Who needed TV? Who needs some show you have to buy a ticket for? No, the show he put on was free! It seemed like he had a new trick every day. His parents used to throw a blanket over his head and ask, "Where's Jason?" He would pull that blanket off, flash a big smile, and his parents would say excitedly, "There's Jason!" Now Jason took that to another level. He doesn't need the blanket. All we have to say is, "Where's Jason?" And he promptly puts both his little hands over his face. Of course, he's peeking between his fingers a little bit. I guess he thought he was hiding. Then, he pulls his hands away and shrieks with surprise and excitement. And we responded on cue, "There's Jason!" We loved it! Let me tell you a little secret. The whole time Jason thought he was hiding - we knew exactly where he was. I'm Ron Hutchcraft, and I want to have A Word With You today about "No Secrets." Our word for today from the Word of God comes from Hebrews 4:13, and it exposes our little games of hide-and-seek with God. We cover our face and we think He doesn't know where we are - and He knows all the time. God's Word says, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account" So, there's nothing you've done that God hasn't seen. There's nothing you've thought that God doesn't know. And there's nothing you are that God isn't aware of. In Revelation 2 and 3, Jesus has a message for each of seven churches, and in a sense, for all believers. All seven messages follow the same pattern. He reviews what people see when they look at these folks and then He tells what He sees, which is often very different from the image everyone else sees. Take the church at Sardis, for example. Here is Jesus' blunt spiritual X-ray: "I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead." Ask anyone else about these folks and they would tell you, "Oh, they're really alive over there!" Ask Jesus and He says, "I know they're really dead." Those two sobering words are used with every group of believers - "I know." And what Jesus knows about you, that's the real you. That's the real deal. That's the untouched photos. That's the truth. Among these people in Revelation are some who are busy for the Lord. But Jesus looks underneath and says, "You don't love Me like you used to." He sees another group who appear to be totally together and successful but He says they're settling for spiritual mediocrity and "lukewarmness." As Samuel said so perceptively, "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). So, hide-and-seek games don't work with God. He knows where you really are all the time. Now at first that might seem like bad news, because there are some things you're not very proud of. But the good news is there is one Person in your life with whom you have nothing to hide - nothing you can hide. You can experience the wonderful freedom of coming to your Heavenly Father with the real you. You don't have to hide yourself in spiritual God-talk; in saying what you're supposed to say, feeling like you're supposed to feel. You come as you really are, feeling like you really feel, needing what you really need - to a Savior whose love (thank God!) is totally unconditional! And as you bring the real you to Him, you'll find Him becoming more and more real to you. And you'll find yourself experiencing His forgiving, His cleansing, His healing in parts of you you've never opened up to Him before. This God who knows all about you, this Savior who knows all about you and loves you anyway... isn't it time that you made the Savior your Savior if you never have? By going to His cross where He died for you, to say, "Jesus, for me" - those two words, "for me" - "you're doing this for me, and I'm Yours." Our website will help you be sure you belong to Him. That website is ANewStory.com. Take off the mask. Quit trying to cover your face. God already knows exactly where you are and He's ready to change you.

Segment 1 • The death of the Pope signals the likely election of a liberal leader. • The papacy's doctrinal errors, based on tradition and magisterium, mislead millions about salvation. • Softened evangelical perspectives, like Russell Moore's, fail to address the papacy's eternal consequences. Segment 2 • Melito of Sardis' 2nd-century sermon contrasts with today's shallow Easter preaching. • Modern sermons are moralistic, neglecting the true gospel of Christ's sacrifice. • A return to gospel-centered, Christ-focused preaching is essential to understand Easter's real significance. Segment 3 • 90% of pastors affirm climate change, but many Christians are unsure about the issue. • Dr. Jason Lisle tackles climate change from a biblical and scientific perspective in a Fortis webinar. • The narrative of human-caused climate change is shaky, with natural cycles and past periods of warming showing no human influence. Segment 4 • Al Gore's climate predictions failed, and the sun's cycles are a bigger factor in climate changes. • Water vapor and clouds, not CO2, account for 75% of the greenhouse effect. • The human contribution to CO2 is small, and the panic surrounding it is built on weak claims. – Preorder the new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, by Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford now! https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/liesmytherapisttoldme – Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • The Resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, but Andy Stanley downplays its biblical foundation. • Many missed hearing the Gospel this Easter, with Stanley offering no biblical foundation for the Resurrection. • King Charles' Easter message referenced Muslims, and the Pope's final Easter address called for world peace—but both sidestepped the central message of Easter: God's love through Christ. Segment 2 • Melito of Sardis, a second-century saint, preached a powerful gospel-centered sermon that would be rejected by many modern preachers. • His Easter sermon focuses on the suffering of Jesus, contrasting with today's often trivialized, moralistic messages. • Melito's preaching is drenched in the gospel, not stories or jokes, calling us to rejoice in the true meaning of Easter. Segment 3 • Sermons like Melito's from 170 A.D. are rare today, yet they are a rich example of Christ-centered, theologically sound preaching. • This sermon is lofty and reverent, elevating the listener's understanding of God, and demonstrates the power of high view theology. Segment 4 • A few exceptions to weak Easter preaching: Franklin Graham and Billy Graham both stayed true to the Gospel. • Billy Graham's Easter message was fully focused on Jesus—no distractions, no moralism, just the glorious gospel. • Preaching centered on Christ and the Word lasts, and is desperately needed in today's pulpits. – Preorder the new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, by Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford now! https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/liesmytherapisttoldme – Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

What happens when a church looks alive on the outside but is spiritually asleep within? Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo and Marc McCartney unpack the sobering message to the church in Sardis, diving deep into Revelation 3 and exploring the dangers of spiritual complacency. With powerful stories—including an inspiring testimony of transformation from the UK—and rich historical context from ancient Sardis, this conversation reveals how Jesus calls His church to wake up and walk in genuine intimacy with Him. They also wrestle with a timeless question: Can a Christian lose their salvation?    We hope this honest, hope-filled dialogue encourages you to examine your heart and press into a faith that perseveres.    

Revelation 3v1-6 with Bethany Allen Lent is a 40-day season within the church calendar that stretches from Ash Wednesday (March 5) to Easter Sunday (April 20), mirroring Jesus' 40-day fast in the desert. This year, we want God to use the 40 days of Lent to help us reclaim our first love. https://bridgetown.church/teaching