Podcasts about Sardis

The church at Sardis reminds us that it is possible to appear spiritually alive while internally dying. A dying church is unacceptable to Jesus, and we should do everything possible to strengthen what remains and pursue life within ourselves and our church.Preached on October 26th, 2025 by Jared Kress. Series: "Revelation: Behold, He Is Coming" Primary Text: Revelation 3:1-6. Join us in person Sundays at 10:30am at 6325 Poplar Ave, Memphis TN or online at https://www.kirbywoods.org/live. Follow us online! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirbywoodsmemphis Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirbywoodsmemphis YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kirbywoods Podcast: https://kirbywoodspodcast.buzzsprout.com

Jesus gives a spiritual wake-up call to the church in Sardis and to us. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, He exposes indifference, restores purpose, and reminds His people to stay alert for His return. This message invites us to strengthen our faith and live fully awake to God's presence and mission.

Revelation 3:4-54 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.

In this fourth message of The Seven series, Tim teaches from Revelation 3 about the church in Sardis, a community that looked alive on the outside but was spiritually dead. He challenges listeners not to “coast” on past growth or reputation, but to wake up and pursue a genuine, ongoing relationship with Jesus. The sermon closes by urging students to rediscover their purpose as God's handiwork, created to bear real fruit and live out the good works He prepared for them.

Sardis, once a wealthy and fortified city, serves as a sobering example of spiritual complacency. Though the church had a reputation for being alive, Jesus reveals they were spiritually dead and in need of revival. He calls them to wake up, strengthen what remains, and return to the truth they once received. Yet even in judgment, there is hope—those who remain faithful will walk with Christ, clothed in righteousness and written in the Book of Life.

Are we living off reputation — or truly alive in Christ? In week six of our series VII Letters to the Church, Anthony Delaney unpacks Jesus' words to Sardis (Revelation 3:1–6). Outwardly, Sardis looked strong and vibrant. In reality, Jesus says, “You have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” This sobering message reminds us that what matters is not our reputation but our reality before Jesus. A church (or a life) can coast on past glory while the Spirit's fire grows cold. But Jesus offers a way back: Wake up. Strengthen what remains. Remember the gospel. Repent. Join us for worship, prayer, and this timely call as we ask:

Those who stand on the stable foundation of Christ and His Word will withstand the coming judgment. Today, W. Robert Godfrey examines how the letters of Revelation encourage Christians to remain steadfast in a compromising world. For your donation of any amount, get W. Robert Godfrey's video teaching series Blessed Hope: The Book of Revelation. You'll receive the series on DVD, plus lifetime digital access to all 24 messages and the study guide: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/4344/offer   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Request digital access to the video teaching series and study guide with your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global   Meet Today's Teacher:   W. Robert Godfrey is a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow and chairman of Ligonier Ministries. He is president emeritus and professor emeritus of church history at Westminster Seminary California.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of media for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, and host of the Ask Ligonier podcast. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

This episode examines the writings, theology, christology, and pneumatology of the late second-century bishop, Melito of Sardis. Melito is often cited as proof of a very high christology, but did he believe in the doctrine of the Trinity? Unfortunately, Melito is not a Trinitarian; instead, he appears to subscribe to the Two-Stage Logos Theology. To view the video version of this episode, go here: https://youtu.be/Nkkd18Gwp6w   Preorder A Systematic Theology of the Early Church: https://amzn.to/47jldOc  Visit Amazon to buy your copy of The AI Critical New Testament: https://amzn.to/3VxO8r5   Visit Amazon to buy your copy of my book, Wisdom Christology in the Gospel of John: https://amzn.to/4neRGdH  Visit Amazon to buy your copy of The Son of God: Three Views of the Identity of Jesus: https://amzn.to/462mqYn  To support this podcast, donate here: https://www.paypal.me/10mintruthtalks   Episode notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aZ2lpSRWEUvtR3rRJ_YkRMcTIcyrPrWpH2Wxt0jaJtA/edit?usp=sharing  Check out some of my videos on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@BiblicalUnitarianPodcast       Follow me on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/OneGodPodcast 

The church or Sardis was a dead church because the didn't live for the Lord like they should have lived. They are a prime example of how we should not be. We need to be a live and living church, not a dead one.

In spite of a rather dismal letter, Jesus encourages the Church in Sardis to repent, return to Him, and to hold fast to the Gospel.

You can't fake spiritual life. In Revelation 3, Jesus calls His church to wake up and return to what's real. Join us as we walk through what it means to move from spiritual activity to supernatural authenticity and experience true spiritual renewal.

Sardis carried a name and reputation of vibrant life in the eyes of the world, but before the only One who really matters they were dead. Jesus calls His church to wake up, remember the message of good news, and trade our death and shame for true life and honor in Him.

Gospel Service

True spiritual vitality flows outward from an inner life transformed by Christ.

In this study of the Word of God, we look at the letter of Christ to the church in Sardis. This letter reveals a church in need of stern rebuke and urgent repentance before the Lord. May we each evaluate our own lives before Christ and serve Him from a pure heart of worship!

The sermon, based on Revelation 3:1–6, examines Jesus' letter to the church in Sardis, warning them that although they had a reputation for being alive, they were spiritually asleep and in danger of death. Using Sardis' historical downfall due to a sleeping watchman, Pastor Mike Burnette challenges believers and the church today to “wake up,” repent, and reignite their passion for Christ so their faith is truly alive, not just outwardly impressive. He concludes by encouraging the faithful remnant to stay alert, fully devoted, and “on fire” for Jesus, living ready for His return and the promise of eternal life.

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.' For more information about Redeemer Church Lubbock visit our website at redeemerlubbock.org.

The letter to the church in Sardis carries a sobering message. Though they appear outwardly alive and active, Jesus reveals they are spiritually dead. He calls them to wake up, repent, and return to a life aligned with God's purposes. For those who respond, a great reward awaits—a promise of renewed life and eternal fellowship with Him.Welcome to Antioch Georgetown! We are a church in Georgetown, TX, and our mission is simple--Lead people to follow Christ in a life-changing way.Get Connected:

The ONLY thing that will wake you up from spiritual sleep is spend time with Jesus.If you are in need of prayer, let our Prayer Team know by contacting prayer@forestlakechurch.orgSermon video is available on YouTube and full service archives are available on Vimeo.Live services weekly from the sanctuary at 8:45 or 11:30 AM and 11:30 AM (Warehouse Community Contemporary Service) EST at www.ForestLake.Church

American Christianity needs to wake up.In this episode, John and Arden Bevere issue a powerful challenge, drawing parallels between the church of Sardis in Revelation and today's Christian culture. They show how small compromises with culture can lead to spiritual slumber. They challenge listeners to return to their first love, stay alert, and keep their hearts pure. Do you want to grow closer to God and be ready for Christ's return? Listen now in part 3 of their conversation.______________________________________FREE Show Notes Here: https://page.church.tech/0360f43d______________________________________Support this podcast by becoming a Patron here (tax-deductible): https://3szn.short.gy/JBgive 

Week 6, Revelation 3:1-6, Nathan Chapman - Lead Pastor

Sunday School by Pastor Wayman Mitchell

In Revelation 3, the church in Sardis is given a stark warning: you can have the appearance of life and still be spiritually dead. This message calls the Church to wake up, repent, and place our salvation in Christ alone. 

Scripture Reading: Revelation 3:7-13 We live in an age in which profit margins and statistical analyses are the methods by which almost everything is judged.  Bigger is better.  It is a world of Apple and Microsoft and Amazon … a world in which larger companies swallow smaller companies … a world in which something is deemed wrong if this year's numbers are not higher than last year's numbers.  Almost everything in life is quantified and evaluated accordingly. The upshot of this statistical environment is that churches have become preoccupied with numbers.  But bigger budgets do not necessarily mean spiritual growth.  Bigger membership rolls do not necessarily mean more Christians.  Bigger buildings do not necessarily mean more sincere worship. Certainly this is one lesson from the church in Philadelphia in Revelation 3:7-13.  They were a church of ‘little power' (Rev 3:8).  They did not have the reputation of Sardis, nor the splendor of Pergamum, nor the influence of Ephesus.  They were probably the smallest of the seven churches, but, according to this letter, they were the most effective of all the churches.  They were obedient to God's Word (Rev 3:8,10) and saw even some of their enemies repent and worship Jesus Christ (Rev 3:9).  God's evaluation of a church (or an individual) is based on things like faithfulness, purity, humility, perseverance, obedience … not on statistical analyses.  Bigger is better?  Not in the kingdom of God. 

On today's podcast, we're diving into a powerful and sobering message from the book of Revelation. We'll be looking at the letter to the church in Sardis, a city famous for its history, its wealth, and its seemingly impenetrable fortress. But as we'll discover, a great reputation can hide a deadly secret.Jesus Christ sends a message to this church that pulls back the curtain on their spiritual condition. He says, "I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead." This isn't a church under persecution; it's a church that has grown so comfortable with the world that it has lost its spiritual life.Join us as we explore Christ's urgent call to "wake up," to strengthen what remains of their faith, and to repent. We'll examine the profound promises He makes to those who overcome—including the assurance of a name that will never be blotted out of the Book of Life.Complete Content Survey ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. I have a new devotional book available ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

Rob preaches on Revelation 3:1-6 and the letter to the church in Sardis. It can be easy to be comfortable and go through the motions in our Christian lifestyles, forgetting that we have been called to spread the Gospel to those around us. When you reflect on your faith, do you need to wake up?

Is American Christianity truly alive—or just playing the part?In Part 2 of this powerful conversation on Jesus' words to the church at Sardis, John and Arden Bevere confront the sobering truth: outward success doesn't always mean spiritual life. Together they expose the danger of having “a reputation for being alive” while drifting into spiritual deadness—and share what it takes to wake up, return to obedience, and see real transformation.______________________________________FREE Show Notes Here: https://page.church.tech/05c526db______________________________________Order premium meat now through Good Ranchers—use code “BEVERE" at checkout: https://go.goodranchers.com/john______________________________________Click here to start your free extended trial with LOGOS today: Logos.com/Bevere______________________________________Support this podcast by becoming a Patron here (tax-deductible): https://3szn.short.gy/JBgive 

What are you know for? What is your reputation to others? In Revelation Chapter 3 Pastor Chad explains how Jesus says to the church of Sardis "You have a reputation for being Alive, but in reality you're dead! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1388/29

What are you know for? What is your reputation to others? In Revelation Chapter 3 Pastor Chad explains how Jesus says to the church of Sardis "You have a reputation for being Alive, but in reality you're dead! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1388/29

Dear Church: SARDIS | Revelation 3:1-6 | Benji Horning

Revelation 3:1-6 Rev. Dr. Marc Shefelton

Sometimes, ensuring our spiritual house is in order is worth the small discomfort of testing it, lest we be caught asleep.

God's discipline is proof of His love. This week, John and Arden Bevere continue their series on the seven churches of Revelation, focusing on Sardis and the call to wake up spiritually. How will we respond to God's correction? What's the difference between His correction and punishment? They show how leaning into His discipline can shape us to be more like Christ and lead to lasting growth.______________________________________FREE Show Notes Here: https://page.church.tech/cc1f568c______________________________________Click here to grab your copy of John's new book, "You Are Called": youarecalled.com______________________________________Support this podcast by becoming a Patron here (tax-deductible): https://3szn.short.gy/JBgive

Matt Slick Live (Live Broadcast of 08/29/2025) is a production of the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry (CARM). Matt answers questions on topics such as: The Bible, Apologetics, Theology, World Religions, Atheism, and other issues! You can also email questions to Matt using: info@carm.org, Put "Radio Show Question" in the Subject line! Answers will be discussed in a future show. Topics Include: Matt Discusses Some of The Technology Surrounding The Upcoming New CARM Website/ Councils of Trent and Nicea/ Should Jesus Suffer For Eternity?/ The Lake of Fire in Relation to Hell/Is God a "Consuming Fire?"/ Email Question—Significance of Sardis?/Spritual Gifts-Prophecy/Differences in Gospel Accounts/ What if Adam Had Not Eaten of The Fruit?/ How is The Canon of Scripture Determined?/What About Suing another Person?/ August 29, 2025

Sunday Service: Revelation 3:1–6 highlights Jesus' sharp rebuke of the church in Sardis, exposing their false reputation as a vibrant, godly community while in reality they were spiritually dead. Though outwardly active in good works, social causes, and community service, their efforts were not rooted in a heart transformed by Christ. Jesus makes it clear that good deeds without genuine faith are worthless, reminding them that many “good people” will miss salvation. Unlike churches with obvious sins, Sardis' hypocrisy was hidden beneath religious activity, making it harder to discern. Jesus calls them to repent and truly believe in Him, warning that without salvation they will be left behind at His sudden return, like in the days of Noah and Lot. Yet, even in this lifeless church, a few true believers remain faithful, showing that God can still use flawed ministries to bring people to salvation. Jesus closes with hope and encouragement: those who stay with Him will be clothed in white, their sins washed away, their names secure in the Book of Life, and they will overcome by holding fast to Him. Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com