Podcasts about Sardis

Kind of like Uncle Ricco in “Napoleon Dynamite”, the church in Sardis was living off of the fumes of it's past greatness -it had a name that it was alive, but it was dead. Jesus gives the church a five-point plan for revival.

Pastor Barry Ginn

Pastor Joe continues our "Dear Church" series with a message on Jesus' words to the church in Sardis.

Nothing kills a church quite like complacency. Thousands of churches in the United States close their doors every year; churches that at one time were vibrant and growing, committed to reaching people for Christ. In Revelation 3:1-6, Jesus issues a stinging indictment on the church in Sardis: although they have a reputation of being alive, they are dead. Despite this sobering reality, Jesus says there is still hope if they wake up.

Old Testament: Jeremiah 48 Jeremiah 48 (Listen) Judgment on Moab 48 Concerning Moab. Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel:   “Woe to Nebo, for it is laid waste!    Kiriathaim is put to shame, it is taken;  the fortress is put to shame and broken down;2     the renown of Moab is no more.  In Heshbon they planned disaster against her:    ‘Come, let us cut her off from being a nation!'  You also, O Madmen, shall be brought to silence;    the sword shall pursue you. 3   “A voice! A cry from Horonaim,    ‘Desolation and great destruction!'4   Moab is destroyed;    her little ones have made a cry.5   For at the ascent of Luhith    they go up weeping;1  for at the descent of Horonaim    they have heard the distressed cry2 of destruction.6   Flee! Save yourselves!    You will be like a juniper in the desert!7   For, because you trusted in your works and your treasures,    you also shall be taken;  and Chemosh shall go into exile    with his priests and his officials.8   The destroyer shall come upon every city,    and no city shall escape;  the valley shall perish,    and the plain shall be destroyed,    as the LORD has spoken. 9   “Give wings to Moab,    for she would fly away;  her cities shall become a desolation,    with no inhabitant in them. 10 “Cursed is he who does the work of the LORD with slackness, and cursed is he who keeps back his sword from bloodshed. 11   “Moab has been at ease from his youth    and has settled on his dregs;  he has not been emptied from vessel to vessel,    nor has he gone into exile;  so his taste remains in him,    and his scent is not changed. 12 “Therefore, behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I shall send to him pourers who will pour him, and empty his vessels and break his3 jars in pieces. 13 Then Moab shall be ashamed of Chemosh, as the house of Israel was ashamed of Bethel, their confidence. 14   “How do you say, ‘We are heroes    and mighty men of war'?15   The destroyer of Moab and his cities has come up,    and the choicest of his young men have gone down to slaughter,    declares the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts.16   The calamity of Moab is near at hand,    and his affliction hastens swiftly.17   Grieve for him, all you who are around him,    and all who know his name;  say, ‘How the mighty scepter is broken,    the glorious staff.' 18   “Come down from your glory,    and sit on the parched ground,    O inhabitant of Dibon!  For the destroyer of Moab has come up against you;    he has destroyed your strongholds.19   Stand by the way and watch,    O inhabitant of Aroer!  Ask him who flees and her who escapes;    say, ‘What has happened?'20   Moab is put to shame, for it is broken;    wail and cry!  Tell it beside the Arnon,    that Moab is laid waste. 21 “Judgment has come upon the tableland, upon Holon, and Jahzah, and Mephaath, 22 and Dibon, and Nebo, and Beth-diblathaim, 23 and Kiriathaim, and Beth-gamul, and Beth-meon, 24 and Kerioth, and Bozrah, and all the cities of the land of Moab, far and near. 25 The horn of Moab is cut off, and his arm is broken, declares the LORD. 26 “Make him drunk, because he magnified himself against the LORD, so that Moab shall wallow in his vomit, and he too shall be held in derision. 27 Was not Israel a derision to you? Was he found among thieves, that whenever you spoke of him you wagged your head? 28   “Leave the cities, and dwell in the rock,    O inhabitants of Moab!  Be like the dove that nests    in the sides of the mouth of a gorge.29   We have heard of the pride of Moab—    he is very proud—  of his loftiness, his pride, and his arrogance,    and the haughtiness of his heart.30   I know his insolence, declares the LORD;    his boasts are false,    his deeds are false.31   Therefore I wail for Moab;    I cry out for all Moab;    for the men of Kir-hareseth I mourn.32   More than for Jazer I weep for you,    O vine of Sibmah!  Your branches passed over the sea,    reached to the Sea of Jazer;  on your summer fruits and your grapes    the destroyer has fallen.33   Gladness and joy have been taken away    from the fruitful land of Moab;  I have made the wine cease from the winepresses;    no one treads them with shouts of joy;    the shouting is not the shout of joy. 34 “From the outcry at Heshbon even to Elealeh, as far as Jahaz they utter their voice, from Zoar to Horonaim and Eglath-shelishiyah. For the waters of Nimrim also have become desolate. 35 And I will bring to an end in Moab, declares the LORD, him who offers sacrifice in the high place and makes offerings to his god. 36 Therefore my heart moans for Moab like a flute, and my heart moans like a flute for the men of Kir-hareseth. Therefore the riches they gained have perished. 37 “For every head is shaved and every beard cut off. On all the hands are gashes, and around the waist is sackcloth. 38 On all the housetops of Moab and in the squares there is nothing but lamentation, for I have broken Moab like a vessel for which no one cares, declares the LORD. 39 How it is broken! How they wail! How Moab has turned his back in shame! So Moab has become a derision and a horror to all that are around him.” 40   For thus says the LORD:  “Behold, one shall fly swiftly like an eagle    and spread his wings against Moab;41   the cities shall be taken    and the strongholds seized.  The heart of the warriors of Moab shall be in that day    like the heart of a woman in her birth pains;42   Moab shall be destroyed and be no longer a people,    because he magnified himself against the LORD.43   Terror, pit, and snare    are before you, O inhabitant of Moab!      declares the LORD.44   He who flees from the terror    shall fall into the pit,  and he who climbs out of the pit    shall be caught in the snare.  For I will bring these things upon Moab,    the year of their punishment,      declares the LORD. 45   “In the shadow of Heshbon    fugitives stop without strength,  for fire came out from Heshbon,    flame from the house of Sihon;  it has destroyed the forehead of Moab,    the crown of the sons of tumult.46   Woe to you, O Moab!    The people of Chemosh are undone,  for your sons have been taken captive,    and your daughters into captivity.47   Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab    in the latter days, declares the LORD.”  Thus far is the judgment on Moab. Footnotes [1] 48:5 Hebrew weeping goes up with weeping [2] 48:5 Septuagint (compare Isaiah 15:5) heard the cry [3] 48:12 Septuagint, Aquila; Hebrew their (ESV) New Testament: Revelation 3:1–13 Revelation 3:1–13 (Listen) To the Church in Sardis 3 “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.' To the Church in Philadelphia 7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. 8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. 12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.' (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 119:17–24 Psalm 119:17–24 (Listen) Gimel 17   Deal bountifully with your servant,    that I may live and keep your word.18   Open my eyes, that I may behold    wondrous things out of your law.19   I am a sojourner on the earth;    hide not your commandments from me!20   My soul is consumed with longing    for your rules1 at all times.21   You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,    who wander from your commandments.22   Take away from me scorn and contempt,    for I have kept your testimonies.23   Even though princes sit plotting against me,    your servant will meditate on your statutes.24   Your testimonies are my delight;    they are my counselors. Footnotes [1] 119:20 Or your just decrees; also verses 30, 39, 43, 52, 75, 102, 108, 137, 156, 175 (ESV) Proverb: Proverbs 27:14 Proverbs 27:14 (Listen) 14   Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice,    rising early in the morning,    will be counted as cursing. (ESV)

We live in a world obsessed with outward appearances. Many of us spend countless wasted hours worrying about what others think of us. But there's only one opinion that matters. Today's devotional looks at Jesus' message in Revelation to the church in Sardis, a church more concerned with its image than with living for Christ.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, watch or listen to Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon series Letters from Jesus: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOWAVAILABLE NOW FOR YOUR GIFT OF ANY AMOUNTDr. Michael Youssef's timely book Is the End Near?: What Jesus Told Us About the Last Days  will answer your questions about end-times issues by examining statements that Jesus Himself made about what was and is to come. You will be encouraged as you anticipate Christ's return. Purchase your copy exclusively from select retailers today by visiting IsTheEndNearBook.com!

Jesus provided the letter of Revelation to John and had him send it to seven churches.  The messages to the seven churches are relevant to the church today.  The church today is not exempt from what Jesus was communicating to the churches in Asia.  It is a message that is being ignored by pastors and Christians today, because if it wasn't then we would not be preaching and listening to the water down gospel message that is prevalent in many churches today.  The letters also should be a warning to Christians who say they do not attend a church, because they don't think they need to in order to live for Christ.  Revelation is a book that all Christians should read however, many Christians do not read.  It is a book that was addressed to Lord's servants and not to the unsaved.  Revelation 3, Matthew 24:42-44

#6 in our series, "Seven Letters to the Church"

Old Testament: Jeremiah 39–41 Jeremiah 39–41 (Listen) The Fall of Jerusalem 39 In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army came against Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 In the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, on the ninth day of the month, a breach was made in the city. 3 Then all the officials of the king of Babylon came and sat in the middle gate: Nergal-sar-ezer of Samgar, Nebu-sar-sekim the Rab-saris, Nergal-sar-ezer the Rab-mag, with all the rest of the officers of the king of Babylon. 4 When Zedekiah king of Judah and all the soldiers saw them, they fled, going out of the city at night by way of the king's garden through the gate between the two walls; and they went toward the Arabah. 5 But the army of the Chaldeans pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. And when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, at Riblah, in the land of Hamath; and he passed sentence on him. 6 The king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah at Riblah before his eyes, and the king of Babylon slaughtered all the nobles of Judah. 7 He put out the eyes of Zedekiah and bound him in chains to take him to Babylon. 8 The Chaldeans burned the king's house and the house of the people, and broke down the walls of Jerusalem. 9 Then Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, carried into exile to Babylon the rest of the people who were left in the city, those who had deserted to him, and the people who remained. 10 Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, left in the land of Judah some of the poor people who owned nothing, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time. The Lord Delivers Jeremiah 11 Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon gave command concerning Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, saying, 12 “Take him, look after him well, and do him no harm, but deal with him as he tells you.” 13 So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, Nebushazban the Rab-saris, Nergal-sar-ezer the Rab-mag, and all the chief officers of the king of Babylon 14 sent and took Jeremiah from the court of the guard. They entrusted him to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, that he should take him home. So he lived among the people. 15 The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah while he was shut up in the court of the guard: 16 “Go, and say to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I will fulfill my words against this city for harm and not for good, and they shall be accomplished before you on that day. 17 But I will deliver you on that day, declares the LORD, and you shall not be given into the hand of the men of whom you are afraid. 18 For I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword, but you shall have your life as a prize of war, because you have put your trust in me, declares the LORD.'” Jeremiah Remains in Judah 40 The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD after Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had let him go from Ramah, when he took him bound in chains along with all the captives of Jerusalem and Judah who were being exiled to Babylon. 2 The captain of the guard took Jeremiah and said to him, “The LORD your God pronounced this disaster against this place. 3 The LORD has brought it about, and has done as he said. Because you sinned against the LORD and did not obey his voice, this thing has come upon you. 4 Now, behold, I release you today from the chains on your hands. If it seems good to you to come with me to Babylon, come, and I will look after you well, but if it seems wrong to you to come with me to Babylon, do not come. See, the whole land is before you; go wherever you think it good and right to go. 5 If you remain,1 then return to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon appointed governor of the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people. Or go wherever you think it right to go.” So the captain of the guard gave him an allowance of food and a present, and let him go. 6 Then Jeremiah went to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, at Mizpah, and lived with him among the people who were left in the land. 7 When all the captains of the forces in the open country and their men heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam governor in the land and had committed to him men, women, and children, those of the poorest of the land who had not been taken into exile to Babylon, 8 they went to Gedaliah at Mizpah—Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, Johanan the son of Kareah, Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth, the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, Jezaniah the son of the Maacathite, they and their men. 9 Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, swore to them and their men, saying, “Do not be afraid to serve the Chaldeans. Dwell in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you. 10 As for me, I will dwell at Mizpah, to represent you before the Chaldeans who will come to us. But as for you, gather wine and summer fruits and oil, and store them in your vessels, and dwell in your cities that you have taken.” 11 Likewise, when all the Judeans who were in Moab and among the Ammonites and in Edom and in other lands heard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant in Judah and had appointed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, as governor over them, 12 then all the Judeans returned from all the places to which they had been driven and came to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah at Mizpah. And they gathered wine and summer fruits in great abundance. 13 Now Johanan the son of Kareah and all the leaders of the forces in the open country came to Gedaliah at Mizpah 14 and said to him, “Do you know that Baalis the king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to take your life?” But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam would not believe them. 15 Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke secretly to Gedaliah at Mizpah, “Please let me go and strike down Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no one will know it. Why should he take your life, so that all the Judeans who are gathered about you would be scattered, and the remnant of Judah would perish?” 16 But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, “You shall not do this thing, for you are speaking falsely of Ishmael.” Gedaliah Murdered 41 In the seventh month, Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, son of Elishama, of the royal family, one of the chief officers of the king, came with ten men to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, at Mizpah. As they ate bread together there at Mizpah, 2 Ishmael the son of Nethaniah and the ten men with him rose up and struck down Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, with the sword, and killed him, whom the king of Babylon had appointed governor in the land. 3 Ishmael also struck down all the Judeans who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, and the Chaldean soldiers who happened to be there. 4 On the day after the murder of Gedaliah, before anyone knew of it, 5 eighty men arrived from Shechem and Shiloh and Samaria, with their beards shaved and their clothes torn, and their bodies gashed, bringing grain offerings and incense to present at the temple of the LORD. 6 And Ishmael the son of Nethaniah came out from Mizpah to meet them, weeping as he came. As he met them, he said to them, “Come in to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam.” 7 When they came into the city, Ishmael the son of Nethaniah and the men with him slaughtered them and cast them into a cistern. 8 But there were ten men among them who said to Ishmael, “Do not put us to death, for we have stores of wheat, barley, oil, and honey hidden in the fields.” So he refrained and did not put them to death with their companions. 9 Now the cistern into which Ishmael had thrown all the bodies of the men whom he had struck down along with2 Gedaliah was the large cistern that King Asa had made for defense against Baasha king of Israel; Ishmael the son of Nethaniah filled it with the slain. 10 Then Ishmael took captive all the rest of the people who were in Mizpah, the king's daughters and all the people who were left at Mizpah, whom Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, had committed to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam. Ishmael the son of Nethaniah took them captive and set out to cross over to the Ammonites. 11 But when Johanan the son of Kareah and all the leaders of the forces with him heard of all the evil that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had done, 12 they took all their men and went to fight against Ishmael the son of Nethaniah. They came upon him at the great pool that is in Gibeon. 13 And when all the people who were with Ishmael saw Johanan the son of Kareah and all the leaders of the forces with him, they rejoiced. 14 So all the people whom Ishmael had carried away captive from Mizpah turned around and came back, and went to Johanan the son of Kareah. 15 But Ishmael the son of Nethaniah escaped from Johanan with eight men, and went to the Ammonites. 16 Then Johanan the son of Kareah and all the leaders of the forces with him took from Mizpah all the rest of the people whom he had recovered from Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, after he had struck down Gedaliah the son of Ahikam—soldiers, women, children, and eunuchs, whom Johanan brought back from Gibeon. 17 And they went and stayed at Geruth Chimham near Bethlehem, intending to go to Egypt 18 because of the Chaldeans. For they were afraid of them, because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had struck down Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land. Footnotes [1] 40:5 Syriac; the meaning of the Hebrew phrase is uncertain [2] 41:9 Hebrew by the hand of (ESV) New Testament: Revelation 1 Revelation 1 (Listen) Prologue 1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants1 the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. Greeting to the Seven Churches 4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail2 on account of him. Even so. Amen. 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Vision of the Son of Man 9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. Footnotes [1] 1:1 for the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; likewise for servant later in this verse [2] 1:7 Or mourn (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 118 Psalm 118 (Listen) His Steadfast Love Endures Forever 118   Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;    for his steadfast love endures forever! 2   Let Israel say,    “His steadfast love endures forever.”3   Let the house of Aaron say,    “His steadfast love endures forever.”4   Let those who fear the LORD say,    “His steadfast love endures forever.” 5   Out of my distress I called on the LORD;    the LORD answered me and set me free.6   The LORD is on my side; I will not fear.    What can man do to me?7   The LORD is on my side as my helper;    I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. 8   It is better to take refuge in the LORD    than to trust in man.9   It is better to take refuge in the LORD    than to trust in princes. 10   All nations surrounded me;    in the name of the LORD I cut them off!11   They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side;    in the name of the LORD I cut them off!12   They surrounded me like bees;    they went out like a fire among thorns;    in the name of the LORD I cut them off!13   I was pushed hard,1 so that I was falling,    but the LORD helped me. 14   The LORD is my strength and my song;    he has become my salvation.15   Glad songs of salvation    are in the tents of the righteous:  “The right hand of the LORD does valiantly,16     the right hand of the LORD exalts,    the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!” 17   I shall not die, but I shall live,    and recount the deeds of the LORD.18   The LORD has disciplined me severely,    but he has not given me over to death. 19   Open to me the gates of righteousness,    that I may enter through them    and give thanks to the LORD.20   This is the gate of the LORD;    the righteous shall enter through it.21   I thank you that you have answered me    and have become my salvation.22   The stone that the builders rejected    has become the cornerstone.223   This is the LORD's doing;    it is marvelous in our eyes.24   This is the day that the LORD has made;    let us rejoice and be glad in it. 25   Save us, we pray, O LORD!    O LORD, we pray, give us success! 26   Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!    We bless you from the house of the LORD.27   The LORD is God,    and he has made his light to shine upon us.  Bind the festal sacrifice with cords,    up to the horns of the altar! 28   You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;    you are my God; I will extol you.29   Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;    for his steadfast love endures forever! Footnotes [1] 118:13 Hebrew You (that is, the enemy) pushed me hard [2] 118:22 Hebrew the head of the corner (ESV) Proverb: Proverbs 27:11 Proverbs 27:11 (Listen) 11   Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,    that I may answer him who reproaches me. (ESV)

November 6: Letter to the Church of Sardis | Ryan Doughty - Revelation 3:1-6

Today, we hear a lot of talk about being ‘Woke'. That one word has been used as either a challenge or a derogatory label for people. Depending on what you think are the best answers for our country, you can think that being called ‘woke' is a compliment or a curse. But long before it became a code word for some social or political ideology, Jesus came with a message to the church in Sardis, telling them to ‘Wake up.' Do we know what a sleeping church looks like? What does Jesus mean when He says this to the church and what would that look like today? We may be surprised at what how this church is described because it seems far away from what our idea of ‘sleeping' would be. So let's hear from Jesus for the church at Sardis and see if there are any messages we need for our lives

As we continue in our "Ears to Hear" series we consider Revelation 3:1-6 and Jesus' words to the church in Sardis. This church is one of just two churches for whom Jesus has no words of affirmation. Jesus knows the deeds of the Sardis church. They are well regarded, with a solid name and reputation for being alive– but they are dead. Their works are incomplete and unfinished. There is a disparity between appearance and reality; a disparity between what people see when they look at the church, and what God sees. There was a lack of inward integrity. The church was inauthentic. Jesus calls them to wake up from their lethargy, to remember and hold fast what they have seen and heard, and repent.

Pastor Lee continues our sermon series walking through the letters to the seven churches of Revelation. This week, we meet Sardis, the dead church. But the good news is, Jesus Christ is where we find new life! Welcome to Heights Baptist Church! Our mission is to love and to lead all people to a new life with Christ. Digital Connect Card: https://www.heightschurch.org/connect To watch services online: https://www.heightschurch.org/media To give online: https://www.heightschurch.org/give

The Revelation of Jesus Christ is meant to motivate and equip us to be mature disciples of Jesus. It also gives us a glorious portrait of Jesus that is meant to encourage us. Last week, we learned about the church in Sardis. This week, we continue our study of the proclamations to the seven churches with Philadelphia. Similar to the church in Smyrna, the church in Philadelphia receives no rebuke from the risen Jesus. Instead, Jesus promises to preserve and vindicate them because they have persevered. Although they are small in the eyes of the world, they are greatly loved by Jesus. Although they have but little power, they are promised true security and a fixed identity forever if they will hold fast. The One who opens and shuts has the power to give access to the place of permanent stability: The people of God in the presence of God. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

In this message from our series "Letters To The Church", we'll explore what it means to be a church marked by faithfulness in holding fast to the truths of God's Word, in a day when so many others are syncretizing with false ideologies.   Scripture: Revelation 3:1-6

Preacher: Jerry Cisar If one were to go church shopping for a few months, Sardis would...

The Revelation of Jesus Christ is meant to motivate and equip us to be mature disciples of Jesus. It also gives us a glorious portrait of Jesus that is meant to encourage us. Last week, we learned about the church in Thyatira. This week, we continue our study of the proclamations to the seven churches with Sardis. Unlike most of the other churches, the church in Sardis faced no external threat. Their problems came from within. This church was satisfied with the name it had made for itself, but Jesus wanted to give it the right name—an unsoiled name in the eyes of the One who matters most. Through this church, we are challenged to ask ourselves: Would Jesus find us to be alive or dead? Do we cling to the only One who can give us life? He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches: Wake up!

What Will Jesus Do For His Churches? Revelation 1:9-11, 20 9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. 1. Jesus will commend a church's faithfulness. 2. Jesus will confront a church's disobedience. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. ---Revelation 2:3 (ESV) 3. Jesus will command a church's obedience. 4. Jesus promises reward for a church's endurance. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. ---Revelation 2:7 (ESV) 5. Jesus sends His church's pastors. To the angel of the church in Ephesus write… - Revelation 2:1 (ESV) 6. Jesus determines seasons of effectiveness for a church based on her faithfulness. 7. Jesus cares about His church and His churches. Application Questions for Jesus' Church: - Are we interested in Jesus' evaluation of us as His church? - Will we repent where He confronts us? - Will we persevere where He warns us of coming difficulties? - Will we rejoice where He commends us? - Will we realign ourselves where He guides us?

Today Pastor DawnCheré Wilkerson continues our collection of talks, Seven: Revelations of Jesus for His Church. In this message, “The Root of the Problem,” we study the church in Sardis, and explore the importance of remaining rooted in Jesus. Although externally they were prosperous, internally, the community in Sardis was disconnected from Jesus and could not bear lasting fruit. In the same way, we are called to ABIDE in Jesus, producing fruit through connection with him.  To continue learning, check out vouschurch.com/seven. Now, let's lean into the message together.

Shawn and James discuss the idea of living churches, comparing to the church of Sardis found in the Book of Revelation. Of course, James had to make a science lesson out of it! So, we drew parallels between the definition of physical life that biologists use and the definition of spiritual life that the Bible uses. We wrapped it up with an answer from Shawn: You—on your own!—can infuse life into your church. Are you up to the task? We're looking forward to your feedback. What did we miss or get wrong? What is your experience? Send us an email. Email: lookingoverlife@gmail.com Website: lookingoverlife.com Patreon: patreon.com/lookingoverlife DART mission DART impact video Chelyabinsk meteorite Scott Manley video about DART mission Tunguska event Church Planting Movements by David Garrison

Jesus in the Revelation Revelation 1:9-20 9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. Jesus in the Revelation 1. Jesus honors our pursuit with His holy presence (1:9-11) I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day… ---Revelation 1:9-10 (ESV) But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works. ---Psalm 73:28 (ESV) You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. ---Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV) Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. - ---James 4:8 (ESV) Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. ---Hebrews 10:22 (ESV) 2. Jesus grants guidance through His powerful voice (1:11, 17-20). 17…Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. ---Revelation 1:17-18 (ESV) - He has a calming voice (fear not). - He has a confident voice (I am…). - He has a conquering voice (I died, and behold I am alive forever more). - He has a controlling voice (I have the keys to death and hades). 3. Jesus instills awe with His mighty authority (1:12-17). 4. Jesus extends comfort through His gentle touch (1:20).

Sarah Shobe, Kids Pastor at Rock City Church, teaches about the church in Sardis in the series, The Seven Churches of Revelation, on October 23, 2022. // I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works compete in the sight of my God. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. Revelation 3:1-3//Rock City Church has multiple locations throughout Columbus, Ohio. Whether you're spiritually restless, new at discovering who God is or you are a veteran of the faith, you are welcome here! // WEBSITE: https://rockcitychurch.tv FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/rockcitychurch INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/rockcitychurch TWITTER: https://twitter.com/rockcitychurch

Jesus has strong words for a church with a reputation of being alive. This letter holds important words to help us identify self-deception and what it means to be awake.

Serie la Iglesia Vigilante,  Domingo 16 de Octubre 

In today's episode, we give a thorough examination of 2 more of the 7 churches of Asia. We look at the good and the bad concerning the churches of Thyatira and Sardis. Thyatira was allowing Jezebel to seduce people into fornication, but not all of them had gone into the depths of Satan. Sardis had a name that they were alive, but they were dead. Despite this, Sardis still had a few who had not defiled their garments, even though Jesus said that He would blot some of their names out of book of life if they did not repent. We look at all of this and much more.In our Q&A segment, we tackle the question: Is God cruel by not allowing all people to go to Heaven?Join us today for a deep study, and an interesting answer to this question!

Today we look more closely at the message to the church in Sardis. Scripture reading: Revelation 3:1-6.

Today, we continued our weekly theme: "Homecoming Week", and we discussed coming back home to church. COVID obviously changed churches such as attendance, closures, live streams, etc. What is it going to take to bring people back home to church? Should we do away with live streams now? Have you headed back home to a church? We also had a brief bible study from the book of Revelation, and we discussed the Churches of Sardis and Laodicea. Our guests were Lina Abujarma (web doctor, author, broadcaster, and speaker) and Scott Ziegler (lead pastor of The Bridge Church). You can hear the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new MP3 sermon from Lighthouse Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: "The Church of Sardis-The Lifeless Church" Sunday AM Subtitle: The Revelation of Jesus Christ Speaker: Dwayne C. Smith Broadcaster: Lighthouse Baptist Church Event: Sunday - AM Date: 10/9/2022 Bible: Revelation 3:1-6 Length: 43 min.

Pastor Zack Flipse gives a Sunday School lesson from Revelation 3:1-6, “The Church in Sardis.” —————————— More from Oostburg CRC Sermons: https://www.firstcrcoostburg.org/sermons Bible Study Resources: https://www.firstcrcoostburg.org/resources Original Music: https://open.spotify.com/album/4P7JbJlHzabPNW8GpdxKcB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJSouYxM1rwWZ4cYAvTIqVA

The chief characteristic of Sardis was that it was a city given over to extreme decadence. Jesus makes no mention of persecution from without or heresy from within the church. Sardis was the church of the living dead. Daren Ritchey

A new MP3 sermon from Lighthouse Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: "The Church of Sardis-The Lifeless Church" Sunday AM Subtitle: The Revelation of Jesus Christ Speaker: Dwayne C. Smith Broadcaster: Lighthouse Baptist Church Event: Sunday - AM Date: 10/9/2022 Bible: Revelation 3:1-6 Length: 43 min.

Dead or Alive - Sardis & Philadelphia by Amarillo Church of Christ Sermons

Octubre 03, 2022 - Actualmente estamos estudiando el capitulo 3 del libro de Apocalipsis, en donde el Senor Jesus llama a la iglesia de Sardis a "despertarse!". Al igual que nos llama, a usted y a mi a despertarnos a una jornada real y vibrante con El.

Pastor John Bingham - The Time is at Hand - Revelation 3

Message from Dr. Wade Stevens on October 2, 2022

Join us this week as Pastor Josh Holowell continues our sermon series "All Things New" in the book of Revelation. Today's sermon title is "To Sardis: Will you Live?"

Septiembre 30, 2022 - El cuerpo de Cristo, la iglesia, es un organismo vivo, un conjunto de personas que sigue a Jesucristo. Pero inclusive una iglesia con las mejores intenciones puede ser complaciente y finalmente, puede morir. Hoy, el pastor Carlos A. Zazueta nos llevara al tercer capitulo del libro de Apocalipsis, en donde encontramos una fuerte advertencia para la iglesia de Sardis y de hoy.

Septiembre 29, 2022 - Al entrar a cualquier iglesia un domingo por la manana, uno puede sentir inmediatamente si esa congregacion esta viva o muerta; pues la presencia del Espiritu de Dios se siente palpablemente. Hoy, el pastor Carlos A. Zazueta examinara la iglesia de Sardis, la quinta de las siete iglesias que examinaremos en este estudio. En su carta a esta iglesia, el apostol Juan escribe un fuerte reproche, y la llama muerta.

On this episode of Through the Human Geography Lens, hosts Terri Ryan and Gwyneth Holt talk with Dr. Laurie Rush, the Cultural Resources Manager and Army Archaeologist at Fort Drum, New York. 00:35 Upcoming WWHGD Webinar on Cultural Heritage and Human Geography scheduled for October 19th, 2022. Register here. 00:50 Defining "cultural heritage" and "cultural property". Cultural heritage Cultural property 01:05 Unique, powerful, and sensible definition from Dr. Rush. 01:30 The Hague definition. The Hague Convention on protecting cultural property in armed conflict 02:00 Describing her role as a cultural resources manager. 03:35 Expanding her role to teach cross-cultural landscapes to deploying soldiers. 04:35 Drawing parallels between international sensitivity and our internal domestic perspectives on cultural property. 05:40 Example: "Tooth of the Dragon", a pointed rock, in the Bamian valley of central Afghanistan. A discussion of the Bamian Valley The Nara Principles for Cultural Restoration 06:35 Is there a database of important sites like "Tooth of the Dragon"? 07:35 Local community partnership development. Ideally, with the keepers of the heritage before any disruptive events. 10:15 A GIS layer with important cultural artifacts localized seems highly desirable. Are there any risks in that accumulation or exposure? War and Heritage from the Getty Conservation Institute 12:35 How do you train soldiers to support this cultural task when deployed? Cultural preservation Training Aids from the Smithsonian 13:30 Example: Remote Afghan water systems with surface holes easy to spot. A discussion of the Qanat water systems of the Middle East (Dr. Rush uses the regionally correct term "kareez"). 14:50 Other examples: Smithsonian's Dr. Katherine Hanson helping strategic planning to save Raqqa from ISIS. The Battle for Raqqa (2017) Article about Raqqa preservation by Dr. Hanson. 16:05 The staying power of ancient places to the people who live there. Ex: The Temple of Artemis at Sardis in Turkey. The Temple of Artemis at Sardis Disclaimer: Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the WWHGD sponsors and should not be construed as an endorsement. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/wwhgd-support/message

In this session we will be looking at the Church at Sardis, in Revelation 3:1-6. Jesus called this church 'dead'. Sardis was a church that was living in 'name only'. Nothing of any spiritual value was going on in this church - nobody getting born again or filled with the Holy Spirit; no healing miracles being manifested, etc. However, there were a few believers who were holding on, and Jesus exhorted these few to 'hold fast' to what they had, and not give up or give into the darkened influences of the world. Jesus is coming for the Church, so we must be ready and be prepared to meet Him when he comes. +++++++ You can find more information on my website: https://pastorjohndunning.com/ You can hear my personal testimony on this website: https://www.ifyouonlyknew.life/

Rev 3:1-13 If the whole church was like me in a spiritual sense, how healthy would the church be?

Dive Deep Live returns in this episode as Pastor Ryan joins Pastor Kyle for a deeper look at the church of Sardis — contemplating the complicated question of just what...

Today, on Karl and Crew Mornings, we aired a special "Best Of" show due to the Labor Day holiday. Guests included author and speaker Jill Savage, discussing the topic of empty-nesters and adult children; plus, Lina Abujamra (speaker and author) sharing lessons from the Church of Sardis. We also highighted some favorite teaching moments with Karl and the team. Hear highlights on the Karl and Crew Showcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.