Tag: church

Sardis, the Dead Church

salt-1778597_1280Continuing on with the letters to the churches, Jesus turns to Sardis, the dead church. So many churches have programs and good things going on to help others or to bring people into their church. Perhaps He wants the works of the church to be about Him, not just to bring people into the church, but to bring them to Jesus Christ. We need to be mindful of why we are doing things. It should always be for the glory of Christ. It is not to gain favor for ourselves or even the church we are a part of. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” and in verse 24, Paul says, “Let no one seek his own, but each other’s wellbeing.” Whatever we do, whether work or play, at home, at work or at church, in a ministry or mission, or just in our daily lives, everything should be for His glory. God loves the humble.

Jesus says, in Matthew 6:1-4,

“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

That does not mean to hide your faith, though and sometimes you want to share what you are doing, not for your glory, but so that others can see the great work God is doing. Jesus says in Matthew 5:13-16,

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. ”

May our church be a blessing to others and always give glory to God. Let people see only the work He is doing, not our own. May the peace of God be with you always.

Rev 3:1-6

And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”‘

 

Smyrna, the Persecuted Church

prisoner

The second church Jesus writes to is in Smyrna, the persecuted church. We are not there yet, but the direction our country has been heading may lead to this one day. We need to be ready and never waiver in our faith. We need to pray for those who are being persecuted. Many Christians around the world are being imprisoned or killed for their faith and we need to keep them in prayer. Paul says to pray for all the saints. Also we need to beware of some so called Christian churches who give in to Satan’s lies and ignoring some of the scripture to be at peace with today’s culture. It is better to be at peace with God than man. If your church accepts any tradition of man that is contrary to what God’s word says, run from it! God’s truth does not change. The Bible warns of many false teachers and false prophets. Know what the Bible says and always test what others says by God’s word, nothing else. Let us be the church that overcomes and receive the crown of life to lay at Jesus’ feet when we are in heaven. He gave us life. He gave us victory over the second death. If we believe in Him and follow Him, we have that hope. Without Christ, there is no hope, but only torment. But, through Him, there will be no more tears or sorrow, but eternal life in God’s presence. How awesome that will be!

Rev 2:8-11

“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,

‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”‘

Ephesus – The Loveless Church

I would like to share what Jesus writes the 7 churches in Asia. I believe that each of the Christian churches of today are represented by one or more of these. The first is known as the loveless church, the church of Ephesus. Does any of this sound familiar? What can we do to learn from the praises and criticisms of each of the letters? Let us take heed to His warnings.

Revelation 2:1-7

“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,

‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place — unless you repent. But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”‘

homeless

Let us not be too busy with doing good works and put aside our fellowship with God. Let us always love others and stand up for what is right. Let us know the Word and not follow any false teachings and only preach and practice the truth and not leave any out or add to it. At the end of Revelation, Jesus give a harsh warning against this. Many churches nowadays are getting sucked in to following what the world says is true in contrast to what God says. There is much conflict over some of the issues that morality is being twisted and people are being offended (abortion and homosexuality are two of the big ones). God’s word is very clear. Love of God is shown best by obeying Him. Love of God is also shown by loving others. Let us always show love.