October 30, 2002 (43)
THE CHURCH AT SARDIS. The church with a reputation of being alive, spiritual and active, in the view of others. However, the fact of the matter was that they were dead. There are many church organizations with great and impressive histories, but they are living on their fame and popularity, alone. This is a pathetic condition, that most unfortunately exists even in our day. Rev. 3:1
THEIR WORKS ARE ACKNOWLEDGED. Deeds that would involve all manner of good works. No doubt a mature, sophisticated group of believers, who had settled into a form of service and had become so content with it that they were gradually losing out with the Lord. Their works were not of such a nature that they were pleasing to the Lord. They did not pass inspection. Rev. 3:1-2 That recognition is accompanied by a strong, three fold warning. BE WATCHFUL, wake up, be alert, arise out of your lethargy. Being watchful is not an uncommon warning from the Lord. Jesus, associated watchfulness with His return. He stated; < ye know not what hour your Lord cometh >. Mt. 24:42 Please note He limited the lack of knowledge to the precise hour. Last day events are alerting us to the fact of His soon coming. The times and the seasons, when completely fulfilled will alert the church to the nearness of His appearing. There are several prophetic occurrences which precede His blessed appearing yet to be accomplished. 1 Thes. 5:1 Not the least of which is the ministration of the Gospel to the entire world, then the end shall come. Mt. 24:14 STRENGTHEN, make secure, those spiritual qualities that are so vital and which are so close to dying. Become established, settled in a spiritual environment and life. The Lord will establish us by WORD and WORK. 2 Thes. 2:17 REMEMBER, your beginnings, the joy with which you receive the blessings of the Spirit into your life. REMEMBER, the thrill of the teaching and depth of the word which you received. Be obedient to it. Follow your first convictions and willingness to receive and live out the precepts of the Word. Come to repentance once again. Rev. 3:2-3
COMING AS A THIEF. On this occasion, it is to a church that has neglected the call of the Spirit to repentance. To these He will come as a thief, and <THEY> will not know the hour of His coming. Rev. 3:3 This element of surprise is not to the whole of His people. There are Christians who are not in darkness. That day will not come upon them as a thief in the night. They are the children of light. Those walking in the illumination and comprehension of the Word and the Spirit. If we love the Lord and are walking in the power of His life, we should not anticipate that day coming to us as a thief. We are children of the day and not of the night. We walk in light, the light of the world, His light. Community Chaplain: Cannot read your attachments. Please resend without attachments.