This post is Day 21 in a series of studies about “Revelation 1-3”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Revelation 1-3 – Day 21

In His message to the fourth church in this series, Jesus begins by assuring the readers of His authority. He is One with the God who is complete, holding the universe in His hand and knowing everything that happens on the earth, including the reputation and truth about His church.

Revelation 3:1-3

To the angel of the church in Sardis write:
These are the words of Him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

The Thought

In His message to the fourth church in this series, Jesus begins by assuring the readers of His authority. He is One with the God who is complete, holding the universe in His hand and knowing everything that happens on the earth, including the reputation and the truth about His church; every one of them! He sees the Sardis church as having lost its influence and power.

We have all heard stories of churches that were thriving, and drawing many people, from other areas, or other denominations. But then something went wrong at the management level, the charismatic things became a habit rather than a reality, and Holy Spirit left! It was a church full of good projects. But Jesus says to them, You have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead!

What a terrible thing to have God say about a church, but sadly there at many which fit that category, who carry on as they always have, doing the same good works which have become traditions. Unless any Christian group stays in lively contact with Holy Spirit, they will lose His influence.

Action

Pray today for your church group. Would Jesus say to you I have found your deeds unfinished ? Does your group have good ideas which don’t get accomplished? Do you have the reputation, like Sardis, for starting things and not finishing them?

Read Luke 12:35-39 which Jesus is referring to in his last phrase in today’s verse.

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