Lulled to spiritual complacency by an appearance of vibrancy and peace, the church at Sardis presents us with the grave dangers of Nominal Christianity. Jesus provides warnings and the remedy, which are as applicable to the church today as they were almost 2,000 years ago.

Outline:

· An Encouraging Introduction

· The Walking Dead

· Reviving a Dead Church

· Comforting Truth

The issues Jesus addressed in his messages to the first centurychurches are no different than the issues faced by the Christian church today. We only pray for ears to hear “what the Spirit says to the churches.” The church at Thyatira was inviting and had much to commend; however, Jesus gave very direct warnings about its choice to permit a false teacher and to embrace sin as a cultural accommodation. In doing so, Jesus also provides us a model to follow in how issues within the church family should be approached.

Outline:

· A Significant Church

· The Divine Judge

· Great Works

· The Condemning Issue

· The Glorious Promise

Jesus addresses his bride, calling her to faithful application of Scripture as believers assemble to worship Christ and provide a witness of his power and grace to the unbelieving world. He offers no quarter to false teachers or those who choose to sit under and follow their teaching; rather, he generously offers grace to those who will repent and the promise of a new andeternal life.

Outline:

· A Difficult Place

· The Judge Speaks

· The Real Threat

· Assurance of Victory