Deader Than A Door Nail

One November day in 2002, Jim Sulkers, a 53-year-old retired municipal worker from Winnipeg (Manitoba, Canada), climbed into bed, pulled the covers up, and died. Nearly two years later, on August 25, 2004, police who had been called by concerned relatives entered Sulkers' apartment and found his body in a mummified state. Everything else in his tidy one-bedroom apartment was intact, although the food in his fridge was spoiled and his wall calendar was two years out of date.

Mr. Sulkers' death went undiscovered for several reasons: he was reclusive, estranged from family members, and had a medical condition that prevented his body from decomposing and emitting odors. In addition, automatic banking deposited his disability pension and withdrew utilities and other expenses as they came due.

Terence Moran, who along with Neil Postman co-founded the Media Ecology program at New York University, said, "For many practical purposes, this man was virtually alive throughout that time. This man's life was extended for two years by the technology he used

Rev. 3:16-“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.”’

I Know Your Works, That You Have A Name:

This is a church most people would want to be a part of, because on the outside it look fine, it was well known, it had programs, it had activity, it had a large membership, it had wealth, it was in a great location but God is more interested in internal than the external!

He didn’t say they were sick!

He didn’t say they were ill!

He didn’t say they were dying!

He said they were dead!

Deader Than A Door Nail!

I heard about a church that was so dead when a member actually died in a service the paramedics carried out 5 people before they got the right one.

Be Watchful, And Strengthen The Things Which Remain, That Are Ready To Die, For I Have Not Found Your Works Perfect Before God.

All hope is not lost, wake up and strengthen the things that you have been doing right!

Ever dreamed about the job that you have or had, and your spouse told you the next morning you were working in your sleep.

So many times if we are not careful we just go thru the motions of worship, of service, of bible study, of prayer time.

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.

In 549 B.C. by Cyrus (king of Persia). A soldier named Hyroades saw one of the soldiers in Sardis come down the narrow passage to retrieve a helmet that had rolled down. The passage was not really guarded at this time, as the people were over-confident. The Persians climbed up the passage and took the city.

Because of their feeling of security, the people of Sardis had always had a tendency to become complacent.

So when the church heard this part, they were very aware of what is was to be taken by surprise.

We should always beware of three things:

1-What God is doing around us and thru us!

2-What we are doing or not doing for God!

3-What Satan is trying to do to us or thru us!

Three Indicators Of A Live Church:

1-Growth:

When someone is alive there is growth. Hair, Nails, Height, Belt Size (A nice way to say wider).

A live church will grow spirituality…Sometimes that means more members, but always it means a deeper walk with Lord, a closer walk with the Lord!

2-Desire For Food:

Hunger is a sign of life!

A church that is alive is hungry for God Word!

3-Emotion:

Something that is dead, doesn’t show any emotions.

A live church, laughs together, cries together, worships together.

In the worship service there should be emotions involved…Sometimes Tears Of Joy, Sometimes Tears Of Sorrow, Sometimes Tears Of Guilt Or Regret, Sometimes Tears Of Thankfulness.

But to many worship services are like what Vance Havner use to say about them, “They start at 11:00 o’clock sharp and end at 12:00 o’clock dull!”