Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister
First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO
Memo to the Church—2
Revelation 3
Here’s the church . . . here’s the steeple, open up and..
Common thinking: building, institution ---- people
Group of Christian people who meet together on the first day of the week to encourage one another and work together to further their God given mission.
Dangers of independent church … no accountability … how are we doing
What’s the bishop think?
A spiritual audit . . .
Rev 1-3: Intro and seven memos--
Seven real places with principles
History panorama??? Common sense reading
Rev 2-3 is the Supervisors Performance Review; follows the format exactly
The Right/Authority to Make the Review;
Good points;
Problem areas;
Changes needed;
Incentives (negative and positive)
Chapter two: 4 churches—one that remained firm but lost its first love
A second that remained faithful in the midst of adversity
Another that struggled with compromise in a tough place One that had stood against sin, but now had found it more convenient to go along with it, even welcome it into its midst.
The final three churches in the third chapter all contain a reversal of conventional wisdom. Jesus verdict was just the opposite of what most people thought, even those in those churches. These last three provide a sobering wake up call every church tempted to self-satisfaction:
The Dead Living Church
The Strong Weak Church
The Poor Rich Church
1. (#5 of 7) The Walking Dead Church (Rev. 3:1-6)
(Rev 3:1-6 NIV) "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. {2} Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. {3} Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, 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. {4} Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. {5} He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. {6} He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
The Night of the Living Dead . . .
The old horror movie; zombies and mummies walking stiffly;
Opposite pix here
Dead man walking---book and movie of death row prisoner
All Is Not As It Appears . . . the theme in the seven letters; heaven’s view point
How Can Life and Death Be So Confused? a biblical truth . . .
(1 Tim 5:6 NIV) But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.
(Eph 2:1-6 NIV) As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, {2} in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. {3} All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. {4} But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, {5} made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. {6} And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,
(2 Cor 6:9-10 NIV) known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; {10} sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
(Gal 2:20 NIV) I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
What Makes A Individual/Church Dead or Alive?
Let’s define church.....not building, not organization, not denomination (RC, no bishop, no church), not a crowd, ---at least two poeple believing in Jesus from the heart, devoted to one another and God; to God’s purposes; and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
What’s a church dead . . . dead individuals Clovis Chapel: mirror in casket
(2 Tim 3:5 NIV) having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
Issue in text: reputation vs reality.
(Luke 6:26 NIV) Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.
..cf. Jesus and Pharisees; tombs...
Issues of reputation: ind. wealth, knowledge, connections, physical, profession, family, past
church: size, wealth, facility, history,
Live churches are constantly changing.
Dead churches don’t have to.
Live churches have lots of noisy kids.
Dead churches are fairly quiet.
Live church’s expenses always exceed their income.
Dead churches take in more than they ever dreamed of
spending.
Live churches are constantly improving for the future.
Dead churches worship their past.
Live churches move out in faith.
Dead churches operate totally by human sight.
Live churches focus on people.
Dead churches focus on programs.
Live churches are filled with tithers.
Dead churches are filled with tippers.
Live churches dream great dreams of God.
Dead churches relive nightmares.
Live churches don’t have "can’t" in their dictionary.
Dead churches have nothing but.
Live churches evangelize.
Dead churches fossilize.
Key issue in NT: Holy Spirit (7 spirits)
In many Christian circles the Holy Spirit is either neglected, forgotten, or misunderstood. The One given to unite the body of Christ is the center of controversy. This is a nettle which ought to be firmly grasped. So often Christian work is so rigidly programmed that it seems we need no longer depend on Him--yet Jesus said, "Without Me you can do nothing." ...
The late Dr. A. W. Tozer, author and pastor, said, "If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, 95 percent of what we do would go on and no one would know the difference. If the Holy spirit had been withdrawn from the New Testament church, 95 percent of what they did would stop, and everybody would know the difference." (Alan Redpath in "Christian Life" magazine. Christianity Today, Vol. 29, no. 18.)
Haunting verses of Acts 19:2---didn’t even know there was a HS
Marks of spiritual life: what happens when touched by God; really connected with the Holy Spirit; revival-----gratitude to God; awareness of sin; greatness of God/his ability
Even here some alive and blessed . . .
2. (#6 of 7) THE STRONG WEAK CHURCH Rev. 3:7-13
(Rev 3:7-13 NIV) "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. {8} I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. {9} I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars--I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. {10} Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. {11} I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. {12} Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name. {13} He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Much opposite of the last; their image of greatness, but hollow
Here image of weakness, but unstoppable
The qualities: kept my word;
kept my command to endure patiently (long obedience in the same direction)
Promise:
Open a door that no one can shut
Keep in hour of trial that will test
Open door---key phrase in this letter
What is the picture: Lord who is in control
Opportunity, but not destiny; must go through the door
Individuals face open doors: God sized choices
salvation; careers; service; friendships
churches: (history of FCC and open doors)
Note the factors at Philadephia:
little stregnth; faithfulness; opponents; perserverance
Sometimes You Only Get One Chance
Isr and Kadesh Barnea---next generation
Lou Gerigh----Struck out and said something to the umpire before walking away. Everyone wondered what he had said. Had he cursed the umpire? Call him a name? Argued with him? All was out of character for Gerigh. When asked: I told him I’d give anything to do that over again.
Promise: stability; permanence; certainty
3. (#7 of 7) A Poor Rich Church! Rev. 3:14-22; Rom 12:11
A lot of religion, but no Jesus!
(Rev 3:14-22 NIV) "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. {15} I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! {16} So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth. {17} You say, ’I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. {18} I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. {19} Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. {20} Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. {21} To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. {22} He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
(Rom 12:9-13 NIV) Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. {10} Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. {11} Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. {12} Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. {13} Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
You Make Me Sick!
Strong statement . . . indelicate ...His right to say it
Remember church is people...not sick building syndrome
Laodicea---Hieropolis six miles/hot springs
What does this mean spiritually? Lukewarm--safe, comfortable
ILL: Got the Spirit. not here . . . . danger innoculated against real thing
What A Luke Warm Faith Tastes Like . . .
Evidences of lukewarm:
head not heart
lips not hands (Pig and Chicken at church breakfast)
Anne Ortlund Writes:
When I was little we used to play church. We’d get the chairs into rows, fight over who’d be preacher, vigorously lead the hymn singing, and generally have a great carnal time.
The aggressive kids naturally wanted to be up front, directing or preaching. The quieter ones were content to sit and be entertained by the up-fronters.
Occasionally we’d get mesmerized by a true sensationalistic crowd- swayer -- like the girl who said, "Boo! I’m the Holy Ghost!" But in general, if the up-fronters were pretty good they could hold their audience quite a while. If they weren’t so good, eventually the kids would drift off to play something else -- like jump rope or jacks.
Now that generation has grown up, but most of them haven’t changed too much. Every Sunday they still play church. They line up in rows for the entertainment. If it’s pretty good, their church may grow. If it’s not too hot, eventually they’ll drift off to play something else -- like yachting or wife swapping.
How It Got Cooled Off . . .
Satan’s goal:
Among the great number of books authored by C.S. Lewis is the highly provocative The Screwtape Letters. In it the profound Englishman had the devil brief his nephew, Wormwood, on the subtleties and techniques of tempting people. The goal, he counsels, is not wickedness but indifference. Satan cautions his nephew to keep the prospect, the patient, comfortable at all costs. If he should become concerned about anything of importance, encourage him to think about his luncheon plans; not to worry, it could induce indigestion. And then this definitive job description: "I, the devil, will always see to it that there are bad people. Your job, my dear Wormwood, is to provide me with the people who do not care."
Self deceived
Self Reliant
Self Centered
Self Satisfied
Poverty is untested potential, resulting from self-imposed limitations.
Poverty is working a lifetime doing something you don’t like, so you can retire and do something you like after age 65
Poverty is having many acquaintances and not knowing any of them well.
Poverty is having so many clothes, you "haven’t a thing to wear."
Poverty is eating so well you have to think about going on a diet.
Poverty is having every pill imaginable to cure your body’s ills, because you "can’t afford to be sick."
Poverty is being loaded down with toys at birthdays and Christmas, and then being bored silly because there’s nothing to do.
Poverty is having three degrees and feeling unfulfilled in your job.
Poverty is having two cars, three TV’s, and a dishwasher, and then "roughing it" by going camping to "get away from it all."
Poverty is going, day-to-day, from one building to the next and never stopping to see the beauty in the world outside.
Poverty is spending money on make-up, deodorants, colognes and designer clothes, and still being worried about the image you are projecting.
Poverty is being white, healthy, middle-class and unhappy.
Poverty is never being curious about the world around you and never wanting to explore it or the people in it.
Poverty is as much the soul, as it is the body.
-- Adapted from Verse by Waitley, Mallinnix and McDonald
appearing in God Mind seminar Workbook, Denver, 1983
Turning Up the Heat . . .Four step prescription
BUY from me
One by one He took them from me
All the things I valued most; ’Til I was empty-handed,
Every glittering toy was lost. And I walked earth’s highways, grieving,
In my rags and poverty. Until I heard His voice inviting,
"Lift those empty hands to Me!" Then I turned my hands toward heaven,
And He filled them with a store Of His own transcendent riches,
’Till they could contain no more. And at last I comprehended
With my stupid mind, and dull, That God cannot pour His riches
Into hands already full. -- Unknown
Be Earnest
Repent
Open the door
Conclusion: Things are not always as they seem--heaven’s view vs.
The Inventory: Assets and Liabilities . . .
1. hardwork, patience, truth first love
2. Poor but rich persecuted/faithful
3. Satan’s throne/faithful Balaam/Nicolaitans
4. patience progress tolerance/ Jezebell
5. Reputation alive but dead
6. Open Door Faithful
7. Rich but Poor
Hope and promise to each
***Dr. Roger W. Thomas is the preaching minister at First Christian Church, 205 W. Park St., Vandalia, MO 63382 and an adjunct professor of Bible and Preaching at Central Christian College of the Bible, 911 E. Urbandale, Moberly, MO. He is a graduate of Lincoln Christian College (BA) and Lincoln Christian Seminary (MA, MDiv), and Northern Baptist Theological Seminary (DMin).
