Saint Joseph Church of Christ Sermons

The church in Sardis had a slumbering spirit. A slumbering spirit is deliriously aware of its need, but lacks discernment, is ignorant of God's presence, and remains satisfied with its own results. It is not watchful, does not persevere, and does not anticipate the coming Lord with faithfulness.

Slumbering spirits promote their reputation in the world while neglecting their representation of Christ.

Like the Jezebel of the Old Testament, the Jezebel in Thyatira encouraged godlessness in the name of godliness. Many had taken ahold of her false teachings and sinful practices, letting go of their salvation in Jesus Christ. The heart of Jezebel's false teaching is still alive today. We need discernment and confidence to stand on the truth of the cross, holding fast onto our hope in Jesus.

Jesus will bring justice against all unrighteousness, and deliverance for all who hold fast to the name of Christ. Which name or identity do you hold most dear in your life?

John's letter to the church in Smyrna begins in Revelation 2:8. Through it, we glimpse a church that has persevered through persecution. Jesus informs them of further persecution and encourages faithfulness even to the point of death. As we stand firm in our faith on truth and love through Jesus, we should expect persecution, but also rest in knowing persecution is temporary.

The Ephesians walked in darkness but thought they were at the height of power for their worship and honor of false gods. Jesus Christ brought them out of darkness, revealing how low they were, and opened their eyes to His grace and glory. But by Revelation, many Ephesian Christians had forgotten their love of Christ; how low they've fallen in their return to darkness.

Keep the testimony of Jesus Christ with the fear of the Lord. Discern the testimony of Jesus Christ, especially in light of false teaching and heresy, with the fear of the Lord. We may not all agree on the specific interpretation or timing of the events in Revelation, but we can most certainly agree on the revelation of Jesus Christ. Hold to unity, reject division, and remain accountable to the fear of the Lord.

As we start our series on Revelation, it's important to understand 1) the different ways people read Revelation, 2) the different perspectives on the millennial kingdom, and 3) where I - Pastor Ryan - stand since my beliefs will inevitably influence how it's taught as Christ is revealed through Revelation.

As Summer in the Street comes to a close, Pastor Ryan exhorts everyone to value integrity by centering their identity on Christ, standing on God's moral standard, and consistently applying His will to their lives.

Doing so is difficult. We need each other for encouragement and correction, which requires honest and humble vulnerability.

Pastor Ryan encourages wisdom through following the will of the Father, building our lives on Him, rather than filling each day with foolishness that leads to death.