“Your work stinks,” That’s what Jesus is saying to the Sardis Christians, “Your work stinks.” And that’s got to hurt. “I know your works; you have a name of being alive, but you are dead.” And I wondered, “What does this mean?”

“Your work stinks,” That’s what Jesus is saying to the Sardis Christians, “Your work stinks.” And that’s got to hurt. “I know your works; you have a name of being alive, but you are dead.” And I wondered, “What does this mean?”

For those Christians in Thyatira who had remained faithful when Jezebel and her followers did not? It could’ve been dark. It could’ve been lonely at times. And when the culture wasn’t looking down on them or withholding money from them because they weren't participating in the pagan, ritualistic cultic feasts with sexual immorality and food sacrificed to idols, then their fellow brothers and sisters in the Church who were misled by Jezebel were suddenly looking down and urging them onward into apostasy as well. The faithful, committed Christians could’ve been lonely like Elijah running from the real Jezebel back in 1 Kings 19.

For those Christians in Thyatira who had remained faithful when Jezebel and her followers did not? It could’ve been dark. It could’ve been lonely at times. And when the culture wasn’t looking down on them or withholding money from them because they weren't participating in the pagan, ritualistic cultic feasts with sexual immorality and food sacrificed to idols, then their fellow brothers and sisters in the Church who were misled by Jezebel were suddenly looking down and urging them onward into apostasy as well. The faithful, committed Christians could’ve been lonely like Elijah running from the real Jezebel back in 1 Kings 19.

SERMON VAULT: Originally preached 9/11/16.

Its melancholy, that it's likely unknown to the disciples, but obviously on the mind of Jesus front and center: is their final passing through Galilee. Jesus doesn’t take time to minister there, He doesn’t capitalize off of His recent miracles, He doesn’t do anything to bring in more disciples or people around because He’s interested in one thing, teaching His disciples. What is He teaching?

SERMON VAULT: Originally preached 9/11/16.

Its melancholy, that it's likely unknown to the disciples, but obviously on the mind of Jesus front and center: is their final passing through Galilee. Jesus doesn’t take time to minister there, He doesn’t capitalize off of His recent miracles, He doesn’t do anything to bring in more disciples or people around because He’s interested in one thing, teaching His disciples. What is He teaching?

When the world has put forth lies for so long, hoping that people forget what’s true versus what’s been lied about, what’s been deceptively manipulated and presented - God’s doesn’t forget. He doesn’t forget. Everything is uncovered. Exposed.

When the world has put forth lies for so long, hoping that people forget what’s true versus what’s been lied about, what’s been deceptively manipulated and presented - God’s doesn’t forget. He doesn’t forget. Everything is uncovered. Exposed.

The church, the Christians, universal, are a frail people, I believe. We sin, we have peculiar ways, strong beliefs, and tendencies to stray. The truth is, is Christ calls people to repent. To get back on track. To strive with Him, and walk with Him, and follow Him, and for the overcomer, it will always be worth it!

The church, the Christians, universal, are a frail people, I believe. We sin, we have peculiar ways, strong beliefs, and tendencies to stray. The truth is, is Christ calls people to repent. To get back on track. To strive with Him, and walk with Him, and follow Him, and for the overcomer, it will always be worth it!