In a letter that could be written to much of the Western church today, Jesus addresses a congregation that has measured its standing before God by their experience of material blessing, safety, and acceptance by the world. Like all the letters, Jesus offers mercy and grace before judgment for all churches (and people) who “have ears to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Outline:

· The Glorious Son Speaks

· A Disgusted Assessment

· Amazing Grace

We arrive at the letter to the church in Philadelphia, a church for which Jesus offers only words of encouragement and comfort. His rebuke is reserved for and directed toward those who reject Jesus as Lord and Savior. The message to the first century Christians is the same as the message to us: rest in the glorious promise of salvation and eternal life by holding fast to the faith once for all delivered to the saints; and share the gospel and pray that all will turn to Jesus in true saving faith.

Outline:

· The Omnipotent Key Holder

· Ignore the Opposition

· Our Refuge and Strength

· Wonderful Promises

Verses Read or Referenced inSermon:

· Introduction

o Acts 14:22

o 2 Timothy 1:12

· The Omnipotent Key Holder

o Job 6:10

o Isaiah 6:3; 43:15

o Mark 1:24

o John 6:69

o 1 Peter 1:15

o 2 Corinthians 1:20

o Isaiah 22:22

o Luke 24:47

o John 10:9; 14:6

o Matthew 25:11-12

o 2 Corinthians 6:2

o John 3:36; 1:12

o Galatians 3:28-29

o John 8:39-44

o Isaiah 46:11

o Job 23:12

o 1 John 1:9

o Revelation 14:12

· Ignore the Opposition

o Romans11:4-5

o Philippians2:10-11

o Romans2:28-29; 10:1-2

o Isaiah49:23; 60:14; 45:14

· Our Refuge and Strength

o Psalm46:1-2, 7

o John17:15

o Romans5:3-5

Wonderful Promises

o Revelation14:1; 13:17-18

o 1Corinthians 6:19-20

o Philippians3:20-21

o Revelation19:6

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