20210130 Wide Awake

February 01, 2021

Greg

Join us as Greg explores the issues at the Church in Sardis and we have a guest appearance by Joanne Goodwin who talks about Mental Health. Revelation 3:1-6 To the Church in Sardis 3 “To the angel[a] of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits[b] 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 found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, 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 The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. 6 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Sardis has the most in common with our modern North American evangelistic style church. The church has been a significant force in our culture for a number of years. However, we have also seen the church lose it’s way when we deal with politics, social injustice and righteousness. The rebuke in this section is the strongest of the seven churches in Revelation and so we need to take this message to heart. Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think that the Christians in Sardis had become their own worst enemy? 2. Why does the church seem to be less influential when they are not encountering opposition? 3. How do you guard against becoming your own worst enemy? How can encourage each other to escape this trap? Devotions for the week. Day 1 – Read Matthew 23:27-28 how do we avoid being like the Pharisees? Day 2 - Hebrews 10:23-24 – who in your life spurs you to love and good deeds? Day 3 - Read 2 Corinthians 13:5 – why is self examination crucial to our faith? Day 4 – Romans 12:9-13 – How do these instructions help us create a welcoming atmosphere for those struggling with mental health issues? Day 5 – Philippians 4:7 – what are some ways that you experience the peace of God in your life?