WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.259 Good morning, everyone. Let me add my welcome to Alistair's, and thank you, Adi, for reading and praying for us. 00:00:09.779 --> 00:00:19.280 I really hope that we're all finding this series of sermons on the letters to the churches in Revelation helpful. 00:00:20.140 --> 00:00:26.980 They're certainly challenging passages, but they're also such a great source of encouragement. 00:00:26.980 --> 00:00:36.399 Isn't it beautiful how Jesus, the Savior of the world himself, he writes these personal messages to his churches. 00:00:37.340 --> 00:00:46.200 He spurs them on, he tells them the good things that they're doing for his glory, but he also pleads with them. 00:00:46.260 --> 00:00:51.140 He pleads with them to repent and to come back to him when that's needed. 00:00:51.920 --> 00:00:56.000 And there are some pretty tough words for us in these passages. 00:00:56.000 --> 00:01:00.020 There are warnings, there are words of condemnation. 00:01:00.600 --> 00:01:03.899 But even the warnings radiate love. 00:01:04.620 --> 00:01:05.960 They're merciful warnings. 00:01:06.519 --> 00:01:14.079 And I'm stressing this this morning because I imagine you might have gulped like I did when this passage was assigned to me to speak on, 00:01:14.140 --> 00:01:17.560 when you read, you have a reputation of being alive, but you're dead. 00:01:17.560 --> 00:01:24.640 So we're looking at the fifth letter this morning, the letter to the church of Sardis. 00:01:24.700 --> 00:01:27.740 And yes, there is something different about this church. 00:01:27.739 --> 00:01:36.439 If we compare this church of Sardis to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamum, to Thyatira that we've been looking at for the past four weeks, 00:01:37.219 --> 00:01:42.679 to all of those churches, Jesus gave, Jesus had something good to say to them. 00:01:42.780 --> 00:01:46.199 He gave them, he commended them for something. 00:01:46.459 --> 00:01:48.579 But he doesn't do that for Sardis. 00:01:48.579 --> 00:01:54.679 The first part of the letter is a strong message of condemnation. 00:01:55.259 --> 00:01:58.840 There is nothing that Jesus praises Sardis for. 00:02:00.640 --> 00:02:03.939 Their own existence as a church is actually threatened by Jesus. 00:02:05.079 --> 00:02:09.939 The second part, however, it contains a refreshing message of hope. 00:02:10.300 --> 00:02:12.599 So this is how we're going to look at this passage today. 00:02:12.599 --> 00:02:17.219 Verses 1 to 3, we will call them the church who looks the part. 00:02:17.560 --> 00:02:22.060 And then verses 4 to 6, we'll call the Christians who walk the walk. 00:02:22.379 --> 00:02:25.159 There's going to be condemnation for the church who looks the part, 00:02:25.359 --> 00:02:29.139 but there's going to be hope for the Christians who walk the walk. 00:02:32.240 --> 00:02:34.400 I'll start by talking about sleepwalking, though. 00:02:34.759 --> 00:02:35.379 Stay with me. 00:02:35.740 --> 00:02:36.699 I may sound a bit random. 00:02:36.699 --> 00:02:42.599 But did you know that there are sleepwalkers who can do much more than just walking in their sleep? 00:02:42.799 --> 00:02:47.359 There are people who can do the most complex things while they're asleep. 00:02:47.639 --> 00:02:51.739 They won't even know that they're doing them, and they won't remember any of it by the morning. 00:02:52.719 --> 00:02:54.159 Some people eat in their sleep. 00:02:54.399 --> 00:02:59.379 There are people who apparently actually gain weight while being on a diet and can't figure out why that is. 00:02:59.560 --> 00:03:01.039 And it's because they're eating in their sleep. 00:03:01.259 --> 00:03:05.579 And there are people who will cook first and then eat all of that while sleeping. 00:03:05.580 --> 00:03:07.200 I can't cook while I'm awake. 00:03:08.060 --> 00:03:12.000 There are people who can hold conversations not only in person but even by text. 00:03:12.600 --> 00:03:13.460 I had a look online. 00:03:13.840 --> 00:03:17.380 What I gather is that they're not the most coherent conversations most of the time, 00:03:17.480 --> 00:03:19.360 but nevertheless they will text back to you. 00:03:20.580 --> 00:03:22.640 There are people who can draw perfect drawings. 00:03:22.760 --> 00:03:25.460 There's a famous guy at the moment in Wales who apparently does that. 00:03:25.900 --> 00:03:29.439 And there are people who will jump into their cars and drive away, 00:03:29.620 --> 00:03:31.780 which is, of course, extremely dangerous. 00:03:32.439 --> 00:03:34.980 And we do say, don't we, I could do it in my sleep 00:03:34.979 --> 00:03:38.560 when we're talking about something that is so deeply programmed into our brains 00:03:38.560 --> 00:03:42.500 that we don't need to really think about how we're doing it as we do it. 00:03:42.819 --> 00:03:45.500 And that really is what happens to sleepwalkers, 00:03:45.500 --> 00:03:49.060 because walking and eating, for some people cooking and driving and drawing, 00:03:49.539 --> 00:03:56.599 there are things that we do so much of that our bodies can do them in autopilot mode. 00:03:57.339 --> 00:03:58.799 So why sleepwalking? 00:03:58.800 --> 00:04:03.800 Because I think in a way the church of Sardis is a sleepwalking church. 00:04:04.340 --> 00:04:09.380 You have a reputation of being alive, tells them Jesus in verse 1. 00:04:10.000 --> 00:04:15.300 So the churches around Sardis, they think that Sardis is doing well. 00:04:15.640 --> 00:04:18.800 They think that Sardis is active in the mission field, 00:04:19.340 --> 00:04:22.340 that Sardis is working for the kingdom of God. 00:04:22.339 --> 00:04:26.659 But you are dead, says Jesus. 00:04:27.479 --> 00:04:28.519 And Jesus knows. 00:04:29.319 --> 00:04:31.959 Before saying that, he says, I know your deeds. 00:04:32.259 --> 00:04:35.179 You have a reputation of being alive, but you're dead. 00:04:36.319 --> 00:04:39.519 And he knows because, as verse 1 says, 00:04:39.919 --> 00:04:43.919 he's the one who holds the seven spirits and the seven stars. 00:04:44.620 --> 00:04:47.859 It's fascinating how Jesus introduces himself 00:04:47.860 --> 00:04:51.720 with a different description in every of these seven letters. 00:04:52.660 --> 00:04:57.199 A description that's usually tailored to the message for that church. 00:04:57.699 --> 00:05:04.259 And so here he's using the seven spirits as a picture for the Holy Spirit 00:05:04.259 --> 00:05:09.819 and the seven stars as a picture for the seven churches that he's speaking to. 00:05:10.800 --> 00:05:15.600 And seven, you might know, is a number that throughout Scripture symbolizes completeness. 00:05:15.600 --> 00:05:18.540 So what Jesus is doing with his introduction, 00:05:18.760 --> 00:05:21.360 with the way that he presents himself here, 00:05:21.620 --> 00:05:23.900 is affirming his power. 00:05:24.300 --> 00:05:28.260 He's affirming his total knowledge and his total wisdom. 00:05:29.160 --> 00:05:32.780 Jesus has sovereignty over his church. 00:05:33.379 --> 00:05:36.060 He has every right to speak to his churches. 00:05:36.500 --> 00:05:38.600 He has every right to condemn. 00:05:39.760 --> 00:05:42.840 And he has every right to say, I know your deeds. 00:05:43.000 --> 00:05:44.280 Because he really does. 00:05:44.279 --> 00:05:47.259 Sardis' reputation before people, 00:05:47.919 --> 00:05:49.379 it doesn't matter to Jesus, 00:05:49.559 --> 00:05:51.539 because he sees well beyond that. 00:05:52.319 --> 00:05:55.859 And Jesus knows that the earthly reputation of this church 00:05:55.859 --> 00:05:57.419 and its real condition, 00:05:57.759 --> 00:05:59.459 they just don't match up. 00:06:00.239 --> 00:06:02.619 You have a reputation of being alive, 00:06:02.819 --> 00:06:04.000 but you are dead. 00:06:04.319 --> 00:06:05.979 You're sleepwalking, Sardis. 00:06:06.319 --> 00:06:06.979 Wake up. 00:06:07.939 --> 00:06:09.239 You're just doing church. 00:06:09.240 --> 00:06:12.240 And you're actually doing it so well, humanly speaking, 00:06:12.660 --> 00:06:15.079 that your neighbors actually think that you are alive, 00:06:15.160 --> 00:06:16.139 that you are awake. 00:06:16.840 --> 00:06:19.360 Little do they know that you're actually dead. 00:06:20.920 --> 00:06:24.420 It seems that Sardis is actually putting on a great show. 00:06:24.420 --> 00:06:27.100 It's a church who looks the part, 00:06:27.259 --> 00:06:28.460 but inside it's dead. 00:06:29.660 --> 00:06:32.680 So I wondered what that would look like at the time. 00:06:33.160 --> 00:06:35.060 I thought maybe they were meeting regularly. 00:06:35.620 --> 00:06:39.580 Maybe there were acts of charity performed in the community. 00:06:39.579 --> 00:06:44.659 Maybe the Christians in Sardis were in a religious atmosphere, 00:06:45.060 --> 00:06:46.439 but not much beyond that. 00:06:46.719 --> 00:06:49.479 Maybe they were surrounded by the word of God, 00:06:49.560 --> 00:06:52.379 but the word of God didn't penetrate their hearts. 00:06:53.979 --> 00:06:55.659 And they were probably not growing, 00:06:55.979 --> 00:06:59.060 as there would be no compassions for souls. 00:06:59.740 --> 00:07:01.319 They were just observing Judas. 00:07:01.439 --> 00:07:03.979 They weren't actively working to be transformed 00:07:03.979 --> 00:07:05.560 and to become more like Jesus. 00:07:05.560 --> 00:07:09.600 They were possibly more interested in what the people around them 00:07:09.600 --> 00:07:13.800 thought about them than in what Jesus himself would think about them. 00:07:15.860 --> 00:07:18.579 And this is not something surprising to Jesus, 00:07:18.699 --> 00:07:22.060 because he knows our human nature more than we do ourselves. 00:07:22.360 --> 00:07:26.000 And we probably remember the many references in the Bible to false teachers. 00:07:26.279 --> 00:07:28.340 We had one last week as well. 00:07:29.139 --> 00:07:32.399 But Jesus did warn against false disciples too. 00:07:32.740 --> 00:07:34.459 He said in Matthew 7, 00:07:35.560 --> 00:07:37.280 Not everyone who says to me, 00:07:37.660 --> 00:07:40.439 Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, 00:07:40.680 --> 00:07:44.259 but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 00:07:44.879 --> 00:07:46.379 Many will say to me on that day, 00:07:46.459 --> 00:07:49.079 Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name, 00:07:49.259 --> 00:07:50.660 and in your name drive out demons, 00:07:50.819 --> 00:07:52.500 and in your name perform many miracles? 00:07:53.139 --> 00:07:54.879 Then I will tell them plainly, 00:07:55.000 --> 00:07:56.000 I never knew you. 00:07:56.319 --> 00:07:58.579 Away from me, you evildoers. 00:07:58.579 --> 00:08:02.959 The Christians in Sardis looked the part, 00:08:03.180 --> 00:08:04.500 but they were not the real deal. 00:08:05.139 --> 00:08:06.599 They were false disciples. 00:08:07.439 --> 00:08:12.259 Because being followers of Jesus should have not been about the actions they performed, 00:08:12.579 --> 00:08:15.360 but about why they performed them. 00:08:16.199 --> 00:08:19.019 Let me read two verses from Proverbs about this. 00:08:19.899 --> 00:08:21.699 Proverbs 16.2 reads, 00:08:21.699 --> 00:08:25.339 All a person's ways seem pure to them, 00:08:25.599 --> 00:08:28.259 but motives are weighed by the Lord. 00:08:28.740 --> 00:08:31.420 And then Proverbs 21.2 similarly says, 00:08:31.680 --> 00:08:34.120 A person may think that their own ways are right, 00:08:34.379 --> 00:08:36.539 but the Lord weighs the heart. 00:08:38.860 --> 00:08:42.360 Now, we must not think here that Jesus is condemning Sardis 00:08:42.360 --> 00:08:44.240 because of their works. 00:08:44.240 --> 00:08:47.080 He's not calling them to become ascetics or philosophers 00:08:47.080 --> 00:08:48.819 who shouldn't engage with the world, 00:08:48.820 --> 00:08:51.700 because that would contradict all of Jesus' teachings. 00:08:52.920 --> 00:08:55.040 Good works are pleasing to God. 00:08:55.160 --> 00:08:57.220 They do remain pleasing to God, 00:08:57.360 --> 00:09:02.900 but they must be the result of a life grounded in faith and love for him. 00:09:03.740 --> 00:09:06.440 Whereas Sardis' works, they were incomplete, 00:09:06.800 --> 00:09:07.860 as we read in verse 2. 00:09:08.660 --> 00:09:09.820 They were just pro forma. 00:09:09.940 --> 00:09:11.080 They were not from the spirit. 00:09:11.860 --> 00:09:13.240 They were not from the heart. 00:09:14.860 --> 00:09:17.880 So they probably become work-oriented as a church, 00:09:17.879 --> 00:09:21.039 but they were not motivated by true charity. 00:09:21.419 --> 00:09:24.080 They were just sleepwalking into that car and driving away 00:09:24.080 --> 00:09:25.580 because their bodies knew how to do it, 00:09:25.720 --> 00:09:27.840 not because they were actually intending to go anywhere. 00:09:30.799 --> 00:09:35.039 Now, this letter was not written to Brunsfield Evangelical Church. 00:09:35.439 --> 00:09:37.059 And I would really like to think that 00:09:37.059 --> 00:09:39.879 we would not get a letter like this from Jesus. 00:09:40.740 --> 00:09:44.700 But that is not to say that we don't run the same risks as Sardis, 00:09:44.700 --> 00:09:48.100 that we won't deserve one in the future if we're not careful. 00:09:50.640 --> 00:09:53.360 I'm sure I'm not the only one who's been feeling uncomfortable 00:09:53.360 --> 00:09:57.460 thinking about this idea of sleepwalking through our Christian life. 00:09:57.860 --> 00:09:59.400 It is quite relatable, isn't it? 00:09:59.399 --> 00:10:03.139 How easy can it be for churches in our day and age 00:10:03.139 --> 00:10:04.980 to end up just like Sardis? 00:10:05.500 --> 00:10:08.939 Well, probably fairly easy, I think, if we're honest with ourselves. 00:10:09.600 --> 00:10:11.799 So I tried to think about a few examples 00:10:11.799 --> 00:10:16.240 just to make us think about what sleepwalking could look like 00:10:16.240 --> 00:10:17.379 in our own lives. 00:10:18.360 --> 00:10:19.419 Just a few questions. 00:10:20.319 --> 00:10:23.399 How often are we more excited to see our friends at church 00:10:23.399 --> 00:10:27.620 than someone who's new and doesn't yet believe? 00:10:27.620 --> 00:10:30.720 How often do we ask, what can I pray for you? 00:10:30.799 --> 00:10:32.940 Because that's just how Christians ask, how are you? 00:10:33.539 --> 00:10:37.419 But we won't remember the answer, let alone make actual time to pray. 00:10:38.659 --> 00:10:40.360 How often do we join a ministry? 00:10:40.440 --> 00:10:43.500 Because that person has been asking for so long. 00:10:43.740 --> 00:10:45.639 And it will be good to meet new people anyway. 00:10:46.179 --> 00:10:49.100 Rather than because we think that by joining a ministry, 00:10:49.299 --> 00:10:52.279 we will be edifying God's church. 00:10:53.259 --> 00:10:56.139 And believe me when I say I'm talking to myself here first, 00:10:56.139 --> 00:11:01.220 I did catch myself while preparing for this very sermon, 00:11:01.399 --> 00:11:03.860 just worrying more about what people might think about it 00:11:03.860 --> 00:11:05.419 than what God would want from it. 00:11:06.740 --> 00:11:09.899 We're all at risk of becoming like Sardis. 00:11:10.559 --> 00:11:14.460 Good service attendance, a nice Sunday morning buzz, 00:11:14.819 --> 00:11:16.120 being active in the community, 00:11:16.480 --> 00:11:18.779 having many different wonderful activities. 00:11:18.779 --> 00:11:24.039 Those are all good things that we would hope for and strive for 00:11:24.039 --> 00:11:26.579 as signs of a healthy church. 00:11:26.579 --> 00:11:29.519 But they're not the fruit of a healthy church 00:11:29.519 --> 00:11:32.740 if they're not done for the right motivations. 00:11:33.120 --> 00:11:34.259 Thinking back to Proverbs. 00:11:35.360 --> 00:11:38.559 If they're not for the glory of the kingdom of God, 00:11:38.659 --> 00:11:43.500 but rather for the sake of reputation on this earth. 00:11:43.500 --> 00:11:47.340 If they're not motivated by a desire to reach the unreached 00:11:47.340 --> 00:11:49.200 and see God save souls, 00:11:49.580 --> 00:11:53.399 but just to tick boxes and just feel good about ourselves. 00:11:54.860 --> 00:11:57.659 Faithful disciples making faithful disciples. 00:11:57.820 --> 00:12:00.519 That is the fruit of a healthy church. 00:12:01.879 --> 00:12:05.259 So the questions for us as we try to learn from Sardis 00:12:05.259 --> 00:12:10.919 as a church, are we motivated by a desire 00:12:10.919 --> 00:12:12.860 to reach more people with the gospel? 00:12:13.220 --> 00:12:16.620 Or are we motivated by reputation and performance only? 00:12:17.279 --> 00:12:20.080 Do we show a growth mindset? 00:12:21.319 --> 00:12:23.519 And on a personal level, as individuals, 00:12:23.819 --> 00:12:25.080 why do we come to services? 00:12:25.279 --> 00:12:26.819 Why do we join ministries and activities? 00:12:27.019 --> 00:12:29.860 Why do we spend time in fellowship together? 00:12:30.620 --> 00:12:34.939 Is it for a desire to serve God and glorify his kingdom? 00:12:35.259 --> 00:12:38.779 Or is it all just about belonging to a club? 00:12:42.779 --> 00:12:46.659 Again, as individuals, do we show a growth mindset? 00:12:50.679 --> 00:12:51.779 So what now? 00:12:52.480 --> 00:12:55.100 Jesus tells Sardis, you have a reputation of being alive, 00:12:55.500 --> 00:12:56.379 but you are dead. 00:12:56.700 --> 00:12:57.360 Is that it? 00:12:57.559 --> 00:12:59.720 Is that Sardis as a church over? 00:13:00.279 --> 00:13:00.580 No. 00:13:01.240 --> 00:13:01.919 No, it's not. 00:13:01.960 --> 00:13:04.000 Because our God is a merciful God. 00:13:04.000 --> 00:13:06.139 And Jesus, he's our savior, isn't he? 00:13:07.039 --> 00:13:10.480 So for Sardis too, just like for the other churches, 00:13:10.919 --> 00:13:13.080 Jesus' words of condemnation are followed 00:13:13.080 --> 00:13:16.259 by the offer of a solution. 00:13:17.279 --> 00:13:18.139 Verse 2 reads, 00:13:18.519 --> 00:13:19.580 Wake up, Sardis. 00:13:19.620 --> 00:13:21.960 So be watchful in other translations, 00:13:22.179 --> 00:13:24.840 but either way, stop sleepwalking. 00:13:25.360 --> 00:13:27.059 Be intentional about what you do. 00:13:27.759 --> 00:13:29.519 Strengthen what remains. 00:13:29.519 --> 00:13:32.720 And then in verse 3, Jesus says, 00:13:33.720 --> 00:13:38.340 Remember what you have received and hold it fast and repent. 00:13:40.500 --> 00:13:41.019 Remember. 00:13:41.399 --> 00:13:45.860 So much of church is about remembering. 00:13:45.860 --> 00:13:50.300 We come here every Sunday and we remember God's promises to his people 00:13:50.300 --> 00:13:53.539 as we sing together, as we reflect on his word. 00:13:54.500 --> 00:13:57.740 We remember Jesus' sacrifice as we take communion. 00:13:57.879 --> 00:14:01.860 We even take elements just to make that act of remembrance more physical, 00:14:02.060 --> 00:14:03.519 to help us remember. 00:14:04.639 --> 00:14:06.039 We meet in small groups. 00:14:06.240 --> 00:14:08.560 We remind each other of how Jesus has blessed 00:14:08.559 --> 00:14:14.299 and how he's still blessing us in our private lives. 00:14:15.719 --> 00:14:17.619 Remember what you've received and heard. 00:14:17.839 --> 00:14:19.919 He's telling them, remember the message of the gospel. 00:14:20.099 --> 00:14:23.339 Remember that message that turned your life around. 00:14:24.599 --> 00:14:26.219 And then hold it fast. 00:14:26.599 --> 00:14:27.539 Keep it close. 00:14:27.979 --> 00:14:29.279 Don't depart from it. 00:14:30.239 --> 00:14:31.719 As Joshua 1.8 reads, 00:14:32.059 --> 00:14:34.659 Keep this book of the law always on your lips. 00:14:34.659 --> 00:14:39.939 Meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. 00:14:40.419 --> 00:14:42.879 Then it will be prosperous and successful. 00:14:44.019 --> 00:14:48.379 Really, Jesus is telling Sardis to do the opposite of what they've been doing so far. 00:14:48.939 --> 00:14:52.980 He's telling them, don't lose track of why you are at church. 00:14:53.120 --> 00:14:57.799 Don't depart from the word so that you won't even know why you're doing what you're doing anymore. 00:14:59.419 --> 00:15:00.539 And then repent. 00:15:01.000 --> 00:15:01.919 Acknowledge your sin. 00:15:02.079 --> 00:15:04.100 Acknowledge that you've been missing the point. 00:15:04.100 --> 00:15:06.540 Don't recognize that you are dead. 00:15:07.120 --> 00:15:08.639 And then turn around. 00:15:09.960 --> 00:15:12.480 Remember, hold fast, repent. 00:15:13.080 --> 00:15:17.440 That is what will strengthen what is left that is still alive. 00:15:18.420 --> 00:15:20.980 But if you don't, and here's the warning, 00:15:21.399 --> 00:15:23.120 I will come to you like a thief. 00:15:24.460 --> 00:15:27.100 Jesus promises a special visit to this church. 00:15:27.360 --> 00:15:28.420 It will be its end. 00:15:29.820 --> 00:15:32.840 Remember, hold fast, and repent. 00:15:32.840 --> 00:15:35.920 And that's the solution for us as well, friends. 00:15:35.919 --> 00:15:42.719 Every time that we're noticing wrong patterns, sleepwalking tendencies, so to speak, 00:15:43.099 --> 00:15:45.240 when our priorities aren't quite right, 00:15:45.779 --> 00:15:51.019 let's realign things by making sure that church is a place of remembrance, 00:15:51.259 --> 00:15:55.179 that church is a place of holding fast to the word. 00:15:55.179 --> 00:16:01.319 Everything we do as a church must revolve around God's word. 00:16:01.319 --> 00:16:03.719 Not reputation, not personal gain. 00:16:03.720 --> 00:16:08.340 So can I invite us all to inspect our hearts, 00:16:08.700 --> 00:16:11.399 to come to our God in prayer, maybe later this afternoon, 00:16:11.399 --> 00:16:16.840 and ask for forgiveness for those situations when we go through the motions as Christians, 00:16:16.960 --> 00:16:19.040 as members of our local church. 00:16:19.039 --> 00:16:24.459 Let's ask God to help us be watchful, like he tells Sardis to, 00:16:24.959 --> 00:16:26.559 and to strengthen us. 00:16:27.599 --> 00:16:30.079 Because we want to be well and alive. 00:16:30.279 --> 00:16:32.419 We want to be tools in God's hands. 00:16:32.860 --> 00:16:36.099 We want to be working for the glory of his kingdom. 00:16:36.100 --> 00:16:45.379 In the second part of the letter, as we said, Jesus gives Sardis words of hope. 00:16:46.800 --> 00:16:49.320 So let's look at verses 4 to 6 now. 00:16:49.960 --> 00:16:51.840 The Christians who walk the walk. 00:16:52.340 --> 00:16:53.639 He says in verse 4, 00:16:54.279 --> 00:16:58.800 Yet you have a few people in Sardis who've not soiled their clothes. 00:16:59.560 --> 00:17:04.079 They will walk with me dressed in white, for they are worthy. 00:17:04.079 --> 00:17:09.539 There are a few people in Sardis who've not soiled their clothes. 00:17:09.859 --> 00:17:13.579 And soiling one's clothes usually refers to sexual immorality, 00:17:13.740 --> 00:17:17.919 which we've seen called doubt in other churches' letters to. 00:17:18.159 --> 00:17:19.439 Last week we did as well. 00:17:20.519 --> 00:17:24.079 And so in Sardis as well, it seems that sin was being tolerated, 00:17:24.960 --> 00:17:29.480 and that it had probably started to coexist with regular church life. 00:17:30.399 --> 00:17:32.899 And really, if we think about it, it should be no surprise 00:17:32.900 --> 00:17:35.980 that people who had lost track of the gospel, 00:17:36.360 --> 00:17:39.040 who were asleep walking through their Christian lives, 00:17:39.480 --> 00:17:42.240 would have become desensitized to sin. 00:17:43.500 --> 00:17:49.740 Because if we are building our reputation before our neighbors rather than before God, 00:17:49.900 --> 00:17:55.320 then of course our priorities and our private life will also be about what the world thinks 00:17:55.320 --> 00:17:57.519 rather than what God wants from us. 00:17:57.519 --> 00:18:01.359 But Jesus sees, I know your deeds, he said. 00:18:01.359 --> 00:18:07.339 And so just like he knows the deeds of those people who have a reputation of being alive but are actually dead, 00:18:07.500 --> 00:18:12.139 he also knows the deeds of these few people who haven't soiled their clothes. 00:18:12.140 --> 00:18:15.880 And if he had a warning for the first group, 00:18:16.100 --> 00:18:19.300 I will come like a thief and you will not know at what time. 00:18:19.680 --> 00:18:22.220 Here is a promise, a beautiful promise for the second. 00:18:22.360 --> 00:18:24.280 For the Christians who are walking the walk, 00:18:24.560 --> 00:18:26.880 he says, they will walk with me, 00:18:27.380 --> 00:18:28.300 dressed in white, 00:18:28.700 --> 00:18:29.520 for they're worthy. 00:18:31.940 --> 00:18:34.340 Let's not make the mistake of thinking 00:18:34.340 --> 00:18:35.720 that the few people, 00:18:36.120 --> 00:18:37.920 that they're worthy because they don't sin. 00:18:38.060 --> 00:18:39.600 We all sin, everyone sins, 00:18:39.599 --> 00:18:41.279 only Jesus didn't sin. 00:18:41.619 --> 00:18:44.199 And they're not worthy simply because of the good actions. 00:18:44.259 --> 00:18:45.939 Because we all do good actions. 00:18:46.099 --> 00:18:47.000 And if you think about it, 00:18:47.219 --> 00:18:48.839 we're still in the context of a church 00:18:48.839 --> 00:18:51.199 who's actually being declared dead 00:18:51.199 --> 00:18:55.439 despite plenty of humanly speaking good deeds, 00:18:56.199 --> 00:18:58.299 which gained its good reputation. 00:18:58.299 --> 00:18:59.799 So it's not about that. 00:19:01.019 --> 00:19:02.839 Those who didn't soil their garments, 00:19:03.059 --> 00:19:06.619 they're worthy because they held fast to the gospel. 00:19:06.859 --> 00:19:07.579 So in other words, 00:19:07.639 --> 00:19:09.219 because they're being faithful to Jesus. 00:19:10.199 --> 00:19:11.619 And so here comes the hope. 00:19:11.819 --> 00:19:13.919 Here comes that hope that reverts everything. 00:19:14.059 --> 00:19:16.259 The hope that makes the dead alive. 00:19:16.399 --> 00:19:19.819 The hope that makes the lost found. 00:19:20.879 --> 00:19:21.579 Verse 5. 00:19:21.939 --> 00:19:23.379 The one who is victorious 00:19:23.379 --> 00:19:25.219 will, like them, 00:19:25.599 --> 00:19:26.939 be dressed in white. 00:19:27.259 --> 00:19:28.259 Other translations say, 00:19:28.579 --> 00:19:29.879 the one who conquers. 00:19:30.519 --> 00:19:31.980 And that's those who repent. 00:19:32.480 --> 00:19:35.240 That's those who took that warning seriously, 00:19:35.240 --> 00:19:36.480 who listened to it. 00:19:36.480 --> 00:19:39.140 Those words of condemnation. 00:19:39.940 --> 00:19:42.799 That's those who have ears to hear 00:19:42.799 --> 00:19:45.860 and come to their knees before God 00:19:45.860 --> 00:19:47.839 and ask him for forgiveness 00:19:47.839 --> 00:19:50.059 and reset their lives 00:19:50.059 --> 00:19:53.440 and hold fast to the gospel moving forward. 00:19:53.440 --> 00:19:56.680 So again, 00:19:56.900 --> 00:19:59.640 what would that look like for us? 00:19:59.680 --> 00:20:02.620 If we go back to those very practical examples, 00:20:03.220 --> 00:20:06.220 is it maybe telling a friend at the end of the service, 00:20:06.440 --> 00:20:07.440 sorry, catch you later. 00:20:07.759 --> 00:20:09.039 There's someone I want to speak to. 00:20:09.120 --> 00:20:09.620 And by the way, 00:20:09.620 --> 00:20:11.779 will you please pray for their salvation? 00:20:11.779 --> 00:20:13.420 And then we go to that person 00:20:13.420 --> 00:20:15.539 and talk about the sermon with them. 00:20:17.139 --> 00:20:18.359 Maybe it's asking people, 00:20:18.599 --> 00:20:19.680 what can I pray for you? 00:20:19.759 --> 00:20:22.259 And then actually pray with them there and then, 00:20:22.500 --> 00:20:24.180 whether that's in the middle of a church hall 00:20:24.180 --> 00:20:24.899 or in a cafe, 00:20:25.299 --> 00:20:26.779 because what do I care what people think? 00:20:26.779 --> 00:20:28.559 We're praying to the God of the universe. 00:20:30.099 --> 00:20:31.639 Maybe it's not joining a ministry 00:20:31.639 --> 00:20:33.059 just to meet people. 00:20:33.180 --> 00:20:36.220 And it's certainly not joining any ministries either. 00:20:36.619 --> 00:20:37.779 But it's prayerfully considering 00:20:37.779 --> 00:20:41.099 where our talents would be best spent 00:20:41.099 --> 00:20:43.359 for the upbuilding of God's church. 00:20:44.399 --> 00:20:45.299 And maybe it's right, 00:20:45.440 --> 00:20:47.399 it certainly is right in that sermon 00:20:47.399 --> 00:20:49.099 so that it conveys God's message 00:20:49.099 --> 00:20:51.660 and not what I would like the passage to say. 00:20:53.099 --> 00:20:56.599 So these are just some very practical ways, 00:20:57.000 --> 00:20:58.079 simple ways in a way 00:20:58.079 --> 00:20:59.740 that holding fast to the gospel 00:20:59.740 --> 00:21:01.339 can look like in real life. 00:21:01.700 --> 00:21:02.960 This is what being victorious, 00:21:03.139 --> 00:21:04.639 what being faithful to Jesus 00:21:04.639 --> 00:21:07.000 will look like in our everyday life. 00:21:07.000 --> 00:21:09.839 But even though these might seem like simple ways, 00:21:09.900 --> 00:21:10.440 they're not easy, 00:21:10.539 --> 00:21:12.660 they're not comfortable most of the time, 00:21:12.940 --> 00:21:14.559 they're not convenient 00:21:14.559 --> 00:21:16.400 from an earthly point of view. 00:21:17.359 --> 00:21:18.380 But it's worth it. 00:21:18.880 --> 00:21:22.279 Because if we live putting the gospel first 00:21:22.279 --> 00:21:23.460 in this way, 00:21:23.880 --> 00:21:25.480 then Jesus promises us 00:21:25.480 --> 00:21:27.980 eternal glory with the Father. 00:21:28.200 --> 00:21:31.480 Nothing less than eternal glory with the Father. 00:21:32.220 --> 00:21:33.640 Let's read verse 5. 00:21:33.640 --> 00:21:38.080 I will never blot out the name of that person 00:21:38.080 --> 00:21:39.280 from the book of life, 00:21:39.580 --> 00:21:41.340 but I will acknowledge that name 00:21:41.340 --> 00:21:43.860 before my Father and his angels. 00:21:44.340 --> 00:21:46.300 What a complete reversal. 00:21:46.720 --> 00:21:48.340 Imagine being the people in Sardis, 00:21:48.540 --> 00:21:50.140 getting this message from Jesus, 00:21:50.840 --> 00:21:52.780 and hear Jesus' words move 00:21:52.780 --> 00:21:54.380 from the stark admonishment, 00:21:54.600 --> 00:21:56.660 from the condemnation at the start of the letter, 00:21:56.900 --> 00:21:58.100 you're dead, wake up, 00:21:58.099 --> 00:22:00.139 all the way to the promise 00:22:00.139 --> 00:22:02.659 of eternal glory with him. 00:22:03.899 --> 00:22:06.480 An eternal glory that is not out of reach. 00:22:06.740 --> 00:22:08.019 It's not out of reach for them. 00:22:08.099 --> 00:22:09.359 It's not out of reach for us. 00:22:09.419 --> 00:22:11.579 It's not out of reach for anyone. 00:22:12.159 --> 00:22:14.240 They all can be victorious 00:22:14.240 --> 00:22:16.859 so long as they're faithful to Jesus. 00:22:18.059 --> 00:22:21.219 This promise here is more than any reward 00:22:21.219 --> 00:22:23.099 that we can imagine. 00:22:23.099 --> 00:22:27.279 It's described in different beautiful ways 00:22:27.279 --> 00:22:28.459 in each letter. 00:22:28.819 --> 00:22:30.740 And I think that here Jesus emphasizes 00:22:30.740 --> 00:22:32.240 its permanence. 00:22:33.039 --> 00:22:35.159 He's saying your name will be on the book of life 00:22:35.159 --> 00:22:38.119 and no one can take someone's name 00:22:38.119 --> 00:22:40.459 off the book of life once it's there. 00:22:40.819 --> 00:22:43.079 And that name will be acknowledged 00:22:43.079 --> 00:22:44.319 before the Father, 00:22:45.279 --> 00:22:46.099 before God, 00:22:46.339 --> 00:22:47.519 and before his angels. 00:22:47.519 --> 00:22:51.940 You know when people call into a talk radio show 00:22:51.940 --> 00:22:53.740 to say happy birthday to their gran 00:22:53.740 --> 00:22:56.420 or to say hi to a friend or someone else? 00:22:57.220 --> 00:22:59.299 Now, I'm not judging if any of you guys 00:22:59.299 --> 00:23:00.319 like to do that, 00:23:00.579 --> 00:23:02.099 but I do have a question for you. 00:23:02.680 --> 00:23:04.740 What if that person is not listening? 00:23:05.559 --> 00:23:05.799 Like, 00:23:06.579 --> 00:23:08.619 I might be mistaken, 00:23:08.740 --> 00:23:09.639 but I think all that happens 00:23:09.639 --> 00:23:10.779 is that a lot of strangers 00:23:10.779 --> 00:23:12.859 will hear some person's name 00:23:12.859 --> 00:23:13.940 that means napping to them. 00:23:14.500 --> 00:23:15.599 That's pretty much it. 00:23:15.599 --> 00:23:17.599 Well, that's not quite the picture 00:23:17.599 --> 00:23:18.719 that we're looking at here. 00:23:19.000 --> 00:23:20.019 Because when someone's name 00:23:20.019 --> 00:23:21.779 is acknowledged before God 00:23:21.779 --> 00:23:23.319 and his angels, 00:23:23.500 --> 00:23:24.519 that's permanent. 00:23:25.139 --> 00:23:26.599 And God will not miss it. 00:23:26.719 --> 00:23:27.639 He will tune in. 00:23:28.279 --> 00:23:30.319 He won't be busy doing something else. 00:23:30.719 --> 00:23:31.759 It's an acknowledgement 00:23:31.759 --> 00:23:33.699 which means eternal glory. 00:23:35.799 --> 00:23:38.939 That is the ultimate reward 00:23:38.939 --> 00:23:40.559 which will expect the Christians 00:23:40.559 --> 00:23:41.779 who trust God, 00:23:42.019 --> 00:23:42.859 not themselves. 00:23:43.480 --> 00:23:45.199 The Christians who put the gospel 00:23:45.200 --> 00:23:45.980 into practice, 00:23:46.299 --> 00:23:47.860 not their own desires. 00:23:49.620 --> 00:23:51.299 And this promise is not just 00:23:51.299 --> 00:23:52.559 for the Christians in Sardis. 00:23:52.779 --> 00:23:54.140 This is the same promise 00:23:54.140 --> 00:23:56.680 that we see throughout the gospel. 00:23:57.240 --> 00:23:58.340 It's for all of us. 00:24:01.160 --> 00:24:02.600 So if any of us are 00:24:02.600 --> 00:24:04.660 hearing about this promise today 00:24:04.660 --> 00:24:06.120 for the first time, 00:24:06.180 --> 00:24:07.160 I really hope 00:24:07.160 --> 00:24:08.539 that we're blown away. 00:24:08.539 --> 00:24:12.159 none of this is out of reach 00:24:12.159 --> 00:24:13.240 for anyone. 00:24:13.759 --> 00:24:15.319 All that Jesus is asking 00:24:15.319 --> 00:24:17.420 is that we walk with him. 00:24:17.680 --> 00:24:19.119 That's what he says in verse 4. 00:24:20.339 --> 00:24:22.039 He's asking that we are faithful. 00:24:24.099 --> 00:24:25.619 Friends, do we understand 00:24:25.619 --> 00:24:27.680 what is at stake here? 00:24:28.159 --> 00:24:29.639 It's our eternal life. 00:24:29.640 --> 00:24:32.020 It's being on the book of life 00:24:32.020 --> 00:24:33.040 on one hand 00:24:33.040 --> 00:24:35.200 and being eternally dead 00:24:35.200 --> 00:24:36.200 on the other hand. 00:24:37.000 --> 00:24:38.440 It's being acknowledged 00:24:38.440 --> 00:24:40.420 before the God of the universe 00:24:40.420 --> 00:24:44.840 versus being rejected by him. 00:24:45.840 --> 00:24:48.759 This is an amazing message of hope. 00:24:49.220 --> 00:24:50.880 But we do need to appreciate 00:24:50.880 --> 00:24:53.240 the urgency that there is to it. 00:24:53.680 --> 00:24:55.360 We need to repent now. 00:24:55.480 --> 00:24:56.140 We need to stop 00:24:56.140 --> 00:24:57.100 soiling our garments. 00:24:57.240 --> 00:24:59.140 We need to stop tolerating sin 00:24:59.140 --> 00:25:01.140 and walk with Jesus. 00:25:03.680 --> 00:25:06.700 And I want to invite us all 00:25:06.700 --> 00:25:08.140 to really not underestimate 00:25:08.140 --> 00:25:10.400 Jesus' warning in verse 3. 00:25:11.320 --> 00:25:12.759 But if you do not wake up, 00:25:12.980 --> 00:25:14.960 I will come like a thief. 00:25:14.960 --> 00:25:19.360 We mustn't think that this warning 00:25:19.360 --> 00:25:21.560 only applies to Sardis. 00:25:22.440 --> 00:25:24.420 This warning is true for all of us 00:25:24.420 --> 00:25:27.539 who are coasting through Christian life. 00:25:28.120 --> 00:25:30.880 God's judgment is to be taken seriously. 00:25:32.019 --> 00:25:35.200 But so is his message of hope and salvation. 00:25:36.180 --> 00:25:37.680 Let's hear the warning. 00:25:37.880 --> 00:25:40.019 Let's let the warning sink in. 00:25:40.220 --> 00:25:41.740 And then let's act on it. 00:25:41.960 --> 00:25:43.060 Let's change course. 00:25:43.200 --> 00:25:44.820 Let's stand firm in the gospel 00:25:44.820 --> 00:25:48.080 and actually live Christian lives 00:25:48.080 --> 00:25:50.820 with all their battles. 00:25:50.820 --> 00:25:51.740 And there's many, 00:25:52.460 --> 00:25:53.600 but it is worth it. 00:25:54.420 --> 00:25:57.080 So as we conclude, 00:25:57.160 --> 00:25:58.000 let me say again, 00:25:58.380 --> 00:26:00.800 I know that this is a challenging message. 00:26:00.800 --> 00:26:02.620 I've been mulling over this passage 00:26:02.620 --> 00:26:03.560 for a while now 00:26:03.560 --> 00:26:06.480 and I'm still finding it challenging 00:26:06.480 --> 00:26:08.380 as I speak about it now. 00:26:08.700 --> 00:26:10.039 It really feels like 00:26:10.039 --> 00:26:12.300 as if the Bible knew our weaknesses. 00:26:12.299 --> 00:26:15.980 It really hits where it hurts. 00:26:16.759 --> 00:26:18.159 It's so easy to identify 00:26:18.159 --> 00:26:20.659 with the struggles of the Christians in Sardis, 00:26:20.759 --> 00:26:23.460 with the temptation to just go with the flow, 00:26:23.579 --> 00:26:24.339 to fall asleep, 00:26:24.440 --> 00:26:26.039 to go through the motions, 00:26:26.039 --> 00:26:28.740 to just do whatever gets us the praise of people. 00:26:28.960 --> 00:26:31.119 We'll deal with God's will later. 00:26:31.220 --> 00:26:31.919 We've got time 00:26:31.919 --> 00:26:34.299 to be the church who looks the part, 00:26:34.379 --> 00:26:36.899 to be the Christians who look the part. 00:26:36.900 --> 00:26:39.040 But we don't know when Jesus is coming. 00:26:40.140 --> 00:26:41.740 And the more we stay asleep, 00:26:42.060 --> 00:26:43.700 the more difficult it will be 00:26:43.700 --> 00:26:45.840 to strengthen what remains. 00:26:47.880 --> 00:26:49.840 And however difficult the message, 00:26:50.240 --> 00:26:52.240 however difficult this exhortation 00:26:52.240 --> 00:26:54.720 to fight our human inclinations, 00:26:55.240 --> 00:26:57.180 the hope in front of us is bigger. 00:26:57.540 --> 00:26:59.780 It's so much bigger. 00:26:59.779 --> 00:27:03.059 No human words will ever convey it fully, 00:27:03.240 --> 00:27:04.180 certainly not mine. 00:27:04.279 --> 00:27:05.599 So can I ask you 00:27:05.599 --> 00:27:08.059 to read through these verses again at home, 00:27:08.200 --> 00:27:10.039 read through the rest of Revelation, 00:27:10.839 --> 00:27:13.879 come to the service tonight about heaven. 00:27:14.619 --> 00:27:15.899 Revelation is some description 00:27:15.899 --> 00:27:17.879 of God's glory, isn't it? 00:27:18.339 --> 00:27:20.099 And the hope that awaits us. 00:27:21.379 --> 00:27:23.859 The one who's holding out his hand 00:27:23.859 --> 00:27:25.859 is the one who also holds 00:27:25.859 --> 00:27:28.619 the seven spirits and the seven stars. 00:27:29.779 --> 00:27:32.420 We have ears to hear. 00:27:34.160 --> 00:27:35.899 So let's not be a church 00:27:35.899 --> 00:27:37.059 who looks the part. 00:27:37.180 --> 00:27:38.299 Let's be Christians 00:27:38.299 --> 00:27:39.819 who walk the walk. 00:27:40.200 --> 00:27:41.319 Let's aim for growth, 00:27:41.639 --> 00:27:43.279 individually and as a congregation. 00:27:43.879 --> 00:27:45.700 Let's strengthen each other 00:27:45.700 --> 00:27:48.039 in our Christian life 00:27:48.039 --> 00:27:50.079 and as we work for the spread 00:27:50.079 --> 00:27:50.740 of the gospel. 00:27:51.379 --> 00:27:52.639 Let's pray to God 00:27:52.639 --> 00:27:54.019 that the Spirit will actually 00:27:54.019 --> 00:27:55.200 soften our hearts 00:27:55.200 --> 00:27:58.720 and give us compassion. 00:27:58.720 --> 00:27:59.519 Give us compassion. 00:27:59.779 --> 00:28:01.079 for the souls. 00:28:02.000 --> 00:28:03.119 Let's be watchful. 00:28:03.240 --> 00:28:04.359 Let's be ready 00:28:04.359 --> 00:28:05.519 for Jesus' coming 00:28:05.519 --> 00:28:06.799 because the joy 00:28:06.799 --> 00:28:07.799 that we shall experience 00:28:07.799 --> 00:28:09.960 at receiving his reward 00:28:09.960 --> 00:28:11.119 will be greater 00:28:11.119 --> 00:28:12.139 than anything 00:28:12.139 --> 00:28:13.139 that anyone 00:28:13.139 --> 00:28:14.839 can imagine. 00:28:15.700 --> 00:28:16.259 Let's pray. 00:28:19.059 --> 00:28:20.099 Father, thank you 00:28:20.099 --> 00:28:21.099 for your word. 00:28:21.099 --> 00:28:21.379 Thank you for your word. 00:28:22.179 --> 00:28:23.379 Thank you because 00:28:23.379 --> 00:28:24.899 we have it. 00:28:25.019 --> 00:28:25.779 Thank you because 00:28:25.779 --> 00:28:27.099 through it 00:28:27.099 --> 00:28:28.019 we can know 00:28:28.019 --> 00:28:29.319 what's expected of us, 00:28:29.439 --> 00:28:29.599 Father, 00:28:29.659 --> 00:28:30.199 what you 00:28:30.199 --> 00:28:32.219 want from us. 00:28:33.079 --> 00:28:34.539 Thank you for all the challenges 00:28:34.539 --> 00:28:35.079 that we 00:28:35.079 --> 00:28:36.299 find in it, 00:28:36.399 --> 00:28:36.559 Father. 00:28:36.639 --> 00:28:37.419 Thank you because 00:28:37.419 --> 00:28:39.759 it encourages us 00:28:39.759 --> 00:28:41.799 to become more like Jesus. 00:28:41.799 --> 00:28:43.960 and thank you, 00:28:44.059 --> 00:28:44.119 Father, 00:28:44.180 --> 00:28:45.139 because we know 00:28:45.139 --> 00:28:46.839 through your word 00:28:46.839 --> 00:28:48.000 that you know us. 00:28:48.079 --> 00:28:49.519 You know us so well 00:28:49.519 --> 00:28:51.019 and because we can find 00:28:51.019 --> 00:28:52.559 so many words in there 00:28:52.559 --> 00:28:53.940 which so clearly 00:28:53.940 --> 00:28:55.720 just speak to our hearts, 00:28:55.859 --> 00:28:57.519 which so clearly knows 00:28:57.519 --> 00:28:58.700 where we're at 00:28:58.700 --> 00:28:59.579 in our lives 00:28:59.579 --> 00:29:00.919 and the context 00:29:00.919 --> 00:29:01.659 that we're in 00:29:01.659 --> 00:29:02.919 and all the challenges 00:29:02.920 --> 00:29:07.160 that are around us, 00:29:07.200 --> 00:29:08.940 all the temptations. 00:29:09.500 --> 00:29:10.100 And thank you, 00:29:10.200 --> 00:29:10.380 Father, 00:29:10.500 --> 00:29:12.700 for all the passages 00:29:12.700 --> 00:29:13.360 in the Bible 00:29:13.360 --> 00:29:14.480 like these letters 00:29:14.480 --> 00:29:15.480 where we can see 00:29:15.480 --> 00:29:17.039 your love 00:29:17.039 --> 00:29:20.279 demonstrated by 00:29:20.279 --> 00:29:21.900 speaking to us, 00:29:21.960 --> 00:29:22.580 talking to us, 00:29:22.700 --> 00:29:26.060 coming and meeting us 00:29:26.060 --> 00:29:27.279 where we are, 00:29:27.440 --> 00:29:27.560 Father, 00:29:27.720 --> 00:29:30.640 to encourage us, 00:29:30.980 --> 00:29:32.660 to spur us on. 00:29:33.640 --> 00:29:35.000 To just change course, 00:29:35.140 --> 00:29:35.279 Father. 00:29:35.360 --> 00:29:37.600 So we confess today, 00:29:39.100 --> 00:29:39.300 Father, 00:29:39.360 --> 00:29:41.100 that we sin 00:29:41.100 --> 00:29:42.860 in many of the ways 00:29:42.860 --> 00:29:45.160 that Sardis did as well, 00:29:45.259 --> 00:29:45.480 Father. 00:29:45.640 --> 00:29:46.300 I would just ask 00:29:46.300 --> 00:29:48.620 for your help, 00:29:48.700 --> 00:29:49.440 for your spirit 00:29:49.440 --> 00:29:51.039 to work in our 00:29:51.039 --> 00:29:52.580 personal lives 00:29:52.580 --> 00:29:54.180 and in us as a church, 00:29:54.259 --> 00:29:54.860 as a congregation, 00:29:55.220 --> 00:29:55.420 Father, 00:29:55.880 --> 00:29:56.680 so that we can be 00:29:56.680 --> 00:29:57.560 Christians who walk 00:29:57.560 --> 00:29:58.039 the walk, 00:29:58.560 --> 00:29:59.460 Christians who will be 00:29:59.460 --> 00:30:00.240 pleasing to you, 00:30:00.300 --> 00:30:01.120 Christians who work 00:30:01.120 --> 00:30:02.860 for the advancement 00:30:02.859 --> 00:30:04.459 of the kingdom 00:30:04.459 --> 00:30:04.979 of God, 00:30:05.079 --> 00:30:05.319 Father. 00:30:08.099 --> 00:30:09.199 Thank you because 00:30:09.199 --> 00:30:10.879 we can have this 00:30:10.879 --> 00:30:11.859 relationship with you 00:30:11.859 --> 00:30:13.479 through Jesus' death 00:30:13.479 --> 00:30:14.039 and resurrection, 00:30:14.379 --> 00:30:14.579 Father, 00:30:14.659 --> 00:30:15.879 where we can come to you 00:30:15.879 --> 00:30:17.039 and just repent, 00:30:17.240 --> 00:30:18.439 confess our sins 00:30:18.440 --> 00:30:22.080 and then move forward. 00:30:23.340 --> 00:30:23.480 So, 00:30:23.600 --> 00:30:23.620 Father, 00:30:23.700 --> 00:30:24.420 we really pray 00:30:24.420 --> 00:30:25.400 that what we've heard 00:30:25.400 --> 00:30:26.960 tonight will have 00:30:26.960 --> 00:30:28.180 an impact on our lives 00:30:28.180 --> 00:30:29.059 starting today, 00:30:29.220 --> 00:30:29.440 Father, 00:30:30.120 --> 00:30:31.960 that we will work 00:30:31.960 --> 00:30:32.700 on those aspects 00:30:32.700 --> 00:30:33.460 in our lives 00:30:33.460 --> 00:30:34.140 where we need 00:30:34.140 --> 00:30:34.980 to change, 00:30:35.039 --> 00:30:35.500 where we need 00:30:35.500 --> 00:30:36.620 to improve. 00:30:37.940 --> 00:30:38.400 Father, 00:30:38.480 --> 00:30:39.559 we pray all of this 00:30:39.559 --> 00:30:40.440 in Jesus' name. 00:30:40.980 --> 00:30:41.200 Amen. 00:30:41.200 --> 00:30:41.640 to hear. 00:30:44.700 --> 00:30:45.000 Amen. 00:30:49.000 --> 00:30:49.100 Amen. 00:30:53.380 --> 00:30:53.539 Amen. 00:30:53.600 --> 00:30:53.620 Amen. 00:30:53.620 --> 00:30:53.640 Amen. 00:30:53.640 --> 00:30:54.100 Amen. 00:30:54.220 --> 00:30:54.299 Amen. 00:30:54.299 --> 00:30:54.640 Amen. 00:30:54.640 --> 00:30:55.120 Amen. 00:30:55.120 --> 00:30:55.299 Amen. 00:30:55.299 --> 00:30:55.380 Amen. 00:30:55.380 --> 00:30:56.480 Amen. 00:30:56.480 --> 00:30:59.539 Amen. 00:30:59.539 --> 00:31:00.420 Amen. 00:31:00.420 --> 00:31:00.440 Amen. 00:31:00.440 --> 00:31:01.059 Amen. 00:31:01.059 --> 00:31:02.360 Amen. 00:31:02.360 --> 00:31:02.420 Amen. 00:31:02.420 --> 00:31:02.880 Amen. 00:31:02.880 --> 00:31:04.059 Amen. 00:31:04.120 --> 00:31:04.240 Amen. 00:31:04.240 --> 00:31:04.440 Amen. 00:31:04.440 --> 00:31:04.860 Amen. 00:31:04.880 --> 00:31:05.000 Amen. 00:31:05.000 --> 00:31:05.580 Amen. 00:31:05.580 --> 00:31:05.960 Amen. 00:31:05.960 --> 00:31:06.000 Amen. 00:31:06.000 --> 00:31:06.080 Amen. 00:31:06.080 --> 00:31:07.120 Amen. 00:31:07.120 --> 00:31:07.480 Amen. 00:31:07.480 --> 00:31:07.920 Amen. 00:31:07.920 --> 00:31:08.480 Amen. 00:31:08.480 --> 00:31:08.539 Amen. 00:31:08.539 --> 00:31:08.980 Amen. 00:31:08.980 --> 00:31:09.019 Amen. 00:31:09.039 --> 00:31:09.539 Amen. 00:31:09.539 --> 00:31:10.559 Amen.