(Taken from a talk on 13/5/18 based on Revelation 3: 1-6: The church at Sardis)

The western church initiated the Reformation, Evangelical Awakening, Missionary Movement and Charismatic Revival. It has a reputation for being alive … but not necessarily in heaven.

One of the characteristics of the modern western church is prayerlessness, together with a lack of concern for the people who face eternal condemnation. Official prayer meetings tend to attract about 10% of the members, regardless of whether the church is traditional or ‘lively’. Many people who claim to be Christians spend more time in front of the TV than before the throne of God.

Jesus challenges the church at Sardis to wake up and attend to the qualities which remain because they are ready to die. Moreover they have not even realised this. Yet if they had looked back they would have seen how their commitment to the Lord now compares to their commitment many years ago.

In Ghana attendance at prayer meetings averages 80-90%. No wonder they are experiencing God’s blessings while the western church is in danger of annihilation. (If you argue that this could not happen, remember that all of the churches addressed in Revelation were located in what is now Turkey).

Jesus states that this warning is not for everyone, there are some who love Him and live for His glory. However He warns of names being blotted out of the Book of Life. 

There are many scriptures which assure us of eternal security but the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13) warns that not everyone who claims to be a Christian really is a disciple of Jesus. Only those who follow through and eventually, with perseverance, bear fruit can expect to have their names in the Book. These will have the honour of Jesus presenting them to Father on the last day. Others will hear: ‘You wicked and lazy servant’ (Matthew 25).

Which do you want? Your reputation here may be accurate but it is the reputation in heaven which matters.