Making a Comeback: Wake Up

March 9, 2025: “Making a Comeback: Wake Up!”

Countdown:
“The Blessing”

Call To Worship:
“House Of The Lord”

Words from the Word: (NKJV):
Proverbs 6:6-11

Worship In Song:
“Fresh Wind”
“Here As In Heaven”

Message: “Making a Comeback: Wake Up!”
Revelation 3:1-6 (NKJV)
What Was the Significance of the City of Sardis?
Sardis was an ancient city.
Sardis was referred to as the “Impregnable City.”
Sardis enjoyed a super wealthy economy.
Sardis’s fortification and wealth fueled them into a state of false security.
How Did Jesus Introduce Himself to the Church in Sardis?
Revelation 3:1 (NKJV)
Colossians 1:15-20 (NKJV)
What Did Jesus See in the Church in Sardis that Was Wrong?
Revelation 3:1 (NKJV)
Signs of a dying church…
9 Factors That Contributes to the Church’s Death
The past becomes more important than the present.
Keeping a good reputation matters more than being a bold witness for Christ.
Religious ritual becomes an end in itself.
Tradition stifles every attempt at innovation.
Church activity substitutes for a growing walk with God.
Talking about Christ matters more than knowing Christ.
Appearance matters more than reality.
Messages from the pulpit are more human-centered than truth centered.
Repentance is no longer encouraged as a necessary step towards salvation.

What Was Jesus’ Solution for the Church in Sardis’s Spiritual Problem?
Be Watchful
We Are to Be Constantly Watchful
Romans 13:11 (NKJV)
1 Corinthians 16:13 (NKJV)
We Are to Be Watchful Against the Works of the Devil.
1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)
We Are to Be Watchful Against Temptation.
Matthew 26:41 (NKJV)
We Are to Be Watchful for the Coming of the Lord.
Matthew 24:42-43 (NKJV)
Strengthen What Little You Have Left.
Remember
Hold Fast
Repent
What Would Happen If the Church in Sardis Didn’t Repent?
“Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.”
What Was the Glimmer of Hope Jesus Saw Within This Dead Church?
Revelation 3:4-5 (NKJV)
Jesus Promised Them White Garments.
In the ancient world white robes represented celebration.
In the ancient world white robes stood for victory.
Revelation 7-9-10 (NKJV)
In almost every time and place, the color white has been associated with purity.
White Robes Stand for Resurrection Bodies.
Revelation 19:11-16 (NKJV)
Jesus Promised that Our Names Will Not Be Erased from the Book of Life.
Jesus Promised that He Would Confess Our Name Before the Father and Heavenly Hosts.
Mark 8:34-38 (NKJV)
Revelation 3:6 (NKJV)

Response in Song:
“Just As I Am”

(Scriptures and points by Pastor Elvin Butts)