Courage When You Feel Alone | Julie Jin Message

Let's imagine together that it's Let's imagine together that it's Saturday morning. Saturday morning. Saturday morning. You've been waiting You've been waiting You've been waiting all week to be able to sleep in when all week to be able to sleep in when all week to be able to sleep in when suddenly you are jarred awake by the suddenly you are jarred awake by the suddenly you are jarred awake by the sound of someone knocking at your door. sound of someone knocking at your door. sound of someone knocking at your door. Still half asleep, you manage to make Still half asleep, you manage to make Still half asleep, you manage to make your way to the door and discover that your way to the door and discover that your way to the door and discover that it's a film crew from the Oprah Winfrey it's a film crew from the Oprah Winfrey it's a film crew from the Oprah Winfrey Show. Show. Show. They're to offer you a d- opportunity to They're to offer you a d- opportunity to They're to offer you a d- opportunity to have them come in and declutter and have them come in and declutter and have them come in and declutter and organize your house. The only catch is organize your house. The only catch is organize your house. The only catch is that they are going to film the whole that they are going to film the whole that they are going to film the whole thing and then air on national TV the thing and then air on national TV the thing and then air on national TV the before and after. before and after. before and after. Do you say yes? Do you say yes? Do you say yes? Anyone? Anyone? Anyone? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes? Who says no? >> Yes? Who says no? >> Yes? Who says no? Maybe some of us? I would say no. Maybe some of us? I would say no. Maybe some of us? I would say no. Probably depends on the level of mess Probably depends on the level of mess Probably depends on the level of mess you are comfortable with sharing with you are comfortable with sharing with you are comfortable with sharing with the whole nation, right? Well, on 2000 the whole nation, right? Well, on 2000 the whole nation, right? Well, on 2000 in 2008, Oprah Winfrey actually had an in 2008, Oprah Winfrey actually had an in 2008, Oprah Winfrey actually had an episode called clean up your messy house episode called clean up your messy house episode called clean up your messy house tour where her crew went to strangers, tour where her crew went to strangers, tour where her crew went to strangers, knocked on the door, and asked if they knocked on the door, and asked if they knocked on the door, and asked if they would like this kind of ambush would like this kind of ambush would like this kind of ambush decluttering service. Some said yes and decluttering service. Some said yes and decluttering service. Some said yes and plenty said no.

plenty said no. plenty said no. Because I think as human beings, we Because I think as human beings, we Because I think as human beings, we probably do want to curate a little bit probably do want to curate a little bit probably do want to curate a little bit the what parts of our lives the what parts of our lives the what parts of our lives the whole nation gets to see. the whole nation gets to see. the whole nation gets to see. Eugene Peterson in his book called Eugene Peterson in his book called Eugene Peterson in his book called Reversed Thunder had this to say about Reversed Thunder had this to say about Reversed Thunder had this to say about the church. He says, the church. He says, the church. He says, "Churches are not Victorian "Churches are not Victorian "Churches are not Victorian parlors where everything is always parlors where everything is always parlors where everything is always picked up and ready for guests. Instead, picked up and ready for guests. Instead, picked up and ready for guests. Instead, they are messy family rooms." they are messy family rooms." they are messy family rooms." And this is exactly what Revelation And this is exactly what Revelation And this is exactly what Revelation chapter 2 and 3 will feel like. chapter 2 and 3 will feel like. chapter 2 and 3 will feel like. Because these Because these Because these uh these chapters often referred to as uh these chapters often referred to as uh these chapters often referred to as letters to the seven churches will feel letters to the seven churches will feel letters to the seven churches will feel like the church's messiness is on full like the church's messiness is on full like the church's messiness is on full display for everyone to see. display for everyone to see. display for everyone to see. Now, due to the length of these Now, due to the length of these Now, due to the length of these chapters, we're not going to be able to chapters, we're not going to be able to chapters, we're not going to be able to read the whole uh the full length of the read the whole uh the full length of the read the whole uh the full length of the passages together this morning, but what passages together this morning, but what passages together this morning, but what we will be able to do is to highlight we will be able to do is to highlight we will be able to do is to highlight some of the common themes that we find some of the common themes that we find some of the common themes that we find in the letters, which I think will be in the letters, which I think will be in the letters, which I think will be helpful to you as you dive deeper in the helpful to you as you dive deeper in the helpful to you as you dive deeper in the text for yourselves this coming week.

text for yourselves this coming week. text for yourselves this coming week. But before we continue, let's review the But before we continue, let's review the But before we continue, let's review the framework for reading the book of framework for reading the book of framework for reading the book of Revelation that Pastor Shawn set up for Revelation that Pastor Shawn set up for Revelation that Pastor Shawn set up for us last Sunday. Let's see um how much of us last Sunday. Let's see um how much of us last Sunday. Let's see um how much of it we remember to uh remember together. it we remember to uh remember together. it we remember to uh remember together. First of all, Revelation is First of all, Revelation is First of all, Revelation is an unveiling. Very good. It reveals what an unveiling. Very good. It reveals what an unveiling. Very good. It reveals what is to take place. Second, Revelation is is to take place. Second, Revelation is is to take place. Second, Revelation is all about all about all about Jesus. Very good. Jesus who is our high Jesus. Very good. Jesus who is our high Jesus. Very good. Jesus who is our high priest who walks with us, the lamb who priest who walks with us, the lamb who priest who walks with us, the lamb who died for us, the king who returns for died for us, the king who returns for died for us, the king who returns for us. Thirdly, Revelation should us. Thirdly, Revelation should us. Thirdly, Revelation should bless us more than frighten us. Very bless us more than frighten us. Very bless us more than frighten us. Very good. And lastly, Revelation was not good. And lastly, Revelation was not good. And lastly, Revelation was not written to us, but it is written written to us, but it is written written to us, but it is written for us. Very, very good. And as we for us. Very, very good. And as we for us. Very, very good. And as we explore Revelation 2 and 3, I would love explore Revelation 2 and 3, I would love explore Revelation 2 and 3, I would love for us to not only keep this framework for us to not only keep this framework for us to not only keep this framework in mind, but also the image of Jesus as in mind, but also the image of Jesus as in mind, but also the image of Jesus as our high priest, the one who is a bridge our high priest, the one who is a bridge our high priest, the one who is a bridge builder between us and God, who speaks builder between us and God, who speaks builder between us and God, who speaks not only with authority, but with love not only with authority, but with love not only with authority, but with love and warmth. I think that'll be very and warmth. I think that'll be very and warmth. I think that'll be very helpful to us as we read these as we helpful to us as we read these as we helpful to us as we read these as we explore chapters 2 and 3 together.

explore chapters 2 and 3 together. explore chapters 2 and 3 together. Now, let me provide some context before Now, let me provide some context before Now, let me provide some context before we begin. we begin. we begin. The seven churches were real churches in The seven churches were real churches in The seven churches were real churches in real cities. Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, real cities. Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, real cities. Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thya- Thya- Thya- Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. And these churches were Laodicea. And these churches were Laodicea. And these churches were located along what was called a located along what was called a located along what was called a closed-loop Roman postal route. And it closed-loop Roman postal route. And it closed-loop Roman postal route. And it was in the province of Asia, modern-day was in the province of Asia, modern-day was in the province of Asia, modern-day West- Western Turkey. And what that West- Western Turkey. And what that West- Western Turkey. And what that meant was that a single messenger would meant was that a single messenger would meant was that a single messenger would take all seven letters and read them take all seven letters and read them take all seven letters and read them aloud at each stop. aloud at each stop. aloud at each stop. Which also meant then that every church Which also meant then that every church Which also meant then that every church would hear all the other churches' would hear all the other churches' would hear all the other churches' business. Talk about an unveiling. business. Talk about an unveiling. business. Talk about an unveiling. And something else important to note is And something else important to note is And something else important to note is that these letters were written to a that these letters were written to a that these letters were written to a congregation of people congregation of people congregation of people who were struggling. who were struggling. who were struggling. They were struggling in a Roman Empire They were struggling in a Roman Empire They were struggling in a Roman Empire that was becoming increasingly hostile that was becoming increasingly hostile that was becoming increasingly hostile to anyone who didn't recognize Caesar as to anyone who didn't recognize Caesar as to anyone who didn't recognize Caesar as Lord.

Lord. Lord. These are some of the most personal These are some of the most personal These are some of the most personal letters that we find in the New letters that we find in the New letters that we find in the New Testament. And I think they have Testament. And I think they have Testament. And I think they have something very profound and urgent to something very profound and urgent to something very profound and urgent to share with us today. The first of which share with us today. The first of which share with us today. The first of which is that Jesus knows you. Jesus knows is that Jesus knows you. Jesus knows is that Jesus knows you. Jesus knows you. you. you. As you look at these letters, the first As you look at these letters, the first As you look at these letters, the first thing that you'll find is that every thing that you'll find is that every thing that you'll find is that every single letter starts the same way, with single letter starts the same way, with single letter starts the same way, with Jesus saying, "I know." Jesus saying, "I know." Jesus saying, "I know." Let's look at them together. Let's look at them together. Let's look at them together. Ephesus. Jesus says, "I know your deeds, Ephesus. Jesus says, "I know your deeds, Ephesus. Jesus says, "I know your deeds, your hard work, and your perseverance." your hard work, and your perseverance." your hard work, and your perseverance." Smyrna. "I know your afflictions and Smyrna. "I know your afflictions and Smyrna. "I know your afflictions and poverty." poverty." poverty." Pergamum. "I know where you live." Pergamum. "I know where you live." Pergamum. "I know where you live." Thyatira. "I know your love and faith, Thyatira. "I know your love and faith, Thyatira. "I know your love and faith, your service and perseverance. your service and perseverance. your service and perseverance. Sardis, I know your reputation. Sardis, I know your reputation. Sardis, I know your reputation. Philadelphia, I know you have little Philadelphia, I know you have little Philadelphia, I know you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and strength, yet you have kept my word and strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

have not denied my name. have not denied my name. Laodicea, I know you are neither hot nor Laodicea, I know you are neither hot nor Laodicea, I know you are neither hot nor cold. cold. cold. Now, the words I know can land a very Now, the words I know can land a very Now, the words I know can land a very differently depending on how you hear differently depending on how you hear differently depending on how you hear them. them. them. One way to read I know is to read it One way to read I know is to read it One way to read I know is to read it like a supervisor reviewing someone's like a supervisor reviewing someone's like a supervisor reviewing someone's poor performance. Cold, clinical, like poor performance. Cold, clinical, like poor performance. Cold, clinical, like as if God is checking on how we're as if God is checking on how we're as if God is checking on how we're measuring up or maybe not measuring up measuring up or maybe not measuring up measuring up or maybe not measuring up so well. so well. so well. But that's not what this is. But that's not what this is. But that's not what this is. The Greek word used here for I know is The Greek word used here for I know is The Greek word used here for I know is oida, and it carries with it the weight oida, and it carries with it the weight oida, and it carries with it the weight of intimate personal knowledge. It's of intimate personal knowledge. It's of intimate personal knowledge. It's the kind of word you use when you say the kind of word you use when you say the kind of word you use when you say that you know someone you love. It that you know someone you love. It that you know someone you love. It carries with it the knowledge of carries with it the knowledge of carries with it the knowledge of friendship. friendship. friendship. And here's why it matters. And here's why it matters. And here's why it matters. It matters because many of these It matters because many of these It matters because many of these churches were suffering. churches were suffering. churches were suffering. Smyrna, for example, was one of the Smyrna, for example, was one of the Smyrna, for example, was one of the churches that Jesus writes to, and the churches that Jesus writes to, and the churches that Jesus writes to, and the people there, the Christians, were being people there, the Christians, were being people there, the Christians, were being thrown into prison. And they were thrown into prison. And they were thrown into prison. And they were experiencing what the letter calls experiencing what the letter calls experiencing what the letter calls afflictions and poverty.

afflictions and poverty. afflictions and poverty. In the Roman world, commerce was In the Roman world, commerce was In the Roman world, commerce was structured around a trade guild system. structured around a trade guild system. structured around a trade guild system. Think of it like as if a labor union, Think of it like as if a labor union, Think of it like as if a labor union, but you all have a patron god. And so, but you all have a patron god. And so, but you all have a patron god. And so, if you weren't willing to participate in if you weren't willing to participate in if you weren't willing to participate in ceremonies that honor the patron deity ceremonies that honor the patron deity ceremonies that honor the patron deity of your trade, you effectively weren't of your trade, you effectively weren't of your trade, you effectively weren't able to work. No trade, no income, no able to work. No trade, no income, no able to work. No trade, no income, no financial security. financial security. financial security. For the Christians of Smyrna, their For the Christians of Smyrna, their For the Christians of Smyrna, their livelihood livelihood livelihood uh, was was very impacted for by uh, was was very impacted for by uh, was was very impacted for by forsaking other gods and following forsaking other gods and following forsaking other gods and following Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. It was a big cost to them. It was a big cost to them. It was a big cost to them. And that's why Jesus says this to them And that's why Jesus says this to them And that's why Jesus says this to them in Revelation 2:9. in Revelation 2:9. in Revelation 2:9. He says, "I know your afflictions and He says, "I know your afflictions and He says, "I know your afflictions and your poverty, yet you are rich." your poverty, yet you are rich." your poverty, yet you are rich." Why does Jesus say that? Why does he say Why does Jesus say that? Why does he say Why does Jesus say that? Why does he say that they are rich? that they are rich? that they are rich? Well, while the world often measures us Well, while the world often measures us Well, while the world often measures us by what we have or don't have, Jesus has by what we have or don't have, Jesus has by what we have or don't have, Jesus has a different measuring system, doesn't a different measuring system, doesn't a different measuring system, doesn't he?

he? he? To Jesus, these people in Smyrna To Jesus, these people in Smyrna To Jesus, these people in Smyrna were financially poor, but spiritually were financially poor, but spiritually were financially poor, but spiritually rich. They were holding something that rich. They were holding something that rich. They were holding something that the Roman Empire could not get to at the Roman Empire could not get to at the Roman Empire could not get to at all. all. all. Discipleship costs us something. Discipleship costs us something. Discipleship costs us something. And for many of us sitting here today, And for many of us sitting here today, And for many of us sitting here today, our decision to follow Jesus may not our decision to follow Jesus may not our decision to follow Jesus may not have resulted in us not being able to have resulted in us not being able to have resulted in us not being able to work or work or work or being persecuted to the point of death, being persecuted to the point of death, being persecuted to the point of death, but we have probably experienced our own but we have probably experienced our own but we have probably experienced our own version of affliction and poverty. version of affliction and poverty. version of affliction and poverty. Things that have cost us. Perhaps the Things that have cost us. Perhaps the Things that have cost us. Perhaps the cost of cost of cost of the inner cost of faithfulness the inner cost of faithfulness the inner cost of faithfulness in following God in a world that has in following God in a world that has in following God in a world that has forgotten and stopped noticing. forgotten and stopped noticing. forgotten and stopped noticing. Maybe the cost to your professional Maybe the cost to your professional Maybe the cost to your professional reputation when people find out that you reputation when people find out that you reputation when people find out that you believe in Jesus and actually believe believe in Jesus and actually believe believe in Jesus and actually believe what the Bible has to say. what the Bible has to say. what the Bible has to say. Maybe some of us have experienced the Maybe some of us have experienced the Maybe some of us have experienced the social cost of obedience to Christ that social cost of obedience to Christ that social cost of obedience to Christ that has complicated our relationships with has complicated our relationships with has complicated our relationships with people that we love, maybe even family people that we love, maybe even family people that we love, maybe even family members.

members. members. And Jesus, he sees all of it and knows And Jesus, he sees all of it and knows And Jesus, he sees all of it and knows exactly where you are at. exactly where you are at. exactly where you are at. He sees not the polished LinkedIn He sees not the polished LinkedIn He sees not the polished LinkedIn version of ourselves that we often version of ourselves that we often version of ourselves that we often present maybe to the world, but the real present maybe to the world, but the real present maybe to the world, but the real version, the version where you maybe version, the version where you maybe version, the version where you maybe driving home after a long day wondering driving home after a long day wondering driving home after a long day wondering why doing the right thing often leaves why doing the right thing often leaves why doing the right thing often leaves you feeling alone. you feeling alone. you feeling alone. Jesus sees what nobody applauds. Jesus sees what nobody applauds. Jesus sees what nobody applauds. And holding us close in a loving And holding us close in a loving And holding us close in a loving embrace, he says, embrace, he says, embrace, he says, "I know." "I know." "I know." And those two words in the mouth of And those two words in the mouth of And those two words in the mouth of Jesus is deep companionship for us. Jesus is deep companionship for us. Jesus is deep companionship for us. Something else that these letters tell Something else that these letters tell Something else that these letters tell us is that Jesus cares for you. Jesus us is that Jesus cares for you. Jesus us is that Jesus cares for you. Jesus cares for you, and he cares for you more cares for you, and he cares for you more cares for you, and he cares for you more than you could you could ever know. And than you could you could ever know. And than you could you could ever know. And because he cares and wants the very best because he cares and wants the very best because he cares and wants the very best for you, he's willing to name some of for you, he's willing to name some of for you, he's willing to name some of the unhealth that we may have in our the unhealth that we may have in our the unhealth that we may have in our lives. Like a parent who re- corrects lives. Like a parent who re- corrects lives. Like a parent who re- corrects their child when they see their children their child when they see their children their child when they see their children making decisions that will steer them in making decisions that will steer them in making decisions that will steer them in a direction that is unhealthy, Jesus is a direction that is unhealthy, Jesus is a direction that is unhealthy, Jesus is willing to name the things that are willing to name the things that are willing to name the things that are unhealthy in our lives.

unhealthy in our lives. unhealthy in our lives. For five of these churches, Jesus calls For five of these churches, Jesus calls For five of these churches, Jesus calls out some unhealthy habits that they've out some unhealthy habits that they've out some unhealthy habits that they've developed, and it's really important for developed, and it's really important for developed, and it's really important for us to take note because when we are not us to take note because when we are not us to take note because when we are not actively trying to reflect Jesus, actively trying to reflect Jesus, actively trying to reflect Jesus, we inadvertently uh we inadvertently uh we inadvertently uh end up reflecting the values of the end up reflecting the values of the end up reflecting the values of the culture around us. culture around us. culture around us. So, let's look at some of them together. So, let's look at some of them together. So, let's look at some of them together. Jesus says to the church in Ephesus in Jesus says to the church in Ephesus in Jesus says to the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2:4-5, Revelation 2:4-5, Revelation 2:4-5, "Yet I hold this against you. You have "Yet I hold this against you. You have "Yet I hold this against you. You have forsaken the love you had at first. forsaken the love you had at first. forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen. Repent Consider how far you have fallen. Repent Consider how far you have fallen. Repent and do the things you did at first." and do the things you did at first." and do the things you did at first." Ephesus was doing everything right on Ephesus was doing everything right on Ephesus was doing everything right on paper. They were doctrinally sound, paper. They were doctrinally sound, paper. They were doctrinally sound, hardworking, not tolerating false hardworking, not tolerating false hardworking, not tolerating false teachings. teachings. teachings. By every external measure, By every external measure, By every external measure, they were a healthy healthy church. But they were a healthy healthy church. But they were a healthy healthy church. But Jesus looked at all of this and said, Jesus looked at all of this and said, Jesus looked at all of this and said, "Something is missing."

"Something is missing." "Something is missing." He saw that the love that used to fuel He saw that the love that used to fuel He saw that the love that used to fuel all of this health had quietly just all of this health had quietly just all of this health had quietly just become obligation. become obligation. become obligation. Some of us here today, like Ephesus, Some of us here today, like Ephesus, Some of us here today, like Ephesus, have maybe first lost have lost our have maybe first lost have lost our have maybe first lost have lost our first love. Maybe we still show up, we first love. Maybe we still show up, we first love. Maybe we still show up, we serve, we check all the boxes of what it serve, we check all the boxes of what it serve, we check all the boxes of what it looks like to be a faithful Christian, looks like to be a faithful Christian, looks like to be a faithful Christian, but all the while some somewhere along but all the while some somewhere along but all the while some somewhere along the way, the why in our hearts got lost. the way, the why in our hearts got lost. the way, the why in our hearts got lost. Our relationship with Jesus is Our relationship with Jesus is Our relationship with Jesus is technically intact, but the warmth isn't technically intact, but the warmth isn't technically intact, but the warmth isn't there anymore. there anymore. there anymore. Losing our first love doesn't happen Losing our first love doesn't happen Losing our first love doesn't happen overnight, does it? It happens through overnight, does it? It happens through overnight, does it? It happens through thousands of little substitutions that thousands of little substitutions that thousands of little substitutions that take place. take place. take place. Busyness for intimacy. Busyness for intimacy. Busyness for intimacy. Activity for affection. Activity for affection. Activity for affection. Knowing about Jesus over Knowing about Jesus over Knowing about Jesus over actually being with him.

actually being with him. actually being with him. And if we lose our love for Christ, it And if we lose our love for Christ, it And if we lose our love for Christ, it actually makes it impossible for us to actually makes it impossible for us to actually makes it impossible for us to love each other. love each other. love each other. A church where love ceases can no longer A church where love ceases can no longer A church where love ceases can no longer function effectively as a local function effectively as a local function effectively as a local expression of Jesus. expression of Jesus. expression of Jesus. The invitation here is not to guilt. The invitation here is not to guilt. The invitation here is not to guilt. The invitation is to remember, to be The invitation is to remember, to be The invitation is to remember, to be reminded of the things that we used to reminded of the things that we used to reminded of the things that we used to do at first. Because first love is not a do at first. Because first love is not a do at first. Because first love is not a manufactured feeling. It's a return to a manufactured feeling. It's a return to a manufactured feeling. It's a return to a relationship that we had. relationship that we had. relationship that we had. Maybe for some of us we have fallen Maybe for some of us we have fallen Maybe for some of us we have fallen asleep spiritually, like the church of asleep spiritually, like the church of asleep spiritually, like the church of Sardis. Sardis. Sardis. In Revelation 3:2, Jesus says to Sardis, In Revelation 3:2, Jesus says to Sardis, In Revelation 3:2, Jesus says to Sardis, "Wake up. Strengthen what remains and is "Wake up. Strengthen what remains and is "Wake up. Strengthen what remains and is about to die. about to die. about to die. For I have found your deeds unfinished For I have found your deeds unfinished For I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God." in the sight of my God." in the sight of my God." Sardis also had a reputation as much Sardis also had a reputation as much Sardis also had a reputation as much like Ephesus as a thriving church on the like Ephesus as a thriving church on the like Ephesus as a thriving church on the outside.

outside. outside. But Jesus pulls back the curtain to show But Jesus pulls back the curtain to show But Jesus pulls back the curtain to show that what looks alive is actually just that what looks alive is actually just that what looks alive is actually just momentum. The engine is running, but no momentum. The engine is running, but no momentum. The engine is running, but no one is steering. And Sardis was a city one is steering. And Sardis was a city one is steering. And Sardis was a city that had never been taken over by that had never been taken over by that had never been taken over by conventional war, but they had twice conventional war, but they had twice conventional war, but they had twice been unexpectedly conquered because they been unexpectedly conquered because they been unexpectedly conquered because they failed to keep proper watch. So when failed to keep proper watch. So when failed to keep proper watch. So when Jesus says to them, "Wake up," they know Jesus says to them, "Wake up," they know Jesus says to them, "Wake up," they know that Jesus is talking to them about that Jesus is talking to them about that Jesus is talking to them about staying vigilant. staying vigilant. staying vigilant. Maybe some of us are in the same boat as Maybe some of us are in the same boat as Maybe some of us are in the same boat as Sardis. Sardis. Sardis. Maybe Maybe Maybe we look like we are going through the we look like we are going through the we look like we are going through the motions and we look like we're good on motions and we look like we're good on motions and we look like we're good on the outside, that our relationship with the outside, that our relationship with the outside, that our relationship with Jesus is strong and going well and Jesus is strong and going well and Jesus is strong and going well and alive. But maybe our prayers just feel alive. But maybe our prayers just feel alive. But maybe our prayers just feel like going through the motions. Maybe like going through the motions. Maybe like going through the motions. Maybe when we come to Sunday, it just when we come to Sunday, it just when we come to Sunday, it just doesn't feel like homecoming anymore, doesn't feel like homecoming anymore, doesn't feel like homecoming anymore, but just something we do out of habit. but just something we do out of habit. but just something we do out of habit. We're coasting in our spiritual walk.

We're coasting in our spiritual walk. We're coasting in our spiritual walk. And for Sardis, And for Sardis, And for Sardis, their issue was not a moral failure. It their issue was not a moral failure. It their issue was not a moral failure. It was that they were sleepwalking through was that they were sleepwalking through was that they were sleepwalking through their faith. And that's true of us their faith. And that's true of us their faith. And that's true of us today, too. We can sleepwalk through our today, too. We can sleepwalk through our today, too. We can sleepwalk through our life. We can sleepwalk through our life. We can sleepwalk through our life. We can sleepwalk through our faith, can't we? faith, can't we? faith, can't we? Another church to look at is Laodicea. Another church to look at is Laodicea. Another church to look at is Laodicea. Now, Laodicea was among the cities one Now, Laodicea was among the cities one Now, Laodicea was among the cities one of the wealthiest and most advanced. of the wealthiest and most advanced. of the wealthiest and most advanced. They had a banking establishment, a They had a banking establishment, a They had a banking establishment, a renowned medical school, and a robust renowned medical school, and a robust renowned medical school, and a robust textile industry. textile industry. textile industry. And in contrast to to Smyrna, where And in contrast to to Smyrna, where And in contrast to to Smyrna, where Jesus says to Smyrna, you are Jesus says to Smyrna, you are Jesus says to Smyrna, you are financially poor but spiritually rich, financially poor but spiritually rich, financially poor but spiritually rich, Jesus says to Laodicea, Jesus says to Laodicea, Jesus says to Laodicea, you are financially rich but spiritually you are financially rich but spiritually you are financially rich but spiritually poor. poor. poor. Let's look at Revelation 3:17. Let's look at Revelation 3:17. Let's look at Revelation 3:17. Jesus says, "You say I am rich. I have Jesus says, "You say I am rich. I have Jesus says, "You say I am rich. I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.

acquired wealth and do not need a thing. acquired wealth and do not need a thing. But you do not realize you are wretched, But you do not realize you are wretched, But you do not realize you are wretched, pitiful, pitiful, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked." poor, blind, and naked." poor, blind, and naked." Laodicea's wealth has shown in the Laodicea's wealth has shown in the Laodicea's wealth has shown in the church in the way that they have now church in the way that they have now church in the way that they have now become so prideful and so reliant on become so prideful and so reliant on become so prideful and so reliant on their physical their physical their physical abundance that they've become abundance that they've become abundance that they've become self-reliant and have stopped relying on self-reliant and have stopped relying on self-reliant and have stopped relying on God. God. God. That's why Jesus says to them in That's why Jesus says to them in That's why Jesus says to them in Revelation 3:15 and 16, "I know your Revelation 3:15 and 16, "I know your Revelation 3:15 and 16, "I know your deeds, deeds, deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. that you are neither cold nor hot. that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other. I wish you were either one or the other. I wish you were either one or the other. So, because you are lukewarm, neither So, because you are lukewarm, neither So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I'm about to spit you out hot nor cold, I'm about to spit you out hot nor cold, I'm about to spit you out of my mouth." of my mouth." of my mouth." For all its wealth and advancement, For all its wealth and advancement, For all its wealth and advancement, Laodicea was a city who lacked a really Laodicea was a city who lacked a really Laodicea was a city who lacked a really good source of water. good source of water. good source of water. So, they had to depend on the Roman So, they had to depend on the Roman So, they had to depend on the Roman aqueducts to bring hot water from the aqueducts to bring hot water from the aqueducts to bring hot water from the north, which was famous for its north, which was famous for its north, which was famous for its soothing, healing hot springs, and cold, soothing, healing hot springs, and cold, soothing, healing hot springs, and cold, refreshing, drinkable water from the refreshing, drinkable water from the refreshing, drinkable water from the south, from the snowmelt on the south, from the snowmelt on the south, from the snowmelt on the mountains.

mountains. mountains. Unfortunately, by the time the water Unfortunately, by the time the water Unfortunately, by the time the water arrived in Laodicea, both of them became arrived in Laodicea, both of them became arrived in Laodicea, both of them became lukewarm, lukewarm, lukewarm, tepid, mineralized, kind of in when you tepid, mineralized, kind of in when you tepid, mineralized, kind of in when you it, it just created like a nauseating it, it just created like a nauseating it, it just created like a nauseating feeling that wanted you wanted to make feeling that wanted you wanted to make feeling that wanted you wanted to make you just like actually spit it out. And you just like actually spit it out. And you just like actually spit it out. And that's what Jesus is referring to. And that's what Jesus is referring to. And that's what Jesus is referring to. And for the Laodicean Christians, this is for the Laodicean Christians, this is for the Laodicean Christians, this is something they would have had first-hand something they would have had first-hand something they would have had first-hand knowledge of. knowledge of. knowledge of. Because what Jesus is saying to them is Because what Jesus is saying to them is Because what Jesus is saying to them is just like this lukewarm water, which is just like this lukewarm water, which is just like this lukewarm water, which is water but good for nothing, water but good for nothing, water but good for nothing, you have become ineffective as Christ you have become ineffective as Christ you have become ineffective as Christ followers because of your dependence on followers because of your dependence on followers because of your dependence on your wealth and yourself your wealth and yourself your wealth and yourself over God. After hearing all of these things, After hearing all of these things, it could be kind of depressing for the it could be kind of depressing for the it could be kind of depressing for the church. But the good news is that Jesus doesn't But the good news is that Jesus doesn't leave us where we're at. leave us where we're at. leave us where we're at. He doesn't leave us where we are. As the He doesn't leave us where we are. As the He doesn't leave us where we are. As the high priest who walks with us, who is high priest who walks with us, who is high priest who walks with us, who is who is a bridge builder between us and who is a bridge builder between us and who is a bridge builder between us and God, Jesus always provides a way back God, Jesus always provides a way back God, Jesus always provides a way back and strengthens us.

and strengthens us. and strengthens us. He names the hard things and he He names the hard things and he He names the hard things and he strengthens you. And he strengthens you strengthens you. And he strengthens you strengthens you. And he strengthens you by being the source of all the strength by being the source of all the strength by being the source of all the strength you need. you need. you need. Each of the letters doesn't just address Each of the letters doesn't just address Each of the letters doesn't just address a different situation. They actually a different situation. They actually a different situation. They actually show a different description of Jesus. A show a different description of Jesus. A show a different description of Jesus. A different description that exactly different description that exactly different description that exactly matches what each of the churches needed matches what each of the churches needed matches what each of the churches needed to hear. to hear. to hear. To a church like Smyrna that was facing To a church like Smyrna that was facing To a church like Smyrna that was facing a possibility of death, Jesus calls a possibility of death, Jesus calls a possibility of death, Jesus calls himself in Revelation 2:8 the first and himself in Revelation 2:8 the first and himself in Revelation 2:8 the first and the last who died and came to life the last who died and came to life the last who died and came to life again. again. again. What Jesus is saying is I am one who What Jesus is saying is I am one who What Jesus is saying is I am one who already walked through death, came out already walked through death, came out already walked through death, came out on the other side, and I am the one here on the other side, and I am the one here on the other side, and I am the one here as the answer to your fear. as the answer to your fear. as the answer to your fear. To Philadelphia, a church of little To Philadelphia, a church of little To Philadelphia, a church of little influence and power that was being influence and power that was being influence and power that was being locked out, literally excluded from the locked out, literally excluded from the locked out, literally excluded from the synagogues for being Jewish Christians. synagogues for being Jewish Christians. synagogues for being Jewish Christians. Jesus shows up as one who holds the key Jesus shows up as one who holds the key Jesus shows up as one who holds the key saying in Revelation 3:8 3:8, "I know saying in Revelation 3:8 3:8, "I know saying in Revelation 3:8 3:8, "I know your deeds. See, I have placed before your deeds. See, I have placed before your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door you an open door you an open door that no one can shut."

that no one can shut." that no one can shut." Jesus is looking at each of these Jesus is looking at each of these Jesus is looking at each of these communities communities communities and being and with their specific pain, and being and with their specific pain, and being and with their specific pain, he is presenting the exact face of he is presenting the exact face of he is presenting the exact face of himself that they needed to see. himself that they needed to see. himself that they needed to see. And I think this is profoundly uh And I think this is profoundly uh And I think this is profoundly uh this is profoundly important for us this is profoundly important for us this is profoundly important for us because when we see Jesus, we do have a because when we see Jesus, we do have a because when we see Jesus, we do have a tendency, I think, to flatten his image. tendency, I think, to flatten his image. tendency, I think, to flatten his image. We see him as a one-dimensional figure, We see him as a one-dimensional figure, We see him as a one-dimensional figure, the gentle shepherd, the moral teacher, the gentle shepherd, the moral teacher, the gentle shepherd, the moral teacher, the triumphant king, and then we like to the triumphant king, and then we like to the triumphant king, and then we like to choose the version of Jesus that we like choose the version of Jesus that we like choose the version of Jesus that we like and we stay there. and we stay there. and we stay there. But the But the But the Jesus of Revelation 2 and 2 Revelation 2 Jesus of Revelation 2 and 2 Revelation 2 Jesus of Revelation 2 and 2 Revelation 2 and 3 is a Jesus who is dynamic. and 3 is a Jesus who is dynamic. and 3 is a Jesus who is dynamic. He is big enough and real enough to be He is big enough and real enough to be He is big enough and real enough to be able to meet each of us where we are. He able to meet each of us where we are. He able to meet each of us where we are. He shifts not because he's inconsistent, shifts not because he's inconsistent, shifts not because he's inconsistent, but because he is so big, bigger than but because he is so big, bigger than but because he is so big, bigger than what we can ever imagine.

what we can ever imagine. what we can ever imagine. I love the A.W. Tozer quote that Shawn I love the A.W. Tozer quote that Shawn I love the A.W. Tozer quote that Shawn shared with us last Sunday, which says, shared with us last Sunday, which says, shared with us last Sunday, which says, "What comes into our minds when we think "What comes into our minds when we think "What comes into our minds when we think about God about God about God is the most important thing about us." If you're in a season If you're in a season of grief, of grief, of grief, know that Jesus sees you. know that Jesus sees you. know that Jesus sees you. His heart breaks for you. His heart breaks for you. His heart breaks for you. And he offers himself And he offers himself And he offers himself as the peace and the hope you need in as the peace and the hope you need in as the peace and the hope you need in this moment. this moment. this moment. If you're in a season where If you're in a season where If you're in a season where you need to see doors open for you, and you need to see doors open for you, and you need to see doors open for you, and the doors that should open keep closing, the doors that should open keep closing, the doors that should open keep closing, I want you to know that Jesus comes to I want you to know that Jesus comes to I want you to know that Jesus comes to you as the one who holds the key you as the one who holds the key you as the one who holds the key and says to you, "What I open, no and says to you, "What I open, no and says to you, "What I open, no person, no culture, no rejection letter person, no culture, no rejection letter person, no culture, no rejection letter can ever shut."

can ever shut." can ever shut." If you're in a season If you're in a season If you're in a season where you feel morally alone, where you feel morally alone, where you feel morally alone, perhaps you feel like you're the only perhaps you feel like you're the only perhaps you feel like you're the only one in your world still trying to live one in your world still trying to live one in your world still trying to live with integrity, with integrity, with integrity, I want you to know that Jesus comes to I want you to know that Jesus comes to I want you to know that Jesus comes to you you you as one who sees you, as one who sees you, as one who sees you, who sees your affliction and poverty, who sees your affliction and poverty, who sees your affliction and poverty, your cost, your cost, your cost, calls it what it is, calls it what it is, calls it what it is, and then says to you, and then says to you, and then says to you, "Remember, "Remember, "Remember, you are rich." you are rich." you are rich." Maybe some of us came in here today Maybe some of us came in here today Maybe some of us came in here today unsure of the cost that we're holding, unsure of the cost that we're holding, unsure of the cost that we're holding, and if it's feeling with wondering and if it's feeling with wondering and if it's feeling with wondering whether or not that's worth it. whether or not that's worth it. whether or not that's worth it. Salvation is free, Salvation is free, Salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you but discipleship will cost you but discipleship will cost you something. something. something. But if we are faithful and able to hold But if we are faithful and able to hold But if we are faithful and able to hold on, Jesus promises a new reality for us on, Jesus promises a new reality for us on, Jesus promises a new reality for us to step into.

to step into. to step into. Just in the way that Jesus starts the Just in the way that Jesus starts the Just in the way that Jesus starts the letters with I know, he ends them with a letters with I know, he ends them with a letters with I know, he ends them with a promise to the one who is victorious. promise to the one who is victorious. promise to the one who is victorious. Let's look at them together. To Ephesus, Let's look at them together. To Ephesus, Let's look at them together. To Ephesus, he promises the right to eat from the he promises the right to eat from the he promises the right to eat from the tree of life, representing unbroken tree of life, representing unbroken tree of life, representing unbroken fellowship with God. fellowship with God. fellowship with God. To Smyrna, To Smyrna, To Smyrna, who was a church that was literally who was a church that was literally who was a church that was literally afraid of dying, he promises that they afraid of dying, he promises that they afraid of dying, he promises that they would never be harmed by a second death. would never be harmed by a second death. would never be harmed by a second death. To Pergamum, To Pergamum, To Pergamum, he promises hidden manna and a new name. he promises hidden manna and a new name. he promises hidden manna and a new name. God's provision and eternal identity. God's provision and eternal identity. God's provision and eternal identity. To Thyatira, he promises authority over To Thyatira, he promises authority over To Thyatira, he promises authority over the nations. He says, "Overcome the nations. He says, "Overcome the nations. He says, "Overcome spiritual compromise and rule with me." spiritual compromise and rule with me." spiritual compromise and rule with me." To Sardis, he promises that they'll be To Sardis, he promises that they'll be To Sardis, he promises that they'll be dressed in white and acknowledged before dressed in white and acknowledged before dressed in white and acknowledged before God. God. God. Jesus is the one who makes us pure and Jesus is the one who makes us pure and Jesus is the one who makes us pure and able to stand before our heavenly able to stand before our heavenly able to stand before our heavenly Father. Father. Father. Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Philadelphia, you will be a pillar you will be a pillar you will be a pillar in the temple of God.

in the temple of God. in the temple of God. What great news for a church that was What great news for a church that was What great news for a church that was feeling like they were powerless and had feeling like they were powerless and had feeling like they were powerless and had no influence. no influence. no influence. And to Laodicea, And to Laodicea, And to Laodicea, he promises them the right to sit on the he promises them the right to sit on the he promises them the right to sit on the throne with Jesus. Because Jesus honors throne with Jesus. Because Jesus honors throne with Jesus. Because Jesus honors your humility and dependence. your humility and dependence. your humility and dependence. Maybe some of you are also feeling today Maybe some of you are also feeling today Maybe some of you are also feeling today like you're losing by believing. Like like you're losing by believing. Like like you're losing by believing. Like faith is costing you more than it's faith is costing you more than it's faith is costing you more than it's returning. returning. returning. Like you've come into this room and no Like you've come into this room and no Like you've come into this room and no one even cares or knows that you're one even cares or knows that you're one even cares or knows that you're here. here. here. I want you to know Jesus notices. I want you to know Jesus notices. I want you to know Jesus notices. Jesus walked into seven very messy rooms Jesus walked into seven very messy rooms Jesus walked into seven very messy rooms and didn't flinch. and didn't flinch. and didn't flinch. Neither does he with us. And what a gift Neither does he with us. And what a gift Neither does he with us. And what a gift that is, isn't it? that is, isn't it? that is, isn't it? Jesus is not calling out these churches Jesus is not calling out these churches Jesus is not calling out these churches to condemn them. He is calling these to condemn them. He is calling these to condemn them. He is calling these things out because he loves them and things out because he loves them and things out because he loves them and wants the best for them.

In Revelation 3, In Revelation 3, 19 through 20, Jesus says this, 19 through 20, Jesus says this, 19 through 20, Jesus says this, "Those whom I love, I rebuke and "Those whom I love, I rebuke and "Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline. discipline. discipline. So, be earnest and repent. Here I am. So, be earnest and repent. Here I am. So, be earnest and repent. Here I am. I stand at the door and knock. I stand at the door and knock. I stand at the door and knock. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> If anyone hears my voice and opens the >> If anyone hears my voice and opens the >> If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come door, I will come door, I will come I will come in and eat with that person I will come in and eat with that person I will come in and eat with that person and they with me. and they with me. and they with me. Jesus is knocking at the door of our Jesus is knocking at the door of our Jesus is knocking at the door of our hearts and offering us far more than an hearts and offering us far more than an hearts and offering us far more than an ambush decluttering service. ambush decluttering service. ambush decluttering service. He's offering to make a home with us. He's offering to make a home with us. He's offering to make a home with us. In the Revelation guide that you In the Revelation guide that you In the Revelation guide that you received last week, the week two content received last week, the week two content received last week, the week two content has a section where you can write a has a section where you can write a has a section where you can write a letter to yourself from God's letter to yourself from God's letter to yourself from God's perspective. perspective. perspective. If Jesus were to write a letter to us, If Jesus were to write a letter to us, If Jesus were to write a letter to us, to this campus, what might that look to this campus, what might that look to this campus, what might that look like? like? like? Maybe it would look and say something Maybe it would look and say something Maybe it would look and say something [music] like this.

[music] like this. [music] like this. To the church in Lincolnshire, I am the To the church in Lincolnshire, I am the To the church in Lincolnshire, I am the high priest who reconciles man to God, high priest who reconciles man to God, high priest who reconciles man to God, the lamb who was slain and whose blood the lamb who was slain and whose blood the lamb who was slain and whose blood purchased for God purchased for God purchased for God persons from every tribe from every tribe and language and language and language and people and nation. [music] and people and nation. [music] and people and nation. [music] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> I know your deeds. >> I know your deeds. >> I know your deeds. I know how you love people in my name. I know how you love people in my name. I know how you love people in my name. How [snorts] you create a welcoming How [snorts] you create a welcoming How [snorts] you create a welcoming community community community where all people can explore their faith where all people can explore their faith where all people can explore their faith [music] journey with me. [music] journey with me. [music] journey with me. I also know I also know I also know the temptation the temptation the temptation to measure yourselves against what you to measure yourselves against what you to measure yourselves against what you don't have instead of stewarding don't have instead of stewarding don't have instead of stewarding [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] what you do. what you do. what you do. I know the drift toward comfort I know the drift toward comfort I know the drift toward comfort toward going through the motions, toward toward going through the motions, toward toward going through the motions, toward looking alive on the outside while looking alive on the outside while looking alive on the outside while something quieter something quieter something quieter >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> is happening >> is happening >> is happening within.

within. within. But here's what I want to say to [music] But here's what I want to say to [music] But here's what I want to say to [music] you. Here's what I want you to know. you. Here's what I want you to know. you. Here's what I want you to know. I see you. I see you. I see you. I I I delight in your worship. delight in your worship. delight in your worship. So hold on. So hold on. So hold on. Stay close. Stay close. Stay close. I will be with you I will be with you I will be with you always. always. always. Jesus Jesus Jesus knows you. knows you. knows you. He cares for [music] you. He cares for [music] you. He cares for [music] you. And he wants to be your strength. And he wants to be your strength. And he wants to be your strength. Allow him to be your courage Allow him to be your courage Allow him to be your courage when you feel alone when you feel alone when you feel alone in your faith. in your faith. in your faith. The worship team is going to lead us The worship team is going to lead us The worship team is going to lead us through this next song titled I Believe. through this next song titled I Believe. through this next song titled I Believe. The chorus of which says, The chorus of which says, The chorus of which says, "I believe you are who you say you are. "I believe you are who you say you are. "I believe you are who you say you are. I believe [music] you do what you say I believe [music] you do what you say I believe [music] you do what you say you'll do. you'll do. you'll do. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> You'll come through. >> You'll come through. >> You'll come through. You are always able.

You are always able. You are always able. I believe you've already made a way. I believe you've already made a way. I believe you've already made a way. So I'm running through parted waves So I'm running through parted waves So I'm running through parted waves straight to you. straight to you. straight to you. You are always faithful." Church, I invite you to sing the Church, I invite you to sing the powerful lyrics of this song this powerful lyrics of this song this powerful lyrics of this song this morning as a declaration morning as a declaration morning as a declaration of faith and love for God in response to of faith and love for God in response to of faith and love for God in response to God's great love for us. God's great love for us. God's great love for us. Do you hear the knock at your door? Do you hear the knock at your door? Do you hear the knock at your door? Let's let this song be our first step to Let's let this song be our first step to Let's let this song be our first step to opening the door of our hearts to Jesus. opening the door of our hearts to Jesus. opening the door of our hearts to Jesus. And if you like company in your prayer And if you like company in your prayer And if you like company in your prayer journey, journey, journey, we will have our prayer team available we will have our prayer team available we will have our prayer team available in the back of the auditorium to pray in the back of the auditorium to pray in the back of the auditorium to pray with [music] you with [music] you with [music] you during this time of response. during this time of response. during this time of response. So let's continue in worship through So let's continue in worship through So let's continue in worship through song.