The Call To Overcome: The Dead Church
They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
2 Timothy 3:5 (NLT)
A dead church is a church without passion. It’s religion without relationship:
Hearts not into worship,
Hands unwilling to lift,
Mouths refusing to praise,
Ears closing to sermons,
Rear ends sticking to pews,
Feet walking easy paths,
Eyes staring at cell phones,
Fingers choosing to text,
Thoughts drifting here and there,
Knees not touching the floor,
Prayers missing their Mark, and…
Wallets too tight to tithe.
Truly, I can relate to the Dead Church. I’ve suffered from depression and burnout… and I wondered if anything mattered. I’ve walked through life’s motions without passion. My heart wasn’t engaged. I felt “dead”.
But throughout my hidden lack of passion, I looked quite normal--even successful. Such was the condition of the Dead Church in the prosperous city of Sardis. They had “good” form without godly substance.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
How can you help a dead or dying church? Consider: When paramedics see a heartbeat stop, they quickly begin resuscitation. They DON’T walk around a lifeless body… and pretend not to notice the crisis.
Things to do include:
Awaken church sleepers with fervent praise.
Kneel down, reach up, and show them how to move.
Greet them! Some are dying to be noticed.
Sit next to loners. Open conversations!
Offer nourishment: spiritual fruit!
Pray for revival. God answers prayers!
Step up on the stages the Lord provides.
Sparkle and shine with evidential joy.
Therein, you 'Strengthen the things which remain' (Revelation 3:2).
The Call To Overcome: The Dead Church (Part 17)*
* Letter to The Dead Church: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=revelation+3%3A1-6&version=NKJV
* Additional brief article on The Dead Church: http://www.gotquestions.org/church-in-Sardis.html
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.