The Return of the King Church of Little Power and Great Open Door Revelation 3:1–6 1. The City (3:7a) 2. The Correspondent, Jesus Christ, the One that is Holy and True (3:7b) 3. The Church (3:8-13 Commendation Faithful with Opportunties given to them Spiritual Capacity Faithfulness to Scripture Committed to Christ Comfort Persecutors Great Tribulation Return of the Lord 4. The Rewards (3:12) Prominent pillar in Temple of God Permanent place Three Special Names How can we demonstrate faithfulness to the Gospel? Be persistent in the work of the gospel (3:8). Be true to the name of Jesus (3:8). Be energized by the prospects for evangelism and missions (3:8). Be encouraged by the hope of vindication (3:9). How can we live by the promises of God? Jesus will protect us according to His plans (3:10). Jesus will come soon, so stay strong (3:11). Jesus will honor us by giving us a home and His name (3:12–13). Dead Church in Need of Revival Revelation 3:1–6 Autopsy of a Deceased Church •Treating the past as the hero; • Refusing to adapt to the needs of the present community; • Moving the focus of the budget inward; •Allowing the Great Commission to become the Great Omission; • Letting the church become preference-driven out of selfishness and personal agendas; • Seeing the tenure of the pastors decreasing; • Failing to have regular, corporate prayer; • Having no clear purpose or vision; and • Obsessing over the facilities. “When Does My Church Need Revival?” Stevan Manley Six tell-tale signs of a church standing at death’s door: The church is plagued with disagreements. The preaching is ineffective. Few can remember when a person was last saved. God’s supernatural power is never seen. God is not praised regularly. No one is being called into God’s work. (Herald) Five Marks of a Dead Church – Charles Swindoll A dead church worships its past. A dead church is inflexible and resistant to change. A dead church often has carnal and lazy leadership. A dead church neglects children and youth. A dead church lacks evangelistic and missionary zeal. 1. The City (3:1a) 2. The Correspondent, Jesus Christ, the Judge (3:1b) 3. The Church (3:1c) Holy Spirit Spiritual Leaders (Preaching Word) 4. The Concern (3:2-3) 5. The Commands (3:2-3) Command 1: “Be Alert-Wake Up!” Command 2: “Strengthen What Remains” Command 3: “Remember What You Have Received and Heard” Command 4: “Keep It” Command 5: “Repent” 6. The Commendation and Confession (3:4-6) The Church that Tolerated Sin - Jezebel Church Revelation 2:18–29 When the church looks like the world, you have a sick church. When the church acts like the world, you have an impotent church. When the church plays with the world, you have an unfaithful church. - Daniel Akin 1. The City (2:18a) Lydia - Acts 16:14 Guilds 2. The Correspondent, Jesus Christ, the Judge (2:18b) Eyes Blazing Fire Feet Burnished Bronze 3. The Commendation to the Church (2:19) Love Faith Service & Perserverance 3 Groups The Faithful Jezebel & Compan and the Toleration Party 4. The Condemnation over Compromise (2:20-23) “Jezebel” Immorality & Idolatry 5. The Command (2:24-25) “Hold Fast” - Cling to what is right despite the difficulty 6. The Counsel (2:26-29) Stedfast Obedience Join Christ in Ruling Nations Reflect the Glory and See the Morning Start “Compromise has been a cancer in the church from its inception.”—David Levy “A new Decalogue has been adopted by the neo-Christians of our day, ‘Thou shalt not disagree,’ and a new set of Beatitudes too, ‘Blessed are they that tolerate everything for they shall not be made accountable.’ ”— A. W. Tozer Jesus cares about your church. He cares about this church. He cares what you do in this church. He has judgement in his mouth. He speaks words of commendation or condemnation. Revelation refreshes our perspective of the Resurrected Lord and give us a true portrait of Jesus Christ.