“Obey The Word You Have Received And Repent!”

“Obey The Word You Have Received And Repent!”
Today is not only 1st December, it is also the first Sunday in Advent. To begin the season of Advent 2019 we reflect on the message to the Church in Sardis. It is a timely message which speaks truth in our time.
John writes, “I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” The message is about appearance versus reality! Sardis is a seemingly strong and vibrant Church, but it is spiritually dead!
To kickstart Advent the message continues, “Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.”
If appearance must match with reality the Church is reminded of what was received and heard. “Obey it and repent.” This is a message some reject on the grounds that Christ already carried our sins away, while others find it difficult to accept that the already chosen – the church – should be asked “to repent!”
It can never be as bad as it looks. There’s always a few who have not soiled their clothes. Such will walk with Christ. Those who wake up and repent and overcome will be like them and their names will never be blotted out of the book of life. The Lord Jesus Christ will acknowledge their names before his Father and the angels.
My friend, you and I should not be lost in the crowd of appearance, be introspective and confront the reality which God knows you are, and which you know as well! Wake up! Remember the word you received and heard; “obey it, and repent!” This is the only way to prepare to receive Jesus Christ at Christmas! Those who have ears let them hear (Rev.3:1-6).
Prayer: Lord, I repent of the reality that does not match the reputation. Do not blot my name from the book of life. Amen!
Welcome to the season of Advent! Have a blessed Sunday! Peace be with you!