Lake Eufaula Christian Church
Even church congregations who think they’re following God’s path might really be sleepwalking, or worse — be spiritually dead. Jesus saw this problem with the ancient church of Sardis, one of the seven churches He addresses through the disciple John in Revelation. He wrote, “These are the words of Him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” (Revelation 3:1).
Sardis had a knot of five different roads, with wealth pouring in through trade traffic moving through this city. Sardis was home to the first coinage ever minted in Asia Minor. Where a lot of money is, tends to be where sin and debauchery also dwell. The luxury loving people of Sardis practiced loose morals and didn’t mind flaunting their decadent lifestyle.
The Bible tells us the love of money is the root of all evil. The wealthier people get, the more prideful they can become — perhaps more likely to live for sinful culture’s approval and less obedient to a Holy God who provides every good gift. Instead, someone who makes money an idol doesn’t honor and depend on the Lord.
When that happens, even if they’re living the high life in society, they are often either spiritually sleepwalking or spiritually dead.
Jesus told the Sardis congregation that they had a reputation of being alive, so at one point, they were a spiritually healthy church. But somewhere loyalty to God’s will had been traded for comfort and apathy.
What Jesus ordered them to do is a command fitting for any church or individual whose faith has wavered.
“Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God.” (Revelation 3:2).
How many friends and family members do we know who are sleepwalking through this life? Maybe some have never chosen Jesus. Maybe some did and might call themselves believers because they accepted Jesus a long time ago.
But, perhaps somehow following Christ has become a complacent afterthought, where they no longer bear any spiritual fruit or growth.
They no longer exude any spiritual qualities that identify them as distinctively Christlike. Their lifestyles no longer reflect a healthy and vibrant relationship with Christ.
Recognizing these lapses in our own lives is tough to do, but if we do, we need to hear Jesus’s counsel to wake up. “Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent.” (Revelation 3:3a).
We have received and heard about eternal life, forgiveness of sins, adoption by God into His family. The amazing news for us to remember is this: because of the Holy Spirit’s resurrection power, even if we’re spiritually sleepwalking or dead, we can wake up! All we need is the desire to awaken, to repent of our apathy, and return to Him.
At LECC we confront the areas of our lives that need awakening, and you can do the same by joining us at 415987 Highway 9, Eufaula.
We have small group Bible study at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m. and Wednesday night classes for all ages at 6:30 p.m.
Jesus told us He’ll bring judgment to those who don’t awaken from their spiritual slumber.
“If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.”
What a great incentive to come to church and wake up! God loves us and knows that we need a church family to help us be loved, encouraged, and accountable in growing. God loves you and wants you to truly live life to the fullest by being awakened to His will!
God Bless You!
Jeremy Little, Minister
