Daily Bible Reading - kindly provided by Premier and the Bible Society
Do have a look at the Premier Daily Bible reading below. It is really so good.
This is the message from the one who has the sevenfold Spirit of God and the seven stars: “I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive – but you are dead. Wake up!” Monday 8 December
Revelation 3:1-2
I love that these seven letters to the churches are all completely different. Each church had its own history, strengths and weaknesses, and the risen Lord addressed his words specifically to each situation. The church at Sardis seemed to mirror the city in which it was founded. The city was built on a very steep hill and it was assumed that it would be impossible for an enemy army to attack it successfully. However, on two occasions, attacking forces managed to scale the precipice and conquer the city. They succeeded because the over-confident residents hadn’t felt it necessary to have any guards. Their laziness was their downfall, and now the church was being accused of exactly the same failing.
The church in Sardis had a great reputation. They were seen as successful, but the Lord knew the truth: they were almost completely dead. He encouraged them to go back to basics. They needed to repent of their lifelessness and return to the teaching upon which the church had been established.
These verses say two important things to us. Firstly, we should never be misled by our reputation. Our church might have a wonderful name in the area. It might be known as a loving, joyful, successful and united church, but what matters is the truth, and that might be very different. Secondly, we need to make sure that we stay awake. Being overbusy, disappointed or successful can all cause us to fall asleep spiritually. There’s a wonderful little hymn in Ephesians 5:14 which was probably sung at baptismal services: “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” Paul encouraged his readers to make the most of every opportunity because they were living in evil days, and he urged them to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit. Only in that way can we be sure that we won’t nod off to sleep like the church in Sardis.
QUESTION
What do you need to do today to ensure that you stay awake spiritually?
PRAYER
Loving God, help me to be spiritually strong and alert for you today. Amen
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CLICK to see a new Bible Study every day. Don't forget you have a major faith resources section on this site. You can use it to find materials or to contact churches in Oakham School or around Hambleton. You can find church services on holiday by changing the site Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
