ARE YOU AFRAID?

Here at the end of a sermon series - which asked some very soul searching questions - comes an outward focused question, from this Letter of Jesus to the Messenger of the Church in Sardis. "Are You Alive?" preaches evangelism from the primary signs of life as well as a very important sign that a fiancee' is ready for marriage.

The Church in Thyatira had a lot of good going on but they were allowing a false minister to lead people into sin without confronting their error. In this sermon, Pastor Alan asks the question, "What evil are we allowing to have a place in our heart and mind that could lead us astray?" While confronting the true possibility of our harboring favorite sins, a call is given for repentance and accountability.

From the Letter of Jesus to the leadership of a local church in Pergamus, Pastor Alan Latta encourages the hearers to be aware of the sinful influences of the worldly culture around us. A relevant scriptural application to this sermon is found in ROMANS 12:2.

From the example of the congregation in Philadelphia, Turkey - we learn that the Lord can open doors of ministry for us, even in the middle of very difficult times. We learn here that having to persevere can qualify us for ministry.

Drawing lessons from Christ's letter to the messenger of a congregation - in Smyrna, Turkey - Pastor Alan declares the reality of spiritual battles and persecution. From the example of Polycarp's death we are all encouraged to trust God to give us the courage we need when we need it.

From the Jesus' Epistles in His Revelation, as penned by John, Jesus Christ praises the Ephesian Church before correcting their lack of first love for Him, i. e. their foremost devotion. In like manner, many modern believers have much to be praised for by the Lord, but if we lack passion for Him, we are in need of His correction.

While the church in Laodicea was not who they thought they were, a serious question is then asked of us, "Are we who we say we are?" With some personal insight, Pastor Alan calls the hearer to repent and return by putting God first everyday, to overcome becoming lukewarm.