Sermon Central
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Alive But Dead Series
Contributed by Martin Holland on Oct 19, 2012 (message contributor)
Summary: It is amazing how we can commend ourselves for this or that, but perhaps God has a different perspective about us. This is what the Church thought versus what God knew to be true.
Alive but Dead
Rev. 3:1-6
In our study of the church God has said:
• Remember your first love
• Persecution is only for a little season
• The World is where Satan sits
• Watch out for the doctrine of Jezebel
Point: It is not what we think about the church that counts, but it is what God knows
See: 2 Cor. 10:18
Mention: Rev. 3:1 Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead
1. Their Belief
They believed they were a live, but they were dead!
Point: You can look spiritual, jump hoops and shout but that doesn’t mean you are alive
Mention: Ephesians 2:1 They were still dead in their trespasses and sins
Also: Hebrews 9:14 dead works
See: Revelation 3:2-3 I have not found thy works perfect (mature) before God
“I will come on thee as a thief”
See: Matt. 24:36-44
And: 1 Thessa. 5:1-6
2. The Believers
Vs.4 Thou hast a few names…
The doctrinal truth of few saved and many lost is mentioned here!
Compare to the number of people born into this world only a few with accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior
See: Matt. 7:13-14
And: Luke 13:22-24
Why is this so?
a. Many believe their Righteousness will saved them
Mention: Matt. 7:21-23
Also: Ephesians 2:8-9 Not of works lest any man should boast
Mention: Titus 3:5 not by works of Righteousness which we have done…
b. Some are trusting in some Ritual or Religion
A baptism, church membership, rosary etc..,
“The believers are those who are walking in white with the Lord”
Vs.5 white raiment
Vs.18
Mention: Zechariah 3:1-4 The exchange from a filthy garment to a clean garment
See: Rev. 7:9, 13-14 made white by the blood of the Lamb
Point: Salvation can only be obtained by repentance of sins and faith in Jesus Christ
3. The Book of Life
Rev. 3:5 I will not blot out his name out of the book of life…
Question: the biggest question concerning this book is how the names are recorded in it.
Exodus 32:33 Whosoever hath sinned against Me, him will I blot out of my book
Deut. 29:16-20
Malachi 3:16 The book of remembrance
See: Phil. 4:3
Rev. 13:8, 17:8
Point: Names are recorded in this book when some comes to Christ by faith and not upon birth
“I will not blot out his name”
This supports the doctrine of eternal security!
Hebrews 10:14 Perfected forever
Nowhere in the bible does it teach one can lose his or her salvation, but just the opposite is taught.
Mention: Lot 2 Peter 2:7-8 He is still referred to as a just man
Also: 1 Cor. 5:1-5 The fornicator Paul says the devil with destroy his flesh, but his soul will be saved in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ
Question: Is your name written in the book of life?
