INTRO: What makes a dying church? Numbers? Run down facilities? Is that the true indicators? Not really it is more than that and more than just what is on the surface. We can look at all the other churches we know and say they are not as alive as they need to be. The ones we need to examine are here today! Do not worry as we look at this about anyone that is absent, anyone that is sitting on another pew, or any other church! Let this be for East 38th Street!

As we begin looking at the seven churches, we first see Ephesus' church…

One danger sign was, they were …

1. No longer working with the vigor of their first works (lacking excitement and genuine salvation in their lives) (Rev.2:5)

We find…
1. Serious workers
2. Sincere morals

But they had…
3. Slid back - left their first works

 
As we look at the church in Pergamos, we see they had…
2. False Teachings within the church (Rev. 2:14-15)

We see the results of…
1. Double mindedness (ala Balaam)
2. Self-willed
3. False council (you can find someone that will okay your sin)

 
Upon examining Thyatira's church, we see…
3. Ungodliness in the pews (Rev. 2:19-21)

We notice that there was…
1. Leadership Lacking (evidenced by her position)

• Why was she teaching? Why the influence? Are we letting down?
• We complain about M. Ohara - We are at fault!

"Rebellious Wives and SLACKER HUSBANDS!" - don't complain about others, when we are the ones really at fault

2. Dependence upon works (vs. 19) - Works are not a balance correcting item
3. A turning towards the seduction of Satan and his ways

 
As evidenced by the Sardis church, it is dangerous to leave…
4. Old paths untrodden (Rev. 3:3)

We see a…

1. Departure from orthodox teachings ( a few undefiled- vs. 4)
2. Disavowal from solid Bible teachings (Methodists performing union ceremonies)
3. Disdain for His correction

 
Another dangerous area is when...
5. Lukewarmness fills the air (Rev. 3:15-16)
 
We hear God's great displeasure in…
1. Don't care attitudes -
1. People really do not care if God's work continues
2. Everything and anything is more important than God
3. "As long as I am happy it does not matter"

 
2. Not hot - simply not on fire for the Lord.

• -What do we owe Him?
• What does it take for me to be excited about what Jesus did for me?

3. Spewed out - This is serious.

• What is God trying to tell us in His word here?
• Are you really hot?

Is prayer a good start for you to get hotter for God?

Why does our church not support prayer?

Why does our church not want to be "hotter?"

Why do you not want to be "hotter" for God??????

What can you do NOW to get hotter and closer to God?
 

Gary Marcum - East 38th Street Free Will Baptist Church - 043000am