The Christian church in Sardis had a name that it was alive but it was dead. From the standpoint of Christian people the church was alive. The services were exciting. The music was uplifting. The doctrine was scriptural.

It was the "fastest growing church in Asia."

From the standpoint of the Lord Jesus the church in Sardis was dead.

What was wrong?

The growth, excitement, inspiration, and doctrine were all being conducted in the flesh. People were brought in by attractive programs. The services were exciting because something new and interesting was always being presented. The orchestra and choir were of professional quality and chose music that was current and upbeat.

What was missing?

Prayer, holiness, stern obedience to the Father, the awe of God.

When the awe of God is missing from a service, no amount of activity will be considered "life" by the Lord Jesus. The awe of God will be present only when some of the congregation are praying consistently, living a holy life, and obeying the Father diligently.

Most of the congregation had defiled garments. They were not walking in open repentance before the Lord. They were not confessing their sins and turning away from them. They were confusing the life of the soul with the life of the Spirit of God.

When the Lord Jesus returns they will not walk in white with Him. They are not members of the royal priesthood. They have not been found worthy of the Lord!

There was a small remnant of believers in the church in Sardis who were true servants of God. They loved the Lord and were still doing their first works of prayer, praise, and service. They had kept their robes clean. When the Lord returns they will be handed another vastly superior robe, the robe given each member of the royal priesthood.

The Lord knows they will take care of their new robe because they have been faithful with the old. They are worthy to walk with the Lord.

How can we be found worthy to walk in white with the Lord as a member of the royal priesthood?

By praying without ceasing, by living a holy, righteous life, by obeying the Father sternly in every matter, by serving God, by thinking, speaking, and acting like a Christian.

"But you are saying we are saved by works."

Brother James would answer, "Show me your faith without your works and I will show you my faith by my works. I have a living faith. What happened to yours?"

It appears that some Christians are trying to see how close they can walk to the Lake of Fire without falling in. Is this wise?

Several verses of the New Testament indicate we must be proven worthy to be always with the Lord Jesus.

I would like to be a member of the royal priesthood. How about you? We both can if we will start serving the Lord with a whole heart instead of fooling around and wasting time!