Sardis

To the thriving city and church of Sardis John writes, "You have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead." (Rev. 3:1b). It was easy to imagine Sardis as a very 'happening' place in the first century AD: much like successful cities we know or big churches with tonnes of programming, yet these Christians had somehow drifted away from Christ's teachings. They had their focus in the wrong place and needed a wake up call. Now, nothing remains of their great city except ruins left behind. It is a great reminder to us all. Don't get so caught up in the superficial aspects of church growth and super-programs that you wander away from the truth rooted in Scripture and the genuine outreach to the lost.