What Would Jesus Tell A Normal Church(From our 4-6-25 Worship)
Watch The Video Version Here: https://youtu.be/OcnjT_U-NhI
Summary:
Sermon Summary: What Would Jesus Say to a "Normal" Church?
Summary:
Sermon Summary: What Would Jesus Say to a "Normal" Church?
Introduction: A Leadership Change on the USS Santa Fe
- In 1999, the USS Santa Fe was the worst-performing submarine in the Navy despite its massive budget and crew.
- The traditional leader-follower model failed; the captain was the bottleneck.
- David Marquet was assigned as captain without time to learn the boat fully, so he shifted to a leader-leader model—empowering the crew to think, decide, and lead.
- Application to the Church: Sometimes the “normal” way isn’t the best. We need to rethink how we serve and function together in the body of Christ.
Exploring the Letters to the "Normal" Churches (Revelation 2–3)
Jesus wrote to seven churches. Some were excellent (Smyrna, Philadelphia), others in dire trouble (Sardis, Laodicea). But three were “middle-of-the-road”—Ephesus, Pergamum, and Thyatira—which we might call "normal" churches. What would Jesus say to us?
1. Thyatira – Tolerating Sin Instead of Trusting God
📖 Revelation 2:18–29
- Commended for: Love, faith, service, and increasing works (v.19).
- Condemned for: Tolerating “Jezebel”—a false teacher leading others into sin (vv.20–21).
- They allowed evil to persist, possibly out of fear or pragmatism.
- Key lesson: Sometimes fear makes us passive. But God wants courageous, faithful resistance to evil.
“Only hold fast what you have until I come.” (v.25)
✝️ Application: Don't excuse sin because it’s powerful or intimidating. Trust God enough to confront it.
2. Pergamum – Compromising with the World
📖 Revelation 2:12–17
- Commended for: Holding to Christ's name in a hostile place (v.13).
- Condemned for: Tolerating false teachings (Balaam, Nicolaitans) that promoted idolatry and immorality (vv.14–15).
- The church appeared faithful on the outside but was internally divided and worldly.
- Key lesson: A church that blends in with the world loses its power and identity.
“To the one who conquers I will give... a white stone, with a new name...” (v.17)
✝️ Application: Be distinct. Don’t let the culture dilute your calling.
3. Ephesus – Doing the Right Things Without Love
📖 Revelation 2:1–7
- Commended for: Hard work, perseverance, doctrinal soundness (vv.2–3).
- Condemned for: Losing their first love (v.4).
- They were doing the right things, but their heart wasn’t in it anymore.
- Key lesson: It's possible to hang on while letting go—doing the motions without affection for Christ.
“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.” (v.5)
✝️ Application: Serve from love. Passionless obedience is not enough for Jesus.
Jesus' Promises to the Overcomers
Each letter ends with a promise for those who "conquer":
- Ephesus: Access to the tree of life – eternal communion with God (v.7).
- Pergamum: A new name and hidden manna – unique identity and provision (v.17).
- Thyatira: Authority and the morning star – sharing in Christ’s rule and presence (vv.26–28).
Conclusion: What Would Jesus Say to Us?
- Each of these churches had good and bad qualities—just like us.
- Jesus called them to repent, renew their love, and stand firm.
- His message wasn’t to shame, but to refocus and encourage growth.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Repeated in each letter)
✝️ Invitation: Are you tolerating sin, compromising your distinctiveness, or serving without love? Jesus calls you back. Whether you're just starting or need to restart—He wants your heart.
