passionless doctrine

You have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die. . .
-to the church in Sardis

Is it not interesting that of the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation, only two were scolded for not having correct doctrine? Pergamum and Thyatira are described as having similar problems, both situations which revolved around idolatry and immoral practice.

What is mentioned to the remaining churches address problems stemming from a lack of spiritual vitality. Ephasus had lost sight of their first love; Sardis was described as almost totally dead; Laodicea was called undrinkable and useless. Although Smyrna and Philadelphia receive no criticism, they are admonished to remain faithful in their service and situations. Indeed, the underlying factor seems to be a passion for the faith, and that is what Christ wanted to talk about most of all to these seven churches.

What about us? What do we spend our time talking about? Perhaps we do not see the powerful work of God in our churches today because we do not look for it. In the church where I worked, there was an opportunity to come forward every week to join the church or to dedicate one's life to God. Although many walked up to gain "official membership," for two services a week over sixteen months. . .I failed to see one person come forward to receive Christ.

What are we talking about in our churches?

People do not kneel at an altar to profess faith in membership, buildings, or cash.

"People pay attention when they see that God actually changes persons and sets them free. When a new Christian stands up and tells how God has revolutionized his or her life, no one dozes off. When someone is healed or released from a life-controlling bondage, everyone takes notice. These things bear witness to a God who is strong and alive."

Jim Cymbala, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997), 140.