Jesus told the church in Sardis, “You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.” Outwardly, they looked alive. In reality, they were lifeless. That is like opening a bag of chips that looks full on the outside but is mostly air on the inside. You paid full price, but you got nothing but packaging.

Some believers carry the label Christian while living powerless lives. They may be active in church programs, busy with good works and respected in the community. But if the heart is cold toward God, the name means nothing.

If the heart is cold toward God, the name means nothing.

Faith that overcomes must be genuine. Sardis was told to wake up, strengthen what remained and repent before it was too late. That call still stands. God is not impressed with religious packaging. He wants reality. He wants relationship.

A title without transformation is worthless.

An overcomer will not settle for a reputation of faith without the reality of faith. A title without transformation is worthless. Christ paid the full price for salvation. He deserves more than empty labels. He deserves believers who are living and walking in His power.

Check out more from Dr. Tony Evans @tonyevans.org

About The Author

Dr. Tony Evans

Dr. Tony Evans is one of the country’s most respected leaders in evangelical circles. As a pastor, teacher, author and speaker, he serves the body of Christ through his unique ability to communicate complex theological truths through simple, yet profound, illustrations. While addressing the practical issues of today, Dr. Evans is known as a relevant expositor. New and veteran pastors alike regard him as a pastor of pastors and a father in the faith.


At the heart of this vision is the use of church and school partnerships to effect spiritual and social change in communities. Dr. Evans’ church and school outreach philosophy has been attributed as a catalyst for former President George W. Bush’s Faith Based Initiative, which was his first formal act of office. Dr. Evans seeks to train churches, schools and volunteers in this philosophy, as well as in the functional practicalities, through the National Church Adopt-A-School Initiative which is a ministry underneath the umbrella of The Urban Alternative.


Dr. Evans serves as president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry that seeks to restore hope and transform lives through the proclamation and the application of the Word of God. His daily radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on more than 850 radio outlets throughout the United States and in more than 80 countries.


Dr. Evans has written numerous books and booklets including his legacy work, Oneness Embraced, as well as his vision work, The Kingdom Agenda. Some of his most recent books includes, Kingdom Man, A Moment For Your Soul, Marriage Matters, and Victory in Spiritual Warfare.



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