Do you feel spiritually "impregnable"? In this historically gripping and practically urgent session, John Barnett takes us to the ancient city of Sardis—a fortress built on 1,000-foot sheer cliffs that was considered impossible to conquer. If you think you are strong enough to handle temptation on your own, this class reveals the terrifying truth: Your greatest strength is often where the enemy is planning his night attack.
Here is why you cannot miss this class:
1. THE SOLDIER WHO DROPPED HIS LUNCH How does an "impregnable" city fall? John Barnett tells the fascinating true story of a Sardian soldier sitting on the wall, eating his lunch. When his helmet rolled down the cliff, he thought no one was watching as he climbed down a secret set of stairs to retrieve it. But an enemy scout was watching. In this masterclass of illustration, John connects this historical blunder to our own lives: When we get comfortable, we reveal the "secret stairs" of our heart to Satan.
2. THE DIAGNOSIS OF THE "LIVING DEAD" Why did Jesus call a church "dead" when they had a reputation for being alive? John explains that they weren’t lost; they were "morbid." Like a plant that grows but never flowers, they lacked "perfect" (mature) works. If you feel like you are just going through the motions—saved but miserable—John offers the diagnosis you have been waiting for.
3. ARE YOU A "GREGORY"? Do you know the Greek word for "Watchful"? It is gregoreo (where we get the name Gregory). John explains that Sardis fell because they stopped posting guards at night—they were too arrogant to be vigilant. This session challenges you to become a "Gregory"—a sentinel who realizes that your adversary, the Roaring Lion, is waiting for the exact moment you close your eyes.
4. THE "REVERSE" BUTTON How do you revive a dead spiritual life? John gives the three-step prescription from Jesus: Remember, Hold Fast, and Repent. He explains that the cure for spiritual lethargy isn’t finding something new; it is going back to "how you received and heard." Learn how to hit the reverse button and return to the simple faith that saved you.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Sardis was never conquered by a head-on assault; it was conquered by overconfidence. Join John Barnett to find the secret stairs in your own life and post a guard before the enemy climbs up.
Click here to watch "Why Spiritual Confidence Is Your Greatest Weakness."
From WNS 2025NY-07b – Stop Faking It (250331PM)
Join the LAND OF THE BOOK channel to access weekly video releases over the next year, totaling 50+ EXCLUSIVE VIDEOS featuring weekly in-depth Bible Study lessons with John & Bonnie. Clips are taken at just one of the places where we are taking our virtual journey through all the Lands of the Bible & Great Museums of the Bible on Paul’s Life & Letters Course. Plus all the assigned HOLY LAND, Paul’s Life & Letters Course STUDY RESOURCES, and John’s two most loved books–David’s Spiritual Secret & Living Hope for the End of Days at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVK6dN-9kLDnQhYBFuES09A/join
Follow Discover the Book Ministries to stay up to date:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discoverthebook/
DTBM Academy Courses:
https://dtbma.com/Default.aspx
Purchase John’s Books, MP3 & DVD resources:
E-Books: https://tinyurl.com/y3wbhlxy
Here are links to our Amazon Pages–
https://www.amazon.com/shop/dtbm
Donate to the ministry: https://dtbm.org/donations/partnership/
For more of Dr. John Barnett’s Bible teaching messages, go to: https://dtbm.org/
https://youtu.be/T93Eso-jrmU