The Message to Sardis

The Message to Sardis

Book of Revelation Chapter 3 Verses 1-6

Last week we saw the Church at Thyatira. The Church at Thyatira was the Church as it existed during what history calls the "Dark Ages".

It was the period in history when the Papal Church in Rome gained power and it was the time of the Crusades. The time of the Inquisitions.

No matter what history teaches, God was not in any of those things. It was not the will of God for those things to take place, so that period was the "Dark Ages". A period when the light of Jesus was not shining very brightly.

In near history it was now time that the Church of England was established, in what we know as the established church or government sponsored church.

It is the 1600 hundreds in America.

It is at the end of that dark period in history when we see that the Age of the Church as the Church of Sardis is seen.

Sardis was the Capitol city of Lydia. In the time of the Emperor Tiberius, Sardis was desolated by an earthquake which affected twelve other important cities. It is said the whole face of this area was changed.

Sardis was a city proud of its riches and the things money can buy, but when the riches failed the city failed and began to die.

This is what God has to do sometimes to get the attention of the Church.

After these times, Sardis became a place of commerce and Sardis began its decline by giving into the enjoyments of luxury and pleasure and indulging in excess of sensual sanctification.

We should ask ourselves if we have ever seen a church that was dead or that was dying?

A church that was completely lifeless?

A church that was satisfied with itself, and had no intention of changing anything that it did or the way it went about the business of the Lord.

A church that was established by good people in the past, but who most of them had now gone on to be with the Lord and now rested upon those things that were fast being forgotten.

Have you ever heard from that Christian who says, "yes I'm saved, my mother and father were saved and I am their child" or "yes, I'm saved, I attend such and such a church", Or yes I'm saved I am a church member, I attend that great church at Sardis.

It is in this climate that we see the Church of Sardis as spoken by the Lord.

Sardis had a form of Godliness, but was without the power of God!

Sardis had a name to live, but in actuality was dead!

Again the Lord speaks to the Pastor of the church at Sardis.

*****Rev 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

In all these seven messages there is none so depressing as this message to the Church at Sardis.

The truth is, as Jesus Christ lives, then the church is to live and be alive.

Sardis did not have a bad reputation as seen by the public.

In fact to the public, this church seemed to be spiritually sound.

The truth is the world is not our judge! It is the Lord Jesus Christ who is our "Judge"!

As we go through this time of a killing virus, it is still not this wicked world that should decide what information to give to the Christian.

I for one do not trust the world to do right. The Lord says to "come out from the world and be ye separate".

I can understand reasons to avoid contact but I will not understand as we move forward toward martial law which is illegal in the USA.

We see here again that it is the Lord Jesus Christ who has the "seven spirits of God".

Seven being the number of completeness, then it is the Lord Jesus Christ who has the complete Spirit of God.

Joh 1:32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

Joh 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

Joh 1:34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

It is God's Son who God's Spirit descended upon and remained upon Him.

Joh 3:34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

Joh 3:35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

Joh 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

It is the Lord Jesus Christ who received so much of the Spirit of God that it cannot be measured because He has all the Spirit of God!

Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Joh 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Joh 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

It is the Lord Jesus Christ who shares His Spirit with each of us that love Him!

Tit 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

Tit 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

Tit 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Tit 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

Tit 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

You see it is not the Church that has the Spirit. It is the Spirit of Jesus that lives within each child of God within the Church, that make it a Church that is alive and not dead.

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

The Church is alive only if those inside the Church have given themselves as living sacrifices to the Lord Jesus Christ.

This Pastor at Sardis would have to get on fire for the Lord, if he was to save this church!

The flock of this shepherd had died!

Without the Holy Spirit in all His fullness we are not much of a church and are dying!

Water baptism is a command of the Lord, but it does not save.

Repenting is a must, but when we are not serious about following Jesus Christ, it loses its strength.

We must be baptized with the Holy Spirit of God, the Spirit that is given to Jesus Christ.

Remember the message of John the Baptist.

Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Mat 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

This message is still true today!

The Lord Jesus does not commend this church in anything they are doing to spread the Gospel and make disciples, which is the work of every Church!

This is the greatest sin that a church can have!

Not preaching the Gospel. Jesus Christ should be in every sermon!

Not providing the truth of salvation. Salvation comes only by Jesus Christ!

Not making disciples who also proclaim the "Gospel" of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Anything else done in any church is secondary to these things!

It was a lifeless church. In fact Jesus Himself, said it was a dead church!

2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

This church focused on everything but Jesus Christ! Remember they were the pride of a city that was also dying!

This church has no Nicolaitans.

This church has no Balaam.

This church has no Jezebel.

This church had no enemies.

This church had no life when it had the greatest opportunity to witness without repercussion.

Satan has no intertest in a dying church!

So what was the advice of our Savior?

*****Rev 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

The old city of Sardis was located in a perfect place to defend. It was truly an impregnable fortress.

Enemies studied year after year to find any weaknesses in the defense of this city. It just so happened that a lazy watchman was fooling with his helmet one day and it fell to the ground outside the wall of the city.

He climbed down the face of the walls using the crevices in the walls and got his helmet and returned to his position.

That next night his city was overrun by men who climbed those same crevices and the watchmen never saw them, for they were not expecting anyone to do such a thing.

We must understand the enemy is always watching for any weakness!

When Alexander came, he knew the story of the watchman and he too used the same strategy to capture Sardis.

What does Jesus say? Be watchful!

If Jesus says we need to be watchful, then we are not being watchful enough!

To be watchful is to be vigilant.

To be watchful is to be attentive.

To be watchful is to be careful to observe the things going on around us.

To be watchful is to be cautious.

We must not be lazy Christians we must be alert Christians!

There are some very important things we need to be doing for the Lord every day and we need to be careful to do them!

Above all we must stay focused upon the Lord Jesus Christ!

We must stay focused on the "Gospel" the Good News" of Jesus Christ.

We stay diligent in observing all the Word of God, rightly divided!

Our Lord is alive, and we must become alive to serve the Lord!

We should consider all the things that have been happening in our world just in the last couple of years, especially in the past few months.

What did Jesus teach us?

Mar 13:28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:

Mar 13:29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.

Mar 13:30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.

Mar 13:31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

Mar 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

Mar 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

Mar 13:34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

Mar 13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

Mar 13:36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

Mar 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

What remains for us to do is get back to the basics of the Church?

Spread the Gospel and make disciples!

There is no greater work for us to do today except we must add "to watch"!

There were none of the works of the Church at Sardis that were perfect. None!

When we perfect the basic duties of the Church, then we can do some other things in the communities.

Another thing that we must do perfectly, is when we gather together, then "to worship" is the number one thing we are to do.

We worship our Heavenly Father, by the work of His Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit!

And Jesus adds "Remember" the truth of the Scriptures as delivered in the "Apostles Doctrine" and especially the "Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ"!

*****Rev 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

Remember means we must learn from that "or else" preaching.

Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

We need to remember the "Gospel"!

1Co 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

1Co 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

1Co 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

We must remember that by the actions of the Lord Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven of our sins and be restored in our relationship with our Heavenly Father, Our Creator.

We must remember this free gift of God brings with it eternal life, but only by the Lord Jesus Christ!

We must accept the truth of the "Gospel"

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Joh 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

We cannot listen to the lies of this world!

Rom_3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

Once we know these things as the truth, then we must repent from our old life.

This church had done wrong! They had forgotten Jesus Christ the foundation of the Church! They had forgotten the truth of the Gospel!

They had done so wrong, that they were not being a living church, they were in a dyeing church, in fact almost a dead church.

They had a must do! They must repent!

You see this pastor had to preach this message to this church and they had to listen and act upon the Word of God!

Every church needs to be reminded of these things constantly so they can remain alive!

They had lost their fervor in their relationship with the Lord and what this church needed to know is, that the Lord will leave a dyeing church alone so that it can die unless they repent!

Every preacher must preach with sound doctrine.

2Ti 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

2Ti 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

2Ti 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Every congregation must hold fast to the truth.

1Ti 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

1Ti 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

1Ti 6:13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

1Ti 6:14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

1Ti 6:15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

1Ti 6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Or then will come the "or else".

Notice Jesus says He will come as a thief. Not as a robber, not as a bandit, which means the secrecy of the thief, not in violence. In fact if this church did not watch, it would never know that Jesus had removed His candlestick.

It is a very sad thing that if Jesus Christ came during a church service, many a church like this one at Sardis, would not even realize that the "Rapture" had taken place.

1Th 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

This Pastor needed to realize that there were still a few true believers in His church, and if he could not cause his flock to repent, he still had to feed those who remained true, with the truth.

*****Rev 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

Why are names important? Because there is a book in Heaven called the Lamb's Book of Life.

Rev_21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

If your name is not written down in the Lamb's Book of Life, you will not enter into God's New Heaven!

The Lord Jesus wanted this pastor to know that it was because of him that there were only a few names written down in this Book of Life.

The Lord will hold each pastor responsible for his message in every church! No pastor can save but it is his job to lead other men, women and children to the Lord!

These who know the Lord will also have some responsibility!

Jas 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Jas 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

Jas 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Again we must be "over comers"!

*****Rev 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

There were some in this church at Sardis who had remained faithful to the Lord during all the things that were happening in this wicked city.

They had remained faithful even though their pastor was not faithful to the Word of God and his message had become worldly.

They remained Christ centered and were not centered on the things of this church.

This is our answer today, we must remain Christ centered!

There are many churches like this one in Sardis that remain today, where the Pastor has given in to the world.

As individual Christians, we must understand that no matter what our church is doing, we must remain faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ!

They had to separate themselves from most all the other church members!

Three promises are made to these who took their stand upon the Lord, the Solid Rock.

It pleases the Lord for us to remain focused on Him even if those around us do not!

We must remain faithful to the Lord's plan for His Church. It is His Church! The true Church belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ because we as believers were bought by the precious blood of Christ Jesus.

1) The true Christian will be clothed in white!

White is the color of righteousness.

White is the color of purity.

White is the color of perfection.

2Co 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

2Co 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

2Co 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

It is important for us to remember all the things that Jesus Christ has done for us, because the world cannot do any of these things!

2) Every over comer will have their name written down in the "Lamb's Book of Life"

This is a book that God keeps.

This is the Book that will be opened on "judgment" day!

The names written in the Book of Life and remain there, are those who will never die!

Exo 32:33 And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.

Rev_20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

3) Every believer will be presented to our Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ will confess that he knows every believer and He will personally confess that each and every believer are the real thing and worthy to be allowed into God's New Heaven!

Mat 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Mat 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

Mat 10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Mat 10:31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Mat 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

Mat 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

And what does the Holy Ghost say?

*****Rev 3:6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

It is the Holy Spirit that has given us the Bible, the complete Word of God. God's Word will never change!

2Ti_3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

We can be sure that we have the truth of God!

We can also be sure we know the truth of this world!

There are not any lost books of the Bible!

There will never be another new book added to the Bible!

We cannot hear the Word of God unless we are present in a Bible believing church!

We should also be present in Sunday School.

We should also be present at all other times when the church gathers to teach the Word of God.

We must then apply the Word of God to our daily lives!

Without making a personal application of the Word of God, we will soon wear that look of death!

Amen

Let's Pray!

The Message to Thyatira

The Message to Thyatira

Book of Revelation Chapter 2 Verses 18 through 29

Thyatira was another city of Asia Minor, on the borders of Lydia and Mysia. Its modern name is Ak-hissar which means "white castle."

It is here where we find another one of the seven churches of the Book of Revelation.

Lydia, the seller of purple, or rather of cloth dyed with this color, was from this city.

Act 16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

This city is still to this day is famous, for its dyeing. Among the ruins, inscriptions have been found relating to the guild of dyers in that city in ancient times.

What will we find in this church as the main problem? Compromise!

To compromise between two different parties is to allow concessions to the claims of one or more of those parties.

What do we know about the Word of God? God will never yield to the teachings of man!

God will never compromise for any reason.

The Lord Jesus will never alter the "Gospel" to allow for compromise with sin.

The Holy Spirit will only lead people to Jesus. He will never lead anyone astray!

Let's listen to the Lord Jesus Christ.

*****Rev 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

Rev 2:19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.

What is the one thing we had better get straight about the Lord Jesus Christ?

Job 42:2 I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.

Jesus knows everything that is going on in every church.

Jesus knows everything that is going in every Christian.

Jesus knows everything that is going on in every person.

Jesus knows everything that is going on in this world and He always will.

Jesus is the only One we have to please in this world and in our lifetime!

Jesus says to this Pastor, "I just want you to know who is speaking to you".

This Pastor is the recipient of these words from our Lord.

It is the Pastor who is responsible for the direction of the church.

It is the Pastor in charge, who received this message who is to preach this message from the Lord, to his congregation.

This letter is a letter of knowledge, "Jesus Knows" and then a commandment "to repent"!

If the members of a church begin to compromise the Word of God and give in to the world, it is the Pastor or Minister or whatever He is called, to preach the truth of God and warn those who are giving in to the world!

What is the truth of people? They will sell their souls for possessions, or for power, or for the so-called pleasures of this world!

What is the reality? We owe our lives to Jesus Christ!

We cannot jeopardize our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ by giving in to the world and still be considered to be a child of God.

How did the Holy Spirit put it?

2Co_6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

2Co 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

2Co 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

This is why we are brothers and sisters in Christ, we have the same Father!

If we look back at the Church of Ephesus, they had left their first love and a church is not a church if they do not love the Lord Jesus Christ above all else!

The church at Thyatira was a busy church.

The church at Thyatira showed the love of God to everyone.

They supported missions.

They had a great youth program.

They had a great senior program.

They supported orphaned children.

They supported single parents.

They fed the hungry.

They would help the poor.

This was a great church! Their faith was strong! They loved the Lord and it showed!

This church was growing, but here lies the problem.

*****Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

This church was growing so fast, that they did not have enough qualified teachers and this church allowed teachers to teach who compromised with the world.

They allowed the newcomers to be baptized, without a confession of faith.

They allowed newcomers to be accepted into the church, without repenting and separating themselves from the world.

So who is this Jezebel?

First the original Jezebel: Jezebel was the wife of King Ahab of Israel. She was the daughter of a heathen king who claimed Baal as her god.

She was crafty, she was malicious, she was revengeful, she was cruel, and she hated God's people.

She had no fear of God, nor did she fear any man, and she ruled her own husband.

She spared no pain in maintaining idolatry all around her!

Her idolatry was the most debased and sensual kind!

She was a seducer!

She was the daughter of Satan in her actions as seducer and murderer.

When the Lord says Jezebel, this is the type of persons that had been allowed into this hardworking church at Thyatira and in a short time this church was ruined!

It seems that this hardworking church had been contaminated through the seductive influence of a corrupt woman.

We should remember that it was a corrupt woman who had prayer and the Bible removed from our schools and the schools are now just as corrupt as she was.

There is another corrupt woman who is now in her 80's but she does not miss a chance to slander the Word of God and the American women listen to her. I believe her name is Gloria.

We see that she called herself a prophetess. This meant that she claimed her message was from Jehovah when it was a false message made up from listening to Satan.

he claimed that it was Jehovah who had called her and ordained her and because of the great love this church had, she was allowed in to teach all the church.

She taught contrary to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Apostles.

John wrote:

2Jn_1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

2Jn_1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

The church became contaminated with the world and began sinking!

It was the Pastor that allowed this to continue!

The members of the church began to associate with the world.

They would attend the feasts where animals were offered to false gods.

They would then eat from the tables of those feast sitting before the altar of a false god.

Thyatira was known for its trade guilds and unions because dying of cloth and wool industry.

Act_16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

The church at Thyatira had begun in her home. It was a house church at first.

Act_16:40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

The church members were encouraged to attend those union gatherings to be secure in their jobs.

These were some of the things that this Pastor had to contend with, when he prepared his sermon.

If these people lost their jobs they could not tithe!

This church decided that they needed to fit in with society.

They decided they would be politically correct.

We must remember idols are anything that we put in place before our God, the Lord Jesus Christ, still the foundation of the Church.

Listen to this message to the church and the Pastor from the Apostle Paul:

2Th 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

2Th 3:7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

2Th 3:8 Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

2Th 3:9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

What did Jesus say?

*****Rev 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

This person knew that what she was doing was wrong!

This person knew she was teaching against the Word of God.

This person had felt Holy Ghost conviction and rejected Him!

The Lord dispatched the Holy Spirit to this woman to show her the error of her ways.

Num_32:23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.

She rejected the Holy Spirit and everything that Jesus stands for.

Her intent was to permanently ruin this church!

Her father was Satan!

Joh 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

Joh 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Joh 8:45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

So, here comes the warning, or the "or else".

*****Rev 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

Rev 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

One man wrote, "the bed of her sin shall be the bed of her sickness and anguish".

There is an old saying, "she made her bed, she can lie in it" meaning she brought about her own destruction.

Everyone who rejects the Word of God, do bring about their own destruction!

As we see this Coronavirus as it goes from nation to nation, it may be that God is nearing the end of His patience!

Yes, we must not be confused, God did say these things would happen!

Luk 21:10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:

Luk 21:11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

It can also be called a plague or epidemic.

Lev 26:25 And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.

The "judgment" of this Jezebel will match her sin!

Sadly the teaching of this "Jezebel" has caused many more to place something terrible in the place of our pure God!

What happened to the Jezebel of the Bible?

2Ki 9:7 And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel.

2Ki 9:8 For the whole house of Ahab shall perish: and I will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel:

2Ki 9:9 And I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah:

2Ki 9:10 And the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the portion of Jezreel, and there shall be none to bury her. And he opened the door, and fled.

Before anyone could get to her dogs had eaten her and deposited her remains

2Ki 9:36 Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This is the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel:

2Ki 9:37 And the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel.

There comes the judgment of God upon all those who give in to Jezebel's seduction and lifestyle. Those who refuse to turn to Jesus Christ and separate themselves from the world!

There is a warning to all those who feed at the table of Jezebel today!

Still, even such a woman is offered a chance to repent!

As long as we are alive and as long as the Holy Spirit comes to us with conviction, we can accept the truth of Jehovah God and be saved!

Act 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

Act 3:20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

Act 3:21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

We must remember Jezebel is a person of the Antichrist inside the church.

What did Jesus say to this Pastor?

*****Rev 2:24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.

Rev 2:25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.

God will judge all those who compromise with the world. This is His truth!

So many today have twisted the truth of God into making Him a good old grandfather that would never harm His creation and they are fools!

Jesus Christ is the Sovereign Head of this universe and we will live or die according to the Words He has given to us!

This meaning is a Spiritual death without God or Eternal life in the presence of a Holy God!

Jesus told this church if they would just leave off compromising with the world and hold on the the truth of the Gospel and have patience, He would surely come and take His church home and out of this world of compromise.

I get tired of seeing our government and others doing what Europe does, when not much in Europe ever works very well.

I get tired of seeing our government compromise with things that have never worked, when the only thing that has ever worked in our nation is the Gospel and Freedom.

We fought to separate ourselves from the tyranny of England and gained our freedom. Why in the world would we want to give up our freedoms?

We cannot change to way the world thinks, but we can tell those we cross paths with, that there is a better way and patiently wait on the Lord to return!

He does not ask much from us but our commitment!

He says just be an overcomer!

*****Rev 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

Rev 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

Rev 2:28 And I will give him the morning star.

Rev 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Who is an "over comer"? A Christian who keeps all the works of Jesus Christ, until he takes us home, either by our own death or the Rapture of the Church.

Now I do not know what that power over nations really means, but I do know what the Scriptures say.

Rev_1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Rev_5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

1Pe 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

1Pe 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

1Pe 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

1Pe 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

1Pe 2:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

Dan 7:27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

The "overcomer" will be given some power over nations.

This is then, ruling and reigning with Jesus Christ throughout eternity!

Jesus will return to conquer all the forces of evil.

To prove all those who will be with Him throughout eternity!

To give the overcomer the "morning star"!

What is this "morning star"?

Rev 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

2Pe 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

If we open our eyes and our ears and listen to what the Holy Spirit has to say knowing He will only lead us to Jesus, then all we have left to do is to overcome the weakness of our own flesh and let the will of God be our own will!

It is really a great time to be a Christian. Instead of looking down at all the wickedness in our world we just need to look up!

Luk_21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Amen

Let's Pray!

The Message to Pergamos

The Message to Pergamos

Book of Revelation Chapter 2 Verses 12 through 17

The Church at Pergamos was established but by whom is not certain. We know that the Apostle Paul worked in the area, but he did not mention it by name.

We also know the Apostle Paul would never take the credit for another man's work neither would he work in the same area to compete with another child of God.

Act 16:5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Act 16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

Act 16:7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

Act 16:8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.

The city of Pergamos was the chief city of Mysia.

It is only 60 miles north of Smyrna and is now named Bergamo and still has two Christian Churches in it today.

It is said that out of around 20,000 people living there, as many as 2000 of them are Christians.

We can understand that the Church in Ephesus also represents the Apostolic Age up to 100 AD.

The Church of Smyrna would represent the end of the Apostolic Age until the Constantine Age.

The Church of Pergamos would represent the Constantine Age up to the Boniface III Age. Boniface the III was the first Pope.

The influence of the papacy had begun with the rule of Constantine!

Beginning in the year 313 AD Christianity was showing strength against paganism and to Constantine, that there was power in religion.

It is said that he had a vision of a fiery red cross and on that cross written "By this shall thou conquer".

He decided himself, without Holy Ghost conviction that he should become a Christian.

Christianity then became the religion of the Roman Empire.

A hierarchy was then formed, and the Lord Jesus Christ was dethroned as the head of the Church.

These things resulted in what is now known as the Catholic Church.

Now I do not deny that there are Christians in every group of believers, but the Lord Jesus Christ is certainly the true head of the Church and He always will be. He used words like, forever and eternal and these words speak for themselves because our Lord cannot lie!

It these things that were in their beginning, that had influence over the Church at Pergamos.

We will see that church members began to participate in worldly functions.

We will see that church members would allow worldly activities to take place inside the church.

We will see that Baptism became the sign of salvation but without repentance. You cannot be "Born Again" without repentance!

*****Rev 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

We can say a lot of things about that two-edged sword but in reality, it designates the Word of God!

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Heb 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

We miss a very important point in these letters, if we do not see that the Lord Jesus holds the Pastor of each church responsible for the direction of the Church.

Pergamos was a royal city with a high and lofty attitude. There was a great temple to Caesar, a great altar to Zeus, which was a chair 40 feet high that overlooked the city.

Pergamos was a city full of pagan worship and it was ok to be a Christian, as long as you did not say that Jesus Christ was the only God.

This has not changed at all today. You can say the word god all day long, just as long as you do not mention the Lord Jesus Christ and then you become an enemy!

Pergamos was one of the cultural and religious centers of the known world in that day and had been a capitol city for more than 400 years.

You had to be politically correct to get along in Pergamos!

These are the people this Pastor tried to lead to the Lord and then keep them headed on that pathway to Heaven.

He was to use the written Word of God, which by that time included almost all the New Testament.

It took a strong man of God to preach against the pagan world where this church was located.

How did Jesus see this church?

*****Rev 2:13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

We need to get one thing very clear! The Lord Jesus Christ knows everything there is to know about each one of us!

The Lord Jesus Christ knows everything there is no know about our Church!

We are to do everything we can to spread the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and to make disciples to go out into our community, our state, our nation, and the uttermost parts of the world.

We are to keep to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ in everything we do!

In other words, when the world looks at us, they should have no doubt that we will take our stand with Jesus and we are not about to move away from Him.

It should be known that we will not compromise for any reason and we do not believe in being politically correct!

We should understand that this church in Pergamos was loyal to the Lord Jesus Christ even while they were located in this pagan place.

They lived in a cesspool of worldliness.

This city provided every pleasure people would look for.

In this city, it was your possessions that determined your place in society.

You could find every comfort that humans desire.

What were some of the problems for the Christians here?

Once a year by law they had stand before the Temple of Caesar and declare him as a god, but they refused to do so.

They refused to bow to a false god.

Just what did Jesus teach us about these things?

Mat 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

Mat 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

This church was pure in its doctrine and had not denied their faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Tit 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

This church was taking a stand against persecution. One of the church leaders had been martyred named Antipas.

In that day each and every Christian knew that if they claimed the Lord Jesus Christ, it could cost them their life!

We must also remember that if every Christian just presented themselves before the executioner to be a martyr then this is not being a good witness.

Yes, we are to take a stand with the Lord, but we are to go about the business of the Lord while staying away from the politics of the world!

There were still some things going on in this church that were not right!

*****Rev 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

What do we know of Balaam? We know he did do his best to curse the people of God.

The Apostle Peter wrote:

2Pe 2:12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

2Pe 2:13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;

2Pe 2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

2Pe 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

2Pe 2:16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.

What is the doctrine of Balaam?

When there is corruption and worldliness already inside the church.

Church members who taught against staying pure!

Trying to mix worldliness and religion under the heading of Christianity.

There was a determined effort to bring unrighteousness into this church!

It was Balaam who taught King Balak to send in Moabite women into the locations of the Jews with intent to cause fornication, which is a terrible sin in the eyes of God.

In this church they most likely baptized people who had not repented of their sin.

They had allowed these same people to begin to teach Sunday School and to teach children.

This caused a mixed membership, some keeping the laws of God and others choosing to be politically correct and sided with the world.

Families were being broken up because of fornication.

They were participating in the feast at the Temple of Caesar, and Temple of Zeus and joining in at the altar which many called the seat of Satan.

The Pastor was teaching the truth, but he was allowing church growth, by allowing non-Christians to be involved in the teaching and other activities when he needed to verify their salvation.

According to the Word of God by example, Jesus spent three years teaching the Apostles and even the Apostle Paul was three years with the Lord Jesus and good example for any who first must accept the Lord Christ as their Savior and then learn the Word of God before teaching others.

Now only Jesus can save, and only Jesus knows who is saved, but we can still know them by their works.

1Pe_2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

It is by our works after salvation, that we will know those who are saved.

Jesus said:

Joh_3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Joh_3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

To be "Born Again" is to be repenting from that old life and walking in the ways of Jesus.

These that that came into the church at Pergamos were still hanging out at those temples to false gods.

Some others were just trying to take advantage of God's "Grace" which God forbids.

Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

Rom 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

There is not anyone sitting here that cannot name a church where this is going on today and has become the foundation of many mainline denominations for a good while now.

What did Jesus say was the remedy? To repent.

There is not much repentance preaching happening in the modern church!

*****Rev 2:16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Repentance begins with a complete change of mind. We must quit rebelling against the Word of God and begin accepting and submitting to all the Word of God as the truth!

One of the greatest examples of repentance in the Scriptures is found in the Book of Mathew.

Mat 21:27 And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

Mat 21:28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.

Mat 21:29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.

Mat 21:30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.

Mat 21:31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

Jesus said to repent is to believe the Gospel"!

Mar_1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

As we have already said that sword in the mouth of the Lord is a two-edged sword.

One side the sword of truth, the other side the sword of judgment.

The Lord first gave us His un-fallible Word of Truth.

When the Word of God does not convince, then comes the sword of the Lord.

The Lord He would fight with His sword of judgment!

What did this mean for Balaam?

Num 22:21 And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.

Num 22:22 And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.

Num 22:23 And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.

Num 22:24 But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side.

Num 22:25 And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again.

Num 22:26 And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.

Num 22:27 And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.

Num 22:28 And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?

Num 22:29 And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.

Num 22:30 And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.

Num 22:31 Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.

The Lord stopped Balaam.

Then Balaam met his doom!

Num 31:7 And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; and they slew all the males.

Num 31:8 And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.

There is no battle with the Lord that you can win!

Then the Lord said for this church to remember that He also hated the Doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which we know are a people to try to take advantage of the "Grace" of God which God forbids!

We are not to continue in our sinful ways once we accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. This is what repentance is all about.

Now listen to the Holy Spirit.

*****Rev 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Remember these words are given to the Pastor of the Church and he is to preach this message.

The Holy Spirit says, you need to sit up and stop what you are doing and listen to this message from God.

The Holy Spirit also expects the same thing from each of us!

Each and every child of God is given the opportunity and the right to eat of the true manna, the true bread of Heaven.

The true manna from Heaven is the Word of God given to us by the Holy Spirit!

What did King David tell Mephibosheth?

2Sa 9:7 And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; "and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually".

This is what our Savior is teaching to us!

We will eat at the Heavenly table of our Lord throughout eternity and it begins at salvation then repentance.

"White" and "New" are key words in the phrase that remains.

There are white robes, white clouds, white horses, white thrones, and this white stone.

We know that white signifies joy and purity.

Solomon wrote:

Ecc 9:7 Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.

Ecc 9:8 Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.

The word "New" is used almost as frequently as the word "white".

New name, new song, make all things new.

White and black stones were used in the courts of judgment.

White and black stones were used in the games.

At some Greek feast, everyone that came brought a token as a pledge. Symbolically this white stone with a new name could represent our token, showing we are worthy to sit down at the marriage Supper of the Lamb.

Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

No doubt the one sure thing is when we eat that Heavenly Manna, that eternal spiritual bread of Heaven, and possess that white stone that has the name of Christ Jesus written upon it, we will be able to enter into Heaven, because no one gets into Heaven without being like Jesus Christ!

Jesus Christ is the "Door" that we must past through to reach the throne room of God!

Joh_10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

Joh_10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

We must not be fooled by foolish men and women. The Lord Jesus Christ is the only way to get into God's Heaven!

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

No one will ever overcome worldliness unless they listen to what the Word of God has to say about the Lord Jesus Christ!

Amen

Let's Pray