Message to Laodicea
Revelation 3: 14-22
In our study of the Book of Revelation we have made it to the church at Laodicea. Christ our Lord has been in the midst of all His church until this one. I'm sure when this church began it was centered on Jesus Christ but we now see He is outside standing at the door. We know that there are lost souls in every church but we now see a church that does not have one saved soul in it's congregation.
Laodicea was the wealthiest of all these seven cities. Banking was the predominate source of it's wealth but there was also a clothing based on it's black wool products and the manufacture and sale of medicines also helped in the riches of this city.
There was plenty of money, high fashion and drugs! A combination that led to self-righteousness. In fact the word Laodicea means (Lao) people and (dicea) to justify. Meaning people who justified themselves. We live in a worldwide society right now in 2011 that simply believe they can justify anything they do. Not only the terrorist but also the do-gooders. The government use to say "by the people and for the people" but not now. They are all on their own agenda, justifying the work they do themselves.
We also see the same thing in our spiritual climate. After all even the true church is filled with sinners saved by the grace of God. The whole world is filled with self righteous people.
God says:
Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and [all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags]; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Not many realize that the term "filthy rags" used here was the rags that were used to wrap the sores of the leper. Leprosy was very contagious and the disease could be caught from those filthy rags. Our own self righteousness is a disease that is contagious to all our family and anyone else we get around.
It seems every one in the world including preachers and other clergy have written "self-help" books. Some even to help you in your Christian walk. We already have that book. It's called the Bible, the Word of God. If we will not adhere to God's word, no other book will help at all unless of course you are just looking for a way to justify yourself.
God says:
Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
If we are not justified by our faith in Jesus Christ then we cannot be justified!
In AD 1870 the Roman Catholic Church "declared" the Pope to be infallible when he speaks in his official capacity. There is only one infallible word that that is God's word. Now, we have people rewriting God's word at a faster pace than ever, changing the truth of God's word to suit themselves.
Laodicea did not receive a single commendation from the Lord Jesus Christ. They were rich in material things but poor in "spiritual wealth". They knew the term "lukewarm" because they had a pipeline, an underground aqueduct to bring water from some hot springs close by but by the time the water reached the city it had lost most all it's heat and it's healing properties. It was too cool to be relaxing and too warm to be refreshing. If you drank it it would make you vomit.
Our Text:
*****Rev 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
(amen)
The word "Amen" basically means the same in every language. "it is so" or "so be it" or "so let it be". Jesus Christ will be the center of the true church, those that disagree are of the church of Satan.
Jesus says "it is so" and "so be it" "so let it be". This the only place in the Bible where Jesus is called the Amen and He said it Himself!
Gal 1:10 says For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Gal 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
Gal 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Joshua said:
Jos 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
The words of God will come true just as He has written them because it is He that is the Author of this Book we call the Bible!
Joh 14:6 says 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.
He writes to the unbeliever:
Isa 65:13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:
Isa 65:14 Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.
Isa 65:15 And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name:
(faithful witness)
A faithful witness tells the truth of what he has seen. Jesus Christ sees all that goes on in every church and in every place on this Earth.
Pilate ask Jesus a question one day and Christ answered in this fashion:
Joh 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. [To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice].
Pilate heard the truth that day and he did not know how to respond than to just say "I find No Fault In Him".
There are no faults in our True and Faithful Witness.
Jesus ask this question:
Luk 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
Luk 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, [shall he find faith on the earth?]
The faith of the Laodicean church will not be enough to get you into Heaven!
This final stage of the church is full of "Apostasy".
This city was rich and "most" of the time riches produce rotten living!
1Ti 6:10 [For the love of money is the root of all evil]: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
God would not say this if it were not true!
Joh 17:17 says Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
(beginning of creation)
This church was led to believe that this world we live in, the physical world, is more important than the spiritual world of God and the world that is to come. Jesus Christ was not the first one created of God, it was by Jesus that everything else was created.
Joh 1:3 says All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Col 1:16 says For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Christ is the beginning of the spiritual order. Our new birth happens when we accept Him as our Savior. We then become a new creature. "This the beginning of creation mentioned in this verse".
2Co 5:17 says Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2Co 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
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.
*****Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
That word "cold" can be interpreted as icy cold as ice water.
That word "hot" can be interpreted as boiling hot or fervent heat.
Cold could be also said "dead" and hot could be said "on fire for God". We all fit somewhere in between these two extremes. Jesus has already said what He thinks of lukewarm!
What were the works of this church? They were indifferent to the faith. This church was lost(Jesus on the outside). They had no spirit inside them. They had never been born again. They made our Lord sick.
I know I am not always as fervent serving the Lord As I should be. Could I be giving My Lord the upset stomach. It will make you think or it does me.
This church knew Christ and even some believed, but so does Satan.
Heb 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: [but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it].
This is the most dangerous stage of all states of the person because many believe that they are truly saved and will not seek to be sure. They will continue in works trying to prove themselves but they will never invite the Lord Jesus into their hearts and He will not force His way in. They will never take a stand either way.
We see this every day in our world when so called Christians will not take a stand against abortion, against evil, against the gays, and against corruption.
This type of church is sending more people to hell than any of the vices of this world ever did.
Heb 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
Heb 2:4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
Joh 3:18 says He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
The church at Philadelphia will be called out!
The church at Laodicea will be spewed out!
2Th 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
2Th 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
2Th 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
The church age will end under a dark cloud. The days of Noah and Lot are repeated, darker and darker until the "Morning Star" appears.
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.
You know every message that was preached at this church probably made everyone happy. There was no Holy Ghost conviction. The music was worldly. The word "blood" was not in the song book. Nothing about the "cross". Just the occasional name of Jesus mentioned "as a real good man".
These members did not need the Gospel, they already knew it all.
God does bless with physical things some times, thank goodness, but this not to be compared to spiritual blessings. These people were not free but bound by their own ways. They had decided it could not get any better than what they had. They thought they had the light but they were so blind they were in total darkness to the truth.
*****Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
1.) Not rich, but Poor.
2.) Not increased with goods, but Wretched and Miserable.
3.) Not having need of nothing, but Blind and Naked.
Notice they (thou Sayest) bragged on themselves. They would tell everyone of their perfect church.
God says:
Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
And:
Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Wealth at the expense of Spirituality is a tragedy and a curse. The church at Laodicea and this church age will fulfill the prophesy of Matt 24.
Mat 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Mat 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
Mat 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
These were well educated people with plenty of book smarts but were ignorant to the word of God.
2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
God said in His own words: "thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked"
*****Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
What was the Lord's counsel?
Buy of Me!
Isa 55:1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and [he that hath no money]; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Isa 55:2 [Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread]? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
Isa 55:3 [Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live]; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.
"Buy of me", the things that can only come from Jesus Christ:
1Pe 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
1Pe 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
(white clothing)
This church was dressed in the fashion of the day even in the spirituality of this last church age but in their own righteousness.
The Bible says:
Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
You know when the Bible mentions these filthy rags it is talking about the old rags that were wrapped around the body of the leper. These rags were not only filthy but carried the disease. Our sins and our own righteousness carry the disease of sin. We have no righteousness on our own.
until:
Rev 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
To the church:
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.
Rev 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
(eyesalve)
Eye salve first burns, then blinds and then it heals. Spiritual eyesalve (The Holy Ghost) opens up the eyes of the lost and makes the sinner see. We can see the Salvation of the cross and the blood through His eyes if He is within us.
Spiritual eyeglasses:
1Co 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Unless the Lord Jesus opens the eyes of our understanding we will never know the truth that makes us free of the sin of this world and break the bonds of Satan's yoke.
*****Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Any person who can live in sin, prosper in sin, be happy in sin and continue in sin, without the chastening of The Lord has never been saved.
Pro 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
Pro 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
Pro 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
Pro 3:14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
Heb 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Heb 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Heb 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
God does these things for Himself! He will not have a people that will not honor Him!
Psa 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness [for his name's sake].
These people of Laodicea changed the truth of God into a lie. They may not have been against God but they were not for Him. They were lost in the middle of the highway going no where.
*****Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
These are the saddest of any group of people. Jesus on the outside means He had already removed the candlestick from this church. Glory be He is still knocking to get back inside. Jesus will knock on the door of every heart where His word is heard. That's why we as Christians are to deliver the Word of God to all we can.
You see these people would not go to the door because they knew who was outside that door. They would open the door to a stranger but not to Jesus. Our world is so full of these people today trying to find their own way to Heaven when there is only one way.
How many churches of today have pushed the Lord Jesus Christ out the door but in His Grace, He still stands at the door and knocks to see if we will let Him in.
God came to this Earth in the flesh of Jesus to seek and save all that would believe on Him:
Luk 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
There is a down side to those that ignore the word of God:
Luk 19:27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.
Christ is at the door asking, are there not any in this church that hear my word?
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Rom 10:18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
1.) We must invite the Lord into our heart.
2.) We must believe the word He gives to us.
3.) We must receive Him as Lord and Savior
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.
Can you imagine sitting in the church at Smyrna and hearing this message written to the Laodicean church. They could not have understood such people. The saints of Smyrna were willing to give their life for the Lord and these of Laodicea would not even open the door to Christ Jesus.
The lost of this world know when Jesus is not in their heart. It's the false doctrine that is taught in the church that tells them that they are OK. To not be secure of your salvation is most likely to be lost. These people of this church were not asked if they were saved, they were told by the church leaders that they were saved. They removed that one on one relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. He will stand at that door as long as there is one that might listen to Him. There is no door handle on the outside, it must opened from the inside.
*****Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
We are to walk with Jesus. It is Jesus that chose the path. It will not always be an easy path but He goes down this path before us and it is He that knows the way.
Jesus still sits at the throne as our Great High Priest:
Heb 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Heb 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Stephen saw Him there before he joined Him in Heaven:
Act 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
Act 7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
It is Christ that paved our way:
Heb 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
Heb 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
This time of Grace is fast coming to an end and Jesus will return as King of the world:
Luk 1:32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
Luk 1:33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
And Jesus says:
Mat 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Mat 19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
Who can deny the work of the Living God?
Act 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
Act 2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
Act 2:32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
Act 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
Act 2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
Act 2:35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
*****Rev 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
The Holy Spirit who will never leave us says please listen to what I am telling you!
Every church on this Earth will fall into the category of one of these seven churches. Every church is made up of people and there are some of these same type people in every church. Many move around from place to place seeking a place they fit in but there is a reason why God chose our place of worship.
A church is not buildings but it is people. No church is more spiritual than the people inside that church. That's why we cannot have a government rule over the church. Governments have no Spirit. That's why you cannot have a Pope or a Cleric or any one that would rule and not teach because they will not have the Spirit. You see we cannot truthfully judge our own church until "we truthfully judged our own selves". James writes:
Jas 1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
Jas 1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
But if we will look to the Lord:
2Co 3:16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
2Co 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
2Co 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
We have a lot of responsibility in our service to God's house as Christians and we have very little time to be that good servant that "Steward" of God's word.
Jesus Christ had nothing good to say to the Laodiceans. What would He say about the church that you attend.
Let's pray!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
The Message To The Church At Philadelphia
MESSAGE TO PHILADELPHIA
Our Text Revelation 3:7-13
1.) In our study so far in this great book given to us from Jesus Christ our Lord, we have seen Ephesus the church that lost it's first love.
The church that is not based on the Rock of Jesus is not the true foundation of God's children and is then not part of God's church on this Earth.
2.) We have seen Smyrna the persecuted church.
We know there are places in this world where it is really hard to be a Christian. Persecution will follow any church but it is greater in some locations in this world.
3.) We have seen Pergamos the church that was giving in to the world.
Boy, can you go anywhere and not find one of these places of worship.
4.) We've seen Thyatira where to keep a job the church became lax with the commandments of God and joined the world in the name of making a living.
God says to come out from among them and God's arms are not to short to take care of His children.
5.) We have seen the church at Sardis where the congregation just died. They were corpses that could sit up but they were just as dead as if they were in their coffins.
We will now see the church at Philadelphia. The church at Philadelphia and the church at Smyrna were the only two places of worship that did not receive any rebuke from the Lord Jesus.
Let's take a moment and look at the Church that Christ built.
Mat 16:18 says And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock [I will build my church]; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
We could talk about what is said about Peter here in this verse but we can do that later. In the Greek words used here, Peter would be a small stone and the Rock of Jesus would be the greatest of all mountains.
Peter himself said we are all also lively stones just like he is in the work of the church:
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.
What Christ Jesus does say is that "He will build His Church". In other words the church had not been built at this point in time. The Church of Christ did not exist in the Old Testament. The Church of Christ did not exist as long as Jesus was on this Earth. In fact Jesus said:
Joh 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
Joh 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Joh 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Joh 16:10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
Joh 16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
The church could not be built until Christ went back to Heaven. We know that Jesus was being rejected by His own people and He was near the end of His earthly ministry. God had written many years before this these words:
Isa 49:5 And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.
Isa 49:6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: [I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth].
At the Cross and at His Resurrection Jesus Christ provided the Salvation that is mentioned here in Isaiah. When Christ went back to Heaven and sent the Holy Ghost at Pentecost then began the Church.
Eph 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
Eph 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
Eph 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
Eph 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, [and gave him to be the head over all things to the church],
Eph 1:23 [Which is his body], the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
The Church is then the Body of Christ!
1Co 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
You have to be Baptized with God's Holy Spirit to be a part of the Body of Christ!
The Church was given to Christ by God Himself:
Joh 17:8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
It was Peter who first took this message to the Jews and to the Gentiles after Pentecost:
Act 15:14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, [to take out of them a people for his name].
We know that the Apostle John is the last of this group sent out to start His church. The Church has stood without the Apostles since that time and will continue to stand until Christ Jesus returns to take His church out of this world.
How do you get into the Church that Christ is building?
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
Rom 10:13 [For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved].
That "whosoever" says it does not matter where you come from or where you have been or what you have done. It only says to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and what He has taught the Church, His body, The Body of Christ.
The purpose of God in this Church age is not to establish His Kingdom but to call out the Church that some be saved, not all but, all that will come, [whosoever will come]. Every person still has that freewill to choose. That will not be so in the Kingdom to come after the "church age", This is the time of "GRACE".
Col 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
Col 1:25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
Col 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Col 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
At Philadelphia we see the best resemblance of the young vibrant Body of Christ that Jesus intended on this Earth. Philadelphia means "brotherly love".
Rom 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with [brotherly love]; in honour preferring one another;
1Th 4:9 But as touching [brotherly love] ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
These also are the Greek words for "Philadelphia". This church of Philadelphia practiced the art of brotherly love. This church needed no corrective measures nor a reprimand from The Lord Jesus Christ. We can see from this church that it is possible to serve the Lord Jesus without His criticism. Every church should study this message to obtain what this church had even though there will be more Smyrna's as time goes on. Christ did not criticize Smyrna either. We also know there will be many more Laodicean churches as time passes.
Scholars will say these ages of the church are in this following order:
Ephesus [30-100] Apostolic Church
Smyrna [100-313] Roman Persecution
Pergamum [313-600] Age of Constantine
Thyatira [600-1517] Dark Ages
Sardis [1517-1648] Reformation (The weakness of it)
Philadelphia [1648-and on through the Rapture] Missionary Movement
Laodicea [1900-until the Rapture] Apostasy
Our Text:
*****Rev 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
As Christ Jesus describes Himself, lets look at what He says: Note, We seem to have no problem wanting to be called Christians. To be a Christian is to be like Christ. Are we holy and true?
1.) He is Holy: We call a man holy,when his heart is conformed in some degree to the image of God, and his life is regulated by the divine precepts. Then, holy is used as nearly synonymous with good, humble, and godly.
To be holy is to be hallowed; consecrated or set apart to a sacred use, or to the service or worship of God; a sense frequent in Scripture; as the holy sabbath; holy oil; holy vessels; a holy nation; the holy temple; a holy priesthood.
A holy people! Just and good. A holy witness. We can be none of these things unless we are filled and sealed with the Holy Ghost.
Jesus tells us:
1Pe 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
1Pe 1:14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
1Pe 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
1Pe 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
2.) He that is true:
To be true is to be a fact. God's word is true because it states the facts. Anything that does not conform to God's word is then false.
There are many counterfeit religions in this world. There are many false Christians in this world but Jesus Christ is the truth of God in every sense. He is God incarnate.
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.
Paul writes:
Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
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.
Matthew says:
Mat 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
It does not matter if we believe or not!
2Ti 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
Because He is true!
Heb 6:17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
Heb 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which [it was impossible for God to lie], we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Heb 6:19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, [both sure and stedfast], and which entereth into that within the veil;
Heb 6:20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Because Jesus is faithful and true, the church will accomplish what God wants while we are in this church age.
3.) He has the key of David:
Isa 22:22 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.
There was an evil man named Shebna who had managed to get control of as sort of prime minister to the Kingdom of Judah. God stopped this and place it in the hands of Eliakim who was the son of the High Priests, Hilkiah. What the Lord Jesus is saying in our verse is that it is He (Jesus Christ) that has the Key as "prime minister" of the church in all affairs of the church. The church belongs to Jesus Christ. It is He that has all power and all authority and not anyone that assumes so on this Earth.
Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
The command to go and witness comes from "He that has the authority" to direct the true mission of the church. (Jesus Christ Our Lord)
4.) He that opens and shuts:
When Christ gave the commandment to go forth to the church He also gave some direction to proceed:
Act 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
God gives any church as Philadelphia the open door to missions. We limit our own selves when we get caught up in worldly things.
1.) To Jerusalem [or the Home city of the church].
2.) To Judea [or the Home nation of the church].
3.) To Samaria [or the neighboring countries of the church].
4.) To the entire Earth [or missionaries to the world].
The first door that is opened is to begin the local church and that's the first direction to evangelize. The Lord Jesus said it was he who would open the doors and close them from then on.
*****Rev 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
This church at Philadelphia had a little strength.
They had kept the word of God in other words Acts 1:8 and Matthew 28:19-20.
They had not denied the deity of Christ.
We can see why the doors to any such church would remain open. The reason that the doors of spiritual power have been closed to so many churches is that they have ceased to believe that the Bible is truly the "Word of God". They do not even preach the word any more. They do not believe Jesus is the Son of God. They do not believe in the Blood atonement. They do not believe in the Virgin birth. They do not believe in the Resurrected Christ They do not believe that Christ is the only way to the Father in Heaven. They do not believe in the work of the Holy Spirit.
They have veered from the fundamentals of the Bible and traveled down their own path to destruction. God has closed the doors to these places of worship and the best they can do is to be like Sardis(dead) or
Thyiatira(lax).
They have forgotten the truth!
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.
1Jn 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
1Jn 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
1Jn 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
*****Rev 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
These people are described to us in:
Rev 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of [them which say they are Jews, and are not], but are the synagogue of Satan.
Who is a true Jew?
Rom 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Rom 2:29 [But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God].
These that do not have the praise of God but are liars will be forced to come worship before the church. They will know that the Lord Jesus loves His Church, His Bride.
What do we know of liars?
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.
We must not be confused with the statement "worship at your feet". Jesus is "not" saying it is the church that will be worshiped. He is saying that the church will be present when the world bows down to the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords.
Every knee will bow!
Php 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Php 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
*****Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
(word of my patience)
I believe James the half-brother of the Lord says it best:
Jas 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, [the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain].
Jas 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
I believe we are in the period of the latter rain now of this time of "Grace".
Jer 5:24 Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: [he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest].
As Jeremiah was telling the Jews, I believe the Lord has reserved to the Church these appointed weeks of the harvest. This age of Grace is winding down. The time of Christ is drawing nigh. Only a blind man could miss all the signs of His coming and those signs are for His return to this Earth. The Church will have already been taken out. Just as this verse says.
Paul wrote:
Rom 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
Rom 2:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
That's why they call it faith:
Heb 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
Heb 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
Heb 10:37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
Heb 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Heb 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
We must follow the direction of the Holy Spirit who will always lead us to the Lord Jesus:
2Th 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
(I will keep thee from the Hour)
There is almost no clearer indication that the Rapture will happen before the Tribulation than what it says in this verse.
Peter wrote:
2Pe 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
The Bible says:
Psa 4:3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when
I call unto him.
Patiently waiting is having faith!
What we know is that Noah and his family were delivered before the flood:
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
God has shown His patience in waiting until the proper time:
1Pe 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
1Pe 3:19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
1Pe 3:20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
God will spare His people from His wrath!
2Pe 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
2Pe 2:5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
2Pe 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
2Pe 2:7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
2Pe 2:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
2Pe 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
These examples are in the Bible for us to learn from. The godly in Christ Jesus will observe the tribulation period from Heaven!
Rev 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
Rev 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
These are not idle words in the Word of God. These are the truths of the Bible. Job knew, King David knew, Samuel knew, Abraham knew, Paul, Peter, John, James and all the other writers of the New Testament knew because the Holy Ghost saw fit for us to know this miracle of the Rapture of the Church.
Remember what Jesus said:
Rev 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and [the things which are], and the things which shall be hereafter;
The Church is not again mentioned after Revelation 4:1 until the end of the Kingdom Age!
(upon all the world)
World here is the inhabitants of this Earth!
Isa 13:9 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.
God has this message to all that remain. This is the message of the tribulation period. There will be none of the saints left on this earth during this time and the Millennial Kingdom follows this.
*****Rev 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
The Lord Jesus says "look", fix your mind on this thing. It's going to happen and (quickly) it will happen all of a sudden. Like a thief!
Jas 5:9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
Again the Apostle Paul:
1Th 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
1Th 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
1Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
1Th 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
1Th 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
1Th 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
1Th 5:7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
1Th 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
1Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
(take your crown)
It is again Paul who tells us of this crown:
2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, [but unto all them also that love his appearing].
This may not be a solid gold crown ringed with jewels but it will be the crown of royalty.
The Greek word used here is "stephanos:.
stephanos means an apparently primary “stepho” (to twine or wreathe); a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fillet, G1238 (would be a crown of gold)
This same crown is found in these words of Peter:
1Pe 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
We cannot lose our salvation but we can lose our crowns!
Mat 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
Luk 10:41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
Luk 10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
*****Rev 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
What is it to overcome?
Jesus said:
Joh 16:31 Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?
Joh 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
You see if we only believe and place our faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ Our Lord we can also be overcomers:
1Jn 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
1Jn 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
1Jn 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1Jn 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
You will never overcome the evil in this world without Jesus Christ buried deeply into your heart and soul. He cannot be seen by others until His light shines within you.
(A pillar)
The Greek word "stulos" is used for the word pillar in this verse. It means a "post".
Jesus asked this question of the Jews one day:
Mat 11:7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
This was John the Baptist a solid post for Christ!
In the Apostle Paul's instructions to Timothy he said these words:
1Ti 3:14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
1Ti 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
It is the true church of Jesus that is the pillar of truth in this world.
James, Peter and John were pillars of the truth:
Gal 2:9 [And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars], perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
As all these are examples of things on this Earth. Jesus says the church will be the pillars of God's Temple in the New Jerusalem in Heaven or that will come down from Heaven. Never to go no more in and out. There will be no need to run from evil because it will not exist. No need to run from persecution, it will not exist. No need to worry about the Synagogue of Satan, it will not exist. No sickness, no death, no crying, no pain. They will not exist.
The name of the God of Jesus:
1.) Everyone in New Jerusalem will be godly or have God-likeness.
2.) Everyone in New Jerusalem will be adorned as the Bride Of Christ.
3.) Everyone in New Jerusalem will bare the Name of the Bridegroom as the church (the bride of Christ) is married to Our Saviour. Every bride gets the name of her new husband.
*****Rev 3:13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
We must always listen to the Holy Spirit of God. We are going home soon.
Are you ready!
Let's pray!
Our Text Revelation 3:7-13
1.) In our study so far in this great book given to us from Jesus Christ our Lord, we have seen Ephesus the church that lost it's first love.
The church that is not based on the Rock of Jesus is not the true foundation of God's children and is then not part of God's church on this Earth.
2.) We have seen Smyrna the persecuted church.
We know there are places in this world where it is really hard to be a Christian. Persecution will follow any church but it is greater in some locations in this world.
3.) We have seen Pergamos the church that was giving in to the world.
Boy, can you go anywhere and not find one of these places of worship.
4.) We've seen Thyatira where to keep a job the church became lax with the commandments of God and joined the world in the name of making a living.
God says to come out from among them and God's arms are not to short to take care of His children.
5.) We have seen the church at Sardis where the congregation just died. They were corpses that could sit up but they were just as dead as if they were in their coffins.
We will now see the church at Philadelphia. The church at Philadelphia and the church at Smyrna were the only two places of worship that did not receive any rebuke from the Lord Jesus.
Let's take a moment and look at the Church that Christ built.
Mat 16:18 says And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock [I will build my church]; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
We could talk about what is said about Peter here in this verse but we can do that later. In the Greek words used here, Peter would be a small stone and the Rock of Jesus would be the greatest of all mountains.
Peter himself said we are all also lively stones just like he is in the work of the church:
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.
What Christ Jesus does say is that "He will build His Church". In other words the church had not been built at this point in time. The Church of Christ did not exist in the Old Testament. The Church of Christ did not exist as long as Jesus was on this Earth. In fact Jesus said:
Joh 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
Joh 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Joh 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Joh 16:10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
Joh 16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
The church could not be built until Christ went back to Heaven. We know that Jesus was being rejected by His own people and He was near the end of His earthly ministry. God had written many years before this these words:
Isa 49:5 And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.
Isa 49:6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: [I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth].
At the Cross and at His Resurrection Jesus Christ provided the Salvation that is mentioned here in Isaiah. When Christ went back to Heaven and sent the Holy Ghost at Pentecost then began the Church.
Eph 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
Eph 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
Eph 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
Eph 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, [and gave him to be the head over all things to the church],
Eph 1:23 [Which is his body], the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
The Church is then the Body of Christ!
1Co 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
You have to be Baptized with God's Holy Spirit to be a part of the Body of Christ!
The Church was given to Christ by God Himself:
Joh 17:8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
It was Peter who first took this message to the Jews and to the Gentiles after Pentecost:
Act 15:14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, [to take out of them a people for his name].
We know that the Apostle John is the last of this group sent out to start His church. The Church has stood without the Apostles since that time and will continue to stand until Christ Jesus returns to take His church out of this world.
How do you get into the Church that Christ is building?
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
Rom 10:13 [For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved].
That "whosoever" says it does not matter where you come from or where you have been or what you have done. It only says to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and what He has taught the Church, His body, The Body of Christ.
The purpose of God in this Church age is not to establish His Kingdom but to call out the Church that some be saved, not all but, all that will come, [whosoever will come]. Every person still has that freewill to choose. That will not be so in the Kingdom to come after the "church age", This is the time of "GRACE".
Col 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
Col 1:25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
Col 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Col 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
At Philadelphia we see the best resemblance of the young vibrant Body of Christ that Jesus intended on this Earth. Philadelphia means "brotherly love".
Rom 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with [brotherly love]; in honour preferring one another;
1Th 4:9 But as touching [brotherly love] ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
These also are the Greek words for "Philadelphia". This church of Philadelphia practiced the art of brotherly love. This church needed no corrective measures nor a reprimand from The Lord Jesus Christ. We can see from this church that it is possible to serve the Lord Jesus without His criticism. Every church should study this message to obtain what this church had even though there will be more Smyrna's as time goes on. Christ did not criticize Smyrna either. We also know there will be many more Laodicean churches as time passes.
Scholars will say these ages of the church are in this following order:
Ephesus [30-100] Apostolic Church
Smyrna [100-313] Roman Persecution
Pergamum [313-600] Age of Constantine
Thyatira [600-1517] Dark Ages
Sardis [1517-1648] Reformation (The weakness of it)
Philadelphia [1648-and on through the Rapture] Missionary Movement
Laodicea [1900-until the Rapture] Apostasy
Our Text:
*****Rev 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
As Christ Jesus describes Himself, lets look at what He says: Note, We seem to have no problem wanting to be called Christians. To be a Christian is to be like Christ. Are we holy and true?
1.) He is Holy: We call a man holy,when his heart is conformed in some degree to the image of God, and his life is regulated by the divine precepts. Then, holy is used as nearly synonymous with good, humble, and godly.
To be holy is to be hallowed; consecrated or set apart to a sacred use, or to the service or worship of God; a sense frequent in Scripture; as the holy sabbath; holy oil; holy vessels; a holy nation; the holy temple; a holy priesthood.
A holy people! Just and good. A holy witness. We can be none of these things unless we are filled and sealed with the Holy Ghost.
Jesus tells us:
1Pe 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
1Pe 1:14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
1Pe 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
1Pe 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
2.) He that is true:
To be true is to be a fact. God's word is true because it states the facts. Anything that does not conform to God's word is then false.
There are many counterfeit religions in this world. There are many false Christians in this world but Jesus Christ is the truth of God in every sense. He is God incarnate.
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.
Paul writes:
Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
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.
Matthew says:
Mat 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
It does not matter if we believe or not!
2Ti 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
Because He is true!
Heb 6:17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
Heb 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which [it was impossible for God to lie], we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Heb 6:19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, [both sure and stedfast], and which entereth into that within the veil;
Heb 6:20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Because Jesus is faithful and true, the church will accomplish what God wants while we are in this church age.
3.) He has the key of David:
Isa 22:22 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.
There was an evil man named Shebna who had managed to get control of as sort of prime minister to the Kingdom of Judah. God stopped this and place it in the hands of Eliakim who was the son of the High Priests, Hilkiah. What the Lord Jesus is saying in our verse is that it is He (Jesus Christ) that has the Key as "prime minister" of the church in all affairs of the church. The church belongs to Jesus Christ. It is He that has all power and all authority and not anyone that assumes so on this Earth.
Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
The command to go and witness comes from "He that has the authority" to direct the true mission of the church. (Jesus Christ Our Lord)
4.) He that opens and shuts:
When Christ gave the commandment to go forth to the church He also gave some direction to proceed:
Act 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
God gives any church as Philadelphia the open door to missions. We limit our own selves when we get caught up in worldly things.
1.) To Jerusalem [or the Home city of the church].
2.) To Judea [or the Home nation of the church].
3.) To Samaria [or the neighboring countries of the church].
4.) To the entire Earth [or missionaries to the world].
The first door that is opened is to begin the local church and that's the first direction to evangelize. The Lord Jesus said it was he who would open the doors and close them from then on.
*****Rev 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
This church at Philadelphia had a little strength.
They had kept the word of God in other words Acts 1:8 and Matthew 28:19-20.
They had not denied the deity of Christ.
We can see why the doors to any such church would remain open. The reason that the doors of spiritual power have been closed to so many churches is that they have ceased to believe that the Bible is truly the "Word of God". They do not even preach the word any more. They do not believe Jesus is the Son of God. They do not believe in the Blood atonement. They do not believe in the Virgin birth. They do not believe in the Resurrected Christ They do not believe that Christ is the only way to the Father in Heaven. They do not believe in the work of the Holy Spirit.
They have veered from the fundamentals of the Bible and traveled down their own path to destruction. God has closed the doors to these places of worship and the best they can do is to be like Sardis(dead) or
Thyiatira(lax).
They have forgotten the truth!
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.
1Jn 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
1Jn 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
1Jn 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
*****Rev 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
These people are described to us in:
Rev 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of [them which say they are Jews, and are not], but are the synagogue of Satan.
Who is a true Jew?
Rom 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Rom 2:29 [But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God].
These that do not have the praise of God but are liars will be forced to come worship before the church. They will know that the Lord Jesus loves His Church, His Bride.
What do we know of liars?
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.
We must not be confused with the statement "worship at your feet". Jesus is "not" saying it is the church that will be worshiped. He is saying that the church will be present when the world bows down to the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords.
Every knee will bow!
Php 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Php 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
*****Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
(word of my patience)
I believe James the half-brother of the Lord says it best:
Jas 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, [the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain].
Jas 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
I believe we are in the period of the latter rain now of this time of "Grace".
Jer 5:24 Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: [he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest].
As Jeremiah was telling the Jews, I believe the Lord has reserved to the Church these appointed weeks of the harvest. This age of Grace is winding down. The time of Christ is drawing nigh. Only a blind man could miss all the signs of His coming and those signs are for His return to this Earth. The Church will have already been taken out. Just as this verse says.
Paul wrote:
Rom 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
Rom 2:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
That's why they call it faith:
Heb 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
Heb 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
Heb 10:37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
Heb 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Heb 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
We must follow the direction of the Holy Spirit who will always lead us to the Lord Jesus:
2Th 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
(I will keep thee from the Hour)
There is almost no clearer indication that the Rapture will happen before the Tribulation than what it says in this verse.
Peter wrote:
2Pe 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
The Bible says:
Psa 4:3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when
I call unto him.
Patiently waiting is having faith!
What we know is that Noah and his family were delivered before the flood:
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
God has shown His patience in waiting until the proper time:
1Pe 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
1Pe 3:19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
1Pe 3:20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
God will spare His people from His wrath!
2Pe 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
2Pe 2:5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
2Pe 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
2Pe 2:7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
2Pe 2:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
2Pe 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
These examples are in the Bible for us to learn from. The godly in Christ Jesus will observe the tribulation period from Heaven!
Rev 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
Rev 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
These are not idle words in the Word of God. These are the truths of the Bible. Job knew, King David knew, Samuel knew, Abraham knew, Paul, Peter, John, James and all the other writers of the New Testament knew because the Holy Ghost saw fit for us to know this miracle of the Rapture of the Church.
Remember what Jesus said:
Rev 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and [the things which are], and the things which shall be hereafter;
The Church is not again mentioned after Revelation 4:1 until the end of the Kingdom Age!
(upon all the world)
World here is the inhabitants of this Earth!
Isa 13:9 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.
God has this message to all that remain. This is the message of the tribulation period. There will be none of the saints left on this earth during this time and the Millennial Kingdom follows this.
*****Rev 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
The Lord Jesus says "look", fix your mind on this thing. It's going to happen and (quickly) it will happen all of a sudden. Like a thief!
Jas 5:9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
Again the Apostle Paul:
1Th 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
1Th 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
1Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
1Th 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
1Th 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
1Th 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
1Th 5:7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
1Th 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
1Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
(take your crown)
It is again Paul who tells us of this crown:
2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, [but unto all them also that love his appearing].
This may not be a solid gold crown ringed with jewels but it will be the crown of royalty.
The Greek word used here is "stephanos:.
stephanos means an apparently primary “stepho” (to twine or wreathe); a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fillet, G1238 (would be a crown of gold)
This same crown is found in these words of Peter:
1Pe 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
We cannot lose our salvation but we can lose our crowns!
Mat 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
Luk 10:41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
Luk 10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
*****Rev 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
What is it to overcome?
Jesus said:
Joh 16:31 Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?
Joh 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
You see if we only believe and place our faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ Our Lord we can also be overcomers:
1Jn 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
1Jn 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
1Jn 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1Jn 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
You will never overcome the evil in this world without Jesus Christ buried deeply into your heart and soul. He cannot be seen by others until His light shines within you.
(A pillar)
The Greek word "stulos" is used for the word pillar in this verse. It means a "post".
Jesus asked this question of the Jews one day:
Mat 11:7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
This was John the Baptist a solid post for Christ!
In the Apostle Paul's instructions to Timothy he said these words:
1Ti 3:14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
1Ti 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
It is the true church of Jesus that is the pillar of truth in this world.
James, Peter and John were pillars of the truth:
Gal 2:9 [And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars], perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
As all these are examples of things on this Earth. Jesus says the church will be the pillars of God's Temple in the New Jerusalem in Heaven or that will come down from Heaven. Never to go no more in and out. There will be no need to run from evil because it will not exist. No need to run from persecution, it will not exist. No need to worry about the Synagogue of Satan, it will not exist. No sickness, no death, no crying, no pain. They will not exist.
The name of the God of Jesus:
1.) Everyone in New Jerusalem will be godly or have God-likeness.
2.) Everyone in New Jerusalem will be adorned as the Bride Of Christ.
3.) Everyone in New Jerusalem will bare the Name of the Bridegroom as the church (the bride of Christ) is married to Our Saviour. Every bride gets the name of her new husband.
*****Rev 3:13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
We must always listen to the Holy Spirit of God. We are going home soon.
Are you ready!
Let's pray!
Friday, July 8, 2011
The Message To The Church At Sardis
MESSAGE TO SARDIS
Our Text: Revelation 3:1-6
As we study these churches in the book of Revelation we should see and learn from the things Our Lord points out as He counsels these members. When He speaks to the church, Christ speaks to the Body of Christ but He also speaks to us individually. It should prick our heart as we see the errors made then and what we know of in our day now. It can readily be seen that we just haven't been steadfast in God's word as we should and have allowed Satan in the doors of every church to set up his nonsense. I would like to see the day that angel tosses him into that burning lake of fire. Kick him in the head Jesus!
1.)The lesson of Ephesus is we must keep our focus on Jesus Christ our Lord. He is the foundation of the Church.
2.)The lesson of Smyrna is that we are going to see Christians persecuted until the Rapture and it is going to get worse. If we do not get up to serve Christ now, we certainly will not serve Him as things get worse.
3.) The lesson of Pergamos is that we just cannot allow the world into the church. A house divided will simply not stand. The Lord said to come out from among them.
4.) The lesson of Thyatira is that we just cannot get so lax as the Body of Christ to allow false teaching into the Church. Our Pastors must preach the entire word of God and the Church must adhere to the exact word of God.
5.) In Sardis we will see the results when we do not do these things! The dead church.
Sardis was a prominent city and obtained its wealth from textile manufacturing, jewelry trade, and the dye industry. Generally speaking, the city was pagan with many individual mystery cults. The temple of Artemis was one of the major points of interest. Five hundred years before John wrote this letter Sardis was one of the richest and most powerful cities in the world. It became ethically complacent and morally degenerate, but to all appearances it had every reason to be proud and boastful.
Sardis was in an ideal location in the plain of the River Hermus Valley. It was the meeting place of several major trade routes. Sardis was guaranteed commercial prosperity. It was built on a 1500 foot high plateau with steep cliffs on three sides and a narrow road leading to the city on the fourth side. This made Sardis virtually impenetrable to attack. Sardis was so blessed the river which flowed through the town carried gold dust. How blessed can you be?
It is no wonder that Sardis became a rich and splendid city. Sardis became the capital of the kingdom of Lydia. Their most famous king was Croesus. His very name is synonymous with wealth. This is where the saying “as rich as Croesus” came from. Despite all of its blessings Sardis had a problem. It became over confident. Life had become too easy. The citizens came to think of their town as unconquerable, no matter who their enemy may be.
Our Text:
*****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.
We already know that the angel of the church is the pastor. The seven stars are the pastors that have been called of God. We must not forget there are some claiming to be called to preach but called themselves. They are not of God.
Salvation comes to those that believe and call on the Lord!
Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? [and how shall they hear without a preacher]?
Rom 10:15 [And how shall they preach, except they be sent]? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Rom 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
Rom 10:17 [So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God].
It is Jesus Christ that has the Spirit of God. We have talked about the seven fold characteristics of God's Spirit from the book of Isaiah:
Isa 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
Isa 11:2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
Isa 11:3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:
1.) The Spirit of the Lord (Jesus).
2.) The Spirit of "wisdom".
3.) The Spirit of "understanding".
4.) The Spirit of "counsel".
5.) The Spirit of "might".
6.) The Spirit of "knowledge".
7.) The Spirit of the "fear of the Lord".
Christ said that He knew their works but we do not see any good works mentioned! This church did not have the right "Spirit".
If you were a member of the community where this church was located you would have seen an active church. You would probably have seen a church trying to civilize the whole city, building a big magnificent building and a lot of community activities. Not all of this wrong but there has to be a reason for the work of God. That reason and purpose is laid out in God's word. You may have seen a big fancy building and all of it growing. We see a lot of these churches in our modern worldly churches of today but saving the lost is not first on their list of things to do.
Now God said the church grew everyday and I believe it still does.
Act 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. [And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved].
How does this growth come about?
Act 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even as many as the Lord our God shall call].
Act 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, [Save yourselves from this untoward generation].
Act 2:41 [Then they that gladly received his word were baptized]: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
God said to come out from among them!
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,
What we do not see in Sardis is any persecution. Not any mention of false religion that we know was there. Not any mention of any thing much. In other words this whole city was one big happy family they tolerated each other. This all sounds so well and good but we know Satan hates Christians and Satan hates the church.
God warns us:
1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1Pe 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
We know that to be Born Again comes from faith in the word of God and the work of His Holy Spirit but listen to what else Peter wrote:
1Pe 1:23 Being born again, [not of corruptible seed], but of incorruptible, [by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever].
Not only do we see that it is the word of God that is incorruptible and [we see that there is some corruptible seed that is sown].
There was corruptible seed being sown in Sardis!
God tells us about this in one of His parables:
Mat 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
Mat 13:25 [But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way].
Mat 13:26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
Mat 13:27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
Mat 13:28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
Mat 13:29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
Mat 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
We can see that there was some corruptible seed sown in this church at Sardis. Why because the church had fallen asleep. This church had been dying for a long time and even at this time of Christ, this church was dead.
This church had not worshiped in Spirit and Truth as was commanded:
Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
There was little if any truth left in this church! While the church had fallen asleep the enemy had come in to sow the corruptible seed.
We can be sure this church had some works because Christ Jesus said He knew them. It is evident the community surrounding this church saw things going on at this church but they did not see any Evangelism. They did not see any mission work. They did not see any church outreach at all.
They probably did see bazaars, socials, picnics, fundraisers and other such things involving this social club calling itself a church.
*****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.
Jesus says: Wake up Church! You cannot be watchful and still be asleep. The Greek word "gregoreuo" is used here and it simply means to keep awake. Be vigilant. Remember what Peter said. (Be sober, Be vigilant). Christ knows all His children and there were a few hanging on here at this church. They were still doing a few things right. Keep in mind Christ speaks to His church. This pastor was to preach to everyone in the congregation. They both were to get this message because even these few things that remained were ready to die.
The Bible says:
Rom 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; [even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness].
Rom 6:20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
Rom 6:21 [What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death].
Rom 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
Rom 6:23 [For the wages of sin is death]; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
This church was dying because of sin!
(to strengthen)
The Greek word "sterizo" is used for strengthen in this verse. It means to turn towards the things of God and establish them in order to stop this death and destruction. Like the Greek word "histemi" it means to establish the things of God. Like the Greek word "stereos" it means to make the things of God solid, stable, and steadfast.
(works perfect)
When the Lord Jesus Christ uses this word perfect, He does not mean in sinless perfection but He means Spiritually developed and Spiritually matured in Godliness.
Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Chapter 5 in the book of Matthew gives us some guidelines of what is expected of each and every Christian. Though these words were written to the Jews we can still use them to guide us in our daily living for Christ. It is easy to see that this church in Sardis was not following these guidelines. This gives us a picture of what was lacking in Sardis.
The Bible says:
Eph 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
I have said before we that sit in the pews in the House of God no matter where we are located have an obligation to our Savior. He bought us and He owns us surely we can serve Him.
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.
We can know that this church in Sardis came up short in this also and most all of us do.
There were many in this church at Sardis that were just going through the motions. They had never accepted Christ as Savior nor as Lord. They just imagined they were saved by the works they were doing. Christ said their works were not perfect, He didn't say they were not working. It appears that all walks of life in Sardis were traveling the same path to destruction.
The Bible says:
1Pe 1:14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
1Pe 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
1Pe 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
1Pe 1:17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
1Pe 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
1Pe 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
*****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.
We must not forget, all the Apostles except John had been martyred at this time. The time of the Apostles was coming to a close. The age of the church had begun, so most all the church probably still had what we call charter members. There would be some in this church that had been there from the beginning. They had heard the word of truth at one time and some had been gloriously saved.
Christ tells them to recollect the teaching they had first heard. Recollect the Doctrine of the Apostles, the Doctrine of Christ.
Paul wrote to the Galatians:
Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Gal 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Gal 1:9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Gal 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
These words would hold true to this church at Sardis. There is a song that goes "Roll back the curtain of memory now and then". If we are saved we cannot lose that salvation but it doesn't hurt to look back at that dirty, nasty, sinful life we all once had and know that a return to that life would be foolish. Jesus Christ holds on to our salvation. We could not save ourselves nor can we keep ourselves saved. It is the intercessory power of the Lord Jesus Christ that keeps us saved, So He is not saying to hold onto our salvation but He is saying to hold onto the teaching of faith in His saving power and His commands to further the Gospel to this lost world. If the light of the church of Sardis had just a flicker left and it did at this time, then Christ said to burn brighter in His name. To repent is the change your mind and this change should be for the truth. It is God's word that has all truth.
Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
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.
Christ said "wake up church" you have been asleep to long now. But If You Will Not Wake Up!
Jesus Christ did not say He was a thief but that He would come as a thief!
What is a thief? One who secretly, unlawfully and feloniously takes the goods or personal property of another. The thief takes the property of another privately; the robber by open force.
When Christ comes as a thief He is saying that that thief would not warn you when he would come to steal your things. Jesus Christ says "I will come to get my church, those that believe on Me, and I will not warn you of the hour, day, or the season".
What's so sad about this is with the choice of the words used here, Jesus says some of you will not even be aware that I have come though you sit on the pews of this church.
There will be many that will miss the day of the rapture and will return to their place of worship not even realizing the church is in Heaven. They will do business as usual and burn in Hell.
The Bible says:
1Th 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
1Th 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
1Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
1Th 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
1Th 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
1Th 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
Of those that miss the rapture:
2Th 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
2Th 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
2Th 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
2Th 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
2Th 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
2Th 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
If you miss the rapture of the church you will not miss the time of the Antichrist nor the tribulation period, that is unless you are already in Hell.
*****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.
(names)
What's in a name? When we are born our name is written into [the book of the living].
Psa 69:28 Let them be blotted out of [the book of the living], and not be written with the righteous.
Luk 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Php 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in [the book of life].
When the flesh dies that name is removed from that book. But the Born Again child of God, since that person never really dies their name will remain in that book
Now we know that as soon as the child of God accepts the Lord Jesus Christ as his or her Savior that [they are also written into the Lamb's Book of Life]. So there are at least two records of the ones who will have eternal life. Your name has to be in both books! There is also a book of the works done since you were saved but that book is for rewards and not for salvation.
This verse says that even in Sardis, the dead church there were those that had accepted the Lord Jesus as God. To the rest, they will hear these words at the judgment seat and there will be no record of their names. A person needs to accept the truth of the Gospel before their physical death because no matter what some religions teach there is no way to get your name into the Lamb's Book of Life after physical death. There is no praying that can change that and "it certainly would not be something that could be bought".
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
(even in Sardis)
Even in a place that has all religion and evil under one roof like Sardis, God's truth, God's word will still reach a few of the lost! The world is trying it's best now to place all religion under one roof, saying that all religion are based on the same thing and Jesus Christ is not the only way to Heaven.
I have to base my salvation on God's word! That's why it's called faith! God's word still has this teaching.
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.
Christ fulfilled too many prophecies for me to say He is a liar. I'll just stay with Christ.
(walk in white)
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that "white" stands for purity.
Psa 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Isa 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
To know a bit more what that means study the transfiguration of our Lord.
Mat 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
You know most all brides dress in "white"!
The Bride of Christ will be in "white"!
(they are worthy)
Worthy means: Deserving; such as merits; having worth or excellence; equivalent; with of, before the thing deserved.
That word "worthy" is used 54 times in the New Testament. I believe we have to be worthy.
The Church will not see the tribulation period because God will take us on home through His Son but only through His blood can you be found worthy!
Luk 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, [that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man].
The Church will stand before Christ at His Judgment Seat!
2Co 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
2Co 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
2Co 5:10 For we must all appear before [the judgment seat of Christ]; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
2Co 5:11 [Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord], we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
That terror of the Lord is the tribulation period!
*****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.
(To overcome)
To overcome is to gain the superiority; to be victorious.
We have victory in Jesus!
1Jn 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
1Jn 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
(Raiment)
Zec 3:4 And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.
Raiment is Clothing in general; vestments; vesture; garments.
(Book of Life)
Rev 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
Rev 21:24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
Rev 21:25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
Rev 21:26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
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].
(Confess His name before The Father and His angels)
Mal 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
Mal 3:17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
Mat 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
Luk 12:8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
Luk 12:9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.
Jud 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Jud 1:25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
This verse by mentioning The Father speaks also of the Holy Trinity:
The Father
The Son
The Holy Ghost
Notice those are "His" angels.
*****Rev 3:6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
The Holy Spirit says open up your ears, clean the wax out, and Hear What He is Saying!
Let's Pray!
Our Text: Revelation 3:1-6
As we study these churches in the book of Revelation we should see and learn from the things Our Lord points out as He counsels these members. When He speaks to the church, Christ speaks to the Body of Christ but He also speaks to us individually. It should prick our heart as we see the errors made then and what we know of in our day now. It can readily be seen that we just haven't been steadfast in God's word as we should and have allowed Satan in the doors of every church to set up his nonsense. I would like to see the day that angel tosses him into that burning lake of fire. Kick him in the head Jesus!
1.)The lesson of Ephesus is we must keep our focus on Jesus Christ our Lord. He is the foundation of the Church.
2.)The lesson of Smyrna is that we are going to see Christians persecuted until the Rapture and it is going to get worse. If we do not get up to serve Christ now, we certainly will not serve Him as things get worse.
3.) The lesson of Pergamos is that we just cannot allow the world into the church. A house divided will simply not stand. The Lord said to come out from among them.
4.) The lesson of Thyatira is that we just cannot get so lax as the Body of Christ to allow false teaching into the Church. Our Pastors must preach the entire word of God and the Church must adhere to the exact word of God.
5.) In Sardis we will see the results when we do not do these things! The dead church.
Sardis was a prominent city and obtained its wealth from textile manufacturing, jewelry trade, and the dye industry. Generally speaking, the city was pagan with many individual mystery cults. The temple of Artemis was one of the major points of interest. Five hundred years before John wrote this letter Sardis was one of the richest and most powerful cities in the world. It became ethically complacent and morally degenerate, but to all appearances it had every reason to be proud and boastful.
Sardis was in an ideal location in the plain of the River Hermus Valley. It was the meeting place of several major trade routes. Sardis was guaranteed commercial prosperity. It was built on a 1500 foot high plateau with steep cliffs on three sides and a narrow road leading to the city on the fourth side. This made Sardis virtually impenetrable to attack. Sardis was so blessed the river which flowed through the town carried gold dust. How blessed can you be?
It is no wonder that Sardis became a rich and splendid city. Sardis became the capital of the kingdom of Lydia. Their most famous king was Croesus. His very name is synonymous with wealth. This is where the saying “as rich as Croesus” came from. Despite all of its blessings Sardis had a problem. It became over confident. Life had become too easy. The citizens came to think of their town as unconquerable, no matter who their enemy may be.
Our Text:
*****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.
We already know that the angel of the church is the pastor. The seven stars are the pastors that have been called of God. We must not forget there are some claiming to be called to preach but called themselves. They are not of God.
Salvation comes to those that believe and call on the Lord!
Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? [and how shall they hear without a preacher]?
Rom 10:15 [And how shall they preach, except they be sent]? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Rom 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
Rom 10:17 [So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God].
It is Jesus Christ that has the Spirit of God. We have talked about the seven fold characteristics of God's Spirit from the book of Isaiah:
Isa 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
Isa 11:2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
Isa 11:3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:
1.) The Spirit of the Lord (Jesus).
2.) The Spirit of "wisdom".
3.) The Spirit of "understanding".
4.) The Spirit of "counsel".
5.) The Spirit of "might".
6.) The Spirit of "knowledge".
7.) The Spirit of the "fear of the Lord".
Christ said that He knew their works but we do not see any good works mentioned! This church did not have the right "Spirit".
If you were a member of the community where this church was located you would have seen an active church. You would probably have seen a church trying to civilize the whole city, building a big magnificent building and a lot of community activities. Not all of this wrong but there has to be a reason for the work of God. That reason and purpose is laid out in God's word. You may have seen a big fancy building and all of it growing. We see a lot of these churches in our modern worldly churches of today but saving the lost is not first on their list of things to do.
Now God said the church grew everyday and I believe it still does.
Act 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. [And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved].
How does this growth come about?
Act 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even as many as the Lord our God shall call].
Act 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, [Save yourselves from this untoward generation].
Act 2:41 [Then they that gladly received his word were baptized]: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
God said to come out from among them!
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,
What we do not see in Sardis is any persecution. Not any mention of false religion that we know was there. Not any mention of any thing much. In other words this whole city was one big happy family they tolerated each other. This all sounds so well and good but we know Satan hates Christians and Satan hates the church.
God warns us:
1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1Pe 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
We know that to be Born Again comes from faith in the word of God and the work of His Holy Spirit but listen to what else Peter wrote:
1Pe 1:23 Being born again, [not of corruptible seed], but of incorruptible, [by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever].
Not only do we see that it is the word of God that is incorruptible and [we see that there is some corruptible seed that is sown].
There was corruptible seed being sown in Sardis!
God tells us about this in one of His parables:
Mat 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
Mat 13:25 [But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way].
Mat 13:26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
Mat 13:27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
Mat 13:28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
Mat 13:29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
Mat 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
We can see that there was some corruptible seed sown in this church at Sardis. Why because the church had fallen asleep. This church had been dying for a long time and even at this time of Christ, this church was dead.
This church had not worshiped in Spirit and Truth as was commanded:
Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
There was little if any truth left in this church! While the church had fallen asleep the enemy had come in to sow the corruptible seed.
We can be sure this church had some works because Christ Jesus said He knew them. It is evident the community surrounding this church saw things going on at this church but they did not see any Evangelism. They did not see any mission work. They did not see any church outreach at all.
They probably did see bazaars, socials, picnics, fundraisers and other such things involving this social club calling itself a church.
*****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.
Jesus says: Wake up Church! You cannot be watchful and still be asleep. The Greek word "gregoreuo" is used here and it simply means to keep awake. Be vigilant. Remember what Peter said. (Be sober, Be vigilant). Christ knows all His children and there were a few hanging on here at this church. They were still doing a few things right. Keep in mind Christ speaks to His church. This pastor was to preach to everyone in the congregation. They both were to get this message because even these few things that remained were ready to die.
The Bible says:
Rom 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; [even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness].
Rom 6:20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
Rom 6:21 [What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death].
Rom 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
Rom 6:23 [For the wages of sin is death]; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
This church was dying because of sin!
(to strengthen)
The Greek word "sterizo" is used for strengthen in this verse. It means to turn towards the things of God and establish them in order to stop this death and destruction. Like the Greek word "histemi" it means to establish the things of God. Like the Greek word "stereos" it means to make the things of God solid, stable, and steadfast.
(works perfect)
When the Lord Jesus Christ uses this word perfect, He does not mean in sinless perfection but He means Spiritually developed and Spiritually matured in Godliness.
Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Chapter 5 in the book of Matthew gives us some guidelines of what is expected of each and every Christian. Though these words were written to the Jews we can still use them to guide us in our daily living for Christ. It is easy to see that this church in Sardis was not following these guidelines. This gives us a picture of what was lacking in Sardis.
The Bible says:
Eph 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
I have said before we that sit in the pews in the House of God no matter where we are located have an obligation to our Savior. He bought us and He owns us surely we can serve Him.
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.
We can know that this church in Sardis came up short in this also and most all of us do.
There were many in this church at Sardis that were just going through the motions. They had never accepted Christ as Savior nor as Lord. They just imagined they were saved by the works they were doing. Christ said their works were not perfect, He didn't say they were not working. It appears that all walks of life in Sardis were traveling the same path to destruction.
The Bible says:
1Pe 1:14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
1Pe 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
1Pe 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
1Pe 1:17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
1Pe 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
1Pe 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
*****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.
We must not forget, all the Apostles except John had been martyred at this time. The time of the Apostles was coming to a close. The age of the church had begun, so most all the church probably still had what we call charter members. There would be some in this church that had been there from the beginning. They had heard the word of truth at one time and some had been gloriously saved.
Christ tells them to recollect the teaching they had first heard. Recollect the Doctrine of the Apostles, the Doctrine of Christ.
Paul wrote to the Galatians:
Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Gal 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Gal 1:9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Gal 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
These words would hold true to this church at Sardis. There is a song that goes "Roll back the curtain of memory now and then". If we are saved we cannot lose that salvation but it doesn't hurt to look back at that dirty, nasty, sinful life we all once had and know that a return to that life would be foolish. Jesus Christ holds on to our salvation. We could not save ourselves nor can we keep ourselves saved. It is the intercessory power of the Lord Jesus Christ that keeps us saved, So He is not saying to hold onto our salvation but He is saying to hold onto the teaching of faith in His saving power and His commands to further the Gospel to this lost world. If the light of the church of Sardis had just a flicker left and it did at this time, then Christ said to burn brighter in His name. To repent is the change your mind and this change should be for the truth. It is God's word that has all truth.
Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
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.
Christ said "wake up church" you have been asleep to long now. But If You Will Not Wake Up!
Jesus Christ did not say He was a thief but that He would come as a thief!
What is a thief? One who secretly, unlawfully and feloniously takes the goods or personal property of another. The thief takes the property of another privately; the robber by open force.
When Christ comes as a thief He is saying that that thief would not warn you when he would come to steal your things. Jesus Christ says "I will come to get my church, those that believe on Me, and I will not warn you of the hour, day, or the season".
What's so sad about this is with the choice of the words used here, Jesus says some of you will not even be aware that I have come though you sit on the pews of this church.
There will be many that will miss the day of the rapture and will return to their place of worship not even realizing the church is in Heaven. They will do business as usual and burn in Hell.
The Bible says:
1Th 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
1Th 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
1Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
1Th 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
1Th 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
1Th 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
Of those that miss the rapture:
2Th 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
2Th 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
2Th 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
2Th 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
2Th 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
2Th 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
If you miss the rapture of the church you will not miss the time of the Antichrist nor the tribulation period, that is unless you are already in Hell.
*****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.
(names)
What's in a name? When we are born our name is written into [the book of the living].
Psa 69:28 Let them be blotted out of [the book of the living], and not be written with the righteous.
Luk 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Php 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in [the book of life].
When the flesh dies that name is removed from that book. But the Born Again child of God, since that person never really dies their name will remain in that book
Now we know that as soon as the child of God accepts the Lord Jesus Christ as his or her Savior that [they are also written into the Lamb's Book of Life]. So there are at least two records of the ones who will have eternal life. Your name has to be in both books! There is also a book of the works done since you were saved but that book is for rewards and not for salvation.
This verse says that even in Sardis, the dead church there were those that had accepted the Lord Jesus as God. To the rest, they will hear these words at the judgment seat and there will be no record of their names. A person needs to accept the truth of the Gospel before their physical death because no matter what some religions teach there is no way to get your name into the Lamb's Book of Life after physical death. There is no praying that can change that and "it certainly would not be something that could be bought".
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
(even in Sardis)
Even in a place that has all religion and evil under one roof like Sardis, God's truth, God's word will still reach a few of the lost! The world is trying it's best now to place all religion under one roof, saying that all religion are based on the same thing and Jesus Christ is not the only way to Heaven.
I have to base my salvation on God's word! That's why it's called faith! God's word still has this teaching.
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.
Christ fulfilled too many prophecies for me to say He is a liar. I'll just stay with Christ.
(walk in white)
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that "white" stands for purity.
Psa 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Isa 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
To know a bit more what that means study the transfiguration of our Lord.
Mat 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
You know most all brides dress in "white"!
The Bride of Christ will be in "white"!
(they are worthy)
Worthy means: Deserving; such as merits; having worth or excellence; equivalent; with of, before the thing deserved.
That word "worthy" is used 54 times in the New Testament. I believe we have to be worthy.
The Church will not see the tribulation period because God will take us on home through His Son but only through His blood can you be found worthy!
Luk 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, [that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man].
The Church will stand before Christ at His Judgment Seat!
2Co 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
2Co 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
2Co 5:10 For we must all appear before [the judgment seat of Christ]; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
2Co 5:11 [Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord], we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
That terror of the Lord is the tribulation period!
*****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.
(To overcome)
To overcome is to gain the superiority; to be victorious.
We have victory in Jesus!
1Jn 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
1Jn 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
(Raiment)
Zec 3:4 And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.
Raiment is Clothing in general; vestments; vesture; garments.
(Book of Life)
Rev 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
Rev 21:24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
Rev 21:25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
Rev 21:26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
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].
(Confess His name before The Father and His angels)
Mal 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
Mal 3:17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
Mat 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
Luk 12:8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
Luk 12:9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.
Jud 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Jud 1:25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
This verse by mentioning The Father speaks also of the Holy Trinity:
The Father
The Son
The Holy Ghost
Notice those are "His" angels.
*****Rev 3:6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
The Holy Spirit says open up your ears, clean the wax out, and Hear What He is Saying!
Let's Pray!
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