Church in Sardis

Sardis was an ancient city, the former capital of the Kingdom of Lydia. It was known as a wealthy city of trade. And interestingly enough, it was said to be impenetrable, as it sat high upon the mountains.

But . . . they were conquered twice. Were they overconfident? Did they fail to guard their city gates? Did they fail to guard their hearts?

In Revelation 3:1-6 Jesus (through John's writings) commends the Church of Sardis for the things they have done. He tells the Church of Sardis that they have a reputation for being alive.

I wonder, what things have they done? Hmmm.

But Jesus tells them, "you are dead. Now wake up!" (verse 2)

This verse causes me to pause. I consider churches in America. I consider the state of our country. I wonder about the Christian voting statistics that I've shared in other articles. I think about the "aiding illegal aliens" that has cost this state millions in fraud as our tax dollars have shifted to terror networks. The dollars spent to open daycares, travel assistance for those in need, autism programs, housing foundations. These businesses were fake. They didn't serve anyone. Instead they charged our people millions. And what does that say about a government that turns their eyes and looks the other way? All these programs "look like we're doing good." Deception lingers in the air.

Now I consider the words of Jesus differently. For verse 2 He says; "I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive - but you are dead."

Maybe He is saying; "I KNOW all the things you do." Maybe this is more of a warning. Just a thought as I write about this church and try to understand.

Church-where are we in this? This reading in Revelation 3 continues with a clear command to "WAKE UP! Strengthen what little remains, for even what you have is at the point of death. Your deeds are far from right in the sight of God." (emphasis mine)

Church, we must wake up. Turn to God and seek His face. If we honestly seek Him, He will direct us. We are living in the times of uncertainty and only God can help us. In America we have conformed to the ways of the world. We are not walking in holiness. None of us. Me included. Temptations linger in the air. Darkness hovers around us. That's why we need to die to ourselves daily, pick up our cross and follow Him. (Luke 9:23)

Jesus says that if we don't "wake up" and "go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly and turn to Me (Jesus) again; Unless you do, I will come up on you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief."

Church, where will you be when the Lord returns?

This section draws to a close with the Lord encouraging those that He sees who have "not soiled their garments with evil deeds."

His promise continues; "All who are victorious will be clothed in white and I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine."

"Yet even in Sardis there are some who have not soiled their garments with evil deeds. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine. " Revelation 3:4-5

My Christian friend, are you awake? It's so easy to get caught up in the media frenzy, internet searches, conspiracy theories but all of the answers to this world's problems lies in one book, the Bible.

James 4:8 promises that when we draw near to God, He WILL draw near to us. But that verse, the one I quote often, comes with a warning that I often neglect.

"Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, you hypocrites. Let there be tears for the wrong things you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on Him, He will lift you up and give you honor. James 4:9-10

James goes onto warn against speaking evil, criticizing, and condemning each other. Interestingly, this chapter ends with a warning against self confidence.

Seems we've come full circle. Ancient Sardis, over confident in their mighty fortress, found itself invaded twice. The Church of Sardis. The title above this section in my Bible is "the Corrupt Church."

Church, where are we walking in corruption today? There is time to return to the Lord. There is time to be about His work. The only way to protect against deception is to turn to the truth of God's Word.

"Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches." Revelation 3: 6

Dear Jesus, we need you. We really NEED you to speak truth into our hearts. To tell us to go this way and not that way. To direct our thoughts, words, conversations and lives. Your Church can be victorious but we need to walk with you. Jesus in me. Teach us, Lord, we pray. Strengthen and preserve us. In your mighty name, we pray. Amen.