SEVEN CHURCHES CONTINUED…
Sardis was formerly the capital of the ancient city of Lydia. The king of Sardis was an extremely wealthy man. The city was one of the noblest and most significant cities of the East. They manufactured textiles, dyes, and jewellery.
Sardis was the center of philosophy and study, but it was also filled with cults and idolatrous worship. They practised pagan orgies of gross immorality that were an abomination to God.
Jesus knew what went on in their secret places, and though they were physically alive, they were spiritually dead! The words they spoke were not acceptable to God. Jesus commands them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, those that really count in the eyes of God.
Today, we also must not allow worldly practices to override our zeal for the lost or our love for each other. Is Jesus Lord in the things in which you involve yourself?
Are your motives driven by love and holiness? Are you spending time in prayer and the Word, seeking His will in all things?
Sardis looked good on the outside but was full of dead men’s bones. James 2:18. “Your faith must be evident in your works.”
PHILADELPHIA.
This Church was about 30 miles from Sardis, situated at the gate way to the central plateau and had a thriving business in the production of wine. The area was prone to many earthquakes and the city had to be rebuilt several times.
Please read chapter 3:8,9.
Jesus, instead of finding fault with them, drew attention to their potential. This Church was an open door of evangelical outreach to the kingdoms surrounding it—the kingdoms of Lydia, Mysia, and Pergamum. Many Merchants would pass through the city, giving them great opportunities to reach many people across the Roman Empire with the Gospel.
As Paul had prayed so should you and I.
“Lord, open the doors of opportunity for me to love people and share the truth of the Gospel. Please grant me the power, authority and the boldness to go through those doors and reach the lost and dying souls that need you so desperately.”
Amen!
LAODICEA.
LAODICEA was the farthest south of all the other churches along the Lycus River. It was known for producing wool cloth.
Laodicea was decimated by a huge earthquake, but it’s population was able to rebuild its city without the help of Rome.
High above the city are mountains with sparkling white snow. Below flows a hot-water spring that rises out of the earth. As the snow melts, the freezing water flows down the mountains and merges with the hot springs, resulting in a lukewarm river.
Jesus used this as an illustration to warn them that He was not pleased with lukewarm spiritual behaviour.
He told them in his letter,
“I know your works; you are not hot or cold. I would love you to be one or the other, but you are neither cold nor hot! Because you are lukewarm, I will spew (vomit) you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:15,16.
God is not happy with the middle road Christian, the casual, compromising Christian.
Some people take the High Road, Some people take the low.
Others wander on the misty flats in-between with no purpose in life.
Which one will you choose to walk!
Choose the high road. It may be sacrificial, but it’s the Greatest life you can live. It is the way of peace, joy, and a purpose for living.
Jesus set a high standard for us to follow, a life of denial of self and taking up the cross to follow Him. Matthew 16:24-25.
It’s not a miserable life of denial, but a life of gain and worth living!
There is always a resurrection into a life that is worth the living.
Amen.
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Light in the Darkness! 