Rev.# 9- Sardis- 1517-1790 A.d. ~ The Reformation Church Series

REV. # 9~3:1-6 SARDIS- 1517-1790 A.D. ~ the reformation church 6-13-09

Today well continue in our study of this great book of Prophecy, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ”.

Let me give you this information as a way of background to Sardis.

It became the capital of the ancient Lydian empire; it was about 50 miles northeast of Smyrna.

The art of dyeing wool is said to have been invented in Sardis.

The massive temple of Cybele still bears witness in its fragmentary remains to the wealth and architectural skill of the people that built it.

It later passed successively to the Persians, the Greeks, and the Romans during their respective dominance of the ancient world.

As you know, if you’ve been listening to the previous broadcast, in chapters 2 & 3 we have a picture of different stages of what will be going on to do with the Church age while its on earth. Both chapters are in red writing indicating that Jesus is doing all the talking, as He is the Head of His True Church.

And let me remind us that all 7 of these named churches are still with us today in some form or fashion. There are many believers in Christ that are living closer to the Word of God than others.

Paul said in 2nd Thess. 2:6 that there would be a falling away first, many are falling away from the fundamental doctrines of the Bible.

The Lord Jesus chose these 7 particular churches there in Asia Minor, modern day Turkey, in order to point out to us certain fasces, you could say, of the life of the church age while it remains on earth. Once again the names of these 7 churches are; Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamus, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.

Last time we talked about the church period of “Thyatira” the 4th church, and pointed out that this was the time the Catholic church came on the scene, it over lorded the people and the people were kept in the dark about the truth of Gods Word, it was and still is today a religion of works.

Ø The period that we’re going to read about today is one of the turning points in history, many things would come about in these years.

The time known as the Reformation was on its way.—the church in Sardis, the 5th church, this time period was from about 1517-1790 A. D.

AND let me point out that “A.D.” does not mean “after death” as some might think, “A.D.” means; “Anon domini” it is Latin, meaning, “in the year of our Lord”

Listen as I read today’s text found in Rev.3:1-6

1And 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.

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

3Remember 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.

4Thou 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.

5He 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. 6He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

The church of Sardis was a living church physically but was dead spiritually.

Because of the Papal church, “Thyatira” and all that the Catholic doctrine that the people had been exposed to, this church, ”Sardis” was considered spiritually dead even though it was in existence. But God would not allow the Church to die completely so He raised up men to strengthen what was remaining.

A few of the names in Sardis who did not corrupt themselves with the evils of the Catholic Church were the reformers such as Martin Luther of Germany, the intolerable conditions under Papal rule reached its climax on October 31st 1517 as Martin Luther read for him self that “the just shall live by faith” he nailed his 95 theses on the church door of Wittingburg Germany and many people who were weary with the papal system came out of it.

John Wycliffe of England, John Knox of Scotland, John Huss of Bohemia, and John Calvin of France. These men held to the truth. And there were many others.