Letters to the 7 Churches (Part 3)

Sardis (Dead Church)

Prosperous city

Strong/Fortified city

Earthquake AD 17

LETTER

To: the angel of the church in Sardis.

From: He who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.

Contents: I know your deeds

Concern: Name that you are alive but are dead.

James 2:14-26.

signs of a dead church. (Revelation by Charles Swindoll)

a dead church worships its past

a dead church is inflexible and resistant to change

a dead church often has carnal and lazy leadership

a dead church neglects children and youth

a dead church lacks evangelistic and missionary zeal.

Autopsy of a dead church by Thomas Rainer

• refusing to adapt to the needs of the present community;

• moving the focus of the budget inward;

• allowing the Great Commission to become the Great Omission;

• letting the church become preference-driven out of selfishness and personal agendas;

• seeing the tenure of the pastors decreasing;

• failing to have regular, corporate prayer;

• having no clear purpose or vision; and

• obsessing over the facilities.

Commendation: (v 4) a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.

Correction: 5 Things...

Be constantly alert (wake up)

Strengthen the things that remain

Remember, what has been recieved and heard

keep, what has been received and heard

repent

Call: He who has an ear let him hear

Exhortation: The one who overcomes...

will be clothed the same way, in white garments.

I will not erase his name from the book of life.

I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

Philadelphia (small/persecuted)

AD 17 earthquake

Small city due to moving out

large Jewish influence

LETTER

To: the angel of the church in Philadelphia.

From: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David.

Contents: I know your deeds...

Commendation:

you have little power, and have followed my word, and have not denied my name.

I will make those of the synagogue of Satan… (Smyrna)

You have kept My word of perseverance, I also will keep you from...

coming quickly hold firm…no one will take your crown.

Concern: n/a

Correction: n/a

Exhortation: v. 12 - pillar…faith and future are secure.

Call: He who has an ear let him hear