Sardis II: The Crumbs from the Master’s Table

Matthew 15:22–27 (KJV 1900) 22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. 23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. 24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. 26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. 27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.

There is also the chronological perspective. According to this view, each church mentioned in these chapters represents a period in church history. Each period can be traced and assigned to a specific phase of the growth and change of the body of Christ over time, from its inception, to its decline before Christ’s return.

We will see, the revelation of the church in history, its relationship and comparative nature to our physical and spiritual walk in Christ. Our spiritual growth is also relative to the chronological perspective of the church as a physical congregation, and individual body. There is an actual relationship, of these seven churches in the book of revelation, and our actual Christian journey, not only as a religious institution, but also as a church, and individual believer. It’s amazing once the bible has been learned.

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV 1900) 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Knowing and understanding this revelation now or early in your Christian walk can and will help prevent many errors, sorrows, regrets, and setbacks in your life. The dangerous thing is that most do not believe, follow advice or instruction well. Humility and humble hearts are the ones that make it through this strange fire.

One day, two of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, came along and offered incense with “strange fire.” The Hebrew word translated “strange” means “unauthorized, foreign, or profane.” God not only rejected their sacrifice; He found it so offensive that He consumed the two men with fire. Everyone has this belief, or they have been thought that God hears them when they pray. Because their prayers seemed to have been answered, they believe God was the one. Verses like John 9:31 and Isaiah 59:2 are given to show that God does not hear sinners while they remain in their sin. God answers the prayer of the righteous.

John 9:31 (KJV 1900) 31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

Many will curse you or disagree with you when you tell them that God does not hear sinners. No one wants to hear that.

Isaiah 59:2 (KJV 1900) 2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, And your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

However, tell them don’t get mad or upset because of the truth. There is always hope, and a way to God. Tell them if they really want to be heard, they must surrender all. They must come broken.

Psalm 51:17 (KJV 1900) 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

They must have a heart to turn to righteousness, acknowledge that there is but one God, who created heaven and earth, and all that exist. Tell them that God wants them to come to Him. But not as a sinner. This is why He sent us Jesus. A mediator, a friend, and a brother. Even the Muslims knows that they need a prophet for God to acknowledge them. Therefore, a strange fire is doing or sacrificing holy things to God with unclean hands. Jesus must know you personally. Your name must be written.

Psalm 119:9–11 (KJV 1900) BETH. 9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. 10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, That I might not sin against thee.

So, the truth is this. Strangers of the covenant of promise want to pray and receive the children’s bread. They want what you have suffered for. They want it without repentance! That is not going to happen. Anyone who chooses fear over faith, God will not hear them. Not hearing does not mean God is deaf. The word hearing as it relates to God means drawing attention to, and taking an action with, because of a request from.

Ephesians 2:12 (KJV 1900) 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

Consider this: How does fear affect your life? How does fear affect your thinking, and your emotions? How does it affect your choices? Well, if it is not the fear of God that you have, this kind of fear will eat at you. Like rust and corrosion. Your life, thinking, and choices will be in danger.

However, faith in God, through Jesus Christ, gives life. It promotes positive thinking, lays your emotions in a realm of peace, and makes educated and wise choices.

How does God hear anyone prayers or the prayer of a sinner? Let us use the word “if”.

If anyone have faith to believe in Jesus Christ as the savior. If anyone believe that He was that prophet sent by God to lead them in the path of righteousness for His Name sake. If anyone has the faith to give up their comfort zone and trust in God. If anyone is crazy enough to believe that the Word of God became flesh. Faith to believe that Jesus is the light of the world. Faith to believe that this light is the life of men, then even the crumbs which fall from the bread on the master’s table is, enough to deliver them.

These seven church periods are:

1. Ephesus-The Apostolic Church ≈ 30 - 300 A.D.

2. Smyrna-The Martyr Church ≈ 100 - 313 A.D.

3. Pergamum-The Compromising Church ≈ 314 - 590 A.D.

4. Thyatira-The Roman Catholic Church ≈ 590 - 1517 A.D.

5. Sardis-The Reformation Church ≈ 1517-1700

6. Philadelphia-The Revival Church ≈ 1700-1900

7. Laodicea-The Worldly Church ≈ 1900- Rapture

Sardis was a seemingly active church, full of good works. The city of Sardis was also a city of wealth, known for the carpet industry and for minting coins. However, the wealth and good works of this church meant nothing because the church was spiritually dead. They epitomized a church that seemed good, but many had cold hearts toward the Lord. They most likely put their faith in their works, prideful and assuming they were saved, or in good standing with the Lord. The message is, “Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God” (Revelation 3:2). The church was not beyond hope, but it needed to find that passion for Christ again.

2 Corinthians 4:3-If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

Continue: Verse 4

4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not…

Luke 11:24–26 (KJV 1900) 24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. 25 And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. 26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.