There has been a lot of discussions on the 7 churches of Revelation in recent weeks by several church groups. Periodically the written word regarding these churches are used to gauge the health of the modern churches. The passages in Revelation show Jesus and what he thought about their conditions, good and bad. It becomes a wise study on how a church should be and what to avoid as it continues in the faith.

Sardis was a dead church. It had all the appearance of a live church. If you were to go back in time you would see that it was the capital of the wealthy region of Lydia in modern day Turkey. It had buildings and rituals and the appearance of doing everything right. The leader of the Churches, Jesus Christ, saw a different picture in Revelation 3:1-6, 

He said. “I Know your works. You have the reputation for being alive but are dead. Wake up and strengthen what remains and is about to die. For I have not found your works complete in the sight of God.”

He went on to say he was coming quickly and they must repent of their works. They did not know when he was coming. 

He then urged them to get their act together before he returns. Otherwise they risked getting blotted out of the Book of Life. 

After these things over the course of many years Sardis went from being a wealthy prosperous city to being invaded and destroyed. Historical accounts showed the last invasion was quick and unexpected. As for the history of the church, only a small remnant remained faithful to the end. The larger group did not and perished over time. 

Lesson is, there is a lot to lose if we don’t remain faithful and zealous for God’s works. This could also mean losing eternal life. Life changes quickly so what we do from day to day matters in the sense so always make sure to be practicing a true faith and not just one to please others but has no substance. Sardis’ lesson is for all to see that we must be mindful of the way we live in our faith in him.

Happy Sabbath!

Your brother in Christ,

Steve Koenig