4. The 7 Churches of Revelation The Number “7” – The Biblical number of completion ( 7 days in a week, 7 th day is Holy, 7 colors in a rainbow, 7 notes in a musical scale, 7 major oceans, 7 major continents, 7 Trumpets, 7 Seals, 7 Bowls, 7- fold Spirit before the Throne, etc.) 1. Ephesus –The Loveless Church 2. Smyrna – The Lasting Church - a “positive” name 3. Pergamum – The Lenient Church 4. Thyatira – The Licentious Church 5. Sardis – The Lifeless Church 6. Philadelphia – The Loved Church - a “positive” name 7. Laodicea – The Lukewarm Church

5. THE THREE COMMON ELEMENTS OF THE LETTERS 1. Commendation - A recounting of the “good things.” 2. Condemnation – A listing of the “bad things.” 3. Challenge/Charge – A word of instruction or warning. Read Text: Revelation 3:1-6

6. SARDIS – THE LIFELESS CHURCH I. THE COMMENDATION THERE REALLY IS NOT A COMMENDATION! “ I KNOW YOUR DEEDS…” Note the emphasis on the Lordship of Jesus’ Spiritual authority, power and sovereignty. “YOU HAVE A ‘REPUTATION’ OF BEING ALIVE” THEY HAD A GOOD REPUTATION WITH MEN, BUT NOT WITH JESUS! How can a church have a “good reputation” – but not really be “ALIVE”?

7. SARDIS – THE LIFELESS CHURCH II. THE CONDEMNATION Appear to be alive – but you are DEAD! Why were they “dead?” IMPURITY – they had “soiled” their clothes with the culture! Complacent, Comfortable and TOLERANT of the impurity of the world and allowed it in the church! I have not found your deeds - COMPLETE Doing lots of things (deeds) does not necessarily equal …Holiness or Purity!

8. SARDIS – THE LIFELESS CHURCH III. THE CHALLENGE Wake up! Strengthen what you have! Remember – Repent and Return! If you don’t wake up – “I will come like a thief”… 1. Discipline and Judgment 2. “Rapture” language (always live – READY!)

9. SARDIS – THE LIFELESS CHURCH CONCLUSION HE WHO OVERCOMES…I will not BLOT OUT of the Book of Life… This is not a doctrine of “losing salvation” Rather…an ASSURANCE of salvation for those who truly belong to Jesus!