Truth Matters 88 (June 21-25)

Hello and Dr. Cheryl Davis and this is truth matters. Thank you for listening and last time we were together, we surveyed the church of Thyatira. We ended in chapter 2 of Revelation.

In John's letters to the churches in chapters 2 and three. Last time in looking at the church at Tyra Tyra I the Lord found some good things to talk to them about they were faithful they were loving. They were loyal they were long-suffering and also there was evidence of maturity within the church. But just like Jesus to give commendation.

Jesus always gives an option for repentance.

There is always a way out here, and even to the church of Tyra Tyra but those that did repent and those that overcame he gave a strong promise that he would give power over the nations that he shall rule them with a rod of iron, and they shall be dashed to pieces like the potters vessels as I have also received from my father and I will start to. These are promises that those that would hold fast what you have until Jesus came he pushed them to be faithful but moving on to chapter 3 we get into the first six verses where John is writing the letter to the church in Sardis. Let's begin in chapter 3 verses one through six and to the angel of the church in Sardis write these things say he who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars I know your works. You have a name that you are alive or dead.

The watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die for. I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come up on you at the you will not know what hour I will come upon you have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name in the book of life that I will confess his name before my father and before his angels.

He has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches each time that we break down these letters.

At first we look at the destination of the letter said this time will not being different. The destination of this letter is to the church at Sardis just to really get into some historical info about the city before we digest the letter the city of Sardis was considered to be one of the most impregnable cities of its day, much like Babylon and when I say impregnable. What I mean is that the city was unable to penetrated from an outside force.

It was like a fortress. It was on lockdown. Very secure. Sardis was located about 1500 feet above the valley floor on top of the mountain spur and there is a fortress around the city, the greatest king of Sardis was named process a man remembered for his great will, unfortunately, it was his overconfidence in the security of the city that calls its downfall crisis against better advice went to war against Cyrus king of Persia.

He was defeated and driven back to his city that he thought was safe, but Cyrus was smart. He knew the art of reconnaissance.

The Persian soldiers camped outside of Sardis and saw a Sardinian drop his hat at the top and then appear at the bottom of the wall to retrieve it so he knew or Sardis in his menu. There's a secret passage to get into the city.

They raided the city late at night and open the gates from the inside. There was no guard posted at the gate assigned they had faith in your fortress. 100 years later the city was destroyed a second time. The same way you know when when I hear the story.

Think about the old saying for me once shame on you for twice shame on me. This will be important in looking at the letter and its message to the church at Sardis. The letter to the church at Sardis is the fifth letter that was written by John inspired by his visions on the alpacas.

Sardis is known as being the first Center for the minting of gold and silver coins in the city was defeated by a surprise attack.

In addition to looking at the destination of the letter. Each time we look at the designation of the Lord and in verse one, and to the angel of the church in Sardis write these things says he and he is the Lord has the seven spirits of God and has the seven stars until next time I will get into the mixture letter of Philadelphia and Dr. Cheryl Davis.

The truth matters