The Dead Church of Sardis
Well, I just finished the website section on Revelation 3:1-6 dealing with the church at Sardis. You can find it here. The most noteworthy thing recorded about this church is that they were found by the Savior to be dead, yet they didn’t have the foggiest idea.
Sadly, this commentary is probably deserving of many of our churches in America today. Now, I can’t speak for all churches or even most. I can only speak from experience concerning that brand of independent, fundamental Baptist church which is decendent of Hyles Anderson and the likes. These days the movement encompasses many off-springs as there has been a flury of new Baptist bible colleges over the years. But the taste is basically the same.
While the movement has little life, let alone life giving power, there is an occasional light, which shines forth. Recently I have come across some from various circles which seem to have broken out:
Now these are just representative of a few of the folks I’ve come across and whose Blogs I’ve been able to participate. Each speaks from a very personal perspective of the dealings and the philosophies of several mega churches, which are considered to be alive and thriving, but which God might declare as dead.
Getting back to the letter to the elders at Sardis, what was the reason for the declaration of death? It was that they had long departed from the doctrine originally delivered to the saints. It was almost gone. Perhaps they too had their equivalent to Goldfish Sunday. I’m pretty sure they didn’t have their bus ministries to replace God with. Can you imagine trying to cram 60 kids in a donkey-drawn buggy?
Seriously, they thought something was much more important than doctrine. I’m sure the folks I’ve listed will agree with the lack of emphasis in this particular movement. It’s ironic if you think about it. Doesn’t the term Fundamentalist suggest a defense of the Fundamentals of the Faith? But where do programs, standards (another name for man-made rules), and bus ministries fit in with old time doctrine? That’s rhetorical– don’t answer it– at least not out loud.
In all fairness, there are folks within the churches, which comprise this movement, who are in fact saved and possess the capacity to hear God’s word and to stay true to him. These individuals will continue in perseverence till the end. Others may be converted along the way and also share in the glory of Christ’s kingdom. But many will perish.
Is it our goal to be beacons to these dead many? I don’t believe so. Sure we’re to be phos, or a light source, to all around us. And sure our speech is to be full of grace and seasoned with salt (that’s doctrine) [Col 4:6]. But we’re not to dwell on those swine who will stomp the pearls of God. Right? Remember that in Matthew 7:6?
I do realize the temptation to want to convince or to win those of whom we’ve come out from. But that’s not our job. That’s the work of the Holy Spirit of God. Now, I do think these Blogs are helpful. In fact, I’ve received messages from individuals who have been helped. The sites document the inconsistencies and provide a forum for folks to interact. An occasional corpse shows up now and then to chime in too. That’s all goodness and I don’t wish to discourage any of these men. I only wish to encourage them to avoid my mistake of dwelling upon the dead. It’s discouraging and will get you caught in traps. Avoid it at all cost. But stay true and focus on the doctrine. And when things get really interesting, as they have recently with the Bob Gray situation, stay focused on doctrine.
Of course this doesn’t just apply to these and similar individuals. If you’ve happened to come across my blog article, and you are just a regular Christian, rejoice in Christ and in his doctrine too. And if you suspect you might be a tare, repent!
This church remained for several centuries and throughout its history there were a few who managed to retain the honest Gospel. Their promise was a robe of white and that their names would never, ever be removed from the Book of Life. This promise extends to us, today, who possess discerning ears.
Let us stay true!
-Mike