Episode #5
THE DEAD CHURCH
Revelation 3:1-6 Sardis is the fifth church mentioned in the book of Revelation. It was located about 30 miles south of Thyatira. In its prime, it was one of the greatest and wealthiest cities in the world, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia. It was famous for its textile industry and for being the place where gold and silver coins were first minted under the famously rich King Croesus. "The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels." (Revelation 3:5, ESV) To the one who wakes up and overcomes, Jesus makes three incredible promises: 1. White garments: A symbol of purity, victory, and the righteousness of Christ covering our sins. 2. The Book of Life: In ancient cities, if you committed a severe crime, your name was literally erased from the city's registry. Jesus promises that the faithful will never lose their citizenship in heaven. Revelation 20:15 - "And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." 3. Confessing their name: If we stand up for Jesus in a dead culture, He will stand up for us in heaven.
