This is lesson 6 in our study of Church History. In this lesson Mr. Jan Langford discusses the causes and origins of Monasticism and begins a look into the development of the Papal System.

Some of the Topics to be looked at in this multiweek study include the purpose, beginning and organization of the Church.  The beginnings of missions and the opposition to the church.  The growth of hierarchialism and denominationalism. The Protestant Reformation.

I. The Description of the Lord Jesus (vs.14)
     A. The Amen-this word is a transliteration of the Hebrew word meaning true. 
     B. The Faithful and True Witness-this phrase describes the Lord Jesus and certainly brings ones minds to His earthly ministry.  As a Witness, He was certainly Faithful and True.
     C. The Beginning of the Creation of God-the word beginning is the key to understanding this phrase.  It means cause, origin or source.  So understood correctly, Jesus is the source of all creation. (Colossians 1:16-17; John 1:3)

II. The Condition of the Church (vs.15-17)
     A. Metaphors-the words hot and cold were used to convey what was pleasing or useful.  The word “lukewarm” conveyed the idea of not being pleasing or useful. 
     B. Awareness-The church of Laodicea is unaware of their own condition. In fact, Jesus uses strong terminology to point out their true condition. 

III. The Counsel from the Lord Jesus (vs.18) -focus on Me
     A. Acquire gold-was an appeal for to turn their focus from the riches of the world to the riches of Christ.
     B. Acquire white garments-this was an appeal to put on spiritual clothing. (Col. 3)
     C. Acquire eye salve-this was an appeal for spiritual sight. Their focus had been on the earthly things and Jesus is advising they focus on heavenly things. 

IV. The Comfort of the Lord Jesus (vs.19-20)
     A. His love for them-the word love here is the word phileo which expresses His tender affection for them.  Phileo is not used in the New Testament to refer to unbelievers.
     B. His desire for fellowship-the terms in and to are the focus here.  In the New Testament there are 8 times when this specific phrasing occurs and all 8 times the idea is of one coming toward someone or something/never of penetration. 

V. The Definitive Promise -that Christians will sit on the throne He shares with His Father; symbolizing the truth that we will reign with Him. 

This is lesson 5 in our study of Church History. Your Instructor again this week is Mr. Jan Langford.

Some of the Topics to be looked at in this multiweek study include the purpose, beginning and organization of the Church.  The beginnings of missions and the opposition to the church.  The growth of hierarchialism and denominationalism. The Protestant Reformation.

I. A Breathtaking Description of the Lord Jesus (vs.7)
   A. He who is Holy-refers to the Lord alone who possesses absolute Holiness. In the New Testament, the title “Holy One” is used in describing the second person of the trinity, Jesus Christ. (Luke 1:35; John 6:69)
   B. He who is True-Truth is used alongside Holiness several times in Revelation, in reference to Jesus. (6:10; 15:3; 19:2,11)
  “The vacuum in a world of error and falsehood is truth.” Unknown Author
   C. He who has the key of David-keys in Scripture point to authority. (1:18; 20:1; Matthew 16:19)
   D. He who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens-this description emphasizes the omnipotence of the Lord. (Is. 46:9-11; Daniel 4:35)

II. Wonderful Works of the Lord Jesus (vs.8-9)
   A. He provided an open door. (vs.8) He tells us why in this case? Their faithfulness. Open doors in Scripture many times point to the gospel. (I Corinthians 16:8-9; Colossians 4:2-3)
   B. He promised a humbling experience. (vs.9) Amazingly the Lord Jesus promised that the very ones opposing the true gospel would be humbled before them. 

III. Awesome Promises from the Lord Jesus (vs.10-12)
   A. I will keep you from the hour of testing-a promise to the church that believers would be kept from the tribulation period.
   B. I am coming quickly-points to the imminency of the Lord’s return. (I Thes 4:13-18)
   C. I will make him a pillar in the temple/he will not go out from it anymore-promise of stability and security. 
   D. I will demonstrate that you are mine-name of My God, city and new name.  These promises allude to ownership, security and blessing. WOW!

This is lesson 4 in our study of Church History. The history of the church is filled with persecution and in this lesson Mr. Jan Langford explains the reasons why the church has been hated throughout its history.

Some of the Topics to be looked at in this multiweek study include the purpose, beginning and organization of the Church.  The beginnings of missions and the opposition to the church.  The growth of hierarchialism and denominationalism. The Protestant Reformation.

Setting-Sardis was about 30 miles south of Thyatira.  Sardis was known for 3 things.  The first was being a fortified city.  Rock walls were around the city and rose up to as high as several hundred feet.  There was one exception, the south side of the city.  Secondly, the city was known for the temple Artemis, equaled to the size of the famous temple in Ephesus.  The third distinctive feature of Sardis was the necropolis.  You could see the “cemetery of a thousand hills” as far as 7 miles away. -  John Walvoord 

I. Identity (vs.1)
  A. The Identity of the Lord Jesus
      1. He (the Lord Jesus) is referred to as the “ He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars.”  The phrase “the seven Spirits of God” refers to the Holy Spirit in all His fullness.  Isaiah 11 describes the Holy Spirit as: the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, and knowledge.  As you go to the New Testament the gospel of John refers to Him as the Comforter and the One who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.    
      2. “He who has the messengers.”  These messengers were not only His representatives, but were held onto by the Lord Himself.
  
  B. The Identity of the Church-the church of Sardis had the name (reputation) of being alive.  However, the Lord Jesus reveals to them their true condition.


II. Instruction (vs.2-3)
     A. Wake up-is a command to reverse their attitude.
     B. Strengthen the things that remain-the word strengthen means to make stable.  While the church was in certainly a dire situation, it was not hopeless.
     C. Remember-the word means “to bring to mind” what had been given them.
     D. Keep (obey)-they were to hold on to the truth.
     E. Repent-they were to turn at once from whatever was causing them to become spiritually lethargic.  They needed to submit to the authority of Christ in their lives.


III. Incentive (vs.4-6) 
     A. People-described here as only a few.  These few were walking in obedience to Christ.
     B. Promises
        1. They will wear white robes.
        2. Their salvation is secure-names not to be erased.
        3. The Lord Jesus will confess them before His Father and the angels.

  

This is lesson 3 in our study of Church History. Your Instructor again this week is Mr. Jan Langford.

Some of the Topics to be looked at in this multiweek study include the purpose, beginning and organization of the Church.  The beginnings of missions and the opposition to the church.  The growth of hierarchialism and denominationalism. The Protestant Reformation.

Listen to Keith Roberson as he speaks on how God has led him to work with SPEAR IM.  Keith also gives an update on SPEAR and their ministry.

Lession 2 in our study of Church History has been delayed due to technical difficulties.  We hope to be able to post lesson Two in the future.

Some of the Topics to be looked at in this multiweek study include the purpose, beginning and organization of the Church.  The beginnings of missions and the opposition to the church.  The growth of hierarchialism and denominationalism. The Protestant Reformation.