On Sardis Road...What does it mean?

"I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead."

The book of Revelation features letters to seven churches from Jesus Christ Himself. These were actual churches, and are representative of churches in various states of spirituality. Many scholars also believe that the seven churches represent seven distinctive eras of the Church Age, from the end of the New Testament until today. In Revelation Chapter 3, we read…

1. And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
2. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
3. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
4. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

These verses are a microcosm of where we are today in America. Along with the letter to the Laodiceans, we find a description of most churches and denominations today. But why would I name my substack site On Sardis Road?

For almost my entire life, I have resided on a street called Sardis Road. My forefathers founded a Methodist church on this road and gave it the unfortunate name of Sardis Methodist Church. Obviously no one at that time had any idea of the spiritual significance of the name, to their shame.

But, as a resident of Sardis Road, I have observed many changes through the years in my neighborhood. And, as a member of Christ’s Church, I have observed many changes in the religious scene over the past 50 years. I hope to make a positive contribution to the discussion of Christianity in these last days.

In closing, let me quote the end of Christ’s letter to Sardis:

5. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
6. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

May we have “an ear to hear.”