The problem is that the church of Sardis (represented by the Reformed church) is diametrically opposed to the church of Pergamos (represented by the Pentecostal church). Only the church of Ephesus (represented by the Independent Fundamental church) is opposed to Pergamos at the same level. The issue is that Sardis tends towards deadness, and Pergamos tends towards the hyper side of life, each of which are totally incompatible with each other, and Christ for that matter.


Wandering a bit here:

If one was to put Christ in the center of a circle and draw the seven churches of Revelation evenly spaced around Him. Starting at 12:00, it would go something like this: Ephesus, Sardis, Smyrna, Philadelphia, Pergamos, Thyatira, and end with Laodicea. This isn’t an absolute for all doctrines, but the ones closer together often times can be more amicable towards the others, whereas those further apart tend to have larger differences.

There are a few people saved in each category, but there are not many saved in any category, except for Philadelphia.

The seven churches are summarized relatively simply but effectively below. Christ has something good to say about all but the last, and a rebuke of some sort for all.

Ephesus- Represented by the Independent Fundamental churches- Can find error well, but have little or lost their love for Christ.

Smyrna- Represented by the church in Communist and other like Countries- Persecuted unto death, need to hold fast the faith unto death

Pergamos-Represented by the Pentecostal/Charismatic churches- Bold, but not discerning and generally relish error

Thyatira-Represented by Episcopal type churches (United, Anglican Etc.)-Good human works, but not for Christ and friendly with Rome (Note: I don't consider Rome to be part of this church, Rome is Jezebel, not Thyatira)

Sardis- Represented by the Reformed churches-Have the truth, but pride in the having of it keeps it from their hearts and most are yet dead

Philidelphia- Represented by brethren wherever they may be-Well done, but need to hold fast the faith

Laodicea- Represented by the New Evangelical (EG Purpose Driven et al) type churches-Nothing good to say about it, the lukewarmness is putrid to Christ.

Each of them has Christ surrounded, but none of them have a lock on the 100% pure doctrine of Christ. It would be wise for us to grow in the commended things, and diminish in the things rebuked.

Some of His sheep can be found to be in each one.

Last edited by By the Blood; Wed Apr 04, 2007 12:35 AM.