I See Your Works
In the book of Revelation, John writes the words of Christ to seven Churches. They are figuratively the churches of today. In Chapter 3 verses 1-6 Jesus writes to the church at Sardis.
“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.
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. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” Revelation 3:1-6
At the time Jesus spoke these words to John, the ancient city of Sardis had seen its best days and had started to decline. Yet it was a wealthy city, situated at the junction of several important roads and trade routes.
The connection between Sardis and money – easy money – was well known in the ancient world. This was a city of luxury however they were known for their immorality and apathy. And even worse most who knew of Sardis in that day spoke the name of the city as if it were a cuss word on the lips of many, including non-believers.