Lessons from Sardis

Ancient SardisIn Lydia (Turkey)Worship of Cybele {Sibil}

1520-1750 “Age of the Reformation”Messenger: Dr. Martin Luther

10/31/1517->95 Theses

Sardis: “The Escaped Ones/Dead”

Self-flagellationCybele (Mater Dei)ArtemisVirgin Mary

“Mother of God”Mother & Son worshipMother worshipAscension of Mary (Mother) into Heaven: “We pronounce, declare, and define it to be a

divinely revealed dogma: that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”-Pope Pius, 1950

Characteristics of Cybele Worship

Human hierarchy instead of Holy Spirit leadership

Creeds instead of the Word of God

Worship in the Spirit and gifts of Spirit exchanged for idol worship (liturgy).

Worship of Mary becomes part of Christianity; Christ (Lord of All) is subservient to a vicar-Pope

Works of Sardis

Age of denominationalism- “I am of Paul/Cephas”“All One Body We”correction/edification

Taken their own name instead of His NameGood of the “church” instead of the Christ

“I have not found thy works perfect…”God has no incomplete worksPurpose of justificationPentecost Carriers of the Life (Corn of Wheat)

“Be Watchful…”Failure to watch destroys the believer.

Lessons from Sardis