John 12:3 - "Then Mary took a pound of perfume, pure and expensive nard, anointed Jesus’s feet, and wiped his feet with her hair. So the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume."

John 21:17 - "'Lord you know everything; you know that I love you.' Jesus said to him 'Feed my sheep'"

Luke 14:23b "Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled."

2 Sam. 9:10 - "Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, is always to eat at my table."

This past Sunday, we heard a letter read from Joel, our Pastor for Preaching & Oversight, as he begins a 3-month sabbatical (November - January).

"As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be zealous and repent. See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."

"Write to the angel of the church in Philadelphia: Thus says the Holy One, the true one, the one who has the key of David, who opens and no one will close, and who closes and no one opens: I know your works."

Sardis carried a name and reputation of vibrant life in the eyes of the world, but before the only One who really matters they were dead. Jesus calls His church to wake up, remember the message of good news, and trade our death and shame for true life and honor in Him.

Jesus, the Son of God who sees clearly and judges rightly, celebrates Thyatira’s growing love, faith, service, and endurance. He invites His church away from deception and back to Himself - offering real repentance, steady hope, and the promise of shared victory. Hold fast to Jesus, and receive the Morning Star - Jesus Himself.

The enemy had been unsuccessful in getting the Pergamene church to recant their faith in Christ, even when facing the threat of death. Another tactic is used instead - infiltration from the inside out. Because Jesus loves His bride, the call to the Church is clear. Repent of looking for fulfillment in anything but Christ alone.