Lesson+26+Essay

In this week's lesson we learned about two places, Sardis and Pergamum. Both of these cities were in the heart of the Roman empire, but the focus of these lessons were on how God's people were honoring him or not.

A) Name at least two surprising archaeological discoveries that may have prompted John's message in Revelations. Read John's warning to Sardis ( Revelation 3: 1-6 ). He used a metaphor to communicate God's message. Describe what kind of a connection the people of Sardis would have with a "thief" who would come and take them by surprise? (this has to do with the history of Sardis). What was the danger for the church in Sardis, and what did John tell the Christians here to do? Was there any hope for them?

B) In what ways would you say being salt in our world is like and unlike being salt in the predominately pagan world of Sardis? Give specific examples here that cite the text. How is your life now like one of the churches in Sardis? Give three examples of how the world may have caused you to lose your saltiness. (John 17: 6-9) is an example of how Jesus thought of the "salt of the earth" was so important to the disciples. (this may help to answer the question.

C) Pergamum was the example in this lesson of how people tried to find satisfaction apart from God. Give three examples from the text of how they did this. Tie these examples to how easy it is for us today to make excuses for sinful behavior that is accepted as "normal" in culture. But Galations 5: 19-25 draws a clear contrast between the acts of the sinful nature and the acts of a person who lives by the spirit.

D) How obvious at school, are the acts of the sinful nature that you see among the "Christians"? Draw some parallel comparisons to how this might be like Sardis or even Pergamum.

E) Dont forget your introduction and conclusion paragraphs. Make sure to cite Rabbi Raynard carefully and accurately.