The Bible Believers Biblical Heritage a Study of Church History

1. Understanding The Timeframe 1. Understanding The Timeframe

a. This church age begins in the middle of the Dark Ages and continues until the times of the Reformation (1000-1500AD) – Often called “The Midnight of the Dark Ages” 1. Understanding The Timeframe

a. This church age begins in the middle of the Dark Ages and continues until the times of the Reformation (1000-1500AD) – Often called “The Midnight of the Dark Ages”

i. This time was horrific and gruesome as Bible believers were tortured and murdered by the millions under the encouragement of Roman Catholic Priests and Popes during the Crusades and Inquisitions 1. Understanding The Timeframe

a. This church age begins in the middle of the Dark Ages and continues until the times of the Reformation (1000-1500AD) – Often called “The Midnight of the Dark Ages”

i. This time was horrific and gruesome as Bible believers were tortured and murdered by the millions under the encouragement of Roman Catholic Priests and Popes during the Crusades and Inquisitions

ii. The Roman religion of this period is at its peak – “The Golden Age of Papal Power” 1. Understanding The Timeframe a. This church age begins in the middle of the Dark Ages and continues until the times of the Reformation (1000-1500AD) – Often called “The Midnight of the Dark Ages”

b. This time period introduces us to… 1. Understanding The Timeframe b. This time period introduces us to…

i. The Crusades 1. Understanding The Timeframe b. This time period introduces us to…

i. The Crusades

ii. The Spanish Inquisitions 1. Understanding The Timeframe b. This time period introduces us to…

i. The Crusades

ii. The Spanish Inquisitions

iii. The Invasions of Saladin and Genghis Khan 1. Understanding The Timeframe b. This time period introduces us to…

i. The Crusades

ii. The Spanish Inquisitions

iii. The Invasions of Saladin and Genghis Khan

iv. An influx of Asian culture, Hinduism, and Muslim philosophy begin to creep into Europe by way of the Crusades 1. Understanding The Timeframe b. This time period introduces us to…

i. The Crusades

ii. The Spanish Inquisitions

iii. The Invasions of Saladin and Genghis Khan

iv. An influx of Asian culture, Hinduism, and Muslim philosophy begin to creep into Europe by way of the Crusades

v. The Bubonic Plague reaches epic proportions 1. Understanding The Timeframe b. This time period introduces us to…

i. The Crusades ii. The Spanish Inquisitions iii. The Invasions of Saladin and Genghis Khan iv. An influx of Asian culture, Hinduism, and Muslim philosophy begin to creep into Europe by way of the Crusades v. The Bubonic Plague reaches epic proportions vi. The Renaissance Period began to sweep throughout Europe 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16

a. Consider the meaning of the name “Sardis” – Red Ones 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16 a. Consider the meaning of the name “Sardis” – Red Ones

i. The saints at this time are not referred to as “Red Ones” for nothing. This age is typified by bloodshed, torture, and martyrdom 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16 a. Consider the meaning of the name “Sardis” – Red Ones i. The saints at this time are not referred to as “Red Ones” for nothing. This age is typified by bloodshed, torture, and martyrdom

ii. Who is doing the killing? An overview of the bloodshed of this time period is seen in Rev. 17:6 – Who is this woman? 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16 a. Consider the meaning of the name “Sardis” – Red Ones i. The saints at this time are not referred to as “Red Ones” for nothing. This age is typified by bloodshed, torture, and martyrdom

ii. Who is doing the killing? An overview of the bloodshed of this time period is seen in Rev. 17:6 – Who is this woman?

• Rev. 17:4 says she is “arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand…” • Rev. 17:4 says she is “arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand…”

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia …

– Cappa Magna A cloak with a long train and a hooded shoulder cape that is purple for bishops and scarlet for cardinals • Rev. 17:4 says she is “arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand…”

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia …

– Cappa Magna A cloak with a long train and a hooded shoulder cape that is purple for bishops and scarlet for cardinals

– Cassock The official garb of Catholic clergy… purple for bishops, and scarlet for cardinals • Rev. 17:4 says she is “arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand…”

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia …

– Cappa Magna A cloak with a long train and a hooded shoulder cape that is purple for bishops and scarlet for cardinals

– Cassock The official garb of Catholic clergy… purple for bishops, and scarlet for cardinals

– The Pectoral Cross A chain around the neck should be made of gold and decorated with gems • Rev. 17:4 says she is “arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand…”

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia …

– Cappa Magna A cloak with a long train and a hooded shoulder cape that is purple for bishops and scarlet for cardinals – Cassock The official garb of Catholic clergy… purple for bishops, and scarlet for cardinals

– The Pectoral Cross A chain around the neck should be made of gold and decorated with gems

– The Golden Chalice The most important of the sacred vessels 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16 a. Consider the meaning of the name “Sardis” – Red Ones i. The saints at this time are not referred to as “Red Ones” for nothing. This age is typified by bloodshed, torture, and martyrdom ii. Who is doing the killing? An overview of the bloodshed of this time period is seen in Rev. 17:6 – Who is this woman?

• Rev. 17:4 says she is “arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand…”

• Rev. 17:9 says there are “seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.” • Rev. 17:9 says there are “seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.”

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia …

– “It is within the city of Rome, called the city of seven hills that the entire area of Vatican State proper is now confined.” 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16 a. Consider the meaning of the name “Sardis” – Red Ones i. The saints at this time are not referred to as “Red Ones” for nothing. This age is typified by bloodshed, torture, and martyrdom ii. Who is doing the killing? An overview of the bloodshed of this time period is seen in Rev. 17:6 – Who is this woman? • Rev. 17:4 says she is “arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand…” • Rev. 17:9 says there are “seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.” • Rev. 17:18 says she is “that great city that ruleth over the kings of the earth.” • Rev. 17:18 says she is “that great city that ruleth over the kings of the earth.”

Pope Leo XII had a medal made with his image on one side, and the Church of Rome symbolized as a “woman” with the words ‘Sedet super universum’ around her – meaning The whole world is her seat • Rev. 17:18 says she is “that great city that ruleth over the kings of the earth.”

World Leaders kneeling at the funeral of Pope John Paul II 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16 a. Consider the meaning of the name “Sardis” – Red Ones

b. The Introduction – Rev. 3:1 God introduces each letter with an aspect of His character that the church of that period needed to be reminded of as they endured opposition from the Devil 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16 b. The Introduction – Rev. 3:1 God introduces each letter with an aspect of His character that the church of that period needed to be reminded of as they endured opposition from the Devil

i. The Seven Spirits are His eyes – Rev. 1:4; 4:5; 5:6; Zech. 3:9; 4:10; 2Chron. 16:9 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16 b. The Introduction – Rev. 3:1 God introduces each letter with an aspect of His character that the church of that period needed to be reminded of as they endured opposition from the Devil i. The Seven Spirits are His eyes – Rev. 1:4; 4:5; 5:6; Zech. 3:9; 4:10; 2Chron. 16:9

ii. The Seven Stars are His angels (God’s messengers) – Rev. 1:20 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16 b. The Introduction – Rev. 3:1 God introduces each letter with an aspect of His character that the church of that period needed to be reminded of as they endured opposition from the Devil i. The Seven Spirits are His eyes – Rev. 1:4; 4:5; 5:6; Zech. 3:9; 4:10; 2Chron. 16:9 ii. The Seven Stars are His angels (God’s messengers) – Rev. 1:20

iii. This church has the testimony of saying that it is alive, but in reality it is dead!! 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16 b. The Introduction – Rev. 3:1 God introduces each letter with an aspect of His character that the church of that period needed to be reminded of as they endured opposition from the Devil i. The Seven Spirits are His eyes – Rev. 1:4; 4:5; 5:6; Zech. 3:9; 4:10; 2Chron. 16:9 ii. The Seven Stars are His angels (God’s messengers) – Rev. 1:20 iii. This church has the testimony of saying that it is alive, but in reality it is dead!!

• God’s angels and God’s eyes are everywhere 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16 b. The Introduction – Rev. 3:1 God introduces each letter with an aspect of His character that the church of that period needed to be reminded of as they endured opposition from the Devil i. The Seven Spirits are His eyes – Rev. 1:4; 4:5; 5:6; Zech. 3:9; 4:10; 2Chron. 16:9 ii. The Seven Stars are His angels (God’s messengers) – Rev. 1:20 iii. This church has the testimony of saying that it is alive, but in reality it is dead!!

• God’s angels and God’s eyes are everywhere

• He sees what is going on, and He hasn’t missed anything 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16 b. The Introduction – Rev. 3:1 God introduces each letter with an aspect of His character that the church of that period needed to be reminded of as they endured opposition from the Devil i. The Seven Spirits are His eyes – Rev. 1:4; 4:5; 5:6; Zech. 3:9; 4:10; 2Chron. 16:9 ii. The Seven Stars are His angels (God’s messengers) – Rev. 1:20 iii. This church has the testimony of saying that it is alive, but in reality it is dead!!

• God’s angels and God’s eyes are everywhere

• He sees what is going on, and He hasn’t missed anything

• He sees the lies and deception of those that say they are the “one true church.” 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16 a. Consider the meaning of the name “Sardis” – Red Ones b. The Introduction – Rev. 3:1

c. The Condemnation – Rev. 3:2-3 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16 c. The Condemnation – Rev. 3:2-3

i. This church claims that her works are the perfect will of God – God disagrees 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16 c. The Condemnation – Rev. 3:2-3

i. This church claims that her works are the perfect will of God – God disagrees

ii. God warns this church to repent or she will go up in smoke – Rev. 18 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16 c. The Condemnation – Rev. 3:2-3

i. This church claims that her works are the perfect will of God – God disagrees

ii. God warns this church to repent or she will go up in smoke – Rev. 18

iii. What are her works that she needs to repent of? iii. What are her works that she needs to repent of?

• The Crusades iii. What are her works that she needs to repent of?

• The Crusades

⁻ There were basically seven crusades designed to take the Holy Land from the Muslims iii. What are her works that she needs to repent of?

• The Crusades

⁻ There were basically seven crusades designed to take the Holy Land from the Muslims o First 1095-1099AD – Captured Jerusalem o Second 1147-1149AD – Postponed the fall of Jerusalem o Third 1189-1191AD – Army failed to reach Jerusalem o Fourth 1201-1204AD – Captured and plundered Constantinople o Fifth 1228-1229AD – Took Jerusalem, but soon lost it o Sixth 1248-1254AD – A complete failure o Seventh 1270-1272AD – Accomplished nothing iii. What are her works that she needs to repent of?

• The Crusades

⁻ There were basically seven crusades designed to take the Holy Land from the Muslims

⁻ Bible believing Christians were not behind the crusades! – it was the counterfeit Christianity of Rome iii. What are her works that she needs to repent of?

• The Crusades

⁻ Bible believing Christians were not behind the crusades! – it was the counterfeit Christianity of Rome

o Many people today try to accuse Christianity of being a tyrannical religion because of the Crusades

o They use the Crusades as an excuse for not becoming a Christian iii. What are her works that she needs to repent of?

• The Crusades

⁻ There were basically seven crusades designed to take the Holy Land from the Muslims

⁻ Bible believing Christians were not behind the crusades! – it was the counterfeit Christianity of Rome

⁻ Throughout the Crusades millions of Bible believers, Muslims, and nonconformists lost their lives under the heavy hand of Rome iii. What are her works that she needs to repent of?

• The Crusades

⁻ There were basically seven crusades designed to take the Holy Land from the Muslims

⁻ Bible believing Christians were not behind the crusades! – it was the counterfeit Christianity of Rome

⁻ Throughout the Crusades millions of Bible believers, Muslims, and nonconformists lost their lives under the heavy hand of Rome

o This was all done under the name of God! iii. What are her works that she needs to repent of?

• The Crusades

⁻ There were basically seven crusades designed to take the Holy Land from the Muslims

⁻ Bible believing Christians were not behind the crusades! – it was the counterfeit Christianity of Rome

⁻ Throughout the Crusades millions of Bible believers, Muslims, and nonconformists lost their lives under the heavy hand of Rome

⁻ Rome claimed to have three basic reasons for the crusades… iii. What are her works that she needs to repent of?

• The Crusades

⁻ Rome claimed to have three basic reasons for the crusades…

o To conquer and assume the Holy Land iii. What are her works that she needs to repent of?

• The Crusades

⁻ Rome claimed to have three basic reasons for the crusades…

o To conquer and assume the Holy Land

o To stop the spread of the Islamic Religion iii. What are her works that she needs to repent of?

• The Crusades

⁻ Rome claimed to have three basic reasons for the crusades…

o To conquer and assume the Holy Land

o To stop the spread of the Islamic Religion

o To unite the East and West branches of Catholicism iii. What are her works that she needs to repent of?

• The Inquisitions iii. What are her works that she needs to repent of?

• The Inquisitions

⁻ These are probably the most horrific and barbaric events in the history of mankind - Hitler’s atrocities don’t even compare! iii. What are her works that she needs to repent of?

• The Inquisitions

⁻ These are probably the most horrific and barbaric events in the history of mankind - Hitler’s atrocities don’t even compare!

⁻ The Roman Church has never officially repented of these acts! iii. What are her works that she needs to repent of?

• The Inquisitions

⁻ These are probably the most horrific and barbaric events in the history of mankind - Hitler’s atrocities don’t even compare!

⁻ The Roman Church has never officially repented of these acts!

⁻ Every believer must take time, periodically, to read about the Inquisitions iii. What are her works that she needs to repent of?

• The Crusades

• The Inquisitions

IMPORTANT NOTE: • After the Crusades and Inquisitions, the Catholic Church was still set on taking their religion to the ends of the earth. iii. What are her works that she needs to repent of?

• The Crusades

• The Inquisitions

• The Crusades

• The Inquisitions

IMPORTANT NOTE: • After the Crusades and Inquisitions, the Catholic Church was still set on taking their religion to the ends of the earth. • This introduces us to the time of Christopher Columbus… o A Roman Catholic that wanted to see the world become Catholic o Nina, Pinta, Santa Maria o God’s Providence and a flock of birds 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16 a. Consider the meaning of the name “Sardis” – Red Ones b. The Introduction – Rev. 3:1 c. The Condemnation – Rev. 3:2-3

d. The Commendation – Rev. 3:4 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16

d. The Commendation – Rev. 3:4

i. There was a remnant that would not defile themselves with the Harlot 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16

d. The Commendation – Rev. 3:4

i. There was a remnant that would not defile themselves with the Harlot

• These were the saints that were never part of the Roman religious system 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16

d. The Commendation – Rev. 3:4

i. There was a remnant that would not defile themselves with the Harlot

• These were the saints that were never part of the Roman religious system

• These were the saints who were against Rome before the reformers came along 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16

d. The Commendation – Rev. 3:4

i. There was a remnant that would not defile themselves with the Harlot

• These were the saints that were never part of the Roman religious system

• These were the saints who were against Rome before the reformers came along

• The street Preachers of this period motivated much of the Reformation 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16 d. The Commendation – Rev. 3:4 i. There was a remnant that would not defile themselves with the Harlot • These were the saints that were never part of the Roman religious system • These were the saints who were against Rome before the reformers came along • The street Preachers of this period motivated much of the Reformation

IMPORTANT NOTE: • Baptists are often referred to as Protestants 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16 d. The Commendation – Rev. 3:4 i. There was a remnant that would not defile themselves with the Harlot • These were the saints that were never part of the Roman religious system • These were the saints who were against Rome before the reformers came along • The street Preachers of this period motivated much of the Reformation

IMPORTANT NOTE: • Baptists are often referred to as Protestants

• Our spiritual lineage did not come out of, or attempt to reform the Roman Catholic Church 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16

d. The Commendation – Rev. 3:4

i. There was a remnant that would not defile themselves with the Harlot

ii. The few who believed during the Sardis period were… 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16 d. The Commendation – Rev. 3:4 i. There was a remnant that would not defile themselves with the Harlot

ii. The few who believed during the Sardis period were…

• Albigenses, Bulgarians, Waldenses, Cathari, Petrobusians, Arnoldists, Hussites, Henricians, New Manichaeans, Lollards, and Anabaptists 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16 d. The Commendation – Rev. 3:4 i. There was a remnant that would not defile themselves with the Harlot

ii. The few who believed during the Sardis period were…

• Albigenses, Bulgarians, Waldenses, Cathari, Petrobusians, Arnoldists, Hussites, Henricians, New Manichaeans, Lollards, and Anabaptists

• These groups were branded as “Heretics” by the Roman Catholic Church 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16

d. The Commendation – Rev. 3:4

i. There was a remnant that would not defile themselves with the Harlot

ii. The few who believed during the Sardis period were…

iii. There were at least five major points of theology that all these groups had in common 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16

d. The Commendation – Rev. 3:4 iii. There were at least five major points of theology that all these groups had in common

• The Bible alone was the final authority for all matters of faith and practice 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16

d. The Commendation – Rev. 3:4 iii. There were at least five major points of theology that all these groups had in common

• The Bible alone was the final authority for all matters of faith and practice • Baptism was not connected with salvation in any way, was for believers only, and was to be done immersion • Separation of Church and State – No State Churches • They would never pray to or for any person that was dead, and did not give any credence to the mythological place called “purgatory” • Complete rejection of the Roman Catholic Mass, and anything connected to it 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16 a. Consider the meaning of the name “Sardis” – Red Ones b. The Introduction – Rev. 3:1 c. The Condemnation – Rev. 3:2-3 d. The Commendation – Rev. 3:4

e. God’s Credence and Council – Rev. 3:5-6 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16

e. God’s Credence and Council – Rev. 3:5-6

i. Verse 5 is often used to teach that you can lose your salvation – it is actually the reverse! 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16

e. God’s Credence and Council – Rev. 3:5-6

i. Verse 5 is often used to teach that you can lose your salvation – it is actually the reverse!

ii. Everyone needs to hear this message – too bad everyone won’t 2. Understanding The Text – Rev. 3:16

e. God’s Credence and Council – Rev. 3:5-6

i. Verse 5 is often used to teach that you can lose your salvation – it is actually the reverse!

• It guarantees that anyone who overcomes will not be blotted out of the Book of Life, but Jesus will confess his name before the Father, and before His angels.

• 1 John 4:4; 5:4