Times are tough if you are looking for a place to move to in our present day.  There seems to be fewer and fewer
congregations which have chosen to remain true to the ways which be of God.  As the apostates of the past, many have
refused to walk in the old paths (Jeremiah 6:16).  This has left Christians in some difficult positions as they move with their jobs
or for other reasons to different areas in our country.  Christians are finding themselves making calls and doing research just to
find that what is really going on is not what they’ve been told once they’ve already moved to that place.  You cannot trust the,
“do you believe we have to have authority for all that we do”, question today.  The answer is often “yes”, while the practice is a
certain, “no”.

      This has left some Christians wondering whether to move back to where they know there is a sound congregation,
wondering if they should begin a new one, or even wondering if they should just settle for, “the best they can find”.  Even
worse, sometimes the congregation you leave is not as it was if you were to return.  

      So, what do we do if we are in this situation?  Some have chosen to just find the best they can in a congregation to work
and worship with.  Some have decided to go where they feel they can make a difference.  Both of these types have concluded
that there are no perfect congregations and the balance is really on where you as an individual stand.

      Some of these who decide to work and worship with a congregation in error have decided that Revelation chapters two
and three give them authority to do so.  In fact, this has become the “go to” text for some.  The specific passage many seem to
refer to when excusing themselves for worshipping in error is Revelation 3:4.  That passage states: “Thou hast a few names
even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy”.  So,
as we get into the heart of our lesson on this matter, we shall examine this text.  We need to ask if Revelation 3:4 is telling
Christians to worship in error.


      The whole context of the passage in question is as following: “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These
things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that
thou livest, and art dead.  Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not
found thy works perfect before God.  Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and
repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come
upon thee.  Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me
in white: for they are worthy.  He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out
his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.  He that hath an
ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Revelation 3:1-6).

      The church in Sardis was not a working congregation.  They had an identity, but that was about it.  The exception was a
few who were working.  Now, here are some questions…  Where were those who were really working in Sardis told to
worship where false teaching was going on?  Where were those who were doing what they needed to in Sardis told to worship
with a congregation who was abusing the Lord’s money?  Where were the faithful few told to worship with a congregation who
was worshipping in error?  The answer is the same for each question, NO WHERE!  Brethren, if Jesus would have told the
brethren in Sardis it was okay to worship in the presence of false doctrine and abuses, then He would have been inconsistent.  
You see, He told the saints in Pergamos and Thyatira just a few verses previous to this text the exact opposite (Revelation 2:14-
16; 2:20-26).  Also, to allow the saints in Sardis to work and worship in error would have contradicted many other Scriptures.


      When addressing a subject matter such as this, I know the truth is not on the side of the majority “opinion”.  Therefore, we
shall simply let the Scriptures do most of the speaking from here forward.  Notice what the Lord hath said on this matter:
“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of
Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.  If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not
into your house, neither bid him God speed:  For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds…  Now I
beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned;
and avoid them.  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and
fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple…  I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.  
I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked…  And that because of false brethren
unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring
us into bondage: To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might
continue with you…   Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the
world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after
the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility,
and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh” (II John 9-11, Romans 16:17-18, Psalms 26:
4-5, Galatians 2:4-5, and Colossians 2:20-23).


      Many more Scriptures could have been used to prove the point.  Questions like, how do you withdraw from the disorderly
in an apostate group when all are disorderly, could be asked (II Thessalonians 3:6; 14-15).  However, how many should it
take (Luke 6:46 and Luke 11:28)?  Yet, still those people who don’t want the truth won’t see it.  Notice, again, what the Lord
has said:“Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the
children of disobedience.  Be not ye therefore partakers with them.  For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye
light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather
reprove them” (Ephesians 5:6-11).
Volume VIII    ~    Issue XXXV   ~   May 25th, 2008
Words of Truth Weekly - Online Edition
What must one do to be saved (Acts 2:37)?  Hear and believe the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16 & Romans 10:17), repent of their
sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38 and
Romans 6:1-6).  Upon your obedience to these requirements of the Lord He will add you to the church of Christ (Acts 2:41; 47
and I Corinthians 12:12-13; cf. Romans 16:16).  One must then remain faithful (Colossians 1:23 and Revelation 2:10).  There is
more to cover than is here.  Contact me today for a study: brianyeager@wordsoftruth.net
Edited by: Brian A. Yeager
Can We Worship With Apostate Congregations?
By: Brian A. Yeager
Were The Faithful In Sardis Instructed To Worship With Apostates?
If You Work And Worship With An Apostate Congregation You Are In Opposition To Many Scriptures
Conclusion