The Lycus Valley


Before dawn we boarded our rolling classroom heading to a full day. Four of the seven churches of Revelation 2-3 were on our itinerary: Philadelphia, Sardis, Thyatira, and Pergamum.

White unpicked cotton bolls brought to mind the words of Jesus: "the fields are white unto harvest."  The fertile soil produced acres of crops, even including tobacco.

Following the format initiated by Ross yesterday at Laodicea the teaching focused on connecting the astute, intimate relationship between the letter and the cultural, political, and religious condition of each church.

A quick touchstone for each church reflects the specific elements worthy of commendation and confrontation.

1) Philadelphia- a solitary abandoned mound is the only remnant of Philadelphia. Ross brought out that the Jewish context is recognized emphasizing Jesus as the true Jew.  Their social weakness was to be their strength.  Little power is their greatest asset.
2)Sardis- this architectural delight featured an athletic gymnasium where physical fitness gained great attention. A Jewish temple's syncretistic Bema allowed us to see the blending of religion and government. In this city of gold, trade routes, wealth, and power we heard of a mega district which is now nothing but a small village.  The temple of Artemis allowed us to see two extant columns. Mark told us Jesus told this church to wake up for their "go along to get along" was abhorrent to Him. But a remnant resistant to the melting pot were commended.
3) Thyatira- on the road again to lunch at Ziyafet surprising us with true Turkish ice cream. The women awarded them "best restroom" status. There is no visible site, but Eric showed us the letter points out that they were a church of intolerable toleration. Their beliefs created a numbed moral system.
4) Pergamum- The city on a hill which held the wealth of Roman generals drew us to the Acropolis.  The architectural brilliance of the Temple of Trajan exhibited sophistication and knowledge.  Called the throne of Satan in its letter, the lure of compromise and corruption was clearly described by Eric.  He pointed out Jesus never forgets a name-good or bad.

As we walked away from the Acropolis we were greeted with "Cheaper than Walmart; better than TJ-Maxx!"

Yes, a busy day! And a day when Pringles' paprika flavor won the taste test contest

A plated dinner at the Berksoy Hotel prepared us for a good night's sleep, and tomorrow's adventure.

Mary Helen Noland & Brenda Smith