Pergamum boasted Satan’s throne, a pretty bad place to call your home.
A hard, cold city for Christian results; the place was fueled by the power of cults.
The church in town had troubles too; deceived by bad doctrine and things untrue.
That’s why Jesus shared this talk. He desired to help them walk the walk.
The philosophy of Baalam controlled this place, a message the church began to embrace
Baalam is about prestige and wealth, a lifestyle destructive to spiritual health.
In addition there was a Nicolaitan teacher who classified people lower than the preacher.
This foul doctrine makes God irate, for it subordinates folks to a lesser estate.
All God’s people are a kingdom of priests; His Word is given that all should feast.
The priesthood is not a chosen few who deliver the word to the people in the pew.
When you classify others by spiritual station, you have just become the next Nicolaitan.
Since all God’s people are important to the whole, finding our place should be our goal.
Because of this Christ told them to repent, to figure out how their lives should be spent.
His clear Word was a double-edged sword. It sliced through lies; it could not be ignored.
Antipas He praised, the lies He exposed; the door to deception he firmly closed.
By receiving God’s manna their strength was renewed, the battle won; the enemy subdued.
What was left for the believers to hone? It was to be acquitted, to receive the white stone.
They understood if the stone was white, it meant they were judged worthy of the fight.
They also knew if the stone was black, they were found faithless, convicted by the facts.
So let us heed this message from our Lord: let us walk in truth and receive our reward.
Revelation 2:12-17
12 “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13 I know where you live — where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city — where Satan lives. 14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. 15 Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.” (NIV)
© Copyright George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved
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