Pergamum: Holding Fast in a Compromising Culture

READ REVELATION 2:12-17.

“mouth, two-edged sword” (1:16)

According to scripture, Jesus is the “The Word”

Every Word out of the mouth of Christ reveals God’s will and His power.

Area 51 - Maverick taught students to value their Bibles.

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intetions of the heart.” - (Hebrews 4:12_

God’s Word is not a historical text, it is an ongoing, energetic force.

It cuts ino our human nature. Exposes our thoughts and heart.

Jesus could into Pergamum and reveal their sins.

The church must hold firmly to truth and reject worldly compromise. Truth matters more than cultural acceptance.

1. God’s correctioin isn’t rejection, it’s rescue.

Pergamum was a hard place to be a Christian…

“dwell” (katoikeis) Not passing through. Home.

Satan’s throne - On earth. He possessed great power in the city.

Asculapias, God in serpent form. Group murdered Antipus.

Great political and religious centre.

Buildings, library w/ 200,000 volumes.

Temples of Zeus, Athena, Asklpias (God of healing. University)

1st city in Asia with temple dedicated to the worship of Caesar.

They remained faithful in spirte of the obstacles.

A HUGE accomplishment.

“I hold a few things against you.”

They tolerated those who, like Balaam in the OT, claimed God’s name, while enticing people to compromise. Num 31.16.

Nicolaitan - Strange doctrines.

There is a difference between a denomination and a religion.

Modern people are afraid to point out faults. We want to be “progressives.”

How do we handle passages when Jesus points out the faults of Christians?

Parents ask the hard questions? Why?

Jesus wants the best for His church and He is willing to guide his people toward holiness.

2. Refuse compromise and run to Jesus.

The church had let sin in and Jesus called the people to root it out.

Repent - God hates these practices.

“I will come soon… war.”

“sword” - Angel drew sword against Balaam.

Jesus will war against this evil.

Conquerers (Overcomes)

Hidden manna - Heavenly food of Israel

John 6:31-35. Christ is the hidden manna from the world.

White stones - In the Roman world, a white stone was used as a ticket to an event. A white stone with someones name on it was a personalized all access pass.

The new name is Jesus!!!

Never feeling like you belong.

You can’t be friends with Christ and sin. It doesn’t work.

Where do you want to belong? Who are your real friends?

You can’t deal with this if you’re unwilling to be honest.

JEsus is where we belong. Anywhere else will not last.