Letter #3 "Dear Pergamum: The World Doesn't Belong Here!" Series

The History of Pergamum: Revelation 2:13 "I know where you live--where Satan has his throne." (NIV)

There was the Presence of Evil in Pergamum!

J. Ralph Grant described Pergamum as "Hell's Headquarters!"

Matthew 5:16 "Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (NLT)

1) Jesus Commends Pergamum: Vs. 13b "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." (NIV)

For a Faithfulness that was Exemplified in Death!

Martyr--literally means "witness".

1 Peter 5:8

Question: Where are you being called to be a witness?

2) Jesus Condemns Pergamum: Vs. 14-15 "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. Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans." (NIV)

For allowing False Teachings to go on!

2 Corinthians 13:5-9

Question: What is absolute truth?

For indulging in the Sins of the World!

1 John 2:15-17

Question: Can you tell the difference between the World and the Church?

3) Jesus Commands Pergamum: Vs. 16 "Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth." (NIV)

To REPENT!

1 John 1:8-10

Question: Are you a light in the world or a reflection of it?