Scripture
12And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
13I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
14But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
15So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
16Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
17He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. Revelation 2:12-17
Prayer
1. Recognize the Circumstance
One thing that an individual or a church needs to do is recognize the circumstances that they are in. Look at the surroundings, evaluate the culture, and look at your doctrinal views and your relationship with Christ.
I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
The church at Pergamos extreme circumstances surrounding them;
1. There was a culture of anti-God in the city.
2. Pergamos was the headquarters of Satan
When the church at Pergamos first was founded they acknowledged Christ; they proclaimed his deity and professed him as their Lord. They also clung to the very foundations of faith and sound doctrine.
As an individual or a church are your foundations on acknowledging Christ; proclaiming his deity and professing him as Lord. Did you cling to the very foundations of faith and sound doctrine?
2. Reveal the Compromise
But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 14But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
However after a while they begin to compromise their moral standards.
a.) Some had turned to cultic practices, the doctrine of Balaam.
• The doctrine of Balaam is a moral compromise through false teachers.
• One who does religious work for personal gain, merchandising spiritual gifts.
b.) Some had turned to a lifestyle of the world
• Alternate lifestyles
• Accepting co-habitation
• Accepting adultery
• Accepting same sex marriage
c.) Some began to compromise doctrine of Christ
• Questioning the inherit Word of God
• Questioning some of the sermons being preached
• Questioning the power of the gospel
• Questioning the laws of God
Today’s culture in America has changed;
• This Sunday is “Scout Sunday,” a day when many churches honor the Boy Scouts of America. Nearly three-quarters of the Boy Scout chapters are sponsored by churches. Because of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling forcing the Boy Scouts to allow gays to lead troops and to join the organization may very well prompt an exodus by conservative churches.
• Catholic and Reformed churches have signed an agreement to recognize each other’s baptisms and doctrinal beliefs.
3. Reviving the Spirit and Heart
Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
The answer to the problems of Pergamos and for ourselves and the church was to repent.
The church at Pergamos needed to be revived, because the lack of repentance will bring judgment.
There was a need to listen to what God has to say and act upon it.
God has promised us that if we will repent and listen to what he has to say there will be a reward of peace in our lives and an eternal reward in heaven.
Conclusion/Invitation
Things are going to continue to be worst, before the Lord returns.
There are going to be tribulations, there is going to be pain and persecution.
But be of good cheer Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is in control and I know how the story ends.
