The Church Of Pergamos 3 Series

The church of Pergamos

Randall LaVere II

We have been going through the letters to the seven churches. It is important to know that these letters are not dispensational letters, but they are indeed applicable letters to us in our everyday lives. This is the last testament of Christ to the church.

Revelation is broken down into three basic parts. 1. the things which thou hast seen (which is the introduction and the description of the resurrected Christ) see. CH. 1 2. the things which are (the conditions in the church at this time) Ch. 2-3 3. The things which shall be hereafter. (which deals with the rapture of the church, tribulation, seals, judgements, antichrist, destruction of Babylon, the glorious appearing of Christ and heaven in general)Ch. 4-22

Review churches of Ephesus-Jesus had told them that they had left their first love. We need to get back to the place where we were when we first met him. When we had a boldness, and would tell people at the gas station that Jesus loved them.

The church of Smyrna- The key to interpreting the message to the church in Smyrna, was that the church needs to rely to trust in God, that if he has promised a thing it will come to pass. Jesus said in this world we will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.

We now move on to church #3 which is Pergamos. Rev. 2:12-17

The city of Pergamum was well known throughout the region as having the magnificient temple of Aesculapius. (SCULAPIS) This was a famous pagan god who was known for healing. This is why Jesus referred that he knew where satans seat was. It was a meeting ground for pagans and a place where they came together to worship.

12. he which has the sharp sword with two edges. Heb. 4:12 the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword. We know that Jesus Christ is the word of God. So again Jesus is just letting the church know that this message was from him.

13. I know thy works(he knows all about you the intents of your heart……….

Where you dwell-he knows where you were hanging out last night, and what you were doing, and where satans seat is- ….And that you hold fast to my name, and have not denied my faith even when you see people being ostracized and killed for it. No matter how many have fallen, and how bad they are being treated, you still continue to proclaim my name.

14. but I have a few things against you, because you have there them who hold the doctrine of balaam, who taught balaac, and cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the nicolaitines, which thing I hate.

v.14 says you have there them who hold to the doctrine of balaam. His name literally means the devourer. He was originally a pagan spiritualist, or magician. In Joshua 13:22 he is called a soothsayer. Balaam was a man that had the potential to be a mighty servant of God, but what had happened was he mixed the truth with error, and became a false prophet. (Numbers 22-24)

You see, he knew that God was indeed God, but also had lots of other Gods in his life. The bible tells us that no man can serve two masters, for he will love one and hate the other. You can not serve both the lusts of your flesh, and God. The doctrine of balaam is a mingling of the wicked ways of the world, and the church, which ultimately will corrupt biblical principals.

1 Jn. 2:15-16 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the father, but is of the world. 17 and the world passes away, and the lust thereof, but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.

Repent or I will come unto thee quickly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth. Jesus is the word of God, and he takes doctrine very seriously, and hates all comprimise with immorality. A doctrine is a principle or position, or viewpoint. If someone is teaching or preaching something other than the word of God, they are misleading those around them.

The church is supposed to be the one affecting, and infecting the world. Jesus left very specific instructions in the great commission before ascending to the throne room of heaven.