TO THE EIGHT CHURCHES IN REVELATION
Part 3: To The Church In Pergamum
“The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this: ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality. So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes... I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.’” Revelation 2:12-17
The Church That Battles In The Heavenlies
1. Quiet resistance
“I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.” Revelation 2:13
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
“I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also... Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:39,44
2. Visible difference
“I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality. So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth.” Revelation 2:14-16
3. Supernatural expectance
“The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this… I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth.” Revelation 2:12,16
- Of the wrath of God
“Never take your own revenge beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.’” Romans 12:19,21
- Of the love of God
“To him who overcomes... I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.” Revelation 3:17
