Yesterday was the first message pertaining to the seven churches in the book of Revelation, which is for churches of all times. The reason these messages are written is to reveal to the readers how close we are to Jesus’ return; therefore, a warning is being sent to most of the churches today. Also, you will be able to identify which church seems like your church; it has to be at least one or more.
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, these things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
But I have a few things against you because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.
You also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Revelation 2:12-17a).
Internet- It was a wealthy city and the center of emperor worship with many temples devoted to idolatry. The congregation of Pergamum was praised by Christ for adhering to their faith while living in the place “where Satan dwells”. Pergamum was also referred to as the place ‘where Satan’s throne is’.
The Doctrine of Balaam is a doctrine of fornication and worshipping idols. According to the Book of Revelation, Balaam told King Balak how to get the Israelites to commit sin by enticing them to copulate with foreign women and worship idols. The Israelites fell into transgression due to these traps and God unleashed a deadly plague upon them as a result.
The Doctrine of Balaam was already infiltrating the church in John's day and was to use his own teaching authority to persuade God’s people that it was all right for them also to compromise these standards. Old Testament (Numbers 23:1-20).
Baal was the supreme god of Canaan and Phoenicia, whose worship infiltrated Jewish religious life during the Judges and became popular in Israel during Ahab's reign. Baal means “lord”
Back to me:
Fornication- It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife. And ye are puffed up and have not rather mourned that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you (1 Corinthians 5:1-2).
Worshipping idols- There are many worshipped deities today. One day, if the Lord says so, I will write about the different idols and forms of worship.
What is the church in our time compared to Pergamos? People including leaders are being exposed for fornication, among other things, including worshipping money. Certain things have creeped into the church subtly. Certain types of exercises are allowed, things that were used in Greek culture, which seem to be innocent, but it should not be tolerated among Christians.
If we surrender ourselves to the Spirit and be open when there is a prompting that something is not right. It is shameful what some churches allow in their midst.
Next- Thyatira, the Corrupt Church
His handmaiden, Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org
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