Letter To The Seven Churches

#LettersToTheSevenChurches The Pergamos Church The Church at

Satan’s Throne Revelation 2:12-17 Pergamos was a center for pagan worship and the cults of Zeus, Athena, and other false gods. A city that totally embraced and centered on idol worship. Pergamos church, like Smyrna’s, faced persecution for its Christian faith.

The all-knowing God knows where the church in Pergamos resides—where Satan’s throne is located. Satan is said to have a foothold in the church at Pergamos. Imagine the activities that could take place in the vicinity of Satan’s throne.

There will be demonic traffic, high-level wickedness, and all manner of manipulation and abomination. However, the church refuses to relocate and instead remains a steadfast witness to the gospel of Christ. Their light shone brightly in Pergamos’ darkness. The Lord knows; yes, He was aware that the church was located in an ungodly environment where Satan reigns. Jesus introduced himself as “He who has the sharp two-edged sword” to the congregation in Pergamos. The Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit.

Hebrews 4:12 states that the Word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and purposes of the heart and that it pierces even to the division of soul and spirit, of joints, and of marrow. The word of God exposes our sins and reveals the intent of our hearts. The other side of the sword condemns and judges sinners for eternal punishment.

The church at Pergamos has not completely yielded to Satan. Jesus applauds the church for a few things: “Thou hast kept my name” and “Thou hast not denied my faith.” Even though one of its members was murdered for his faith in Christ, this church stays true to God’s word. It is difficult to remain faithful in the face of persecution, false doctrine, and satanic attacks such as those espoused in the Pergamos church. However, the believers remained strong in their profession and faith. They remained faithful to Christ’s name. Nevertheless, Jesus rebuked this church about a few things.

The doctrine of Balaam and the doctrine of the Nicolatians were tolerated by this church. The Book of Numbers 22–25 in the Old Testament gives a full account of Balaam’s doctrine.

It is a subtle doctrine of covetousness, unrighteousness, sexual temptations, seduction, idolatry, and adultery. Certain believers appear to be being led astray and embracing this satanic doctrine, and this erroneous teaching seems to be gaining a foothold in their hearts. In 2 Peter 2:15–16, the Balaam doctrine is referred to as the doctrine of unrighteousness. Nicolatian’s doctrine is a doctrine that Jesus hates.

The word Nicolatian is directly associated with the name Nicolas. Nicolas was one of the seven deacons in Ephesus who had been appointed along with Stephen and Philip.

Although we cannot emphatically say he is the pioneer of the Nicolatian doctrine, he has been appointed a deacon and must have won over the trust of the leaders and members of the congregation. He was in a position to secretly introduce false doctrine.

This doctrine tolerates and practices things that Jesus hates. Despite the fact that there were true believers in the church, some half-baked Christians started spreading false doctrine, sexual immorality, and idol worship within the church.

They begin living a compromised lifestyle. Jesus advised and warned the Pergamos church to repent immediately and get rid of false doctrine, sexual immorality, and idol worship before God’s wrath would be unleashed on them. In other words, he will strike them with the word of God on Judgment Day. God is also warning us to search the scriptures like the Berean Christians and check if the teachings taught by reputable pastors and Bible teachers are true according to the Scripture. God promises to give ‘him that overcomes,” that is, everyone who remains faithful in the midst of a compromise congregation, hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written on it.

Only when we have been saved can we see and eat the hidden manna. It sustains us as we continue our journey from this earth to heaven. Lessons from the church at Pergamos

1. Jesus wants us to be faithful even to death. He gave His life for us, and He will be pleased when a believer trusts Him to the point of death. If we are willing to obey with all our hearts, the Lord will give us the strength and courage to stand firm.

2. It is possible to stand for God in a perverse and corrupt society; grace is always available if we are willing.

3. Beware of spiritual decline and compromise, which usually come in subtle ways and, over time, infect the entire body of Christ if not confronted and rebuked.

4. Just because others are doing it does not make it right. Dare to be different, even if it means standing alone.

5. Examine every spirit and every doctrine in the light of God’s word.

6. Be spiritually vigilant, disciplined, and led by the Holy Spirit.

7. Like the Pergamum church, evil in society is attempting to infiltrate the church and our very souls. Therefore, allow the Holy Spirit to search your hearts and quickly repent and turn from sin.