THE CHURCH OF PERGAMOS

The church of Pergamos was located in the capital city of the Roman province. The scriptures called it the place of Satan’s throne because it was the Asian headquarters for the cult of  the emperor – worship.  Numerous spectacular temples, such as the temple of Zeus, Athena, Dionysus, and Esclepius, were erected there.

Jesus introduces Himself as the sharp, double-edged sword. He is the one who discerns and judges.

They were commended for their loyalty to their faith despite experiencing one of their members, Antipas, martyred for his belief. Jesus rebuked them for allowing supporters of the following false doctrines:

The doctrine of Balaam permitted eating things sacrificed to idols, sexual immorality, and preaching for hire.

The doctrine of Nicolaitans taught immorality and idolatry.

Jesus exhorted them to repent, or the Word of God would challenge their life and actions. The promise for overcoming was receiving a white stone which represented acquittal in ancient times and the opportunity to be fed (receive revelation knowledge).

The feature characteristic of this church was licentiousness. Their state was worldly, and a willingness to compromise their morals, teachings, and doctrinal standards.

Today, believers are being questioned about civil liberties. It is necessary for us to stand for the truth of God’s word. Say, what the bible says. If we compromise our stand, we must repent so that we appear guiltless before God. Remember, Mark 8:34-38:

“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever, therefore, shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”