Reading From Revelation 2 : 12 – 17.

The church in Pergamos was found to have been in union with the world, because of the  mix of people. They were commended ( Rev. 2 :13),  but as were the  case of some of the  other churches the angel said ” but I have a few things against you” ( Rev. 2 : 14 ).

The Issues in Pergamous :
The believers were faithful but in their midst were people of averse doctrines.
God’s faithful servant  Antipas, was a martyr among them. Read Rev. 2 : 13.
2:13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

Note  their stand:

1. they held fast the name of God.
2. they did not deny the faith.
3. they were faithful in persecution  when Antipas was slain in their midst.

Our slippery way to God:

God told them that He had a few things against them:

DERAILMENTS IN PERGAMOS

(A) Among them were people who held to the doctrine of Baalam.

2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

Note the doctrine of Baalam:

(a) 2Peter 2: 15, Jude verse 11, Numbers 31:15-16.

“And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive?

31:16 Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.” (Numbers 31: 15-16)

The doctrine of Baalam tempted Israel to marry the women of Moab.

The doctrine was meant to corrupt people, who could not be cursed. People who desire faithfulness will not be vulnerable to Satan and the devil in his intrigue will  struggle to corrupt them so to have access after defiling them. The devil used such people in  Pergamos to to defile the faithful ones.

When christians are defiled, they become separated from God. The devil creates  opportunity to inflict injuries upon people of God who have moved away from the faith.

When christians are defiled by satan they down play their pilgrimage. Faithful christians are pilgrims on earth. Pilgrims do not build houses, pilgrims do not plant vineyards, because they are on the move. In other words christians should avoid distractions. The church in Pergamos had such people who through doctrine wanted to entice them to abandon their walk with God through unholy living. Such people who do not desire heaven   are in many contemporary churches today. Please no matter their public standing be careful of them.

The church in Pergamos had to an extent abandoned their christian character, because of the presence of the Baalamites. They were in effect in union with the world which is a life of unchastity

(B) THEY ALSO HAD THE NICOLAITANS. Rev. 2 : 15.

“So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.” (Rev. 2 : 15).

As was noted in other churches in our review, the Nicolaitans practised immorality, they believed in a community of wives. The Lord told them that He hated their ways.

The Warning:

Repent or I will fight you with the word of my mouth, they were told. Read Rev, 2 : 16.

And the epistles confirmed this in 2 Thess. 2 : 8:

“And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: ”

God will judge everyone who practices evil.

Read also Rev. 19 :15

The Reward:

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” Rev. 2 : 17.

When we seek employment today,  we ask for a good package. God has arranged things more than percuniary benefits for faithful people.

When we secure  a job we do our best to satisfy our employer for the perishable salary which we receive.

Here God told us the reward for the overcomers of Baalam and Nicolaitans. These two characters represent sinners in all classes. To those who overcome :

(i) He will give them the hidden manna to eat;

(ii) He will give them a white stone and on, it a new name.

Remember that the letter to each church had to do with the church at that time and to all christians one by one at that time and extending to today. It points to the way the church as a whole will traverse through the ages.

Going through these words are you having the traits of Pergamos?  Are you on the  good side or the other?

Judge yourself,  but remember it  is given to us as hearers or teachers :

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.(John 3 : 16)

Save your people oh Lord.

Miracle Valley Messages  Sunday 6th May 2018.
Rev.Prof. P C Nnaocha.
www.mvgmng.org.
outreach.mvgm@yahoo.com.
Phone  +2348037179735.

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