Lessons we can learn from the third church mentioned in Revelation, Pergamum:
3. Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17)
Positive Characteristics: stayed true to Jesus, did not renounce their faith. Antipas, Jesus' faithful witness, was persecuted and killed, but he did not renounce his faith in God. They lived in an evil city, the bible says "I know where you live - where Satan has his throne." (v.13), but they remained faithful to God.
Negative Characteristics: some held onto the false teaching of Balaam, and through Balak, led the Israelites to sin (ate food sacrificed to idols, and committed sexual immorality). Some held onto the false teaching of Nicolaitans.
Jesus' Command to Pergamum: "Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth." (v.16)
Jesus' Command to Us: "Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it." (v.17)
What can we take away from this? We need to be victorious: stand firm on God's Word, even when everyone is against you or you may be persecuted; be the light and salt in the world; remain faithful to God; repent of all sin; pray for your city and others; and remember that Jesus is coming soon!
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