Revelation 2:12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 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. 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. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 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.”
The Aborigines in Australia worshiped green ants. They had many acres of land covered in them. Uranium was found on the land, but they refused the offer to sell until they were offered $8.4 billion for it. Their gods were for sale. Are your convictions? Will you sell out?
At the hands of the Roman government, the church was under persecution to the point of hiding in catacombs to worship. Ruler Constantine declared Christianity the official religion; they moved from the catacombs to the cathedrals, and the compromise began.
Pergamos was a powerful city known for emperor worship. The people also participated in pagan worship of mythological gods. Satanic worship was at the heart of it. This church was right in the middle of persecution and holding fast. Jesus even mentioned a martyr called Antipas. The name means “against all.” He was killed because he wouldn’t denounce the Lord. We don’t know what persecution is. We might get a snicker once in a while, but it’s never been to the blood. Pergamos had strength.
Verse 14 shows us the seduction. Balaam was not an Israelite, but he was a prophet. King Balac called him to curse the Jews as they journeyed near the borders of Moab. He would not do it but allowed himself to be swayed to go with Balac. His donkey spoke to him because it saw the angel of the Lord with a spear in his hand ready to him. He didn’t curse Israel, but according to verse 14 he taught Balac “to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel.” Numbers 25 tells us that the people followed after those in Moab and the compromise was made.
Moses tried to get the Pharaoh to let the people go. He refused. The Lord began sending plagues. Pharaoh tried to get Moses to compromise. Don’t go for 3 days; stay on the borders. Isn’t that what we’re told today? Don’t go off the deep end and get fanatical about Christianity. Romans chapter 12 tells us not to be conformed to the world, to come out from among them. Some have decided that this doesn’t apply to them.
On one end is the legalist who says everything has to be done this way and this way. We’re saved only by grace through faith, not of ourselves. We work because we are saved. On the other end is the liberal who says he can do anything and be all right. Man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart and that gives them the right to do what they want. Neither of these is right. Others can’t see the heart. They see what we do and say. We do things they do and still go to church. It’s time to get back to convictions.
We need the standard. Verse 12 speaks about the “sharp sword with two edges.” Verse 16 says “Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” Our sword is the Bible. Don’t water it down. Don’t ease off to keep from hurting someone’s feelings. It’s time to preach against some things. A sword is an offensive weapon. The Word must hurt us to help us.
Pergamos was fairly sound doctrinally but was married to the world. We need to have an intimate relationship with the Lord. We’re the bride of Christ. To go after other things is to commit adultery. If you’re not saved, you need this intimate relationship. If you are saved, maybe it’s time to renew the vows.
Are your convictions for sale? What would it take? Be faithful. Don’t compromise.
Brother Donnie White brought the message.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 