God's Glory Church

“And write to the angel of the church of Pergamum: Thus says He who has a sword sharp on both sides…”(Rev. 2:12).

In the book of Hebrews it is written:“For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intentions of the heart”(4:12). This two-edged sword is the Word of the Lord penetrating the heart. It separates and judges! It’s an amazing thing if this sword can cause division, judge, inflict wounds and even death, but after that the same sword can heal and give life!

God’s children use the two-edged sword of God’s Word for spiritual warfare in everyday life. After fasting for forty days in the desert, Jesus Christ defeated Satan with the sword of God’s Word. And we can defeat the devil with the same sword:“…it is written…”(Matt.4:10).

The Lord sends the third message to the Angel of the Pergamon Church. Pergamum means “union, connection” and presents us with a picture of a connection not allowed by God, a compromise between the church and the world.

“I know your works, and that you live where Satan’s throne is, and that you hold My name, and did not deny My faith even in those days in which Antipas, My faithful witness, was killed among you, where Satan lives” (Rev. 2:13).

The Lord knows quite definitely what you and I have been doing today. At the same time, He sees not only what we do in public, He clearly sees our innermost deeds: how you honor your parents, how you treat your husband or wife, obey ministers, visit the sick and faithfully follow Christ. He knows this and will reward you generously in eternity!

Jesus Christ not only knew what the Pergamum church did, He knew where it lived. He knew her special circumstances, He knows our situation with you. Satan and his demons are everywhere. Nowhere are we protected from temptation. Therefore, it is very important to be where the Lord wants us to be. If we do not live in His appointed place, we are in a life-threatening situation.

The Church of Pergamon lived in the devil’s territory. This was the residence of Satan! But the Lord does not reproach her for her place of residence. She was in the right place, determined by God. Despite the extremely difficult situation, the church did not renounce the name of the Lord, did not renounce the faith.

Antipas received a wonderful testimony: “My faithful witness!”Are you a faithful witness of God’s grace?

Do you testify that Jesus Christ has delivered you from the terrible pit of sin and uncleanness? A faithful witness tells what Jesus did for him.

“But I have a few things against you, because you have some there who hold the doctrine of Balaam…”(Rev. 2:14-15).

Why did the Lord have something against the Angel of the Pergamum Church?

“There are some of you there who hold the teachings of Balaam…”We read about Balaam in the book of Numbers 22-25 chapters. At the request of the Moabite king Balak, Balaam had to curse the people of Israel. But the Lord did not allow Balaam to do this. Instead of cursing, Balaam blessed the people. Because of the reward offered, Balaam would willingly agree to Balak’s request. This is clear from his response: “God doesn’t want that!”

Many believers today would willingly live according to carnal lusts and participate in the affairs of the world, but they do not do this because God does not want it. Is this supposed to be the position of someone who has first love for the Lord? Such obedience out of duty, and not out of love, will sooner or later bring bad results. Balaam obeyed God and blessed Israel, although he would have done things differently because of the promised reward. And yet he gave Israel’s enemy, Balak, advice to persuade the Israelites to idolatry (Num. 31:15-16). And it was successful: Israel began to commit fornication with the daughters of Moab, began to serve other gods, committing abominations before God (Num. 25:1-2; 31:16). Israel entered into contact with the pagans, with the world, and lost the glory of strangers and strangers.

Compromise and connection with the world is adultery in the eyes of God.

“Repent; otherwise, I will come to you quickly and fight with them with the sword of My mouth”(Rev. 2:16).

This “little” turned out to be enough for the minister of the Pergamon church not to remain impeccable. On the day of advent he would not have been ready for the rapture. Is it really over? – No! In the word “repent,” God once again offers the grace of forgiveness. Now it’s up to the primate of the Pergamon Church: will he take concrete steps?

The ministers of the Pergamon church and the entire church in Pergamum must repent! Nothing like this should be allowed in Pergamon in the future.

“He who has an ear (to hear), let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches: To him who overcomes I will give to eat the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows except him who receives” (Rev. 2:17).

What a precious promise the Lord gives to those who, hearing the word, draw the appropriate conclusions and decisively, uncompromisingly take the side of the winners! The Lord will give them to taste the hidden manna, that is, the heavenly bread, which is Jesus Christ Himself. He says:“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst… I am the living bread that came down from heaven: whoever eats this bread will live forever”(John 6:35,51).

The winner will also receive a white stone, and a new name written on the stone.

In Greek trials, the guilty received a black stone, the innocent – a white stone. On the day of judgment those who overcome will be vindicated by God.

In the Bible we read about people who received a new name. Abram became Abraham, Jacob became Israel, Simon became Peter, Saul became Paul, etc. The old name spoke of the old, the new one spoke of the new nature. The new name awaiting the winner confirms that the old has indeed passed and we have been granted a new life and destiny from God!