Revelation 2:12-16
To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live, where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness who was put to death in your city, where Satan lives.
Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolatians. Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
What is being said of the believers in Pergamum? Here believers are praised for hold fast to their faith but yet, God still has some complaint against them. Picture this. Here you are, in the middle of a lake ready to water-ski. With your right hand you hold a tow rope attached to a very powerful boat. In your left hand is another tow rope attached to an equally powerful boat. You shout your OK to "Let 'er rip" and you get the picture as both boats accelerate away from you. Something has got to give. We do this with our spiritual and physical lives. In one hand we hold firmly to the Word and in the other hand we grasp the world.
The Nicolatians mentioned practiced synchronism, that is using parts of pagan religions merged with orthodox teachings to compromise the true faith of Christianity. Examples today might include: Christianity and Materialism, Christianity and Nationalism, Christianity and Sexual Freedom, Christianity and anything not Christian.
This dualism is very difficult to deal with and can cause great confusion in our lives. Do you recognize any of these behaviors in your life that keeps you from fully enjoying the relationship that God has planned for you both?
Blessings
Mark
Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolatians. Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
What is being said of the believers in Pergamum? Here believers are praised for hold fast to their faith but yet, God still has some complaint against them. Picture this. Here you are, in the middle of a lake ready to water-ski. With your right hand you hold a tow rope attached to a very powerful boat. In your left hand is another tow rope attached to an equally powerful boat. You shout your OK to "Let 'er rip" and you get the picture as both boats accelerate away from you. Something has got to give. We do this with our spiritual and physical lives. In one hand we hold firmly to the Word and in the other hand we grasp the world.
The Nicolatians mentioned practiced synchronism, that is using parts of pagan religions merged with orthodox teachings to compromise the true faith of Christianity. Examples today might include: Christianity and Materialism, Christianity and Nationalism, Christianity and Sexual Freedom, Christianity and anything not Christian.
This dualism is very difficult to deal with and can cause great confusion in our lives. Do you recognize any of these behaviors in your life that keeps you from fully enjoying the relationship that God has planned for you both?
Blessings
Mark
posted by BreadBakers at 7:13 PM
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