Pergamum: Hold the TruthRevelation 2: 12-17

Pergamum Hold the Truth Rev. 2:12-17

Impressive architecture and history!Altars to many gods and emperors.Jesus is “him who has the sharp, double-edged sword”

He knows they live “where Satan has his throne.”

He knows our environment, where we work and live and witness.

Thracian sword, long, strong, broad…

Pergamum Hold the Truth Rev. 2:12-17

Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit. joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Pergamum Hold the Truth Rev. 2:12-17

Jesus commends them, they “remain true to my name” and “did not renounce faith in me.”

But they tolerated false prophets.Love & truth must be ‘held’ in balanceMost held the truth, few departed……majority and few -both must repent!“We must learn to preserve unity in essentials, liberty in non-essentials, and charity (love) in all things.” Rupert Meldinius

Pergamum Hold the Truth Rev. 2:12-17

Truth 1 – who is Jesus?(Antipas gave his life for this truth.)Truth 2 – do you live a holy life?a. ‘Balaamites’ and b. ‘Nicolaitans’?We had ‘b.’ in Ephesus, NT of OT ‘a.’Balaams donkey talked, but he was hired to curse Israelites…

…when he couldn’t, said Moab girls invite Israelite men to idol orgy feasts.

Pergamum Hold the Truth Rev. 2:12-17

Modern ‘Nicolaitans’ excuse sin!“The powers of darkness continue to contest every inch of their territory. The kingdom of Satan retreats only as the Kingdom of God advances. In some places he holds almost undisputed sway. Pergamum was such a place.” (Stott)

Evil prevailed, it was ‘anti-Christ’!Our weapon is the Word of God!

Pergamum Hold the Truth Rev. 2:12-17

Victors receive ‘hidden manna’.aka “the bread of Life” (John 6:35)aka Jesus himself, communion, sharing and living with Jesus forever.

Also ‘a white stone’, acquittal and redemption or OT ‘Urim’ for priest or ‘admission ticket’ to eternity (or all!)

Promise is eternal life with Jesus, being one with him.

Hear this: Hold to and live the Truth!

840 Behold the Lamb1 Behold the Lamb, who bears our sins away,

slain for us—and we remember

the promise made, that all who come in faith

find forgiveness at the cross.

So we share in this bread of life,

and we drink of his sacrifice

as a sign of our bonds of peace

around the table of the King.

2 The body of our Savior, Jesus Christ,

torn for you—eat and remember

the wounds that heal; the death that brings us life

paid the price to make us one.

So we share in this bread of life,

and we drink of his sacrifice

as a sign of our bonds of love

around the table of the King.

840 Behold the Lamb3 The blood that cleanses every stain of sin,

shed for you—drink and remember

he drained death’s cup, that all may enter in

to receive the life of God.

So we share in this bread of life

and we drink of his sacrifice

as a sign of our bonds of grace

around the table of the King.

4 And so with thankfulness and faith we rise

to respond—and to remember

our call to follow in the steps of Christ

as his body here on earth.

As we share in his suffering,

we proclaim Christ will come again!

And we’ll join in the feast of heaven

around the table of the King.