October 17, 2002 (34)
THE CHURCH AT PERGAMOS. A message from the Lord reminding them of His abilities and powers. The sword, an instrument of warfare. We find here another type of the Godhead, the body of the sword and the two razor sharp edges. The Word and the workings of the Spirit must be predominant in the church. More than any other method the sword of the Spirit makes known the will of the Lord. Any directions outside of that which is written in the BOOK, must be scrutinized and measured by the BOOK. If it does not fit the < more sure word of prophecy > it must be rejected. Rev. 2:12
THEIR WORKS KNOWN TO THE LORD. He knew and appreciated all of their efforts and labors for the Gospel. The central attraction and the pride of the city was a grove, named Nicephorium which contained a variety of heathen temples. It was a center of satanic worship, attested to by the fact that twice in the letter the Lord mentioned that is was the very throne and dwelling place of Satan. It is recorded that the symbol of the city was that of a serpent, seems fitting. The church, daily faced the onslaught of evil spirits and powers. There are areas and cities of our world where there seems to be a greater concentration of satanic forces than others. They are commended for two vital spiritual elements in which they persevered. They valued deeply the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. They strongly adhered to His name. Strength and victory are to be found in His name. He has given us HIS NAME to use in the salvation of a soul, in receiving an answer to our prayers, in the healing of the sick and in the casting out of devils. John 14:13, Mark 16:17 Learn to use His name, He has given it to you to use. Why is it so awkward to declare His name? The title <GOD> is so ambiguous, there are literally millions which are called <gods> in the world. Make certain you identify the true and living God by using His name. The second evidence of their strength is their devotion to their beliefs, their doctrines. We are to buy the TRUTH and sell it not. The teachings and doctrines of the WORD are too precious to disavow. many today are discounting the depths of the WORD. Wanting to lay them aside, actually compromising the WORD to attain some earthly advantage. Jesus taught doctrine, it is not a bad word, as some would treat it. His doctrine was the doctrine of His Father. Those who chose to do the will of the Lord will come to a knowledge of His Word. John 7:16-17 Antipas, perhaps the local Pastor, faithful unto death, the death of a martyr. Rev. 2:13 Like Stephen a man of faith and great determination to maintain his faith unto the end. The depth of the spiritual experience of these early martyrs for Christ is to be envied. Their hope and trust was of such magnitude that they willingly gave their lives for the Gospel. Knowing that we will be confronted by the same powers of darkness in these end times it is time to deepen our walk with The Lord. Now, today there are those who are being incarcerated in prisons and even martyred for the name of Christ. Surely it is time for some serious thought on our spiritual status, and a very definite increase in our spiritual fervor for Him.