October 21, 2002 (36)
THE DOCTRINE OF THE NICOLAITANS. In the Ephesian church they hated the doctrine of these Nicolaitans, as did the Lord. Rev. 2:6 Therefore, they would have strongly resisted any attempt to infiltrate their assembly with such a teaching. However, at Pergamos, the acceptance of this doctrine which was contrary to <sound> doctrine was one of the causes of their rebuke by the Lord. The Lord made it very plain that He hated this teaching. Rev. 2:15 There is an attempt to disregard and discount doctrine in the church world today. True doctrine is extremely important to the body of Christ. Jesus Himself amazed the people of His day with His doctrine or teaching which was with great authority. Mark 1:22 Paul had warned the Ephesian church of the < wind of doctrine > which would sweep against them time and time again. Bible doctrine is vital to a proper understanding of spiritual things. Eph. 4:14
A COMMAND FROM THE COMMANDER, REPENT. Change your attitude. Change your approach to the Word of the Lord. Change your heart. Change your desires. REPENT! Repentance is as important to the long time Christian as it is to the person who is coming to Christ for the first time. Repentance involves the confession and the forsaking of our sins. To confess and continue in the same sin is futile. The Word tells us that sin must be abandoned. Prov. 28:13 The key to a righteous life is found in repentance. Sanctification and cleansing are accomplished through repentance. Not only is forgiveness granted because of repentance and confession, but healing is also available when there is confession of sin. This presents a challenge to the church. If we are to exercise our divine rights and the command of the Lord. We need within the body of believers those who are of the same nature of the Lord. Those to whom one may confess and find a companion in prayer, who will hold that confession in utter confidence. In some instances, healing may be obtained in acting in obedience to the Word. The prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective. James 5:16
IMPENDING JUDGMENT. Quickly, in a brief period of time they were to be visited of the Lord. He would literally fight, commit warfare, against those involved in false doctrines that were troubling this church. The force that was to be used was the < sword of His mouth > or the Word of the Lord.Rev. 2:16 That sword is seen again as the sword of His mouth when He is revealed as the one who controls the church. Rev. 1:6 Ah, that His church might speak His word in power and in truth. When we are led by the Holy Spirit to the truth of the Word there will be but one doctrine, HIS. The sword of His mouth is also effective in the ultimate elimination of all sin and sinners at the conclusion of the great tribulation period, which is also His Second Coming. Rev. 19:15, 21. This would create a problem for sinners to be found in the one thousand years of the millennium.