Today’s Reading:
Revelation 1:2-12-17
To the angel of the church in Pergamos write, “These things say He who has the sharp two-edged sword: I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you, because you have there, those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone, a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” (Revelation 2:12-17 NKJV)
Pergamos, modern-day Bergama is the ancient capital of Asia. It is the center of Greek culture and education with 200,000 volume libraries. It is also the center of cultic worship. Prominent among these is the worship of Asclepius, with a symbol of a serpent. It was considered to be a god of healing where people come from all over the world seeking healing.
“… Where Satan’s throne is.” Being a center for several idolatrous cults, and the Roman emperor as a god, Pergamos was called a satanic pagan cult (v.13a). With all these, the church still did not renounce their faith, even when Antipas a very committed member was martyred. As was the custom, he was slowly roasted to death in a bronze kettle, during the reign of Emperor Domitian. ‘… The doctrine of Balaam’ (v. 14) is when Balak king of Moab asked Balaam to curse Israel. Balaam was restrained three times and made to bless Israel instead (Nu. 22-24). Later, Balaam advised Balak to make Israel lose God’s protection and blessing, if Moab would seduce Israel with the temple prostitutes. In truth, Israel fell to sexual immoralities and pagan sexual rituals and was judged by God for this sin (Nu. 25:1-3; 31:15-16).
Standing firmly strong in the face of opposition, pressure, and temptation like this is not easy at all, but compromising is very deadly (v. 11). However some in the church still tolerate those who practiced what Jesus opposed. Compromising is the blending of the qualities of two different principles. They cooperate with the people as much as they can but avoid any partnership or participation that could lead to immoral practices (v. 15). In a nutshell, Christians should not have different opinions about traditions. For example, in one area, there may be room for differences of opinion among Christians, whereas, in another area heresy and moral impurity are not permitted. Again, Christians in one town may not tolerate participation in idol feasts, but another town may not frown at pornography, sexual sin, cheating, gossiping, and lying. Sin is sin! It is a sin for any Christian or Christian community to bow to the pressure of being open-minded. The word of God as a lamp for our feet, and a light for our path is there to guide us all in issues concerning our faith. This is where the importance of reading, studying, and meditating on the Scripture comes in.
Anyone, any group in any area still compromising their faith for tradition should desist from this because it is a sin. Christ warned the church that if they would not repent of this sensuality and antinomianism, He would fight them with the sword in His mouth (v. 16).
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud: Father, thank you for Jesus Christ. Forgive my sins, take control of my heart, and lead me in your righteous path by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You, Lord. If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, which walk in the law of the Lord.
Blessed are they who keep the testimonies of the Lord and seek Him with their whole heart. They also will do no iniquity; they walk in His ways.
O Lord, let me experience your deep, great, and mighty deliverance and transform my mind, in Jesus' name.
O Lord lead me in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before me, in Jesus' name.
Preserve me, O God for Your kingdom and keep me from the path of the destroyer, because I put my trust in You, Jesus' name.
O Lord, rescue the perishing, save the dying and those in captivity, and deliver those in bondage, in Jesus' name.
Father, visit Christian homes with Your love and mercy and unite the husband, the wife, and the children to build a god-fearing family to the glory of Your name, in Jesus' name.
Unit the body of Christ with your love to harmoniously proclaim the Gospel of truth, in Jesus' name.
We commit the leaders of the church to Your care, Lord; grant them the fear of You in all their decisions, in Jesus' name.
… O Shepherd of Israel, You who leads Joseph like a flock, You who dwells amid cherubims, shine forth. Stir up Your strength and come and save the nations of the world, especially our nation Nigeria. Turn us again, and cause your face to shine, and we shall be saved, in Jesus' name. (Ps. 80:1).
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