Church at Pergamum Held Fast

The churches of Revelation:

Church of Pergamum:

“I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is;
and you hold fast My name,
and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one,
who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam…

So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
Therefore, repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth.

To him who overcomes,

to him I will give some of the hidden manna,
and I will give him a white stone,
and a new name written on the stone which no one knows by the who receives it.”
Revelation 2:13-17

This is a tough passage.  First of all, let us identify where Satan’s throne is.  1 John 5:19 says, “We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.”  Satan is the prince of the power of the air, the ruler of this world.  Therefore, we all dwell where Satan’s throne is.  God gave Satan authority over this earth when Adam and Eve sinned.  But!  That doesn’t mean that we are all followers of Satan.  Colossians 1:13 says that “…He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”  And Ephesians 2: 1-6 says, “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.  But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love  with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace are you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus…”

The saints at Pergamum were in the world, but not of this world.  They held fast the name of Jesus and did not deny the faith even at the cost of death.  Antipas is an unknown martyr, but possibly the first martyr there in in Pergamum.  He lived during a time that the world began to enter into the church through false teaching and false religion.  We too must hold fast to our confession and our faith to the point of death.  God will equip us to do all that He calls us to do.  If Jesus asks us to be a martyr for His name, then He will give us the grace and power to do so at that time.  Until then, the harder part is being a witness to the name of Jesus and the faith in our everyday life.  We must look differently than the world, responding in love, not seeking revenge, being people of forgiveness and reaching out with the good news of Jesus to others.  Know God now in the times when He may be found so that when the world seems dark, you can find your way to God.  “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called…” (Ephesians 4:1).  The world must see the truth of God’s word lived out in your life.  Learn it and live it. 

God does condemn the church of Pergamum for two transgressions – the doctrine of Balaam and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.  The doctrine of Balaam was a doctrine of intermarriage with those not under God’s covenant leading to idolatry and fornication.  In our time this would be marriage with the doctrines of this world and breaking your marriage covenant with Jesus and not  staying pure in that relationship.  The doctrine of the Nicolaitans was accepting foreign knowledge not taught in the word of God leading to a return to rituals and allowing the clergy to rule over the saints with “special knowledge”.  

For the overcomers, Jesus promises them some of the hidden manna.  Jesus, Himself, is the bread of Life, the manna and even though He is hidden in our day and time, the time will come when He is revealed and we will taste the goodness of that sweet relationship for eternity.  The white stone suggests that believers are not blackballed in heaven.  White is the color of purity and righteousness.  This stone will have on it a new name.  Perhaps a new name for our regenerated body or the new  name of Christ Jesus – a name that only those intimately related to Him will know.

So, stay strong.  Keep the faith even unto death and more so until that time.  Stay pure (which involves quick confession when you mess up!) and stay in relationship with Jesus denying the doctrines of this world. 

 

Church of Smyrna was Faithful

Churches of Revelation:

#2 Church in Smyrna

“I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich),

and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 
Do not fear what you are about to suffer.
 Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison,
so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. 
Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life…
He who overcome will not be hurt by the second death.”
Revelation 2:8-111

Does God allow suffering?  Yes!  But it is authored by Satan.  God allows it that we might be tested.  This is not the pass/fail type of test, but rather the testing by fire that hardens and firms up the faith of the believer.  It may be the very “church”, the established institution , that sets out to destroy the real church (believers in Jesus Christ).  Note that we are not to live in fear in those days.  Yes, it may be tribulation unto death, but we don’t have to fear death!  We are going to live forever and in a much better place.  Pastor Ronnie used to say 1 birth 2 deaths, 2 births 1 death.  If we are born only of water into this fleshly world, we will die a physical death and a spiritual death of eternal damnation.  If we are born into this world and into the kingdom  of God, then we will face a physical death, but never again will death have victory over us.  We will live forever.  Notice that we will be given the crown of life if we are faithful unto death.  Don’t fear death, but rather fear God and run into His arms.  He is safety.  He is joy and peace and hope and love. 

Ian McClearon, a theologian, once said that what we know in the light, we can see in the dark.  Know God now while He may be found, and He will be there still when your life seems dark and your hope is wavering.  Learn His promises and His faithfulness through study of the word.  Talk to Him daily through prayer and learn to praise Him even in the hard times.  He will be there in your darkest hour.  Will you discern His voice and His comfort?

I think you will look radiant with the crown of life upon your brow.  Decide now that no matter what, you will stand for Jesus!
 

Church of Ephesus Endured

The seven churches of Revelation:
#1 Ephesus:

“I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance,

and that you cannot tolerate evil men,
and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles,
and they are not, and you found them to be false:
and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake,
and have not grown weary. 

But I have this against you, that you have left your first love…

repent and do the deeds you did at first…

To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.”

Revelation 2:1-7

Let’s see how we are doing.  Are you persevering even in the midst of hardship.  Are you seeking God in the midst even when you are not experiencing His blessings?  Is your faith firm on the word of God and not on your circumstances?  Do you tolerate evil?  On television, at work, at school?  Are you testing to make sure that those you listen to and take advise from are Godly men?  Are you enduring and not growing weary of God’s commandments?

Do you still get excited about reading God’s word, praying, praising Him, going to church, talking about God, witnessing to others?  Is God your god or are there idols in your life?  Are you spending time and money on God things or on you things?  (working and providing for your family is a God thing!)

Endure to the end; persevere no matter what this life throws at you.  Be and overcomer and I will meet you there by the tree of life in the Paradise of God and we will enjoy fruit salad together!

 

Aliens

“…but He who was born of God keeps him,

 and the evil one does not touch him. 
We know that we are of God,
and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.”
1 John 5:19

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you,

which come upon you for you testing,
as though some strange thing were happening to you;
but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ,
keep on rejoicing,
so that also at the revelation of his glory you may rejoice with exultation."
1 Peter 5:12-13

It’s all about perspective.  We are aliens living in a foreign land.  The natives are not happy that we are here.  They will try to destroy us.  But our hope is in Christ Jesus.  Yes, life will be tough as a Child of God, but we don’t walk through it alone!  Jesus has promised to be right here with us.  We must keep an eternal perspective as the days around us seem bleak.  The whole world lies in the power of the evil one, and darkness and light cannot dwell together.  Be the light of the world and determine to bring as many as possible into glory with you.   Don’t be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, we live in satan’s world and he will try to pull you away from your first love of Christ.  We are in a war.  Each thought, each action, each non-action is our battleground.  Listen to your Commander and you will make it through.  Heaven is waiting.  Whether we get there because of cancer, old age, martyrdom, or the rapture doesn’t matter as long as we get there.  Rejoice in your infirmities and trials.  Allow them to bring you closer to the Lord God Almighty.  They can make you better or bitter.  God is using the hard things of this world to grow us and to test us.  Are you passing?

Knowing God's Will

“Do not love the world not the things in the world.
 If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life,
is not from the Father, but is from the world. 
The world is passing away, and also its lusts;
but the one who does the will of God lives forever.”
 
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ,
keep seeking the things above,
where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 
Set you mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”
1 John 2:15-17 and Colossians 3:1-2

So the question is “How?”  How do we set our minds on the things of God and not on the things of this earth when needs have to be met, careers have to be worked out, children have to be raised, etc…  the key is in 1 John 2:17 – “…but the one who does the will of God lives forever.”  So what is the will of God and how do I discern it?  First, we ask the Holy Spirit to guide us and teach us and illuminate the Scriptures for us.  Then we spend time studying the Word of God, seeking for His moral will.  God’s will can be broken down into two categories.  God’s moral will and God’s individual will.  The moral will is universal and laid down in Scripture for us all.  The individual will is the plan and purpose that God has for each of our lives individually. 

Jesus tells us in John that when we follow His commandments (moral will) then we will find joy.  He goes on to explain that we must abide in the word, in Him, and in God in order to follow those commandments.  In other words, He knows that we cannot be perfect and that we can only follow the commands through the power given to us by the Holy Spirit.  We tap into that power through the relationship with God.  As we walk in the moral will of God, seek a relationship with God through prayer and praise, then God leads us to His individual will for our lives.  He usually does this one step at a time.  I love lists.  I wish God would just  write it down, hand it to me and let me check off the boxes.  But lists do not require a relationship!  I must walk closely with God to discern His will for me. 

Sometimes, God has hit me over the head with a two-by-four (not literally), by someone speaking or by something I am reading.  These times stand out as real life changers.  One Christmas, as I was wrestling with my relationship with God as my Father and what that looked like, I was sent to my knees in praise and adoration through the song, “Little Drummer Boy” while at a Christmas program.  Another time, God led me to accept His direction of moving to another state through a book that I was reading.  Still other times, I clearly heard God’s voice in my heart telling me to let something go and to trust Him.  He often uses Scripture that I have memorized to remind me of His sufficiency and to lead me to an action.  “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

When we are abiding with Christ and studying His word, then God can speak to us, and we can know the direction that He is leading.  If it is still unclear, we have learned to keep doing what we are doing until we know that God is calling us to change direction.  My husband gives the illustration that it is easier to change direction of a moving vehicle than the direction of one sitting still.  So, we keep moving, doing what we feel God has called us to and knowing that He is able to get our attention and lead us in a different direction at His bidding.  Think of Abraham, Joseph, Paul, and others.  They were not on their knees begging for God to reveal His will.  No, they were living life the best they knew how (even Paul/Saul was killing Christians thinking that he was pleasing God.)  God was able to get their attention when He had a purpose for them to change direction.  So, live according to the moral word of God (confessing and accepting total forgiveness when you mess up).  Seek a right relationship with God – be growing and becoming holy before God, and He will let you know what He wants you to do.

It is easy to look at the world, and other people, and to desire what is of this world, but God says to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and He will provide all that you need.  This has been so true for us throughout our lives.  My husband and I just celebrated our 29^th anniversary.  We spent time remembering God’s awesome guidance in our lives; the growth in areas of relationship with God; our growth in the fruit of the Spirit; and the wonderful adventures that we have had following Him. 

Success for the Christian is not a big house, money, greatness, or fame, but rather success for a Christian is obedience to the will of God both  morally and individually.  And in obedience is joy and peace and hope.

 

“In You, O Lord, I have taken refuge;
Let me never be ashamed;
In Your righteousness deliver me.

Incline Your ear to me, rescue me quickly;

Be to me a rock of strength,
A stronghold to save me.

For You are my rock and my fortress;

For Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me.

You will pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me

For You are my strength.
Into You hand I commit my spirit’
You have ransomed me, O Lord, God of truth.”
Psalm 31:1-5

Lean on the Rock.  Keep leaning on the Rock.  Then lean some more!  David is asking God to incline His ear to hear him.  This means that David was calling out to God.  Call out.  Be on your knees.  He will rescue you.  And not only from the secretly laid nets of others, but farther on in verse 10, David admits that he is also crying out because of his own iniquities.  Remember 1 John 1:9 and be quick to repent and call out to God.  Be restored to that relationship and know that God hears you and will lift you up.  He is also our fortress.  A place of refuge and safety.  A place of peace and quiet in the midst.  Go to Him in the midst.  Spend time and find peace. 

“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11

 

No Offense Meant

These blogs are a compilation of verses that I send to my own children each day.  Now that list also includes daughters-in-law and friends. 

 

I have struggled with writing the verse of the day because it seems that each verse that I choose could offend someone.  That is not my intent.  Rather, I am hoping to encourage, uplift and love you through these emails.  If you are offended by any of my emails, please know that that was never my intention and that I don’t write any of them pointedly for any one of you.  I am choosing to keep sending them, because God’s word is truth and only by the word of God will you be transformed into the young men and women that God would have you to be for all of eternity.  Please forgive me if any chosen verse offends and then check your heart and see if the Holy Spirit would have you learn from that verse.  Most of all, know that I love you.

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,

that He may exalt you at the proper time,
casting all your anxiety on Him,
because He cares for you. 

Be of sober spirit,

be on the alert. 
Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour….

After you have suffered for a little while,

the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.”
1 Peter 5:6-10