11 July 2021
Series: THE CHURCH

THE CHURCH: PERGAMUM, THE COMPROMISING CHURCH

Speaker: Fred Sigle

SUNDAY LESSON, 7/11/21
 
THE CHURCH: PERGAMUM, THE COMPROMISING CHURCH
Revelation 2:12-17
 
I started this sermon series by saying, “There are no perfect churches.”  That is so true.  Every church has its problems and its struggles.  And every church can see themselves with some of the same problems that Jesus addresses in the seven churches of Asia.  The key is recognizing the sin problem, repenting of it, and serving Christ with a greater resolve to do better and be better.
The church of Pergamum, however, had allowed some to be among them that were involved in a practice that Christ said He hated–the practice of the Nicolaitans” (Revelation 2:6).  One word describes the practice that Christ hated: “COMPROMISE”–being a follower of Christ while living like the world.
Revelation 2:12-17

“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:

These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13 I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.

14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. 15 Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

17 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.