Monday, February 23, 2009

Church of the Open Door, Message February 22, 2009

Scripture Passage: Revelation 3:7-13

The Bible teaches us to love God and love one another, the brethren, but the Bible also teaches us to love the unbelieving world that needs to know Christ. The church in Philadelphia had a vision to reach their world with the Gospel of Christ. God had set before them an open door.

The imagery behind this statement is found in Isaiah 22:15-25. In that passage we discover that Assyria had invaded Judah (as Isaiah had warned), but the Jewish leaders were trusting Egypt, not God, to deliver the nation. One of the treacherous leaders was a man named Shebna who had used his office, not for the good of his people, but for his own private gain. God saw to it that Shebna was removed from office and that a faithful man, Eliakim, was put in his place and given the keys of authority. Eliakim was a picture of Jesus Christ, a dependable administrator of the affairs of God’s people. It is said of Christ that He “has the keys of David” (v.7). Jesus brings us into the presence of God.

In the NT an “Open Door” speaks of opportunity for ministry (Acts 14:27; 1 Cor. 16:9; 2 Cor. 2:12; Col. 4:3). The Lord is the one who opens door for the church to minister. When He does, no one is able to shut. The fact that “no one opens” shows that human initiative alone cannot open doors, only God is able, but when He opens we must enter.

I believe very strongly that the same thing could be said of HBC. We have a God-opened door to reach our community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
HBC – An Open Door
I say that we have an open door for at least three reasons:
(1) First, because of Our Past Heritage. We have a strong history of reaching people for Christ in our community. Since 1837, this church has stood strong with the light of Christ, we’ve been a city on a hill, a lighthouse of hope pointing men and women to Jesus Christ. Thousands of people have been touched and saved through Hebron, new church starts have begun and been sustained, missionaries have been sent out all over the world from Hebron. God has blessed us by opening doors and by the faithfulness of God’s people to go through those doors of opportunity.

(2) I also know that God has opened a door for us because of Our Life-Changing Message. We have the life-changing truth that our community needs to hear and believe. Philadelphia was known as the “Little Athens” because of its many temples. Wherever you find many pagan temples, you find much hopelessness because false gods cannot satisfy the longing and hunger of the human heart for God. We may not be “Little Athens,” but I can tell you there are many idols in the land and there is much emptiness and hopelessness. People are stressed and turning to anything to find relief but it’s not satisfying. People are seeking relief in wells where there is no water. We have the “Good News”! We have the cure, the Balm of Gilead, the healing ointment.

(3) I also know that God has opened a door of opportunity to us because of Our Growing Community. We are situated in the middle of a tremendous mission field. In the realm of business, you constantly hear of the I-10 and I-12 business corridor and rightly so. This is the place to be in Louisiana for business. And our Parish is also one of the premier places to live for three reasons: (1) our close proximity to business, (2) our schools, and (3) the quality of life that we enjoy. This will continue in the foreseeable future.

What this means for us is that our ministry field, south of I-12 is ripe for the harvest. God wants to use us in our strategic position, this major thoroughfare of humanity to reach people with the hope of Christ. The city of Philadephia was located on the main route from Rome to the East. They had a strategic location. They were called “The Gateway to the East” We too are in a strategic location. All you have to do is count the number of cars that drive up and down Hwy 16 on any weekday morning or evening and you will be amazed. A needy world has come to us and we, while we have time, must go through the open door that God has opened.

Open Door Obstacles

But even though we have an open door of opportunity, there are still obstacles to fulfilling our mission here just as there were in the church in Philadelphia. There were two obstacles that the church in Philadelphia had to overcome if they were to continue seizing the opportunities that God had opened for them.

1. Internal: A Lack of Strength
Their own lack of strength was an obstacle. Jesus said to them, “for you have a little strength” (3:8). This was not a large church or a particularly strong church; however, it was a faithful church. Jesus said that they had (1) kept His word, and (2) they had not denied His name (v.8). Even thought there strength was not great, these believers were faithful and endured testing and persecution.

It is not the size or strength of a church that determines its ministry, but faithfulness in carrying out its mission under Christ. The same is true for you. Individually, you might feel powerless to make a difference. You might think, “Lord, how can I make a difference in the world when I am so week and cannot even overcome myself?” But there is incredible power in the confession of our humble powerlessness. When we confess that we are not strong, God is able to empower us. Paul said, “when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:10). It is in the realization of our human weakness that our lives are opened to the incredible and all-sufficient grace of God! So even though a lack of strength could be a reason to give up, it can also be an opportunity for God to do His best work. When you are at your weakest, God can be at His strongest.

2. External: Opposition
A second obstacle that they faced was the opposition of the Jews in the city (3:9). The “Synagogue of Satan” was a way of referencing the religious Jews in the city who were actively opposing the believers. They were trying to slam the door shut, and John says that they were doing the Devil’s work. They were working against God and the Lord would one day show them their error. God would take care of the church’s enemies (3:9).

We too face obstacles in our day that would seek to slam shut the door of opportunity that God has placed before us. The obstacles we face are mostly preventible. What obstacles do we face? I want to name two deadly obstacles to being obedient to God’s mission that He has given to us. IMPORTANT: When I order my life (i.e., what I do or not do) based on my feelings and present circumstances, I seldom do what God wants me to do because I’m not operating by faith.

So what are some obstacles that may be sidetracking us from walking through the open doors that God opens?
(1) The Obstacle of Complacency
Some Christians are insulated, comfortable, and complacent and this complacency and apathy has caused you to be disobedient to your mission. Spiritually you just don’t give a rip, but you should. Because your complacency is allowing you to stay in a continual state of denial and disobedience. God’s people have always had to fight the obstacle and the temptation of complacency. God told His people in Amos 6:1, “Woe to you who are at ease in Zion, and trust in Mount Samaria.” They were “not grieved for the affliction of Joseph” (6:6). In other words, they were so apathetic and self-centered that they did not care that others around them were lost and dying.

Complacency is keeping a lot of Christians out of the game but it is also keeping a lot of people out of the kingdom because our complacency is keeping people from Jesus. Not only do we need to care, we must care! Don’t let complacency rob you of the blessing of going through the open door that Jesus has provided.

(2) The Obstacle of Fear
This may be the largest obstacle that we face as a church today. People are listening and ordering their lives on the words of the three networks instead of the three-in-one Godhead! Some people are living in complete fear and that fear is causing paralysis in the body of Christ. It was fear that condemned the Israelites to wander for 40 years in the wilderness when they could have been enjoying the blessings of God. All they saw were the giants in the land instead of seeing that God wanted them to be giant killers. Fear never leads us through open doors.

Overcoming Open Door Phobia
So how do we overcome the obstacles in our day?
A Matter of Trust and Obedience

1. Trust in the Faithfulness of God
God is the one who is opening and closing doors, trust Him! The Lord is the one who will “keep” us. Going through the open doors that God opens is the safest decision you can make. We need to trust in God’s faithfulness. Will He let us down? Will He fail? Does He know what He’s doing? If we find that we cannot trust in His faithfulness, it’s because we need to know Him more. Intimacy with God brings a deeper level of trust.

2. Move Forward with Bold Faith

Even though this church was not particularly strong and they were facing opposition, God didn’t tell them to retreat. He said “Hold fast.” This is not a time for us to retreat, it’s time for us to advance!

Verse 12 is a picture of a beautiful and secure future. One day all of what we know will pass. And although heaven will be wonderful, it will signal the end of all that can be accomplished on earth. What we do to impact people for eternity must be done now while the door of opportunity is open. When Christ comes heaven’s door will be shut forever. In heaven we “shall go out no more” (v.12). It’s sobering to think about, but the future of many people is dependent upon our faithfulness to move forward with bold faith. Now is our time! If we do not go, who will?

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Monday, February 16, 2009

To Survive? Or Thrive? Message, February 15, 2009

Scripture Reading: Revelation 3:1-6

Preached on February 15, 2009 at Hebron Baptist Church by Joe Alain, Pastor

The sun is about 93 million miles from the earth. If the sun were to blow up right now, we would know it in about 8 minutes. The star nearest to the Sun is Proxima Centauri. Proxima Centauri is 4.3 light-years from the Sun. If it blew up right now, we would not know it for 4.3 years. The North Star is about 30 light years away. If the North Star blew up right now – we would not know it for 30 years. From our perspective, it would continue shining, continue pointing the way with all the appearances of life. The church in Sardis was like that. They were living on the glory of a fading past. They had a name, a heritage – a past glory, but they were now lifeless and spiritually lethargic.

ABOUT SARDIS
(1) Sardis was a place of great wealth. 700 years before this letter Sardis had been one of the greatest cities in the ancient world. The name of her king, Croesus (pronounced kre-ses), became synonymous with wealth and prosperity. Under his rule Sardis became known around the world for her gold and silver plucked out of a river flowing nearby. It was at Sardis that the first gold and silver coins were minted. The wealth of Sardis was the stuff of legends. Positioned at a junction containing five major roads, Sardis naturally was a center of trade.

(2) The city held an important geographical advantage overlooking the Hermus Valley. Because of this, Sardis was also a military center. Her position like a giant watch tower of the valley though, made its citizens overconfident. King Cyrus and the Persians conquered the city from the unprotected side, having his soldiers scale the walls of the mountain. Later in the third century the city again was captured the same way.

(3) Sardis was known for its famous Necropolis, or cemetery, of “a thousand hills,” so named because of the hundreds of burial mounds visible on the skyline some seven miles from Sardis.

When John wrote, Sardis was wealthy but degenerate. The great citadel was now only an ancient monument on the hill top. At the time of writing, all of Sardis’ glory, wealth, and power lay in the past – some 650 years in the past. The church too appeared to be alive, but in reality it was dead. The church in Sardis, like the city, was living on the fading glory of the past. If the church would wake up, they could once again thrive rather than merely survive.

I. THE RISEN CHRIST DESCRIBED (3:1a)
“Who has the seven Spirits of God.” This expression is also found at Revelation 1:4. The seven spirits signifies the completeness of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the universality of His presence. There is only one Spirit (Eph. 4:4) but the number 7 denotes completeness. Why this expression to describe Christ? Why to the church in Sardis? Because . . .
1. He Empowers His Church through the Holy Spirit
It is the Holy Spirit that brings life to the church, and life is exactly what the people at Sardis needed. The HS gives life (Jn. 6:63; 2 Cor. 3:6). The message to the church in Sardis is a warning to all churches that are living on past glory. Dr. Vance Havner used to say that spiritual ministries often go through four stages: a man, a movement, a machine, and then a monument. Sardis was at the monument stage, but there was still hope. The message to Sardis is also a warning to all churches that all of the church’s man-made programs, no matter how good and godly, can never bring life by themselves.

“Who has . . . the seven stars.” This stands for the churches and their messengers. This reminds us that . . .
2. He Is Lord of His Church
The church is the possession of Jesus Christ. Christ has purchased us with His own blood. We are not our own, we belong to Him (1 Cor. 6:19-20). All of life is a stewardship for we and everything we are and possess belongs to God who gave it.

II. THE CONDITION OF THE CHURCH: ALIVE BUT DEAD (3:1b)
There were no words of approval given to the church in Sardis with the exception of verse 4. Nor did the Lord point out any glaring doctrinal problems that required correction. There was also no outward persecution, although maybe it would have been better if there were. The church in Sardis, like the city, was comfortable and content to live on their past reputation. Like the city itself, the church in Sardis gloried in past splendor, but ignored present decay.

The fact that nothing is said about outward persecution shows that this church was so lifeless that it posed no threat and did not need to be attacked from the outside. Jesus said, “Woe to you, when all men speak well of you” (Lk. 6:26). Jesus was not saying that we should intentionally try to offend people so that they will speak evil of us. But there should be something about our words and actions that say to people without Christ, ‘we are different.’ And if we are so comfortable living in this world that people only praise us, then we’re probably not living out the call of the Gospel.

III. THE CURE FOR THE CHURCH: WAKE UP! (3:2-3)
The counsel that Jesus gives is “Wake Up!” The spiritual watchmen in Sardis were spiritually asleep. This admonition had special significance to the people in Sardis as their history reveals. Twice in their history the Citadel at Sardis had been captured and each time it was because the sentries had failed to do their jobs faithfully.

God says to us, “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die” (v.2). The church in Sardis was complacent, apathetic, indifferent, and dead. The church like the town felt too sheltered, too secure, too comfortable, to maintain a close guard or watch. The church always has to be on guard against the comfortable pew. If the church does not make its members and the world squirm uncomfortably at times something is definitely wrong.

IV. THE CHRISTIANS IN THE CHURCH: A FAITHFUL REMNANT (3:4-5)
There was a faithful remnant. What was different about them? They had “not defiled their garments” (v.4). James 1:27 speaks of believers who have kept themselves unstained from the world. In the pagan temples, worshipers were not permitted to approach their gods and goddesses wearing dirty clothes. The remnant at Saridis had not compromised with the pagan culture of the world.

There is a three-fold promise made to the faithful:
1. Will Share Christ’s Glory – “be clothed in white garments”
This points to . . .
The phrase “walk with Me” (v.4) is significant. As an honor, Persian kings would have ordinary citizens walk with them in their gardens. Believers walk with God now and will walk with Him in eternity in paradise!

2. Will Be Secure in God’s Book of Life – “from the book of life”
This concept of the book of life occurs repeatedly in the Bible.
(1) Moses is willing to have his name wiped from the book if it would have been possible to save his people from the consequences of their sin (Ex. 32:32-33).

(2) The hope of the Psalmist is that the wicked will be removed from the book of the living (Ps. 69:28).

(3) The book of life is most prominently seen in the final judgement. Daniel 12:1 says that in the time of judgement those whose names are written in the book of life will be saved. According to Revelation 20:15, he who is not written in the book of life is cast into the lake of fire. And in Revelation 21:27 we discover that only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life shall enter into heaven (Rev. 21:27).

In the ancient world a king would keep a register of his citizens. When a man committed a crime against the state, or when he died, his name was erased form the register. To have one’s name written in the book of life is to be numbered among the faithful citizens of the kingdom of God.

It would appear that God’s book of life contains the names of all the living, the wicked as well as the righteous (Ps. 69:28). As unbelievers die, their names are removed from the book so at the final judgement the book contains only the names of believers (Rev. 20:12-15). It then becomes the Lamb’s book of life (Rev. 21:27). The unsaved have been blotted out.

3. Will Be Confessed before God Matthew 10:32-33

V. THE CALL TO THE CHURCH (3:6)
Let’s not be satisfied with just surviving, God wants us to thrive! What in your life needs a resurrection? Jesus, the risen Christ specializes in raising the dead! “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (v.6).

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sunday, February 8, 2009

AVOIDING THE CORRUPTION THAT BRINGS DESTRUCTION, Message February 8, 2009

Revelation 2:18-29
This letter to Thyatira is the longest of the seven letters. The challenges that this church faced were similar to the church in Pergamum. The believers struggled to live pure lives in the midst of a pagan culture. We too face similar struggles.

About Thyatira
1. Thyatira was a military town as well as a commercial center.
2. It was known for its many trade guilds. They provided economic security and were often a basis for social life. There were guilds for people who worked with wool, leather, linen, bronze, and as potters, bakers, etc. Lydia, “a dealer in purple cloth” (Acts 16:14).
3. The problems which threatened this church were the two great enemies of the early church: idolatry and immorality.

As we study this letter we learn that “Christians are to resist spiritual and moral corruption and remain faithful to Jesus Christ. By avoiding corruption, believers are able to experience God’s best.”
INTRODUCTION (2:18) (See Daniel 10:6)
“Son of God” as opposed to Apollo, the “Sun God.” “Eyes are like blazing fire”signifies His penetrating gaze which strips away the disguises and sees into the heart. Christ’s feet are described as “like burnished bronze” which speaks of Christ’s immovable power.

I. APPROVAL (2:19)
The love, loyalty, and endurance of the church are matters for congratulations. The church in Thyatira is a thriving church, it is growing. Its members are serving. In fact, Jesus says that “as for your works, the last are more than the first.” This is how the normal Christian life should unfold. Our love, loyalty, and service should grow over time rather than diminish. Here is an encouragement and challenge to us today. May our last works be greater than our first works. Instead of fizzling out, God wants us to be fired up! On the surface, everything looks great at Thyatira. If a stranger came in, he would be impressed with their love, energy, and steadfastness. Yet for all of that, there was something not so noticeable going on that would have a chilling effect on the future of the church. Here too is a warning for the contemporary church today. A church that is crowded with people and which is busy is not necessarily a church that is spiritually healthy.

II. ACCUSATION (2:20-23)
There was most likely a dilemma in Thyatira which may be a clue as to the spiritual problem. To not join a guild was similar to not joining a trade union today. It was economic suicide. You might be ostracized economically and socially. Because of conscience, some Christians chose not participate in the guilds. Why?
(1) Some of the guilds had patron gods and they would hold feasts/meals, often in temples and offer sacrifices to
their gods.
(2) These meals often were occasions of drunkenness and immorality. Because of the rampant idolatry and immorality associated with some of these guilds, some Christians chose not to participate.

But was it possible for a Christian to participate in these activities? At Thyatira there was apparently a movement inside the church, led by a woman addressed as Jezebel, which was a movement of compromise with the worlds standards. This group felt that there was no harm in these associations. Their sin was that of using their liberty, their freedom in Christ as an excuse to sin. Paul addressed this same problem in Romans 6:1-2, “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin, how can we live in it any longer?” God’s grace is not a license to sin, it is power to win!

It is not likely that this woman was actually called “Jezebel!” This would be similar to naming your son “Judas.” The name is symbolic of her character.
(1) Jezebel was the daughter of Ethbaal, King of the Sidonians.
(2) She was the wife of Ahab the wicked king of Israel
(1 Kings 16:31).
(3) She orchestrated the death of God’s true prophets and replaced them with her own 450 prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:13, 19). She was also responsible for the murder of Naboth in order that Ahab might gain possession of his vineyard (1 Kings 21).
(4) She was the idolatrous queen who enticed Israel to worship Baal (See 1 Kings 16-19). Her name became forever associated with “idolatry and witchcraft” (2 Kings 9:22).

Although we do not know the exact woman that is referred to her evil character is evident. “She misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols” (v.20). Most likely she was “misleading” believers by teaching them how to compromise with the Roman religions and practices of the guilds so that they would not loose their jobs or their lives. The compromise resulted in two things: (1) “Eating of food sacrificed to idols” (v.20) and (2) “Sexual immorality” (v.20). Idolatry and immorality run together like twins.

Apparently, those who have been captivated by this teaching believed that they have entered into a super spiritual state of being. They saw themselves as progressively moving on to a higher spiritual level. But Jesus says they are not moving up, they are descending into “the depths of Satan,” “Satan’s so-called deep secrets” (v.24). They may have been so deceived that they felt that it was their duty as Christians to experience every kind of sin. They were following Satan’s great lie which says “To know it, we must experience it.” This lie goes right back to the Garden of Eden. The Serpent made Eve believe that God was holding something back. Don’t believe the lie. The truth is, you can experience some things, but you may be scarred by the experience. But isn’t that just how sin works in our lives. Instead of enlightenment sin plunges us into darkness. Satan, or Lucifer as he is called in Isaiah 14:12 (KJV) means “light bringer.” But Satan brings a false light. The “depths of Satan” (NKJV) or “Satan’s so-called secrets” do not enlighten, they only lead to deeper darkness. Instead of freedom sin brings enslavement. Instead of joy sin brings shame.

Even in this rebuke by Christ there was an opportunity to repent, to make things right, “I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling” (v.21). However, judgement would come if no repentance was made (vv.22-23).

III. ADMONITION (2:24-25)
There was still a remnant of faithful believers. Upon these, God would not “impose any other burden” (v.24). You get the impression that what was going on in the church was a burden to those who knew the truth. The encouragement given to the faithful is to remain steadfast in their resistance of evil. “Only hold on to what you have until I come” (v.25).

IV. ASSURANCE (2:26-29)
A two-fold assurance is given to believers:
1. “I will give authority over the nations” (2:26-27)
What brings encouragement to the minority who are living for God, to people who feel as if evil is prevailing? The encouragement is that things will not continue on as they have. A new day is about to dawn, so hold on. One day, God’s people will live and reign with Christ (Rev. 20:4, 6; 22:5). God’s kingdom will be a perfect and righteous kingdom because the Lord Jesus Himself will be ruling. Verse 27 is a quotation from Psalm 2:8-9.

2. “I will also give him the morning star” (2:28)
This has two possibilities and probably means both. First, it is a statement that declares the complete conquest of Satan or Lucifer, the false morning star. Second, it is the promise of Christ Himself, the true Morning Star. This is what this church needed to hear – Evil will not prevail! Satan will not win! Jesus will reign victorious and we will reign with Him forever!

Two Final Words
1. Resist False Teaching
As believers we need to hear God’s Word to us in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Protect yourself, your family, your marriage, by walking in the truth, in the light, in Christ who is the true “light bringer,” “the bright and Morning Star” (Rev. 22:16).

2. Remain Faithful to Christ
Notice the emphasis on loyalty and service in this passage. Jesus says, “I know your works,” and “as for your works, the last are more than the first” (v.19). “I will give to each one of you according to your works” (v.23). “Keeps My works” (v.26). Our works are Christ’s works. This is what we are to continue in. This is what we are to hold on to. God wants you to continue faithfully in sound teaching, teaching which leads to doing Christ’s works.

The power to resist and remain is only found in Jesus Christ. “Christians are able to resist spiritual and moral corruption and remain faithful to Jesus Christ. And by avoiding corruption, believers are able to experience God’s best.”

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Monday, February 2, 2009

WHEN TOLERANCE BECOMES INTOLERABLE, Message, February 1, 2009

Preached at Hebron Baptist Church, February 1, 2009 by Pastor Joe Alain

Scripture Reading: Revelation 2:12-17 (Pew Bible, 824)
Tolerance does not have to be a bad word. Tolerance is the capacity to endure pain or hardship, to be understanding, receptive, open-minded. Jesus Himself was tolerant of others. He was patient and understanding of others, especially people who were caught up in sin. This doesn’t mean that Jesus was soft on sin. Jesus dealt with sin but He did so in a way that was never condemning or condescending. He understood people. He walked in their shoes. He respected all people, even fallen people, because they were created in the image of God. He saw beyond the sin and saw people for what they could be.

We too must be tolerant of others and we can do so without accepting or giving approval of sin just as Jesus did. But how do we know when tolerance has gone too far? When is tolerance too much? Jesus modeled the balance that needs to be maintained. Regardless of religious background, nationality, or economic status, He was sensitive and understanding of people; however, He could not help those who would not be honest with themselves or who did not want His help. This is why Jesus said, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces” (Matt. 7:6). Tolerance may become intolerable!

How do we know when tolerance has gone too far? Maybe the larger question is, How do we live in the world and reach the world but not become a part of the world? This message to the church in Pergamum is helpful for us. The risen Christ had some good things to say to the church in the city of Pergamum, but He also charged some in the church for going too far in their acceptance of pagan religious practices. Tolerance goes too far when pagan practices are accepted that deny the Lordship of Christ in our lives.

About Pergamum
Pergamos (KJV) or Pergamum (NIV).
1. A Great Cultural Center
Here was a famous library containing no fewer than 200,000 parchment rolls. It was second only to the great library of Alexandria. Writing on parchment or vellum (animal skins) originated at Pergamum and was a considerable business. Pergamum was a city that reflected the Greek way of life. It contained many public buildings which were built on terraces on a steep mountain overlooking the valley of the River Caicus, from the top of which the Mediterraneans could be seen, fifteen miles away. Pergamum also contained a famous school of sculpture.

2. A Great Religious Center, “where Satan’s throne is” (v.13).
(1) The Altar of Zeus stood on a hill about 800 feet above the city.
Zeus was the chief Greek god, the Roman name was Jupiter.

(2) The temple of Asklepios, the god of healing, was the headquarters of an order of medical priests whose emblem was the serpent. People came from afar to this place of healing.

(3) Pergamum was the most important center of emperor worship in the East because of the great temple to “Roma” and “Augustus” which had been erected in 29 B.C. “Satan’s throne” is probably a reference to the imperial cult (emperor worship) which had its center in the city. Nothing could be more Satanic than to take the name of Lord and give it to Caesar instead of Christ.

What message did the risen Christ have for the church in Pergamum?
1. APPROVAL (2:12-13)
Like the believers in Smyrna, the believers in Pergamos suffered persecution. Even one of their faithful men, “Antipas” had been martyred because of Christ. But the Christians refused to burn incense on the altar and say “Caesar Is Lord.” They stood strong, Jesus said, even at Satan’s throne. The believers in Pergamum held fast to the Name of Christ. When faced with the decision to deny Him or not, they stood firm, they did not deny Jesus. The Christian community was surviving and thriving even in a place so difficult it was designated “where Satan’s throne is.” The Christians were not escaping, but witnessing, even to death. In the early church to be a martyr and to be a witness were one and the same thing. God had these believers where he needed them. What better place to be salt and light but at Satan’s throne? God has you where you are for a purpose, to witness of Christ. See Matthew 10:27-33.

Christ gave His approval to these Christians, but He also
brought an. . .
2. ACCUSATION (2:14-15)
Even though they faced persecution, the church in Pergamum was not being destroyed from without, it was in danger of being compromised from within. In verses 14-15 these infiltrators are identified as the “Nicolatians.” What they taught is called “the doctrine [or teaching] of Balaam.”

Understanding the story of Balaam helps us interpret this dangerous group more accurately (See Numbers 22-25). Balaam was a prophet of God who prostituted his gifts in order to earn money from King Balak, who hired him to curse the people of Israel. God prevented Balaam from actually cursing the nation – in fact, God turned the curses into blessings! But because of Balaam’s counsel, Balak learned how to ensnare Israel. The end result was that Israel committed idolatry with Baal (the pagan false god) and fornication (immorality) with Moabite women (Num. 25:1-5). For Israel, tolerance had led to total compromise of all convictions and morality. God said that they had “joined” themselves with Baal (25:3).

Why did this bit of ancient history apply to the believers at Pergamos? Because a group in the church said, “There is nothing wrong with being friendly to Rome. What harm is there in putting a pinch of incense on the altar and affirming your loyalty to Caesar? What harm is there in participating in the pagan festivals,” even though this where the feasting, immorality, and idolatry was taking place. It was an all out idolatrous eat, drink, and be merry kind of lifestyle that Jesus was reprimanding. By their actions they were denying the very Lord who had saved them.

(1) The Nicolatians were essentially trying to persuade Christians that there was nothing wrong with a prudent conformity to the world’s standards. But the Bible is clear that Christians are different than the world without Christ. We are a “holy people.” We are “born again,” literally “born from above.” God’s Spirit lives within us and we are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19-20). And even though we are not of this world, yet Christ calls us to be (to serve) in the world. We are different on purpose to make a difference.

(2) The fault of the Nicolatians was that they were following the policy of compromise solely to save themselves from trouble. This brings up the question, “Why do we want to live pure lives?” “What’s our motivation?” It seems that our motivation is two-fold: (1) Because Christ does live in us, and we are not our own, we do not want to grieve the Holy Spirit. (2) So that we can be a credible witness of the life that God intends for us to live. The Nicolatians were living as if it didn’t matter. They were grieving God and not making much of a positive impact at Pergamum. The reality is, you can’t win the world by fully joining the world.

After the accusation we find there is an . . .
3. ADMONITION (2:16-17a)
Jesus’ chastisement is not against the whole church but only against those who were seducing her and leading her astray. The sword is a reference to the word of God which is able to pierce like a sword (Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12). The hope is that the word of God will convict hearts so that people will “repent” (v.16). God’s judgement is always redemptive. Conviction is the work of God in your life to bring you closer to Him. His HS is always convicting and calling us to a deeper life with Him.

The risen Christ has given His approval, accusation, admonition, and now He closes His message to the church in Pergamum by giving the faithful Christians an assurance.
4. ASSURANCE (2:17b)
Two assurances are given to the faithful believer.
(1) A share of the hidden manna to eat
i. God fed the Israelites with manna during their wilderness travels (Ex. 16:11-15).

ii. A pot of manna was placed in the ark of the covenant (Ex. 16:32-36; Heb. 9:4).

God may be saying, “Instead of eating things sacrificed to idols which do not satisfy (2:14), the believers in Pergamos needed to feast on God’s holy food, the bread of life found in Jesus Christ through the Word of God (Matt. 4:4; Jn. 6:31-ff.).

See John 6:48-51: Manna points to Christ and the fact that only He satisfies and sustains us. The world will never be able to do what He alone can.

(2) The white stone and the new name
i. White and black stones were used for registering verdicts in ancient courts. Black meant condemnation. White was acquittal. The Christian is acquitted on the basis of Christ.

ii. Stones were given out as tickets to victorious athletes.

iii. The ancients would carry charms with a sacred name. To know a god’s name was to have a certain power over him, to be able to summon him to one’s aid in time of difficulty.

John is saying you are safe because you know the name of God – the true God. You have “received” Him. In Christ you have a new status. What an encouragement to believers standing strong!

Conclusion and Invitation
1. Is there an area of your life that needs to be surrendered
to God? Are you desiring to live a holy life? Are you letting Christ live out His life in you? He will if you will let Him.

2. Do you have the assurance of salvation? You have assurance when you “receive” Christ as your Lord and Savior, and you maintain that assurance when you have clean hands before Him.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe