Podcasts about pergamum

_Dear friends, please bear with us as we encountered some audio issues during this episode. We're grateful for your patience and thank you for tuning in! _ In this episode, Fr. John and Mary continue their series on Jesus' words to the 7 Churches in the Book of Revelation. Today, they look at Jesus' words to the Church in Pergamum and His challenge to them and to us to repent of those places in our lives where we have served two masters. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [mission@actsxxix.org](mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our Streaming Channels Web: https://watch.actsxxix.org/browse YouTube: @actsxxix (https://youtube.com/actsxxix)

Steve teaches from Revelation 2:12–17 that the church in Pergamum lived in a culture saturated with idolatry and imperial worship yet was commended for holding fast to the name and character of Jesus even under persecution, including the martyrdom of Antipas. The passage presents Christ as the one with the sharp double-edged sword, symbolizing his authoritative word of judgment, which confronts not only external pressure but internal compromise through false teaching that led to idolatry and immorality. The call to repent highlights the necessity of humility, recognizing that God's wrath is His loving opposition to evil and that allegiance must never be confused with cultural or political identity. Faithfulness requires resisting both overt and subtle distortions of worship while remaining attentive to the Spirit. The promise to those who overcome—hidden manna and a white stone with a new name—points to certain future belonging, renewed identity, and participation in the ultimate victory of Christ, grounding present perseverance in assured hope.

This week, we continue our series, "Letters to the Church." Join us as we learn that no matter our circumstances, we are rich, and that we must be faithful in the face of persecution.

We come to the end of chapter 28 in Exodus but there's a few more things that need to be covered in this chapter.  One is we need to study the Ureem and Thummeem in more detail.  The reason being is there is teaching from the orthodox rabbis that turns the Ureem and Thummeem into objects that are more related to science fiction that reality.  So what did those rabbis teach?  What was it based upon?  Once we see that there teaching is their view, their opinion, not based upon fact, we see their views are more fantasy than something that we'd say is real.  A popular rabbinc view is that the Ureem and Thummeem were related to the stones on the breast piece of the High priest.  It seems possible that this comes from the rabbinic view that the Ureem for instance are lights since they said Ureem is nothing more than the plural for the Hebrew word for light.  See the pictures below. These are summaries of the two Hebrew words.  The top picture is for the word Ureem and the one below is for the Hebrew word Or.  The word Ureeem is masculine and the Hebrew word Or, meaning light, is feminine!  This is just one problem with saying that Ureem is the Hebrew word for lights or the plural of Or.  The second issue is the spelling.  The top picture sows that Ureem's first two letters are אוּ and notice the location of the "dot" or what is known as a dagesh - וּ.  The picture below shows the first two letters of the Hebrew word Or and notice the position of the dagesh אוֹ.  The dagesh is in a different location as one can see - וֹ.  The difference is the first gives the sound UR and the second gives the sound OR.  The spelling is different and the pronunciation is different.  Ureem is NOT the plural of the Hebrew word OR meaning light.  The letters are the same in both words but the dagesh, the "dot" used for specific vowel sounds is different.  It seems that the rabbis dismissed these galring differences, concluded that Ureeem was the plural of Or, and then seemed to say the stones were used as "lights" on the breastpiece.  Understanding the Hebrew shows that is likely fantasy and can not be the truth. The Ureem and Thummeem were real.  They were put in the pocket of the linen breast piece of the High Priest.  The wording implies they were physical objects.  The Torah and the words given to Moses to write down about the Ureem and Thummeem seem to contradict what the orthodox rabbis came up with.  It is part of their midrasheem (what they got from study); it is views and ideas made up by these rabbis to try and explain something that is enigmatic, something hidden, something difficult to understand and know.  I urge you to listen to the podcast I did on Rabbinic Midrasheem or the man made views and ideas the rabbis came up with that in many cases are unbiblical and not based upon reason or fact.  It was their attempt to try and make sense of those things in Torah and seemingly have no answers or are totally beyond our understanding.  Here's the link to that podcast -  https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/the-gospel-according-to-moses-genesis-lesson-47-special-what-is-rabbinc-midrash/ Another issue is to discuss another rabbinic fantasy that the rabbis made up.  "There is a mystical Jewish tradition (in other words a MIDRASH or something a mna made up to explain something) that the high priest of Israel would enter the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle or temple with a rope tied to his foot. The purpose of the rope, according to the tradition, was to retrieve the high priest's body in case he died in the course of his duties within the Holy of Holies."  (See the article, "Did the high priest have a rope tied to him when he entered the Holy of Holies?" found at the Bible study website www.GotQuestions.org or https://www.gotquestions.org/high-priest-rope.html) This is totally false and it is something that the rabbis made up and has stuck with us ever since.  We need to see that this "tradition" is antibiblical and refutes THE VERY WORDS OF GOD as to how the High Priest is to dress when he enters the Holy of Holies once per year on Yom Kippur.  I found it amazing as to how many Christians believe this to be true.  It is clear that most Christians are poorly trained in the Bible.  It is even taught in the Creation and Earth History Museum just outside of San Diego.  The false tradition is portrayed as true and in their description they even go against the Bible and God's word and instruction.   Here's an awesome scholary article on this issue that I believe will only add to your study - "That Rope around the High Priest's Ankle," by Todd Bolen at this link https://www.bibleplaces.com/blog/2009/01/that-rope-around-high-priests-ankle/ Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  (Ferret - on the Pergamum acropolis in Turkey) What's his background?  Why should I listen to him?  Check his background at this link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0

The church in Pergamum had lost its edge, so Jesus brought His sword to church. In this message, Lead Pastor Jamie Nunnally continues the sermon series on the letters of Revelation.Pergamum, the Roman capital of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), faced intense pressure to worship Caesar and was filled with temples to false gods.Revelation 2:12 (NLT): This is the message to Pergamum from the one with the sharp two-edged sword...Hebrews 4:12 (NLT): The word of God is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword...The word of God has two edges: comfort and correction—one delivers, the other disciples.Revelation 2:13 (NLT): I know that you live where Satan has his throne.Pergamum was saturated with idolatry.Revelation 2:14–15 (NLT): You tolerate teaching like Balaam and the Nicolaitans—the doctrine that sin is no big deal.Jesus confronts their compromise with sexual immorality and idolatry.Revelation 2:16 (NLT):God wants to fight for you, but if you play for the other team, He will fight against you. Refuse His correction, and you will face sin's consequences.Revelation 2:17 (NLT):The promises: manna—provision now and in the life to come—and a white stone with a new name. A white stone meant "not guilty" and was a token of admission.Timeless Truths1. Where you live shouldn't affect how you live.Philippians 3:20 (ESV): Our citizenship is in heaven.You live here, but obey there—address here, allegiance there.James 4:4 (NLT):Be friends to the world, not of it. A friend OF the world imitates it; a friend TO the world calls people out of it.You can't be like the world and help it. Boats belong in the water, but water doesn't belong in the boat. You're in the world; it shouldn't be in you.2. Jesus gives freedom from sin, not freedom to sin.Grace empowers you to meet the standard.Compromise treats forgiveness as a reset instead of transformation.God's forgiveness gives freedom to say no.Titus 2:11–12 (NLT):Live with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion. Grace gives power over sin, not permission for it.3. Change comes from repentance, not remorse.Remorse feels; repentance acts. Remorse looks back; repentance moves forward.2 Corinthians 7:10 (NLT):Worldly sorrow repeats the pattern; godly sorrow produces change.God's word is a sword—it cuts to heal, not humiliate. Repentance isn't "I'm sorry," but "I surrender."4. God's promise is greater than your compromise.God's grace outruns our failures.2 Timothy 2:13 (NLT): If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful.Your failure isn't final. God warns to welcome, not write you off—He writes a new name on a white stone.ClosingCompromise is a destructive fire—ignored, it spreads and consumes.Though compromise destroys, Jesus restores. He calls us to repent, not to shame us, but to save us.What compromise is God asking you to deal with today?

Revelation 2:12-17

Brett McDonald | Senior Pastor Who are you listening to? Who is in your ear? If they're dismantling God's Word and reshaping it to fit the spirit of the age, cut them off.

Welcome to week 3 of our Letters to the Church series. This week we are going to look at the Church in Pergamum. This church was guilty of becoming a church of compromise. Let's look into the scriptures and see how we can apply the message from this letter to our church. Blessings. 

Being willing to die for something is admirable, but what is often more difficult is living for something—day-by-day, decision-by-decision. The church at Pergamum was willing to die for Christ, but was unwilling to live for him. Its holiness was hypocritical, and the lifestyles of its were licentious. Jesus called them to repentance, and promised to be their strength and their very great reward. We see four things in the text: 1. Hypocritical Holiness (v. 14) 2. Licentious Lifestyles (vv. 14–15) 3. Repentance and Reformation (v. 16) 4. A Promise of Purity (v. 17)

In this message, we explore Jesus' words to the church in Pergamum from Revelation 2:12-17, a church commended for remaining true to Christ even while living in a city filled with pagan worship and intense opposition. Despite facing persecution and even martyrdom, the believers in Pergamum held fast to their faith. However, Jesus also confronts them for their tolerance of false teaching within their community—specifically, teachings that encouraged compromise with the surrounding culture's immorality and idolatry. We reflect on how being “nice” or avoiding conflict can sometimes lead to dangerous compromises, especially when it comes to essential truths of the gospel. In this message we consider the difference between Christlike love and mere niceness, and the importance of standing firm in truth even when it's unpopular or uncomfortable. We're challenged to examine our own lives and churches: Are we upholding the truth of God's Word, or are we letting false ideas take root for the sake of peace? Jesus calls us to repent of misplaced tolerance and promises a greater reward for those who overcome—true spiritual nourishment and a place at His eternal feast.

 In this extensive prophetic teaching, Jacob Prasch traces the biblical and historical progression of Babylon as a spiritual system, beginning with the Tower of Babel and moving through Pergamum, Rome, and ultimately toward Jerusalem, arguing that Satan's strategy has always been to counterfeit God's kingdom through false religion, political power, and human self-deification. Drawing from Genesis, Daniel, Revelation, the Gospels, and church history, he explains how pagan religion, philosophy, science, psychology, and political authority became intertwined—particularly at Pergamum, which Jesus identified as the place “where Satan's throne is.” Prasch connects these patterns to modern developments such as ecumenism, psychological manipulation, false peace efforts in the Middle East, and preparations surrounding the Third Temple, warning that many well-intentioned political and religious movements are unknowingly setting the stage for the Antichrist. The teaching concludes with the assertion that while Satan operates from many centers of influence, his ultimate goal is Jerusalem, where he will seek to usurp worship—until Christ returns to establish His rightful reign as King. 

Last time we completed pastor James' look at the Lord's letter to Smyrna, in Revelation chapter two. It was a letter of encouragement and praise. Today, as we begin a study of the letter to Pergamum, we see a very different tone from the Lord. Pergamum had fallen into the hands of false teaching. They were compromising. The Lord's response? Repent! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1459/29?v=20251111

Robert Vinkesteijn werkt als onderzoeker aan de Universiteit Utrecht. Hij promoveerde op een studie naar het werk van Galenus, uitgegeven als Philosophical Perspectives on Galen of Pergamum (2022). Binnenkort verschijnt zijn tweede boek, The Language of Melancholy. An Exploration of its Philosophical and Existential Potential. Vinkesteijn houdt zich bezig met de antieke filosofische traditie en haar erfenis.

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners  Jesus's letter to the church at Pergamum reminding them to repent of what they were doing and allowing.  Scripture References: Psalm 119:160; John 17:17; Hebrews 4:12; Romans 10:17;  Romans 2:16; Revelation 1; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Revelation 2:12-17; Ephesians 2:8-9; Luke 9:23 Scripture translation used is the NASB “Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995, 2020 (only use the last year corresponding to the edition quoted) by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.Lockman.org”CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S NEW PODCAST- The First Love ProjectHere is the video introducing the podcast on You Tube-https://youtu.be/PhFY1moDDmsHERE IS A LINK TO THE YOUTUBE PLAYLIST FOR FIRST LOVE PROJECThttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdaujk1npuKR0BLSkTlKyxmuxavrZQHM6&si=dC10K4Qdh0xMKElU FIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishaffer DAILY MUSICAL DEVOTIONAL BY THE WORSHIP INITIATIVE:Text SING to 79316CHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com Support the show

“Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicia.” -Revelation 1:11   Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.   On this episode, host Sandra Flach, talks with Alice H. Murray—a retired adoption attorney, who pursues her passion for writing with a weekly blog and faith column, articles, and online and print devotions. Her writing also appears in numerous compilations publications such as Guideposts and Chicken Soup For the Soul.    Alice recently released her second book, God Adopted Us First: Faith Lessons From An Adoption Attorneys Adventures.   Listen to Sandra's encouraging conversation with Alice Murray on Episode 519 wherever you get your podcasts.   Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media.   Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community     Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon Mobilize Ohio ReNew Retreat in NC Alice H. Murray - Website

In this message from Revelation 2, we explore Jesus' letter to the church in Pergamum, a church that stood strong under persecution but slowly drifted through compromise. Jesus warns that when pressure doesn't destroy you, pleasure will try to seduce you. From the doctrine of Balaam to the influence of the Nicolaitans, we uncover how small allowances, cultural conformity, and subtle mixture can erode spiritual authority from the inside out. “The Drift That Destroys” calls us to examine what we've tolerated, what we've blended, and how to intentionally return to a life of conviction, purity, and bold faith in a world that constantly pulls us away.

Living faithfully in a culture hostile to Christ isn't easy—just ask the church in Pergamum (a.k.a. "Satan's City"). We'll discover that the greatest danger to the church isn't always external persecution, but internal compromise. But Jesus promises faithfulness will be rewarded. It will be worth it all.If we are going to remain faithful in Satan's city, there are three realities we cannot ignore...1) The pressure we face2) The danger we harbor3) The reward we receiveText: Revelation 2:12-17

Scripture: Revelation 2:12-17 Dr. Stephen Kim continues his series of classes from the book of Revelation, covering the Church in Pergamum. Slides Download Revelation Notes Download

I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11 which said: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea." 12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man,[a] dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. 19 "Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. 20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels[b] of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

This sermon walks through Jesus' letter to the church in Pergamum, revealing Him as the One with the sharp two-edged sword—whose Word both comforts and confronts with absolute authority. It celebrates a church that remained faithful under intense persecution yet exposes the danger of tolerating compromise and redefining obedience from within. The message calls believers to repent, reject cultural compromise, and find true fulfillment in wholehearted allegiance to Christ alone.

Is science—as I once believed—pure and undefiled? A noble search for truth, guided only by evidence and the open sharing of discovery? Or has it become something else entirely—an instrument of power cloaked in the language of objectivity?In this episode, we'll trace how a penniless immigrant, newly armed with ties to British intelligence, quietly captured a vast share of the world's scientific publishing system. Under the banner of “better science,” he built a new apparatus of control— a system called peer review—that promised rigor, but delivered obedience; that did not guard the gates of knowledge, but locked them.And we'll end with the latest twist—where this same architecture of control has resurfaced inside global health agencies, rewriting the very evidence that defines EMF truth itself.Get full access to every episode of the audio podcast, through any audio podcast player including Apple Podcast, Spotify and many others right now! Support the showContinue the journey with the EMF Remedy Premium Podcast, with over 110 episodes and counting! Keith Cutter is President of EMF Remedy LLChttps://www.emfremedy.com/YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp8jc5qb0kzFhMs4vtgmNlgKeith's SubstackThe EMF Remedy Podcast is a production of EMF Remedy LLC

Hello and welcome to our message of the week podcast. We continue our series called "Last Letters: John, Jude & Jesus" with "The Seven Churches of Revelation: Persecuted vs Compromising" as we look at the churches in Smyrna and Pergamum.  YouVersion Event: http://bible.com/events/49561763 Please prayerfully consider partnering with our church. Visit www.lovekey.church/partner Tithe, offering & Giving information: EFT: Banking Details: LoveKey NPC, FNB, Current Account Number: 62824888525, Branch code: 250655 https://lovekey.church info@lovekey.co.za

I believe the book of Revelation is intentionally shaped by the rhythm of the seven Jewish feasts, with deep echoes of the Exodus and Israels wilderness journey woven throughout its visions. We have already seen how this works in chapter 1, where the imagery echoes Passover. Passover marked Israels deliverance from slavery through the blood of a substituteand in Revelation 1:1216, that substitute is revealed in all His risen glory. Jesus stands among His churches as the victorious Lamb who was slain and now lives forever. Because of His sacrifice, the Christian belongs to God. If you have been redeemed by Almighty God through His Son, what is there to fear? Jesus Himself answers that question: Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades (Rev. 1:1718). Our confidence is not rooted in our circumstances, but in the One who has conquered death itself. As we move into Revelation 23 and read the seven letters to the churches, the dominant echo is the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which immediately followed Passover. This feast called Gods redeemed people to live holy lives, set apart for Him (Lev. 11:4445; 1 Pet. 1:1617). Israel removed all leaven from their homes as a visible reminder that they belonged to the Lord and were no longer to live under the old patterns of corruption. That same call still comes to us today: You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body (1 Cor. 6:1920). Each of the seven churches faced real and pressing challenges in their own dayand what they struggled with are many of the same things we struggle with today, just dressed differently. While we will look at each church individually, here is a brief snapshot of what we will encounter: The church in Ephesus had lost its first love. The church in Smyrna was about to suffer tribulation for ten days. The church in Pergamum struggled with faithfulness to sound doctrine. The church in Thyatira tolerated a false teacher within the congregation. The church in Sardis was spiritually lethargic and nearly dead. The church in Philadelphia faithfully clung to the word of God. The church in Laodicea was lukewarm and missionally useless. In every one of these churches, there was the danger of leavensin quietly working its way through the house. And the call of Christ was to remove it: through renewed love for Jesus and for one another, faithful endurance in suffering, a commitment to truth, intolerance for evil, vigilance against spiritual apathy, unflinching obedience to Christ, and a wholehearted devotion to the mission of God. About forty years before Revelation was written, Paul wrote about Gods expectation for His church: Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Eph. 5:1-2). Revelation 1 is about the One who makes our salvation possible. Revelation 2-3 addresses the kind of people He calls us to be. So, when we come to Revelation 4, we encounter the One on the throne who is holy, holy, holy! The City of Ephesus When the gospel came to Ephesus, it was a wealthy and influential trading city, best known for the Temple of Artemis (also called Diana), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The citys economy, culture, and moral life centered on the worship of this goddess. Artemis worship was deeply sexualized and demonic, marked by ritual immorality and idolatry (1 Cor. 10:20). Ephesus was a place where spiritual darkness was not hiddenit was celebrated, institutionalized, and profitable. Into this city, the gospel came with unmistakable power, as it always does in Gods timing and in His way. What we read in the epistle to the Romans was experienced in Ephesus: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes... (Rom. 1:16). When the apostle Paul preached Christ in Ephesus, lives were transformed, and the worship of Artemis was directly challenged. So disruptive was the gospel that those who profited from idolatry feared economic collapse, admitting that Paul had persuaded many that gods made with hands are not gods at all (Acts 19:26). Paul spent over two years there, and in this spiritually hostile environment, God birthed a faithful churchthe same church later addressed by Christ Himself in Revelation 2. What makes Jesus words to Ephesus so sobering is not the citys darkness but the fact that a church born in such devotion, perseverance, and truth would later be warned: You have abandoned the love you had at first (2:4). So what happened? To answer that question, we need to first recognize the many things Jesus praises the church for. What the Ephesian Church Was Doing Right The Ephesian church was commended for many things by Jesus such as their toil, patient endurance, and intolerance for evil. Heraclitus, a native of Ephesus and philosopher, spoke with open contempt of his citys moral corruptionso severe that later writers summarized his viewby saying no one could live in Ephesus without weeping.1 The fact that the church was able to endure for forty years in a city known for its sexual promiscuity and demonized idolatrous worship, while holding on to biblical orthodoxy, is staggering! Because of their orthodoxy and fidelity to the Word of God, the church was intolerant of evil, refused to ignore false teachers, and shared Jesuss hatred of the Nicolaitans. Forty years earlier, Paul warned the elders of the Ephesian church: I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears (Acts. 20:29-31). This is what the church did well, and Jesus praised them for it. Now, notice what Jesus does not say to the church in Ephesus. He does not say they were being too orthodox. He does not say they were too truthful, or that their intolerance of evil, false teachers, and the works of the Nicolaitans was too extreme. Jesus does not tell the church to dial it back but instead celebrates these as examples of what they were doing well. What the church did well was refusing to yield to the pressures from their city to conform. Before we look at what the church got wrong, we need to address who the Nicolaitans were and why Jesus hated their teaching. From what we know, the Nicolaitans were a heretical Christian sect associated with the teaching of Balaam (Rev. 2:14-15). They taught that the grace of God permitted freedom to engage in the kinds of things their pagan neighbors enjoyed, such as sexual immorality and full participation in pagan temple feasts. Why? Because grace covered it all. We will come back to Balaam when we look at the church in Pergamum, but for now what you need to know is that Balaam is known for his false teaching that served to seduce the men of Israel to engage in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab that also resulted in the worship of their gods in place of obedience and worship of Yahweh (see Num. 25). The Nicolaitans did not deny Jesus, they just reinterpreted what obedience to Jesus really meant, in that you could both be loyal to Jesus and actively pursue and participate in the kinds of things the Word of God commands the people of God to flee from. The Ephesian church was rightfully commended for their hatred and intolerance of the works of the Nicolaitans because Jesus shares their hatred for the same reasons. Listen carefully. Jesus does not merely disagree with teachings of the Nicolaitans He hates them. He hates any belief that suggests a person can remain loyal to Him while willfully embracing the very sins He died to free us from. The cross was not a license to make peace with sin; it was Gods declaration of war against it. To claim Christ while pursuing what nailed Him to the tree is not freedomit is self-deception. Christ did not die to make sin safe, but to make His people holy. 1 Richard D. Phillips, Revelation, ed. Richard D. Phillips, Philip Graham Ryken, and Daniel M. Doriani, Reformed Expository Commentary (Phillipsburg, NJ: PR Publishing, 2017), 91. What the Ephesian Church Got Wrong So what was it that the church in Ephesus lost? Well, we know it wasnt the churchs orthodoxy. It was the love they had at first. What love did they have at first? I believe the love the church lost was a combination of their love for Jesus and others. I believe this because of what the apostle Paul wrote in his epistle to the Ephesians and what Jesus said the church needed to do to regain the love they had lost. First, lets look at Jesus criticism in verses 4-5, But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. The way back to regain what they had lost was to first remember where they had fallen or had lost sight of their love, then to repent by doing the works they had done at first. What were the works they had done at first? We are given a few clues in Ephesians about the church from what Paul says at the beginning and the end of his epistle to the Ephesians. 1st Clue: For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers... (Eph. 1:15-16) 2nd Clue: Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. (Eph. 6:24) I believe that the love the Ephesian church lost had to do with the love they had for Jesus and for one another. The New Living Translation captures this in their translation of Revelation 2:4, But I have this complaint against you. You dont love me or each other as you did at first! When a group of religious leaders asked Jesus to identify the most important commandment, His response was clear: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:3739). Genuine love for God leads to love for othersyou cannot claim to love God while refusing to love those who bear His image. As our love for God grows, it overflows into love for those around us, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. If you find this hard to accept, consider the words of the apostle John: If someone says, I love God, but hates his brother, that person is a liar; for anyone who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen (1 John 4:20). I believe the Ephesian church, first known for their faith in Jesus and their incorruptible love for Him, became the catalyst that fostered in them a love for one another, which they were known for in the early days of the churchs existence. Their love infused their faith in Jesus, and their love for all the saints was the cocktail God used to push back evil and transform lives! What Revelation 2:1-4 teaches us is that Jesus wants our obedience, but He also wants our hearts! In fact, if Jesus has your heart, He will have your obedience. Conclusion I believe the Ephesian church is listed first among the seven churches because of the danger we face when what we believe and what we do are no longer tethered to a living love for Jesus and His people. Listen carefully. Rather than criticizing the Ephesian church for its zeal for the truth of Gods Word, Jesus praised them for it. Orthodoxy is essential to the spiritual health of both Christians and the church as a whole. When believers abandon orthodoxy, spirituality does not become freer or deeperit becomes hollow and lifeless. So do their churches. But love keeps orthodoxy from hardening into something Jesus also hated. When truth is severed from love, orthodoxy collapses into legalism. And legalism is not holiness; it is a corruption of orthopraxyright living. Christian, we are called to be holy as our heavenly Father is holy. Scripture commands us: As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy (1 Pet. 1:1416). But the way we pursue holiness is not through cold precision or moral superiority. It is through the kind of love the Ephesian church once hadand then lost. This is the first of seven ways Christ calls His people to cleanse His house of leaven. What is that love? Scripture defines it plainly: Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth Love never ends (1 Cor. 13:48). This is the love Jesus spoke of that must be true of His followers: By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35). We live in a nation deeply fracturedso fractured that many believe we are in a cold civil war. Civil conversation between the left and the right is nearly impossible. But it must not be that way in the church Jesus redeemed from the world. Our love for Christ must overflow into genuine love for one anotherstrong enough to allow disagreement without division, conviction without contempt, and truth without hatred. Let me take this one step further. If you love the Jesus who died to ransom people from every tribe, language, people, and nation, then you must be liberated from the partisan blindness that grips both the left and the right. Christian, you belong to another kingdom. Your allegiance is not to a political ideology but to King Jesus. Please hear me: the world will not see, hear, or receive the gospel from the left or the rightbut only from Jesus Christ Himself. By Gods design, His gospel is not entrusted to government but to His church. The mess in the White House, ournation, and the world is evidence that what people need is the One who makes the Gospel the Gospelnamely, Jesus! If you cannot see thatif you cannot believe that while still calling yourself a Christianthen you are in danger of the very thing that threatened the church in Ephesus. You have lost your first love. So I leave you with the same words Jesus spoke to them: He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

I believe the book of Revelation is intentionally shaped by the rhythm of the seven Jewish feasts, with deep echoes of the Exodus and Israels wilderness journey woven throughout its visions. We have already seen how this works in chapter 1, where the imagery echoes Passover. Passover marked Israels deliverance from slavery through the blood of a substituteand in Revelation 1:1216, that substitute is revealed in all His risen glory. Jesus stands among His churches as the victorious Lamb who was slain and now lives forever. Because of His sacrifice, the Christian belongs to God. If you have been redeemed by Almighty God through His Son, what is there to fear? Jesus Himself answers that question: Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades (Rev. 1:1718). Our confidence is not rooted in our circumstances, but in the One who has conquered death itself. As we move into Revelation 23 and read the seven letters to the churches, the dominant echo is the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which immediately followed Passover. This feast called Gods redeemed people to live holy lives, set apart for Him (Lev. 11:4445; 1 Pet. 1:1617). Israel removed all leaven from their homes as a visible reminder that they belonged to the Lord and were no longer to live under the old patterns of corruption. That same call still comes to us today: You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body (1 Cor. 6:1920). Each of the seven churches faced real and pressing challenges in their own dayand what they struggled with are many of the same things we struggle with today, just dressed differently. While we will look at each church individually, here is a brief snapshot of what we will encounter: The church in Ephesus had lost its first love. The church in Smyrna was about to suffer tribulation for ten days. The church in Pergamum struggled with faithfulness to sound doctrine. The church in Thyatira tolerated a false teacher within the congregation. The church in Sardis was spiritually lethargic and nearly dead. The church in Philadelphia faithfully clung to the word of God. The church in Laodicea was lukewarm and missionally useless. In every one of these churches, there was the danger of leavensin quietly working its way through the house. And the call of Christ was to remove it: through renewed love for Jesus and for one another, faithful endurance in suffering, a commitment to truth, intolerance for evil, vigilance against spiritual apathy, unflinching obedience to Christ, and a wholehearted devotion to the mission of God. About forty years before Revelation was written, Paul wrote about Gods expectation for His church: Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Eph. 5:1-2). Revelation 1 is about the One who makes our salvation possible. Revelation 2-3 addresses the kind of people He calls us to be. So, when we come to Revelation 4, we encounter the One on the throne who is holy, holy, holy! The City of Ephesus When the gospel came to Ephesus, it was a wealthy and influential trading city, best known for the Temple of Artemis (also called Diana), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The citys economy, culture, and moral life centered on the worship of this goddess. Artemis worship was deeply sexualized and demonic, marked by ritual immorality and idolatry (1 Cor. 10:20). Ephesus was a place where spiritual darkness was not hiddenit was celebrated, institutionalized, and profitable. Into this city, the gospel came with unmistakable power, as it always does in Gods timing and in His way. What we read in the epistle to the Romans was experienced in Ephesus: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes... (Rom. 1:16). When the apostle Paul preached Christ in Ephesus, lives were transformed, and the worship of Artemis was directly challenged. So disruptive was the gospel that those who profited from idolatry feared economic collapse, admitting that Paul had persuaded many that gods made with hands are not gods at all (Acts 19:26). Paul spent over two years there, and in this spiritually hostile environment, God birthed a faithful churchthe same church later addressed by Christ Himself in Revelation 2. What makes Jesus words to Ephesus so sobering is not the citys darkness but the fact that a church born in such devotion, perseverance, and truth would later be warned: You have abandoned the love you had at first (2:4). So what happened? To answer that question, we need to first recognize the many things Jesus praises the church for. What the Ephesian Church Was Doing Right The Ephesian church was commended for many things by Jesus such as their toil, patient endurance, and intolerance for evil. Heraclitus, a native of Ephesus and philosopher, spoke with open contempt of his citys moral corruptionso severe that later writers summarized his viewby saying no one could live in Ephesus without weeping.1 The fact that the church was able to endure for forty years in a city known for its sexual promiscuity and demonized idolatrous worship, while holding on to biblical orthodoxy, is staggering! Because of their orthodoxy and fidelity to the Word of God, the church was intolerant of evil, refused to ignore false teachers, and shared Jesuss hatred of the Nicolaitans. Forty years earlier, Paul warned the elders of the Ephesian church: I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears (Acts. 20:29-31). This is what the church did well, and Jesus praised them for it. Now, notice what Jesus does not say to the church in Ephesus. He does not say they were being too orthodox. He does not say they were too truthful, or that their intolerance of evil, false teachers, and the works of the Nicolaitans was too extreme. Jesus does not tell the church to dial it back but instead celebrates these as examples of what they were doing well. What the church did well was refusing to yield to the pressures from their city to conform. Before we look at what the church got wrong, we need to address who the Nicolaitans were and why Jesus hated their teaching. From what we know, the Nicolaitans were a heretical Christian sect associated with the teaching of Balaam (Rev. 2:14-15). They taught that the grace of God permitted freedom to engage in the kinds of things their pagan neighbors enjoyed, such as sexual immorality and full participation in pagan temple feasts. Why? Because grace covered it all. We will come back to Balaam when we look at the church in Pergamum, but for now what you need to know is that Balaam is known for his false teaching that served to seduce the men of Israel to engage in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab that also resulted in the worship of their gods in place of obedience and worship of Yahweh (see Num. 25). The Nicolaitans did not deny Jesus, they just reinterpreted what obedience to Jesus really meant, in that you could both be loyal to Jesus and actively pursue and participate in the kinds of things the Word of God commands the people of God to flee from. The Ephesian church was rightfully commended for their hatred and intolerance of the works of the Nicolaitans because Jesus shares their hatred for the same reasons. Listen carefully. Jesus does not merely disagree with teachings of the Nicolaitans He hates them. He hates any belief that suggests a person can remain loyal to Him while willfully embracing the very sins He died to free us from. The cross was not a license to make peace with sin; it was Gods declaration of war against it. To claim Christ while pursuing what nailed Him to the tree is not freedomit is self-deception. Christ did not die to make sin safe, but to make His people holy. 1 Richard D. Phillips, Revelation, ed. Richard D. Phillips, Philip Graham Ryken, and Daniel M. Doriani, Reformed Expository Commentary (Phillipsburg, NJ: PR Publishing, 2017), 91. What the Ephesian Church Got Wrong So what was it that the church in Ephesus lost? Well, we know it wasnt the churchs orthodoxy. It was the love they had at first. What love did they have at first? I believe the love the church lost was a combination of their love for Jesus and others. I believe this because of what the apostle Paul wrote in his epistle to the Ephesians and what Jesus said the church needed to do to regain the love they had lost. First, lets look at Jesus criticism in verses 4-5, But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. The way back to regain what they had lost was to first remember where they had fallen or had lost sight of their love, then to repent by doing the works they had done at first. What were the works they had done at first? We are given a few clues in Ephesians about the church from what Paul says at the beginning and the end of his epistle to the Ephesians. 1st Clue: For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers... (Eph. 1:15-16) 2nd Clue: Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. (Eph. 6:24) I believe that the love the Ephesian church lost had to do with the love they had for Jesus and for one another. The New Living Translation captures this in their translation of Revelation 2:4, But I have this complaint against you. You dont love me or each other as you did at first! When a group of religious leaders asked Jesus to identify the most important commandment, His response was clear: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:3739). Genuine love for God leads to love for othersyou cannot claim to love God while refusing to love those who bear His image. As our love for God grows, it overflows into love for those around us, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. If you find this hard to accept, consider the words of the apostle John: If someone says, I love God, but hates his brother, that person is a liar; for anyone who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen (1 John 4:20). I believe the Ephesian church, first known for their faith in Jesus and their incorruptible love for Him, became the catalyst that fostered in them a love for one another, which they were known for in the early days of the churchs existence. Their love infused their faith in Jesus, and their love for all the saints was the cocktail God used to push back evil and transform lives! What Revelation 2:1-4 teaches us is that Jesus wants our obedience, but He also wants our hearts! In fact, if Jesus has your heart, He will have your obedience. Conclusion I believe the Ephesian church is listed first among the seven churches because of the danger we face when what we believe and what we do are no longer tethered to a living love for Jesus and His people. Listen carefully. Rather than criticizing the Ephesian church for its zeal for the truth of Gods Word, Jesus praised them for it. Orthodoxy is essential to the spiritual health of both Christians and the church as a whole. When believers abandon orthodoxy, spirituality does not become freer or deeperit becomes hollow and lifeless. So do their churches. But love keeps orthodoxy from hardening into something Jesus also hated. When truth is severed from love, orthodoxy collapses into legalism. And legalism is not holiness; it is a corruption of orthopraxyright living. Christian, we are called to be holy as our heavenly Father is holy. Scripture commands us: As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy (1 Pet. 1:1416). But the way we pursue holiness is not through cold precision or moral superiority. It is through the kind of love the Ephesian church once hadand then lost. This is the first of seven ways Christ calls His people to cleanse His house of leaven. What is that love? Scripture defines it plainly: Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth Love never ends (1 Cor. 13:48). This is the love Jesus spoke of that must be true of His followers: By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35). We live in a nation deeply fracturedso fractured that many believe we are in a cold civil war. Civil conversation between the left and the right is nearly impossible. But it must not be that way in the church Jesus redeemed from the world. Our love for Christ must overflow into genuine love for one anotherstrong enough to allow disagreement without division, conviction without contempt, and truth without hatred. Let me take this one step further. If you love the Jesus who died to ransom people from every tribe, language, people, and nation, then you must be liberated from the partisan blindness that grips both the left and the right. Christian, you belong to another kingdom. Your allegiance is not to a political ideology but to King Jesus. Please hear me: the world will not see, hear, or receive the gospel from the left or the rightbut only from Jesus Christ Himself. By Gods design, His gospel is not entrusted to government but to His church. The mess in the White House, ournation, and the world is evidence that what people need is the One who makes the Gospel the Gospelnamely, Jesus! If you cannot see thatif you cannot believe that while still calling yourself a Christianthen you are in danger of the very thing that threatened the church in Ephesus. You have lost your first love. So I leave you with the same words Jesus spoke to them: He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

“The Seven: Pergamum” based on Revelation 2:12-17, given by Pastor Ryan Landt at Cornerstone Church in Pella on February 8, 2026. Continue reading The post The Seven: Pergamum first appeared on Cornerstone Church.

Looking closely at the letters to the cities of Ephesus, Smyrna and Pergamum, John the Revelator speaks to the specific context of the churches in these three cities using the language of first loves and white stones.

Pastor Andrew Peterson preaches from Revelation 2:12-29 on February 8th 2026

Despite flaws, the church at Pergamum received Christ's gracious commendation for their faithfulness, their faithfulness in a hostile environment, their tenacious testimony, and their enduring evangelism. Christ's letter to this church teaches us some important lessons. Though flawed and fragile, believers possess the Spirit of God. By his power, we can make a tangible difference for God's kingdom, inspiring others through faithfulness in trials, suffering, and everyday life.

To get a copy of our new book "Embracing the Truth" or to have TS Wright speak at your event or conference or if you simply want spiritual or life coaching or just a consultation visit:www.tswrightspeaks.comVisit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation.www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.TS Wright Speaks: Church in Pergamum Revelation 2:12-17Introduction: In the third chapter of Revelation, we encounter the Church in Pergamum, a community grappling with the challenges of faith amid a culture steeped in idolatry and immorality. This podcast episode dives deep into the lessons Jesus imparts to this church, offering timeless wisdom that resonates with believers today.Main Content: **The Context of Pergamum** The Church in Pergamum existed in a city notorious for its pagan worship and idol practices, symbolized by the phrase "where the throne of Satan sits." TS Wright highlights that this church was located right in the midst of spiritual warfare, a battleground where faith and culture collided. Despite the overwhelming presence of evil, members of the church held fast to their faith, demonstrating remarkable courage and commitment.**Commendation for Faithfulness** Jesus begins His message with commendation, acknowledging the church's perseverance even in the face of persecution. TS Wright points out the significance of this acknowledgment, especially regarding Antipas, a faithful witness who was killed for his beliefs. This serves as a powerful reminder that true faith often requires sacrifice, and believers today must also hold fast to their convictions despite cultural pressures.**Warnings Against Compromise** However, the message is not solely one of encouragement. Jesus issues a stern warning against those in the church who have adopted the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, practices that led to idolatry and sexual immorality. TS Wright emphasizes that just as the early church faced temptations to conform to cultural norms, modern believers must also guard against the subtle ways in which culture can infiltrate their faith. He urges listeners to recognize the importance of living a life that is set apart, above the moral compromises prevalent in society.**The Call to Repentance** A key theme in this message is the call to repentance. TS Wright elucidates that repentance is a process, not just a one-time confession. It involves a deep heart transformation, turning away from sin, and taking active steps towards obedience. He reminds believers that while the journey may be challenging, the promise of restoration and a new identity in Christ awaits those who repent. **Living Above Culture** In a world where cultural acceptance is often equated with success, TS Wright's insights challenge believers to prioritize their relationship with Jesus above all else. He discusses the dangers of becoming a "carnal Christian," attempting to blend faith with worldly ideologies. Instead, he encourages a commitment to living out the teachings of Christ, even when it comes at a personal cost. The podcast underscores the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between faith and culture, particularly in moments of conflict.Conclusion: The message to the Church in Pergamum serves as a timely reminder for contemporary believers to navigate their faith with courage and conviction. Key takeaways include the...

Revelation 2:12-17 | George Wright

Thank you for joining us! If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call the church office at 661-833-2800 or check out our website www.laurelglen.org.Scripture Reference: Revelation 2:12-29

Revelation 2:12-17At the start of 2026, we're exploring Jesus' instructions to the 'Seven Churches' in Revelation (chapters 2-3). As we long for a move of God in our city, we can often feel the cost of following Jesus in testing times. Revelation offers a practical message to stay faithful to Jesus, despite the pressures to compromise.

The book of Revelation begins, centers, and ends with Jesus. In this message from our Unveiled series, we look at three churches in Revelation 2 — Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamum — and discover how Jesus speaks to hearts that are drifting, suffering, or tempted to compromise. Ephesus had truth but lost love. Smyrna had suffering but remained rich in faith. Pergamum stayed loyal outwardly while compromise slowly crept in. Through it all, Jesus offers not fear, but invitation — to return, remain faithful, and receive the identity only He can give. The promise of the white stone reminds us we are forgiven, known, accepted, and given a new name in Him. This is not a message about the end times. It's a message about allegiance, faithfulness, and returning to Jesus.

Revelation 2 To the Church in Ephesus 2 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. To the Church in Smyrna 8 “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown. 11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death. To the Church in Pergamum 12 “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. To the Church in Thyatira 18 “To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. 20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. 21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. 22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. 23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. 24 Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you, 25 except to hold on to what you have until I come.' 26 To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— 27 that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery'—just as I have received authority from my Father. 28 I will also give that one the morning star. 29 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

On today's episode we're talking about the church in Pergamum, whom was warned and rebuked for their false teachings and their compromise of truth.

==============Join us for worship this Sunday at 10:30am (CST)! Connect with our community and experience a message of hope.Learn more about Redeemer Church: http://www.redeemermn.org/Ready to take a next step? Fill out a connect card: http://www.redeemermn.org/nextsteps Need prayer? We're here for you: http://www.redeemermn.org/prayerSupport our mission: http://www.redeemermn.org/give=============== Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeemermn_church/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redeemermn/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemerMNSupport the show

 Drawing extensively from Revelation 2–3, this teaching examines the seven churches as real historical congregations, recurring spiritual conditions present throughout church history, and a prophetic mirror especially relevant to the last days. Beginning with Christ's warning to Laodicea, the speaker exposes how material affluence, consumerism, and “people's opinions” have produced a lukewarm church that believes itself rich while remaining spiritually blind and naked. Moving church by church—from Ephesus' loss of first love, Smyrna's persecution, Pergamum's compromise, Thyatira's false sacrifice, Sardis' dead orthodoxy, and Philadelphia's faithful mission—the message traces how cultural shifts repeatedly force the church to choose between biblical recontextualization (changing the packaging, not the gospel) and theological redefinition (changing the gospel itself). Through historical examples ranging from Augustine and Aquinas to Wesley, the Jesus Movement, and modern evangelical trends, the teaching issues a sober warning: when the church replaces repentance, discipleship, and truth with programs, experiences, tolerance, or prosperity, it risks becoming Laodicea—called not to innovate, but to repent, open the door to Christ, and recover true spiritual sight. 

Tired of the lies playing on repeat in your mind? Feeling like a fraud, rejected, or not good enough—even when you're managing everything? In this vulnerable episode, we're exploring how to speak the truth over yourself and your children, exchanging lies for God's identity and calling for your life.Kerry shares her deeply personal story of walking through rejection and discovering that speaking the truth out loud daily—not just thinking it—is what transforms your mind and breaks the power of lies.What you'll learn in this episode:✅Why we must speak the truth out loud (not just think positive thoughts) to renew our minds✅The white stone with a new name in Revelation 2:17 and what it means for your identity✅The two questions that replace "Why, God?" and actually move you forward✅Kerry's story: learning to speak the truth as a warrior on her knees after 31 years of marriage ended✅How to help your kids speak the truth over the lies they believe about themselvesReady to start your identity exchange? Download the FREE Biblical Truths Printable mentioned in this episode—sample truths Kerry speaks over herself daily plus a blank page for your own. Grab your copy of Jamie Winship's book Living Fearless! Podcast: Stop Negative Thinking for You & Your KidsShow Notes: Hey everyone, Kerry Beck here with Homeschool Coffee Break, where we help you stop the overwhelm so you can actually take a coffee break.We talked last week about lies in our head and lies that our kids believe. This week, we're going to get to the hopeful part. That may have been a little depressing. We're going to get to the hopeful part. We're going to come talk to God about what our identity is in Him, what His calling is for us, and how we can replace those lies.Jamie Winship calls it identity exchange. We are going to exchange those lies for truth.Learning from Living FearlessWhat I'm sharing are things that I have learned from a man named Jamie Winship. He's written a book called Living Fearless. You can get the link to it in the show notes, and I highly recommend it. A few years ago, I bought a copy for every one of my children, and for my parents and my sister as well, because it had such a huge impact on us.We're going to talk today about how God actually gives you a new name, a true identity, and how to listen for it, how to find out what it is. We're going to start with Revelation 2. This is where Jesus is writing to the different churches, and he's written to a church called Pergamum. He says, you have remained true to my name, to God's name. You did not renounce your faith in me. And that was a good thing.But at the end of his letter, he has this to say in Revelation 2:17: Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what He is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious, I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away up in heaven. I will give to each of you a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands, except the one who receives it.You may be going, what is this white stone he's talking about? And how do we get a new name? Because that new name has something to do with your identity. Well, in ancient Greece, the jury members would give a white stone if they were going to acquit the man. They would give a black stone if the defendant was guilty. In ancient Rome, they had a custom of awarding white stones to the winner of athletic events, and their name was written on that stone.We want to talk about that new name, because we walk in newness of life. We walk in a new covenant. We're going to put away our sins. We're going to leave our past in the past, and we are going to walk in newness of life. That's what I want for you, Mom. That's what I want for your children as well.Can You Really Hear from God?If you've ever wondered, can I really hear God about my identity? How do I know? Sometimes we don't truly believe God and what He is saying. We say He can do the impossible, but we don't really think it for us.Let me share a couple stories that Jamie Winship shares. He met a man in Washington, D.C. who had been working with Congress, and this man comes up to him, like a bodybuilder, very well-built, very healthy. And he says, how can I know if I can really hear from God? And he said, well, you can come with me to a mission, because Jamie Winship had worked with the CIA over in the Middle East for decades, and he was now helping Congress with some things about working with conflict.He and this Jason Bourne dude and a Navy guy, they all got dropped off in Northern Africa, pitch dark. They get there, they're staying in tents, their host would fix their meals, and they would fix 4 plates. And the Jason Bourne guy would go, why is there someone else? Why do they keep fixing 4? There's only three of us.Eventually, after a few days, he says, well, go ask them. Since this guy could speak that language, he says, why do you have four plates? Well, it's for your security detail. He's like, what are you talking about? Well, long story short, they're like, the guy that's guarding y'all outside. And he's like, what does he look like? He's the big, bulky guy that's protecting you. And what is he? He has a sword.Come to find out, they could see this angel of God that was protecting Jamie and this Jason Bourne guy and the other guy from enemy attack, and he had a sword. Muslims believe in visions like that. They believe these things. They believe you can hear from the gods. And they could see this angel, even though Jamie and Jason Bourne person couldn't.But when he heard that, Jason Bourne is like, okay, how do I hear God? I want to know. How do I hear God? And basically, Jamie says, what about your situation? He's like, why can't we have kids? And he says, you're asking the wrong question. And for some of you, you're asking the wrong question when it comes to the problems in your life, your identity. You're saying, why, why, why? That is the wrong question.Here are the two questions that Jamie suggests. We need to say, God, what do you want me to know, God? What do you want me to do? And that was a question that I actually wrestled with. This morning, again, on my walk, I was gonna go right into prayer. I'm like, no, I need to listen to God.A lot of believers, we all believe, yes, God's powerful, we've seen Him do miracles, all this stuff, but we don't really believe that we can hear from God. And if we don't believe that, we believe in a weak God. I do believe that I can hear from God. We believe in a God that can do it for everyone else, but not for us. Or that He will do miracles, but I don't know about for us.Well, that is not total faith. Total faith is believing that God can do miracles. And we need to let God tell us what He is doing, instead of our past dictating what we do. Instead of our failures dictating what we do. Instead of our fears. Do you have fears about homeschooling? Or raising kids? You see, this is what leads to bad identity, to the lies that we talked about.But when you live from what God says you are, you are going to become more creative, more resilient, you're going to have more peace, even in the hard circumstances. I am a product of that as well. You see, you may be great at multitasking, teaching, managing your home, but you still feel like a fraud.Identity Exchange is going to God and letting him rename you. Like that white stone with a new name.The Story of HamzaThere was a young man in the Middle East that Jamie ran across. I actually shared this story at Homeschool Superheroes about 3 or 4 years ago, and in the chat, people are like, is this for real? Is this a real story? Is she really telling the truth? And yes, it is real, and you can read about it or listen to it when Jamie tells that story. But there was a man named Hamza.He had found a Bible at a hotel, and somehow he connected with Jamie, and he's like, who is this man? And they go, well, do you want to hear from him? Or do you want us to tell you about him? I want to hear from him, talking about Jesus, because he had read parts of the New Testament.They got together, and they didn't tell him what they knew about Jesus. They were like, we're gonna let God speak. And what they did was they prayed and said, okay, God, Hamza really wants to hear from you. Would you please speak your truth to Him and let him hear that?Would that be a scary prayer? In the United States, we don't pray that. You know why? We're afraid God's not going to show up. We're afraid God's not going to show up for me, for our friends, for our own children. We're afraid he's not going to speak.Well, they weren't afraid, and God has shown up over and over. I've heard many stories that He has shared of Him speaking, and Hamza heard, and he began to grow in his new identity in Jesus Christ. He has walked through so many hardships. His family tried to kill him several times, like, throw him off a cliff, shoot him with a gun, and somehow he's made it through all of this because he walks in his identity of Christ, and what God spoke to him.His hardships and fear began to change as he learned to listen to God's voice and receive that new identity of who He is in Christ Jesus. This has opened doors to things he would never imagine, and it can be the same with you in your homeschool. If God can reach a young man, a Muslim man, being killed by his family because he has faith in Jesus, and even more dangerous situations, he can speak to you, tired homeschool mom, in your minivan, or at the kitchen table.My Story of Identity ExchangeI know from experience that God has spoken to me. I don't know how many of you know my story, but about nine and a half years ago, my husband left. We'd been married for 31 years. I'd be a very rich person if I had money from all my friends that looked at me and went, you and Steve? No, that's not true. Because they'd seen a marriage that seemed to be working.But I felt, when I found out he was leaving, totally rejected. I'd never felt depression before. I felt hopeless. And I could have walked in those lies. I probably did for a while. My friend says, Kerry, you were walking in PTSD for a few years. That's probably true.But I began praying for him all the time. I pray for him every single day. Sometimes it's a quick prayer, sometimes it's prayers of tears, but it is a prayer for his soul. His soul needs to go back to accepting the redemption that He has through Jesus Christ. I also pray for reconciliation for our marriage and our family. And there are people that are like, just get over it and move on, and go find someone else. No.I made a covenant with God, a three-way covenant. Not a contract, where if he does something wrong, it's broken, go off and do whatever. A covenant. God's never broken His covenant with Israel. He's remained faithful, even through discipline. And I decided that is what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna remain faithful to our covenant. God and I are still waiting for Steve's return.The question isn't why, God? Why is this happening? It's, God, what do you want me to know? What do you want me to do about this? And then let God work in and through me through the Holy Spirit. You see, I need to focus on me growing with God, and I'll let God deal with Steve. I believe He is faithful to the promises He's made, Steve and me. God says, I will never leave you or abandon you. I will work on you until the day of Christ Jesus.Over time, I've learned who I am. What is my identity? And it's not the same as for you, but I will share mine. I believe I'm a warrior, a warrior on her knees, a teacher. A teacher of women and kids, both online and in person. An encourager. I never wanted to be a counselor. That's the thing I ever wanted to do. But God has used me to counsel kids and women. And I've pressed into that. And I'm a networker. I'm an organizer networker, trying to pull people together, trying to get things, not programs, but relationships. That's where it's all about, a networker of relationships.You need to know your identity comes first, and then the outcome. I am a prayer warrior for Steve and for our family on my knees pretty every day. Again, sometimes there are quick prayers, but a lot of times, when I go for a walk, that's my prayer time. When I sit at the kitchen table, that's my prayer and Bible time. That is who God made me, a warrior of people's souls. A warrior that fights and contends for people's souls, starting with my own marriage and husband, and family, kids, and grandkids.We haven't seen reconciliation, but I know God is good, I know God loves Steve, and He is still working, and I totally believe that He is reconciling our marriage. In the middle of my pain, it wasn't why God. Well, yeah, I had asked that, honestly. Why is this happening to me? It's not supposed to be like this.But I have learned it's more important for me to keep my eyes upward and my faith in Jesus. Because this world is passing away, and there is nothing that I need to do. I need to change my identity and not believe the lies that I was a terrible wife or a terrible mom. I've been rejected multiple times since Steve left by him, neighbors, church, family members, and it hurts.But I keep going back to God, because He's the one that's going to move me forward. I can't change people. I can just deal with myself. And He will meet me in the messiness of my broken marriage, my sleeping marriage, my destroyed marriage. He will meet you in your homeschool. He will meet you in your family, in your home, in your marriage, and in your heart.Simple Steps to Get UnstuckThere are two key questions you need to be asking yourself. Not why, although you can ask why. I'm not expecting to, well, I do, I'll be honest, the reason why is so I would trust Him, and I would grow closer to Him. I would never wish my life on anyone. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. Because I am closer to God than I have ever been.So, God, what do you want me to do about this situation, your situation? God, what do you want me to know, and then what do you want me to do?Your child melts down over math. The old question is, why is this always happening? What is wrong with us? The new question is, God, what do you want me to know about my child? What do you want me to do? Comfort? Pause, change the approach, stop doing math. I did that for a whole year, actually, when I had a child that wasn't doing well with math, and had a bad attitude about it.Maybe skip it first. You're a gentle shepherd, not a drill sergeant. Then speak that truth out loud. Start acting as a gentle shepherd and not that frazzled failure. Just like I did.What I want you to do is I want you to look at the lies, pick one, and write a truth, hopefully a Bible verse that will go along with that truth. And then once you've wrestled through this, work with each of your children. What is the lie they are believing? I can't do it. I'm not smart enough. I need this, or I need that. I don't want this, I don't want that. Blaming people, whatever the lie is.Do it with your kids as well, and write a truth down, and say it out loud. Here are the simple steps so that you can get unstuck with the lies that you're believing. Number one, name one lie. That was last week's episode. Ask the two questions. What, God, do you want me to know about this? What do you want me to do about this?Then, I want you to find a truth and write it down, and put it somewhere that you're going to see it every single day. Kitchen sink, I have some in the bathroom window, I actually have some in the kitchen sink, I have some in my car. So I have different truths that I will see at different times of my day. And then I want you to say it aloud every single day.Do this with your kids, maybe at the breakfast table. They read out loud that Bible verse or that truth about themselves, maybe at their desk, if they have a desk, and they are going to read that out loud as well, before they get started on their homeschool.Speak the Truth Over Your LifeIf you want more ideas, you can get Jamie's book, Living Fearless, that'll be in the show notes. If you want these free things here that I have, I'm going to read these in a second, then you can get those, the link is in the show notes as well. It's just a printable, and there is a page for you to write your own truth. You don't need mine, but mine can be just sort of a sample.And I'll close with this. Like Jesus, I am chosen by God to be holy. I am chosen by God for great honor. I trust in Jesus, therefore I am not put to shame. God loves me and always takes care of me.I am precious to God, because He bought me with Jesus' blood. I am a daughter of the king, a princess. I live in the light shining for Jesus all day long. I control my thoughts, my words, my food, my drink.I receive God's mercy and grace, so I give grace, mercy, and forgiveness to others. I lead my case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. I speak with words. I speak with pure and reverent behavior, and with a gentle and quiet spirit. I wait quietly on God.Some things I have to really work on, and when I'm really struggling with a lie at that time, I may just pull that one out and say it every day, sometimes multiple times. I am patient. I am kind. I always forgive. I forget offenses against me. And some of you are like, I can't forget that. Well, you know what? If I have the Holy Spirit inside of me, I have the power that God has inside of me, and I can overcome, and God can take those thoughts away. He takes other thoughts away that I forget. Surely He can take those offenses, and I forget them.The Holy Spirit renews my mind and attitudes every day. God never leaves me, never abandons me, never fails me. I listen well. I trust in God to fight my battles. He wins my battles.Thanks for spending time with me. If any of this hits home, please share this with just one friend, maybe another homeschool mom, that this might encourage. That would mean the world to me. I'm Kerry Beck with Homeschool Coffee Break. We'll talk to you next time.

Jesus calls us to live a worthy life that reflects the high price He paid for our salvation. Through His letters to the seven churches in Revelation, we see the dangers of spiritual lukewarmness and compromise that threaten our faith. The church in Laodicea thought they were rich but were actually spiritually poor, while churches like Pergamum and Thyatira struggled with tolerating sin. In contrast, the faithful churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia persevered through suffering and persecution by keeping God's Word and never denying His name. Living worthily means inviting Jesus into every area of our lives, maintaining biblical boundaries while loving others, and growing in spiritual maturity while keeping childlike faith.

Revelation 2:12-17 Geoff Brown January 11, 2026

As we get three weeks into looking at the seven churches the apostle John wrote to, we come to the church in the city of Pergamum. Now there was good fruit in their lives, but there was some bad compromise as well. Lots of good commentary that I found, especially for verse 16. We also look at what did Jesus mean by a “white stone, hidden manna and a new name?”Josiahmovius12@yahoo.comBible portal website to free commentary! :https://www.bibleportal.com/commentaries

#top .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-735995925390297f16d8b5e92cfdbbd5{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-735995925390297f16d8b5e92cfdbbd5 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-735995925390297f16d8b5e92cfdbbd5 .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; } Through My Bible Yr 02 – December 30Revelation 2:8-17 LISTEN HERE Through My Bible – December 30 Revelation 2:8-17 (EHV) https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/02-1230db.mp3 See series: Through My Bible Revelation 2 Letter to the Church in Smyrna 8 To the messenger of the church in Smyrna write: The First and the Last, who was dead and came to life again, says this: 9 I know [1] your suffering and your poverty—but you are rich. And I know the blasphemy that comes from those who say they are Jews but are not; rather, they are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear anything that [2] you are about to suffer. Look, the Devil is about to throw some of you into prison so that you will be tested, and you will suffer for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 Whoever has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death. Letter to the Church in Pergamum 12 To the messenger of the church in Pergamum write: The one who has the sharp, two-edged sword says this: 13 I know [3] where you live—where the throne of Satan is. And I know that you hold fast to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me even in the days when Antipas, my faithful witness, [4] was put to death near you, the place where Satan lives. 14 But I have a few things against you: You have some people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who instructed Balak to put a stumbling block in front of the children of Israel so that they would eat things offered to idols and commit sexual immorality. 15 Likewise, you also have some people who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Therefore, [5] repent! If not, I will come to you soon, and I will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 Whoever has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious I will give some of the hidden manna. [6] I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, which no one will know except the one who receives it. Footnotes Revelation 2:9 A few witnesses to the text add your works. Revelation 2:10 Some witnesses to the text read Do not fear what. Revelation 2:13 A few witnesses to the text add your works and. Revelation 2:13 Or martyr Revelation 2:16 Some witnesses to the text omit Therefore. Revelation 2:17 A few witnesses to the text add to eat. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-aocsdx-89cb4ca21532423cf697fc393b6fcee0{ height:10px; } The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-4vzadh-3f04b370105df1fd314a2a9d83e55b26{ height:50px; } Share this entryShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare by MailLink to FlickrLink to InstagramLink to Vimeo

#top .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-bdcfe9de08060bf68e8e81dcafe29f78{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-bdcfe9de08060bf68e8e81dcafe29f78 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-bdcfe9de08060bf68e8e81dcafe29f78 .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; } Through My Bible Yr 02 – December 28Revelation 1:9-20 LISTEN HERE Through My Bible – December 28 Revelation 1:9-20 (EHV) https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/02-1228db.mp3 See series: Through My Bible Revelation 1 God Tells John to Write Down What He Sees 9 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingship and patient endurance in Jesus, [1] was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony about Jesus. [2] 10 I was in spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard a loud voice behind me, like a trumpet, 11 saying, “Write what you see on a scroll and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.” Jesus Appears 12 I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me. When I turned, I saw seven gold lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was one like a son of man. He was clothed with a robe that reached to his feet, and around his chest he wore a gold sash. 14 His head and his hair were white, like white wool or like snow. His eyes were like blazing flames. 15 His feet were like polished bronze being refined in a furnace. His voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 He held seven stars in his right hand. A sharp two-edged sword was coming out of his mouth. His face was shining as the sun shines in all its brightness. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He placed his right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last— 18 the Living One. I was dead and, see, I am alive forever and ever! I also hold the keys of death and hell. [3] 19 “So write what you have seen, both those things that are and those that will take place after this. 20 “The mystery of the seven stars, which you saw in my right hand, and the seven gold lampstands is this: The seven stars are the messengers of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.” Footnotes Revelation 1:9 Some witnesses to the text read Christ. Revelation 1:9 A few witnesses to the text add Christ. Revelation 1:18 Greek hades #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-aocsdx-89cb4ca21532423cf697fc393b6fcee0{ height:10px; } The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-4vzadh-3f04b370105df1fd314a2a9d83e55b26{ height:50px; } Share this entryShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare by MailLink to FlickrLink to InstagramLink to Vimeo

In this episode, Marilyn Hickey walks us through Revelation Chapter Two, where Jesus speaks directly to the Church. Four churches—Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira—are addressed with honesty, love, correction, and promise. Jesus sees everything: faithfulness, suffering, compromise, and perseverance.The message is clear and timeless. Jesus calls believers to return to their first love, remain faithful under pressure, reject compromise, and walk in truth. Each letter ends with a promise to those who overcome, reminding us that obedience and endurance matter.Jaggy and Tedi are right here with us as we share this episode, reminding us that God's Word is meant to be passed along. Just as these messages were shared with the churches, we are encouraged to share this teaching with others—family, friends, and anyone who needs encouragement and truth.If this episode blesses you, please share it. God's Word still speaks, still corrects, and still restores hearts today.

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)YouTube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comRevelation 2 Jesus sends messages to the first four churches in Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira. To Ephesus, He praises their hard work and endurance but warns them that they have lost their first love and urges them to return to it. To Smyrna, He encourages them to stay faithful despite suffering and promises the crown of life. To Pergamum, He acknowledges their loyalty but rebukes their tolerance of false teachings and calls them to repentance. To Thyatira, He commends their love and service but condemns their acceptance of corrupt and immoral influences within the church. Each message includes spiritual and eternal promises to those who overcome. The Son of God reveals that He sees every action, knows every heart, and calls His people to holiness, truth, and perseverance through trials.  Jesus knows our actions, struggles, and hearts, as individuals and as local churches. He sees both our strengths and weaknesses. We are called to remain faithful during trials, to hold onto the truth, and to reject anything that pulls us away from Him. When our love grows cold or when we tolerate sin, Jesus does not stay silent. He corrects us because He desires what is pure and lasting within us. We are reminded that faithfulness matters, even in small things. Jesus walks among His people and speaks with authority. We must listen, repent where necessary, and press on with courage. If we overcome through Him, He promises us a place in His kingdom and eternal life. Let's follow Him together.  Gracious Lord, You have spoken through Your Son to the churches, calling us to faithfulness, love, and truth. You see our hearts, our deeds, and our struggles. When we grow cold in our love, stir us to return. When we face suffering, give us strength to endure. When false teaching surrounds us, help us hold firmly to the truth of Christ. Let His presence among us be our hope and our guide. Shape our lives to reflect His authority and holiness. May we listen to His words, repent where needed, and remain faithful until the end. Help us overcome through Him.  Thought Questions: What does it mean that the church in Ephesus left its first love? How can churches be strong in truth but also equally robust in love?  What are the promises Christ makes to those who overcome? Are they amazing enough to promote faithfulness until death in Jesus' name? Sadly, idolatry and immorality were threats to local churches in John's time. Why is it important to directly address them in our fellowship?

Welcome to Day 2746 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – Satan Was Not Allotted a Nation Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2746 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2746 of our Trek.   The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled Satan Was Not Allotted a Nation. The Bible presents Satan as the first rebel, deceiving humanity in Eden and setting himself in opposition to Yahweh's purposes from the very beginning. But when God disinherits the nations at Babel (Deuteronomy 32:8-9), there is no indication that Satan is assigned a nation. The divine council sons of God are given authority over the nations, and Yahweh retains Israel for Himself. Satan is nowhere in that picture. This is not surprising. Satan had already rebelled. He had already introduced sin into the world and brought death through deception. Why would he be entrusted with a nation? He would not be, and he was not. But he would not stay excluded. In this first segment, let's explore The Rebellion of the Gods Psalm 82 shows that the gods of the nations, the ones given legitimate rule over the peoples, eventually rebelled. They pervert justice, show partiality, and demand worship for themselves. They become corrupt stewards, and Yahweh condemns them to die like men. This second segment is: The Opportunist Behind the Curtain It is in this spiritual vacuum that Satan likely saw his opportunity. The pattern is familiar. Just as he deceived Eve, it is plausible that he seduced the other elohim as well. He may have promised them greatness, freedom from Yahweh, or worship for themselves. Perhaps he did not originate their rebellion, but he certainly seems to have benefited from it. Over time, as the gods of the nations fought among themselves through their human empires, Satan emerged as the one spirit behind them all.   The third segment is: The Rise of the King of the Gods We can see this in the way ancient religion developed. The gods of Egypt, Canaan, Babylon, Greece, and Rome were originally distinct, but as empires grew and conquered one another, their gods merged. Baal rose in Canaan. Marduk overtook the other gods of Babylon. Zeus became king of Olympus and was later identified with Jupiter in Rome. At each step, the god at the top took on more authority, often absorbing characteristics of the others. The altar of Zeus at Pergamum, described in Revelation 2:13 as the throne of Satan, confirms the trajectory. Zeus had become the highest god of the pagan world. His altar stood like a throne on a high place. Jesus identifies that location not just as idolatrous, but as Satan's seat. This implies that Satan, though never given a nation by God, had risen through the corruption of the divine order to become the ruler over the fallen gods. The fourth segment is: The Usurper's Claim This also explains why Satan could offer Jesus all the...