Podcasts about pergamum

Last time we completed John's 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/1368/29?v=20251111

From our series titled Revelation: Loyalty to the Lamb in the Land of Idols. In this series, we will look at the first five chapters of Revelation and learn what whole-hearted allegiance to the way of the Lamb looks like. Guest preacher: Mike Quint. Scripture reading: Revelation 2:12-17Additional readings: Numbers 22Exodus 16John 6:48-58Isaiah 62Recommended book: The Lost Letters of Pergamum by Bruce W. LongneckerLearn more about Redeemer Church at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠redeemerclt.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Rev. 2:12-17 The church at Pergamum is a portrait of when comprise enters the church. The areas of morality and theology were weaknesses where the state and culture that influenced the church to compromise their beliefs. 

Today, we're going to study the third of the seven churches of Asia Minor—the church at Pergamum. We'll find that Jesus commended the congregation for remaining faithful despite existing in a heavily pagan, hostile environment. But He sharply rebuked them for tolerating false teachings and moral compromise within their ranks. Then Jesus demanded that the church take immediate action. Stay with us and find out more. Thanks for listening. God bless you! To find out more about our church please go to www.whccnb.org.

Laodicea, an important city of the Roman Empire, had a serious issue with drinkable water. Hot Springs filled with impurities were a main source of water for the city. Archaeological excavations have revealed an attempt to bring water from an outside source in through stone pipes containing limestone deposits which would have contaminated the water for drinking. Just as lukewarm water is useless, the church in Laodicea is useless to Jesus. Dependency is a sign of maturity for a Christian. The danger of wealth is that it has the potential to create independent people. They may feel competent and successful but they are in actuality poor, and pitiful. Jesus strong words are a love gift to wake them up and reset their lives onto a new trajectory. They need only to repent, turn away from self-sufficiency and turn back to Jesus!------------------------By now we can see each church named is located in a real place with real temptations, hardships, and opposition. This is how it is for all Christians in all centuries – for we do have a very real enemy and this world is not our home. Additionally we have also seen how Jesus uses illustrations from the reader's own environment to communicate deep spiritual truths for greater understanding among its hearers. He did this all throughout the gospels as well!  In Summary:• **Ephesus – drifting church:** right doctrine but did not have love• **Smyrna – suffering church:** going through persecution—encouraged to stay faithful• **Pergamum – compromising church:** held to the truth—exhorted to not compromise• **Thyatira – tolerant church:** tolerance led to unfaithfulness• **Sardis – defeated church:** apathy and material wealth lead to defeat• **Philadelphia—suffering church:** going through persecution—Jesus reminds them of His love.• **Laodicea—lukewarm church:** apathy and material wealth lead to uselessnessThe pattern laid out in these letters is: *who Jesus is, who the church is, exhortations and promises.*Let us take to heart the condition of each church, examining our own walk and the culture of our own church against each possible state. Let us receive both Jesus' words of encouragement in suffering and His warnings in apathy. Above all else let us wake up to and rejoice in our “great need for a Saviour and a great Saviour for our need!” (Spurgeon)Prepare for this week's teaching by reading Revelation 3:14-22

Laodicea, an important city of the Roman Empire, had a serious issue with drinkable water. Hot Springs filled with impurities were a main source of water for the city. Archaeological excavations have revealed an attempt to bring water from an outside source in through stone pipes containing limestone deposits which would have contaminated the water for drinking. Just as lukewarm water is useless, the church in Laodicea is useless to Jesus. Dependency is a sign of maturity for a Christian. The danger of wealth is that it has the potential to create independent people. They may feel competent and successful but they are in actuality poor, and pitiful. Jesus strong words are a love gift to wake them up and reset their lives onto a new trajectory. They need only to repent, turn away from self-sufficiency and turn back to Jesus!------------------------By now we can see each church named is located in a real place with real temptations, hardships, and opposition. This is how it is for all Christians in all centuries – for we do have a very real enemy and this world is not our home. Additionally we have also seen how Jesus uses illustrations from the reader's own environment to communicate deep spiritual truths for greater understanding among its hearers. He did this all throughout the gospels as well!  In Summary:• **Ephesus – drifting church:** right doctrine but did not have love• **Smyrna – suffering church:** going through persecution—encouraged to stay faithful• **Pergamum – compromising church:** held to the truth—exhorted to not compromise• **Thyatira – tolerant church:** tolerance led to unfaithfulness• **Sardis – defeated church:** apathy and material wealth lead to defeat• **Philadelphia—suffering church:** going through persecution—Jesus reminds them of His love.• **Laodicea—lukewarm church:** apathy and material wealth lead to uselessnessThe pattern laid out in these letters is: *who Jesus is, who the church is, exhortations and promises.*Let us take to heart the condition of each church, examining our own walk and the culture of our own church against each possible state. Let us receive both Jesus' words of encouragement in suffering and His warnings in apathy. Above all else let us wake up to and rejoice in our “great need for a Saviour and a great Saviour for our need!” (Spurgeon)Prepare for this week's teaching by reading Revelation 3:14-22

The sermon, drawn from Revelation 2:12–17, presents a powerful call to faithfulness amid both external persecution and internal spiritual compromise, focusing on the church in Pergamum as a case study in enduring temptation. Though the believers are commended for steadfastness under Roman persecution—refusing to deny Christ even in the face of martyrdom—they are rebuked for tolerating false teachings that lead to spiritual adultery through participation in pagan idolatry and sexual immorality, echoing the sins of Balaam and the Nicolaitans. The central message underscores that true discipleship demands total allegiance to Christ, rejecting any form of syncretism that compromises worship, even when disguised as cultural accommodation. Jesus, portrayed as the victorious, all-powerful Lord wielding the sharp two-edged sword, warns of imminent judgment on those who tolerate such compromise, yet offers a profound promise of victory to the overcomer: hidden manna and a white stone with a new name, symbolizing intimate fellowship, purity, and divine recognition. The sermon concludes with a pastoral exhortation to vigilance, urging believers to awaken from spiritual complacency, reject worldly seductions, and live with renewed devotion to Christ, whose sacrifice has made them a royal priesthood, called to holiness and eternal life.

What if Jesus wrote our church a letter? Revelation 2 records the first four messages from Jesus to seven churches in the Roman province of Asia. Jesus provided encouragement, especially regarding persecution, but also warned against the dangers of complacency and compromise. Read more...

Jesus is the First and the Last—the One who was there at the beginning, and the One who holds the final word. What feels unfinished, broken, or uncertain in our lives is not beyond His reach. In Him, every chapter finds its meaning, and every ending is held in hope. This Sunday, we're leaning into the truth that Jesus completes the story. Not with fear, but with victory. Not with despair, but with redemption. Come and be reminded: what stands against us will not outlast the One who stands for us. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================ This Week's Scripture: // Revelation 1:9-20 (NIV) // John's vision of Christ 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. On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 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.' I turned round to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash round his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 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. 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. 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. ‘Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. 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 of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Revelation 2:12-17

Speaker: Pastor Justin Greene Series: Seven Churches Scripture: Revelation 2:12-17 Date: May 17, 2026

Revelation 1:9–20 9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Jesus had “a few things” against the church in Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17). They were true to His name and faith. They were not holding to error, nor actively participating in immorality. However, they were tolerating those who held doctrines contrary to Christ. They were called to repent.

Pergamum sits north of Smyrna and about 16 miles inland from the Aegean Sea. Their massive library rivaled the library in Alexandria housing thousands of works. It was in Pergamum where the use of more expensive and longer lasting parchment was developed (1). In addition to three temples dedicated to the emperor, Pergamum also had a temple for Asclepius, god of healing; Dionysius, god of “wine and ecstasy";(2) Athena, goddess of wisdom and warfare, along with the great alter to Zeus(3) (considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world)The Christians here stood strong in their faith in and worship of Christ, but struggled with tolerance and compromise over wrong teachings about Him. Living in such a hostile environment towards the things of Christ would have been difficult. The belief systems and practices surrounding them were idolatrous and immoral and to hold fast not just to declaring Christ as Lord but also discerning practically how that applies to daily life would require courage and fortitude. Allowing idolatrous and immoral teaching and practice to creep into their church hindered their ability to fully honor Jesus and maintain faithfulness to His word. The church needed to take these things seriously and stop. -------To keep the gospel in the forefront as we read these letters, we invite you to memorize Revelation 12:11:They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.-------Prepare for this week's teaching by reading **Revelation 2:12-17**

Speaker: Josh Pavel Letter to Pergamum Josh Pavel

Send us a message! (or visit outloudbible.com/contact to start a conversation)We slow down in Revelation 2 and 3 and let the letters from Jesus read us instead of us just reading them. We ask what repentance looks like when the problem isn't loud rebellion but quiet comfort, subtle compromise, and spiritual autopilot. • why the seven letters are for us today, not just ancient churches • the common structure of each letter: who Jesus is, what he praises, what he confronts, what he promises • Ephesus and leaving your first love, the “sweatpants Christian” warning, doing the deeds you did at first • Smyrna and the uncomfortable question of whether we fear suffering • Pergamum and the danger of “almost true” teaching, testing every message against Scripture • Thyatira and why tolerance is not the same as love, refusing to normalize sin • Laodicea, lukewarm usefulness, and the threat of self-sufficiency • Jesus knocking at the door, responding with openness, conviction, and repentance  At outloudbible.com, you can find free resources to help you study the Bible. And while you're there, send us a message to say hi, or start a conversation about having us at your church or event. If Outloud Bible has been a valuable part of your understanding of the Bible, please consider supporting the ministry by visiting outloudbible.com.Support the showCheck out outloudbible.com for helpful study resources, and to discover how to bring the public reading of God's word to your church, conference, retreat, or other event.

Send us a message! (or visit outloudbible.com/contact to start a conversation)Contact me and let me know: (1) how has OBP helped you in your relationship with God?(2) what you'd like to see in the next season of the podcast(3) questions about the Bible We start the Book of Revelation and set our hearts on its main purpose: revealing Jesus Christ as the risen King who will win the final victory over sin and death. We read Revelation 1 to 3 aloud and let Jesus' letters to the seven churches search our lives with both warning and hope. • inviting listener feedback as we near the end of the first Bible read through • how the podcast has helped your relationship with God and sharing testimonies • what to expect in Revelation as prophecy and as a revelation of Jesus • John's exile on Patmos and why Revelation is written • the blessing of reading prophecy aloud and hearing and obeying it • Jesus walking among the lampstands and knowing His churches • the repeating pattern in the seven letters: praise, correction, call to repent, promise to conquer • personal reflection prompts from Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea  At outloudbible.com, you can find free resources to help you study the Bible. And while you're there, send us a message to say hi, or start a conversation about having us at your church or event. If Outloud Bible has been a valuable part of your understanding of the Bible, please consider supporting the ministry by visiting outloudbible.com.Support the showCheck out outloudbible.com for helpful study resources, and to discover how to bring the public reading of God's word to your church, conference, retreat, or other event.

Join us for this week's sermon!Whether you're seeking hope, direction, or a deeper connection with God, this message is for you. Each week, we open God's Word together to find truth, encouragement, and strength for the journey.

Do you think it's hard to be a good person? There are many factors, many influences, on each individual: family of origin, biology, social context, peer pressure, cultural issues, nature and nurture. But of course, what is missing from that list is the individual, the person, their heart, their soul. At the end of the day, we each make our own choices. But that doesn't make context irrelevant. Jesus begins his letter to the church in Pergamum in Revelation 2:12–17, “I know where you dwell.” Context is not irrelevant. The “where” matters. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on this passage, looking at the place of compromise, the faithful witness, and the blessings of God's house. Part of a series on the book of Revelation. From Sunday Worship, April 12, 2026. ------------------------------- Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions: We are unlikely to eat the food of literal idols. However, in what areas of life do you feel pressure to compromise your values to get ahead or ensure financial security? What is going on in your heart that tempts you to compromise in this way? Jesus tells the church that he knows exactly where they dwell. How does it change your perspective to know that Jesus deeply understands the specific pressures of the environment you live in every day? In what ways does remembering Jesus as the Faithful Witness who faced the sword for us empower you to stand firm when you feel the reality of dwelling where Satan's throne is? How does the promise of hidden manna and a white stone with a new name offer a better kind of security and identity than the things we are tempted to chase in our careers or social circles? ------------------------------- allsoulspca.org All Souls (Urbana, IL) is a part of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), a Christian, Reformed denomination with historic and theological roots in the Protestant Reformation.

**Through the Resurrection all who trust in Jesus can live Victoriously.** Seven churches in Asia minor were each given a letter with encouragements, corrections and promises to those who overcome. How do we overcome and live victoriously? It is by faith alone, through grace alone. Jesus' victory is ours through faith in His work on our behalf. All Praise, Honor, and Glory to Jesus, the Living One who was dead and is alive for ever and ever!!**A Note on the book of Revelation:**Revelation is a letter of prophecy written to seven churches in Asia minor. There are differing perspectives among Biblical scholars as to how Revelation is to be read and understood. This is true of not yet fulfilled prophecy in all of scripture, both Old and New Testament alike. We need not be afraid of reading this portion of scripture because of all the controversy. As with every text of God's word – Jesus is both the One revealed and the One who is doing the revealing. Jesus makes Himself known to us and as long as we keep our eyes focused on magnifying Jesus and resting in His consistent character we can allow room for mystery and our own limitations without losing heart or getting off track.Our sermon series will focus on each individual church's letter found in chapters 1-3. These first-century churches in the Roman province of Asia (currently western Turkey) are mentioned; Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. We'll begin with the Apostle John exiled on the island of Patmos where he sees Jesus in all His glory. John does his best to record what he has seen and heard within the limitations of human language. (Chapter 1)To help us maintain our focus over the next eight weeks, we invite you to memorize Revelation 12:11: “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”To help you begin, take time to write the memory verse on notecards and place in an ideal location for your daily review.Additionally, as you prepare for this week's teaching, read Revelation 1:1-20 and your study Bible's introduction (if applicable, or Click here for the ESV Global Study Bible's Introduction to Revelation)

The message centers on Jesus' warning to the church in Pergamum that spiritual compromise can quietly settle in even where faith is professed, as believers learn to coexist with darkness while thinking they still walk in light (Revelation 2:12–13); living “where Satan's throne is” meant constant pressure to blend truth with pagan culture, emperor worship, and false sources of healing, yet Christ reveals Himself as the One who wields the sharp, two-edged sword—His Word—which alone exposes reality, cuts through deception, and discerns true motives (Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 1:16; Revelation 19:15); the warning echoes Jesus' own words to beware that the light we think we have is not actually darkness (Luke 11:35), calling believers to examine whether their lives truly align with Scripture or have subtly adapted to the world, because only the Word of God can rightly judge where we dwell, whom we are faithful to, and whether we remain loyal to Christ as His bride in the midst of a hostile and seductive culture.

The last book of the Bible opens with a vision. It's not a vision of judgment meant for explaining at a prophecy conference. It's a vision of the Sovereign Savior meant for sustaining churches, ordinary local churches like Ephesus, Thyatira, Pergamum, Laodicea, and even Heritage Bible Church. After an opening greeting of grace, a colossal vision of a cosmic Christ comes at us in Revelation 1. And that is no accident. More than anything else, we must see Jesus. In Revelation 1:8–20, God provides a surprising vision to sustain us in our work and witness. Here is a vision of Christ to sustain the work for Christ. Listen to this sermon by Brad Baugham, lead pastor at Emmanuel Bible Church in Mauldin.

Rector's Forum from 3/1/2026 at Church of Our Saviour in Jacksonville, FL.

_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)

Revelation 2:12-17 - Speaker: Will Galkin - In Revelation 2:12–17, Jesus speaks to a church living in a city where loyalties competed at every level. Pergamum was impressive, intellectual, and religious, but it was also filled with counterfeit saviors and daily pressure to bow to Caesar. Jesus begins by reminding His people that He knows exactly where they live and what it costs to remain faithful. He commends them for holding fast to His name, even when Antipas was killed for refusing to deny Christ. Yet He also confronts them for tolerating compromise within their own fellowship, allowing teaching that led to idolatry and sexual immorality. The danger was not open rejection of Jesus, but quiet accommodation that slowly reshaped allegiance. The One who holds the sharp two-edged sword will not ignore divided loyalty in His church. Still, His final word is not judgment but promise. To those who conquer, He offers hidden manna, a white stone, and a new name. These images speak of provision, access, and lasting identity. Jesus calls us to be fully His and find our true satisfaction and security in Him alone.

Revelation 2:12-17 - Speaker: Joe Skinner - In Revelation 2:12–17, Jesus speaks to a church living in a city where loyalties competed at every level. Pergamum was impressive, intellectual, and religious, but it was also filled with counterfeit saviors and daily pressure to bow to Caesar. Jesus begins by reminding His people that He knows exactly where they live and what it costs to remain faithful. He commends them for holding fast to His name, even when Antipas was killed for refusing to deny Christ. Yet He also confronts them for tolerating compromise within their own fellowship, allowing teaching that led to idolatry and sexual immorality. The danger was not open rejection of Jesus, but quiet accommodation that slowly reshaped allegiance. The One who holds the sharp two-edged sword will not ignore divided loyalty in His church. Still, His final word is not judgment but promise. To those who conquer, He offers hidden manna, a white stone, and a new name. These images speak of provision, access, and lasting identity. Jesus calls us to be fully His and find our true satisfaction and security in Him alone.

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.

Pastor Sergio continues this series talking to us all about lessons learned from the Church of Pergamum. This is the message from the Jesus with the sharp, two-edged sword. Sometimes we don't need validation, we need correction. Jesus has to give us correction because of consequences, but He doesn't correct to punish, he corrects in love! We can't fall into the teachings of Balaam that is about compromise, idolatry and immorality. A distorted idea of grace excuses sin. If God isn't Lord our of ALL, He isn't our Lord at all! Our blessings can go to somebody else if we don't accept correction and obedience. We cannot fall into deception and temptation and think we're still being obedient to the God! God doesn't ask us to do something that we cannot do without His help. We have to make sure God's standard is our standard!

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.

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. 

 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

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

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

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.

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...