TEXT: Revelation 2:12-17
Jesus hated both the doctrine of Balaam and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans
Balaam's doctrine was tied to spiritual seduction; Nicolaitans tied to spiritual manipulation and domination - Both tied to spiritual witchcraft
Pergamos was committing spiritual adultery - The Christian is married to Christ and if they are being controlled or influence by any other thing be it good or bad it's spiritual adultery (Romans 7)
Law (Works) and grace don't mix even though those saved by grace WILL WORK for the Kin
One cannot be married to Christ and The Law at the same time!
Pergamos had become a church married to Christ but also seeking to be married to the state!
Christ reiterates his hatred for both doctrines but especially the Nicolaitans!
It is unscriptural government based upon false spiritual authority!
In Ephesus these were but deeds, in Pergamos they had become doctrine
Man-apointed bishops, which laid the foundation for the catholic church had the power of the state behind them teaching that those associated with their "state" guaranteed salvation
Apostate church systems seek to dominate and manipulate the laity
TRUE SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY comes from Ephesians 4:11 - Pastors, teachers, prophets, evangelists, and apostles
Pastors - Shepherds of local churches "'to the angels"
Evangelists - Soul winning preachers with Holy Ghost Fire (America was birthed with the spirit of Evangelism)
Teachers - Unlock the word of od doctrinally
Prophets - Illuminate THE WORD OF GOD doctrinally
Apostles - Overseers of the church usually operating in all five church builders and planters to turn the administration over to pastors Etc.
Purpose of the five-fold gifts and authority TO EDIFY AND BUILD UP the church - "NOT TOSSED TO AND FROM"
This evil doctrine of Pergamos was to use Pseudospiritual CONTROL over people
It came very close to destroying the church then and it's doing same today
Jesus hated it because:
Whoever embraced this doctrine would be hurt!
Whoever embraced this doctrine would be led astray into a false direction and possibly false path of false salvation
Jesus HATES ALL FALSE DOCTRINE!
If we believe wrong we're going to be wrong!
The working and operation of the Holy Spirit in the church is God's way of government
ALL MUST BE BASED UPON THE WORD OF GOD
BUILT UPON THE PROPHETS AND THE APOSTLES (Ephesians 2:20-21)
No Old Testament Apostles and No "Organization" OF New Testament prophets!
Jesus said REPENT
This church at Ephesus was commanded to repent!
"I will come unto you quickly" refers to judgement and by that "The sword of his mouth" THE WORD OF GOD
Man's problem as is the church's rebellion against God's order of victory - THE CROSS
God can only give victory through the finished work on the cross of Christ - BY HIS BELOVED SON - And through the power of the Holy Ghost
God will bear long with erring saints but at some point determined by him he will move quickly
God's anger is rooted in the fact he paid a HIGH PRICE for our spiritual freedom, authority and TRUTH in Christ through the blood
The "SWORD OF HIS MOUTH" - Christ is about to bear the word OF God on his church
The word has a two fold effect on all who hear it: A. Healing B. Judgement
It has TWO edges!
The lord love's his church and wants to see it return to the cross!
Judgement is never destructive for the child of God who repents! It's always redemptive if allowed to be; for the hardened heart there is no remedy for apostasy but judgement and destruction!
The problem with Pergamos was the ANGEL who had allowed these doctrines to flourish; the problem today are the PULPITS and leadership who have done the same
The seven churches were chosen by the Holy Spirit! And portray the entirety of the church age.
Ephesus
Smyrna
Pergamos
Thyatira
Sardis
Philadelphia
Laodicea
Ephesus - Apostolic church - Ended 100 AD
Smyrna - Martyr church - 100-300 AD - Rome hurled 10 bloody persecutions against the church
Pergamos - State church - 300 AD to 500 AD. Constatine great legalized Christianity making it state religion of Roman Empire - Invasion of paganism into church
Thyatira - Papal church AD 500 - Present. Rome assumed power over church - Pope
Sardis - AD 1500 - Luther - Justification of faith
Philadelphia - Missionary church - AD 1800 to AD 1900s
Laodicea - Present day apostate to rapture
Adam To Christ 4000. Church 2021 years
6021 years of human history
Comments