Revelation 2:12-17
To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 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.
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. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
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. - Revelation 2:12-17
Dear Lord Jesus,
You don't fool around. You watch us ever so closely. You see when we stand tall under pressure to act against our faith you see when we fall. The ancient church in Pergamum had some members who thought that grace meant they could live however they wanted. You won't stand for that. Grace teaches us to say "no" to ungodliness for the right reasons. Help our pastors teach your word fiercely and faithfully so they lead your sheep away from sin and into a life of purity and peace. Use your word to make their tongues sharp two edged swords that cut people to the heart who need to repent and who cut out guilt from those who have. Help your messengers say what you would say to the flock. And when you have gathered your sheep into your grace again, give us that white stone with the new name written on it, "Forgiven" and "Admit One" into heaven.
Amen
Pastor Don Patterson
True spirituality reveals itself in honest and humble faith that wrestles with sin until the finish line.
