Never Compromising!

Our 3rd Lenten video looks at the church of Pergamum.  Pergamum was about 50 miles north of Smyrna, and more than any other city, was known for its idolatry and pagan ritualism. Everywhere you looked there were shrines to Greek gods and temples to human emperors. After all, it is no small thing that Jesus say—twice—that this is the place where “Satan dwells.” Needless to say, this is far from a 5-star review. To the church in Pergamum, the Lord commends their faithfulness in such a sinful place.  Even when a faithful member or leader of the church was murdered, they did not waver.  But they still needed some correction. "Repent therefore!" Citing an Old Testament text (Numbers 22-25), Jesus stresses the importance of not compromising. You cannot have your feet in the ways of the world and in the ways of Jesus. You cannot embrace sin and live for the Savior. The church cannot tolerate false teachings or those who promote them. We cannot compromise our beliefs or the timeless Biblical teachings.  If we do the people of the church will become confused and stumble. Satan will use these traps to pull people completely away from the church. God’s Word is what caries authority; this is why it is a double-edged sword. As Christians we always stand for the truth, even (and especially) when it is difficult.  As we do, the Lord promises to give us “hidden manna” and a “white stone” which is symbolic of our invitation to the great banquet of heaven and our Christ-won, eternal mansion in paradise. 

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