MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN PERGAMOS (Revelation 2: 12-17). (part one)

Transcription

1 MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN PERGAMOS (Revelation 2: 12-17). (part one) We now make our way to the city of Pergamos, located 60 miles north of Smyrna. Jesus delivered a message to John for the city s local Christian church. I thought that, before beginning our study, a brief description of the city of Pergamos as it stands today, coupled with the one in John s day, could be of value. PERGAMOS TODAY As it stands today, Pergamos is but a village in Turkey where many old ruins may still be found. It is a tourist attraction. A museum containing various precious objects used by former civilizations was built on the premises. Once known as Pergamos, now known as Bergama, it used to be a considered as a beacon town in ancient times. Durant the 2 nd and 3 rd centuries before Christ, it was the capital city of a very powerful kingdom. Thanks to its royalty decreed monopoly on parchment fabrication ( pergamon in Greek) and tissues, and also thanks to its intercontinental commercial activity, the city became an important cosmopolitan and cultural center. Adorned with gigantic monuments, it gave urbanism a new start, competing with the two other important Hellenic centres, Alexandria and Antioch. The first archaeological excavations in Bergama were conducted in 1878 by German engineer Carl Human, and these are still going on. They have brought to light, restoring in the process, the city s main antiquity monuments, such as: temples dedicated to Athena Polias, Heras, Demeter, Asclepieion, a theatre whose capacity was people. The acropolis primary and most important monument, be it for artistic or mythological purposes, remains the altar dedicated to Zeus. The city s museum, home to most of the objects found during these excavations, also features a model of this altar. It also had a theatre whose wooden stage was put up only on days when various representations were offered to the public, only to be dismantled after its conclusion. The temple of Athena, built in the 4 th century B.C.

2 and the famous Pergamos library, second in size in the Greek world, with its volumes, were also excavated. As far as the incredible temple dedicated to the Egyptian gods (Seraphis, Isis and Osiris) is concerned, it is presently known as the red court because to its red brick masonry, once hidden by columns and a marble coating. The acropolis was home to one of the biggest gymnasiums of ancient times. Two other theatres are still under ground, waiting excavation, by the major portion of the remnants are currently under the present habitations. A description of Pergame in the day of John It was the Asia s Roman province capital city. A very prosperous and rich city. Pagan temples were bountiful with impressive dimensions. The acropolis was situated on a mountain, thus making it visible from long range in the valley, and offering a spectacle of splendour and opulence. Schools of architecture and sculpture were located there. Temples, along with its columns, stairs and rooftops were adorned with marble. The city was renowned for its harmony and aesthetically pleasing. Most houses had a central court bordered with columns and surrounded by different rooms. A royal castle, an arsenal, the temple of Trajan whose ruins are still visible today; the sanctuary of Athena, daughter of Zeus, goddess of the mind and of cautiousness, whose sole ruins are the foundations; three theatres and Zeus altar of which no ruins remain. It had a population of approximately people. A temple in honour of Augustus Caesar had been erected in which sacrifices t the emperor were offered on a daily basis. Among the numerous gods, there was one for medicine, named Aesculapius, honoured via the sign of a serpent. They had made a replica of Moses brass serpent (Numbers 21: 9). The god Zeus grand altar had a base covering over 100 square feet, located 800 feet above the plain, which perfectly fits the name the THRONE OF SATAN which Jesus mentions in the letter to the church of Pergamos. For the Greeks, Zeus was the god of heaven, the protectorate father, the master of all gods. The Romans called him JUPITER. Acts 14:12 mentions the fact that Barnabas was called Jupiter and Paul Mercury. Trapped in the middle of this fanatical worship cult to the emperor was a small community of Christians to whom Jesus message was addressed. It is that message that we will study. Asia Minor s seven churches did really exist in John s era. What amazes me is that they were so different even though they were relatively close to each other. However, we have to remember that while they do represent typical eras of centuries past, they possess similar characteristics of modern-day churches till Jesus return. It therefore is not astonishing that even in this province, in this day and age, one particular city can host different Christian evangelical churches who differ from each other, even though they may belong to the same denomination. Every believer should make it his duty to verify objectivity and see to which of the seven churches he belongs as an individual and within a group. Revelation 2: 12-13: And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write: These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name,

3 and hast not denied my faith, even in those days where Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. He who holds the sword with two edges is the risen Christ. Hebrews 4: 12 states: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Someone may say: Why did He permit these martyrs who had faith in him die? They were his witnesses before an ungodly world who simply refused to believe. Nobody would voluntarily give his life for a legend, but the sacrifice shed at Calvary is not a mere story nor a legend but an accomplished fact. A living Christ dwelling in us is vital for the fact. Every disciple save John died a martyr s death, which is an irrefutable proof. Not only did a few hundred die a martyr s death but thousands up to our day died for their FAITH in JESUS! THE THRONE OF SATAN IS ALSO REALITY Jesus told the believers in Pergamos that Satan had installed his throne within the confines of their city and that the death of Antipas, a faithful witness, is proof of that. The messages addressed to each of the seven churches is the THERMOMETER reflecting each church s spiritual well-being. It is a description of 1) The era of the early church in John s day; 2) An overview of churches throughout the centuries up to our times; 3) The description of present-day churches for our era 4) These same messages allow each local church and each believer to recognize where he stands as it pertains to the present. The church in Pergamos is mentioned solely in the book of Revelation, as is Antipas, who died a martyr. This particular church dwelt in a idolatrous, pervert and wicked environment, yet it kept the FAITH. Satan s throne was established there. In other words, Satan had his headquarters stationed there. Here is a brief summary of the physical throne of Satan The physical aspect of the throne does not have the importance men have given it. The one seated on the throne is our enemy! Here therefore is the description of the throne which is nonetheless significant. Pergamos was, two centuries B.C., the center stage of the god Zeus altar. Then, dedicated to the emperor s cult in Roman times, daily sacrifices to the emperor were offered. This altar buried for centuries was unearthed practically intact by a German archaeologist by the name of Karl Humann. It was dismantled while being carried in a Berlin museum where it as reconstituted. This altar measured 120 meters long. Berlin later became the satanic center during the days of Adolph Hitler, a representation of the coming Anti-Christ.

4 Photo of a replica of the altar of Pergamos in Nuremberg that Hitler had had set up. It is from this very place that he declared war on the Jewish people and to everyone not of Aryan blood. In 1924, an identical copy made specifically from the model of the throne of Satan is erected on the red square in Lenin s mausoleum. Where is Satan s throne nowadays? This question I have difficulty answering. Soon after Jesus had been baptized by John the Baptist, he was led into the wilderness and tempted by Satan. In Luke 4: 5-7, we read: And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him. All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them; for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. Thus, Satan has the capacity to establish his throne wherever he desires on this planet. Ephesians 6: 12 states: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. So, where then is Satan s throne? Not the one transported in Berlin and later in Russia but the one where he presently reigns, while waiting to reign in the temple in Jerusalem. Could it be in North Korea, or perhaps in South-east Asia? Are tsunamis of his making? Could it be in China or North Africa? Why not in Haiti or in Iraq? Why not? That is why it is imperative that we take unto you this whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day (Eph. 6: 13). Presently Satan is breaking out from all sides to annihilate the faith of as many people as possible. Wolves infiltrate themselves in the sheepfold. Those eager to know the truth are seduced and led astray by various movements such as: the New Age, Jehovah s Witnesses, Latter-Day Saints (Mormons), Islam, etc. Satanicinspired books such as the well-known Da Vinci Code by author Dan Brown become best-sellers. Six million copies sold in the United States alone and translated in thirty countries worldwide. This book is awaiting a screen version. It is full of half-truths, of false gospel. A place of pre-eminence is given to Leonardo da Vinci, an homosexual who, according to Dan Brown, painted the Last Supper scene, the character seated the closest to Jesus being depicted as a woman, namely Mary Magdalene who would be Christ s spouse. The Bible would stand to be an uninspired Book. Evidently, all this is nothing more than a mix-up of mysterious secrets and secret organizations such as: Freemasonry, the Rose Crosses, the grand Graal spiritualism, etc. It is a book inspired by the devil himself. Not having received the love for the truth to read the Bible, God sent them a wayward spirit in order for them to read lies and believe errors. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father s good pleasure to give you the kingdom, Jesus tells us in Luke 12: 32. The kingdom was revealed to us by the Holy Spirit when the Holy wind gusted through and we became born again. Were it not for this authentic experience we would be walking in confusion, uncertainty and would become easy targets for the prince of darkness. Matthew 24: 24: For there shall arise false christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

5 Several weeks ago I held a painting on canvas exposition of my recent works at Brossard s Cultural Center, one of which drew more attention and curiosity than the others. Visitors asked me such questions as: What is this painting? This painting intrigues me. What is the signification of your painting? Why is there a small ray of light in the sky? The painting s title was: John 4: 35. I was asked by an observer if the title reflected the fact that it was done at 4:35 exactly? I had the opportunity of explaining its meaning to many, telling them that presently, darkness covers the Earth and that the harvest is abundant; that the small cross is indeed the Light of the word and that Jesus is soon returning. Many people are unsure and thirst after the truth; how then can we keep silent? WE NEED TO BE WITNESSES! OPEN THY MOUTH AND I WILL FILL IT, SAYS THE WORD. Here is the photo of the painting described above. PERGAMOS What amazes me the most as far as the message to the seven churches is concerned is that, during this primitive church s specified time span, there was such a vast SPIRITUAL difference among each one of them. Does that not resemble the divers religious denominations found in our modern era? Even in one given denomination, there is a vast SPIRITUAL difference among the churches that comprises it. Why is that? Simply because the pastor and the members who form a certain segment of that particular denomination are responsible for creating these differences. No reproach is addressed to the church in Pergamos. Jesus begins by telling it that He is aware of the hostilities that flourish where it is established, in the middle of the throne of Satan. 1) THOU HOLDETH FAST MY NAME 2) THOU HAST NOT DENIED MY FAITH (v. 13) In the midst of severe persecution, even when Antipas, a member of that church was slain, this church held steadfast to its faith. Few churches in our day would emerge victorious under similar circumstances. However, Jesus demands more than that. He requires total dedication, a wholly separation from the world, sanctification. 1 Thessalonians 4: 3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should ABSTAIN from fornication. Luke 16: 13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve GOD and mammon. After the Israelites exit from Egypt, the people came unto the country of Moab whose king was Balak. He called for Balaam, a renowned prophet, to hear him condemn the nation he despised, but the prophet, even after three attempts, found himself unable to do so, because the Spirit of the Lord prevented him from it. (See the book of Numbers, chapters 22-25). As far as I am concerned, a revelation by Jesus in this message to Pergamos teaches me that Balaam had been cunning in his dealings with Balak, teaching him to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel in order to conquer them. I

6 did not see in the book of Numbers where Balaam used this same wile in counselling the women of Moab to seduce God s people. In the Pergamos church, certain members accepted this doctrine of Balaam which consisted of mixing with the pagans and their traditions. In our modern society, Jesus pinpoints this same reproach to our churches: SEPARATE YE FROM THIS PERVERT GENERATION! Balaam s doctrine is a wile of Satan himself, the temptation to search in the world whatever brings excitement or pleasure to the flesh, in contrast to the peace, joy and true happiness of walking in the Spirit brings. The question at hand is not to discover just how far a Christian can go before it is considered that he is mixing with the things of the world, but up to what point is the Holy Spirit guiding us? Jesus teaches us when He says, in John 16: 13 When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will GUIDE you into all truth. Every day, the voice of the Holy Spirit can be heard in our hearts. He wants to lead us on the path to eternal life. One verse in particular, which had not grabbed my attention in the past, is the one where the angel of the Lord tells Balaam: I have come to resist thee, for a road leading to PERDITION lies before me. Such is God s love towards us, the answer to our prayer: Lead us not into TEMPTATION. He desires to lead us away from the road that leads to perdition. Glory be to God! THE DOCTRINE OF THE NICOLAITANES Another reproach is addressed to the church at Pergamos. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate (Rev. 2: 15). What is the substance of this doctrine condemned by Jesus? It is the pride of carnal man who desires to be BIG, MIGHTY, TO DOMINATE, CONTROL, LEAD, GUIDE, make his fellow man SUBMIT, to give himself a position, a rank, honours which do not become him, but are attributes of God and of the Holy Spirit. Luke 9: 46, we read: Then there arose a REASONING among them, WHICH of them should be the GREATEST. Verse 47-48: And Jesus, PERCEIVING the THOUGHT of their HEART, took a child and set him by him, and said unto them: Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me, for he that is least among you all, the same shall be GREAT. As we can discover, the hierarchical system established in the church is nothing new but goes back a long way. The doctrine of the Nicolaitanes is the FLESH substituting itself for the Spirit. Among the most obvious manifestations are the various ceremonies and POMPOUS clothing to impress and influence men. While teaching in the temple, Jesus told his listeners: Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and he uppermost rooms at feasts (Mark 12: 38-39). In His message to Pergamos, Jesus adds: Repent, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. (Revelation 2: 16). (The sword is God s Word, which reminds us that heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away Mark 13:31).

7 We cannot help but notice that a great number of church leaders in our era, far from coming to repentance, continue to fool the world by practicing both the Balaam and the Nicolaitanes doctrines. HE THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES. (Spiritual ears are implied here, if we are sensitive to the voice of the Spirit). The message addressed to the church in Pergamos ends with a promise from Christ Himself. TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH, will I give to eat of THE HIDDEN MANNA, and will give him a WHITE STONE, and in the stone a NEW NAME written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. (Revelation 2: 17). Our present name is synonymous of sin, misery, downfall, the flesh with all its faults, warts and evil. In Christ Jesus, we are a new creature and in that day, a new name will be issued us. Glory be to God! Evangelist Marcel Favreau Translated from French to English by Pierre Favreau Traductions Plus pfav355@yahoo.ca