“So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.”
“But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.”
What is the doctrine of Balaam, and how does this apply today?
“I know where you dwell, even where Satan’s seat is.” Where is Satan’s seat, and what does it mean to dwell there? This is a reading and discussion of the online book, These Things Saith He. We are in the chapter that deals with the letter to the church of Pergamos.
“The word of God is quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword.”
The Word of God tests and reveals all things, and it is better to face that now so that we might find grace and mercy rather than face the judgement. When Jesus returns, His word is as a sharp sword and as a consuming fire. We should be careful in how we handle the Word of God because the Word judges all things. This we will keep in mind going forward as we consider the letter to the church in Pergamos.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”
“These Things Saith He that hath the sharp sword with two edges.” The sharp sword is described as the word of God in Hebrews 4:12.
Jesus is the Word of God. What does that mean, and why does it matter? What might this have to do with the letter written to the church of Pergamos?
*I noticed that the link to the download was wrong. I will update all necessary posts to include the correct link.*
“It is given to us on behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but to suffer for His sake.” This discussion considers several scriptures that support the lessons gained from the letter to the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2). Next, Pergamos.
“In the world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.” How can we apply the lessons learned within the letter to the church of Smyrna to our daily Christian life? This is a continuation of the reading and discussion of the online book, These Things Saith He.
How should ministers of Jesus apply the lessons gained from the letter to the church of Smyrna? This is a continuation of a reading and discussion of These Things Saith He, an online book that considers the letters to the churches of Revelation for the purpose of building up followers of Jesus Christ.
“He that overcomes will not be hurt of the second death.” What is the second death, and how does the church of Smyrna overcome? This is a continued discussion of the letter to the church in Smyrna as discussed in the online book, These Things Saith He.
“I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich), and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews and are not, but are the Synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which you will suffer. The Devil shall cast some of you into prison that you may be tried 10 days. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life.”
This discussion considers the bulk of the letter to the church of Smyrna, one of the two churches that were not rebuked by the Spirit of God.