Revelation 2:12-17
The excitement rises! You have tickets to the big game and you are going with friends or family. Your ticket guarantees you access to the big event. Over the years I have had the chance to go to only a few big sporting games. There was even one time when we were rewarded with tickets. My possession of the ticket allowed me into the door so I could enjoy the event. Today not much has changed. We may not use physical tickets, but we may be sent tickets through our phone so we can use them electronically. In Revelation 2 the church of Pergamum was challenged for tolerating the compromise of Biblical teaching. There were some in their church who held to false teaching and even joined in idolatrous practices (14-15). The church as a whole was commanded to repent from their compromise (16). If not, Jesus Christ promised to treat them as enemies by bringing judgment on them with the words of His mouth. Repentance clearly shows a willingness to be faithful to Christ alone. Even today, in a court of law, if the guilty party truly displays repentance the judge will often show leniency in some way. At the time Revelation was written a judge would show acquittal by giving a white stone as a ticket for freedom. Jesus offers Pergamum forgiveness of sin if they repent and turn from the compromise of sin (17). Like Pergamum, it is easy for us to compromise in our faith and turn away. Christ calls us to a life that depends in faith on Him. We compromise when we seek other spiritual beliefs and practices beside faith in Christ. A faith filled life consistently lived without compromise for Christ means that others will continually be reminded of Jesus through their connection with us. Uncompromising faith will be rewarded by God.
For more see REVELATION
The excitement rises! You have tickets to the big game and you are going with friends or family. Your ticket guarantees you access to the big event. Over the years I have had the chance to go to only a few big sporting games. There was even one time when we were rewarded with tickets. My possession of the ticket allowed me into the door so I could enjoy the event. Today not much has changed. We may not use physical tickets, but we may be sent tickets through our phone so we can use them electronically. In Revelation 2 the church of Pergamum was challenged for tolerating the compromise of Biblical teaching. There were some in their church who held to false teaching and even joined in idolatrous practices (14-15). The church as a whole was commanded to repent from their compromise (16). If not, Jesus Christ promised to treat them as enemies by bringing judgment on them with the words of His mouth. Repentance clearly shows a willingness to be faithful to Christ alone. Even today, in a court of law, if the guilty party truly displays repentance the judge will often show leniency in some way. At the time Revelation was written a judge would show acquittal by giving a white stone as a ticket for freedom. Jesus offers Pergamum forgiveness of sin if they repent and turn from the compromise of sin (17). Like Pergamum, it is easy for us to compromise in our faith and turn away. Christ calls us to a life that depends in faith on Him. We compromise when we seek other spiritual beliefs and practices beside faith in Christ. A faith filled life consistently lived without compromise for Christ means that others will continually be reminded of Jesus through their connection with us. Uncompromising faith will be rewarded by God.
For more see REVELATION
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