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Pergamum

Revelation 2:13-16 “I know that you live in the city where Satan has his throne, yet you have remained loyal to me. You refused to deny me even when Antipas, my faithful witness, was martyred among you there in Satan’s city.
“But I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel. He taught them to sin by eating food offered to idols and by committing sexual sin. In a similar way, you have some Nicolaitans among you who follow the same teaching. Repent of your sin, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth." (NLT)

     To the church in Pergamum, Jesus commends them for their faithfulness. Interesting that what He told the church in Smyrna they were doing wrong was just what those in Pergamum were doing right! They lived in an area that made it particularly difficult to stay devoted to Christ because of all the persecution, yet they did not give up. Even after a brother was martyred they still kept their faith. Their devotion to Jesus was incredible.

    But what was wrong with this church was that they had allowed wolves to come in among their flock. The pastor or pastoral team whom Jesus (through John) is addressing through this letter saw what was happening, but did nothing to prevent it. It is their job to shepherd over the body like Jesus does and they failed. Instead, they allowed a wolf in sheep's clothing to come into their community and lead the people astray.

Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. (HCSB)

Proverbs 27:23 Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds (ESV)

    If we see someone being led astray in our body, it is our job to take actions rather than to let it happen. Leadership teams should be notified whose duty it is to bring those things to the light. The body of Christ should be a safe environment where we can draw strength from one another, not be led back into darkness. Keep your eyes open for those who will try to come in and pull you and your  church family away from Jesus.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (ESV)

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