In this series on OVERCOMING we will be doing a few episodes looking at Jesus' final words to his church.  His desire is for the church to overcome or to conquer.  Now some may think it doesn't really matter in the end, however, Jesus has some stern warnings to some of these churches if they do not overcome or fix the current problem that he sees.  The consequences of not fixing the problem and overcoming are eternal consequences as we will find out as we at each church.

For the church of Pergamum, they were commended because a faithful witness Antipas had been faithful until death.  This is consistent and what is required as taught by Christ as we read in the gospels as well as the message to Smyrna.  But there were problems, some who held to the teaching of Nicolaitans and of Balaam.  A teaching which does not speak against or expose sin because of ignorance (Nicolaitans), those who think sin is a normal part of their life and that God cannot cleanse them and remove it from them so they can walk in righteousness; or because of a conflict of interest (Balaam) which manifests itself in today's church of those who are afraid to offend the congregation by speaking against or pointing out sin for fear of reduced numbers or tithes (money).  Jesus is clear this is not acceptable as he warns if there is no repentance he will make war with the sword of his mouth against those few who do not repent.

If you have any questions or would like to set up a conversation to discuss questions please email:  [email protected]

Passages covered:  Revelation 2:12-17;  Mathew 13:20-21, 39-43,  16:21-23,  18:6-17,  24:9-14;  2 Corinthians 11:1-15, 29;  2 Peter 2:9;  1 Corinthians 10:1-13.