In this third letter, Christ writes to the church in Pergamum and describes the city as the dwelling place of Satan. It must have been extremely tough to live and minister there. Unfortunately, the believers did not rise to the occasion and shine brightly for Christ. Instead, the flame had become a flicker due to tolerance and compromise.

Even though they remained loyal to Christ, never denying Him, even when Antipas’ was martyred; they compromised their standards with the godless culture of the day. Satan had not only sought to crush the church through persecution, but also to deceive it through false teachers giving approval of sexual immorality.

Christ confronts their sin of compromise and warns us to not do the same.

Christ commends the church at Smyrna as it endures persecution and promises to carry it through the hard times.

We are reminded that He walks among us. His penetrating eyes see all things. He knows every detail and situation of his church, individually and corporately. He assures them that He knows what they are going through. He knows their circumstances: their trials, their poverty, and the slander against them. He also knows their persecutors: the Jews, but ultimately Satan.

He encourages them to trust Him. He literally says, “Fear Nothing!” Be faithful to the end.

He promises to reward those who remain faithful.

Christ commends the church at Smyrna as it endures persecution and promises to carry it through the hard times.

We are reminded that He walks among us. His penetrating eyes see all things. He knows every detail and situation of his church, individually and corporately. He assures them that He knows what they are going through. He knows their circumstances: their trials, their poverty, and the slander against them. He also knows their persecutors: the Jews, but ultimately Satan.

He encourages them to trust Him. He literally says, “Fear Nothing!” Be faithful to the end.

He promises to reward those who remain faithful.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches...

Revelation 2:7

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches...

Revelation 2:7

Three Lessons from the South Pacific:

1. The importance of giving and receiving - Phil.4:15-20

2. Christianity is about relationship

3. The truth of God's word sets people free

God has created and formed a people for His glory.

God has created and formed a people for His glory.

Last week Carey told us that being both disciples and disciple-makers will be stretching. And for good reason. Because what it comes down to are 3 simple words. Three words that we can avoid and still appear to be a good Christian. Three words that we might allow to push us away from real disciple-making, yet Jesus is using to invite us into truer, deeper relationship with Him as the ETERNAL reward.

Last week Carey told us that being both disciples and disciple-makers will be stretching. And for good reason. Because what it comes down to are 3 simple words. Three words that we can avoid and still appear to be a good Christian. Three words that we might allow to push us away from real disciple-making, yet Jesus is using to invite us into truer, deeper relationship with Him as the ETERNAL reward.