Lessons From Church History #4: Church in Pergamum
Mac focuses on the letter to the church of Pergamum from Revelation 2:12-17, highlighting the church's challenges during the fourth to sixth centuries. This period marked a transition from a persecuted church to a popular one, where the enemy shifted tactics from persecution to deception, leading to a compromise between the church and the world.
Mac discusses the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, emphasizing the dangers of uniting the church with worldly practices. He reflects on historical figures like Constantine, who, despite his supposed conversion, blurred the lines between Christianity and paganism, leading to the church's corruption. He also mentions faithful individuals like Antipas and Priscillian, who stood against the prevailing corruption, ultimately facing persecution from within the church itself.
Mac concludes by urging believers to remain distinct from the world, relying on the Word of God as their guide, and to heed the call to repentance and return to a pure faith in Christ.
Outline of Main Points
Introduction and prayer
Overview of the letter to Pergamum
Transition from persecuted to popular church
Teachings of Balaam and Nicolaitans
Historical context: Constantine's influence
Examples of faithful individuals: Antipas and Priscillian
Call to remain distinct from the world
Importance of the Word of God
Conclusion: Call to repentance and faithfulness
12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. 14 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. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
