In a setting that included four major temples for the worship of various pagan gods, a genuine church of the living God was established. Making it even more difficult to be a believer, and for a church to function, was that Satan was dwelling there in some "special" way. His presence apparently positioned him to have a profound influence.
The church at Pergamum was commended for holding fast and remaining faithful to Jesus Christ even when one of their members was martyred.
But the commendation didn't minimize or offset the condemnation they received. They had failed to maintain doctrinal purity by allowing false teaching to infiltrate from within. Some who had professed faith in Christ held, and promoted, beliefs that were contrary to the teaching of Christ. By means of compromise, these beliefs were being tolerated in this church. Furthermore, the doctrinal corruption was then resulting in moral corruption.
Correction was called for. They were to repent - to change their minds and their behavior. If they did not, Christ said He, Himself would out-rightly oppose them.
Summary points from this study include: 1. The Word of God is an instrument of judgment for the Church. 2. We must stand fast in the face of Satanic opposition. 3. Our faithfulness is known by the Lord. 4. Compromise brings corruption. 5. The Church is commanded to deal with compromise. 6. The overcomer has great and eternal promises to anticipate in the future.
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In the fall of 1969, Gil began a full-time teaching ministry as Senior Pastor of Indian Hills Community Church. He also earned his Ph.D. from the California Graduate School of Theology. The focus of Pastor Rugh’s ministry is systematic, verse-by-verse teaching of the Bible. As a...
