February 28, 2008

Revelation 2:12-17

The Church at Pergamos - The Imperial Church Age - 313-600AD

v12 - angel - means messenger

Genesis 19:1-11

Pergamum - means married

-a city of many idols, gods and great sin

-a beautiful vacation/pleasure center/great weather

v12 - sharp 2-edged sword - is the word of God - Hebrews 4:12

-this represents the word of God

-the word convicts - it divides us from the world

-the word cuts 2 ways

-we need the word and the Spirit - Ezekiel 37:1-7, 14

I KNow - v13 - there are no secrets from God

-Luke 8:17

v13 - I know your works

-at home/at work/at church

v13 - I know where you dwell

- I know everything going on in your life

-the answer is always intimacy - KNOW

v13 - I know where Satan's throne is

-it was like Satan lived in that city

-we can live a victorious life even if Satan lives next door to us

v13 - I know you hold fast to my name

name - means Jesus

-always say His name and use His name

v13 - I know you did not deny my faith

Antipas - was burned alive for his faith in the Lord

-it is time to take a stand

vs14-15

The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans and Balaam

-is Antinomianism - this is the attitude that says yuo can sin all you want, at any time, in any way and God will forgive you

4 Things Grace cannot do:

1. Grace cannot excuse the failure of a person to meet the conditions for salvation - Romans 10:9-10

2. Grace cannot keep people in a sinful lifestyle

3. Grace cannot stop the consequences of sin

4. Grace cannot guarantee everyone will be saved

-it is always available, but we must surrender

v16 - repent - means to change our minds

-come to you quickly - is divine chastiseme

v17 - overcomes - this is anyone who is born again

I'll give you manna - this is the Bread of Life and the E-life............

I'll give yuo a white stone - this is totally and complete pardon and gives us the spiritual standing of being justified whcih means God looks at us just as if we have never sinned