Healthy Churches and Developing Disciples
Pergamos or Pergamum was a rich powerful ancient Greek city in Asia. Pergamum was the northernmost of the seven churches of Asia cited in the new Testament Book of Revelation.
John wrote his message to the church of Pergamum, where the true believers were suffering persecution for refusing to worship the emperor Domitian who wanted to be worshipped as "lord and god". Thus, its meaning as the place where Satan "had his throne." The church was surrounded by wicked people and there were some believers who had backslidden to follow the teachings of Balaam and Nicolatians.
What do we learn from them?
Jesus Christ knows that the church is surrounded by the power of darkness that is causing people not to live according to God's will. At the same time, Jesus is much aware of things that are happening in our congregations thus things that are good or evil.
In all these things, Jesus is speaking to the church; we must repent from any evil teachings which are contrary to God's word. In the body of Christ, false teachings have entered which Christians have accepted as part of the Gospel.
We are being rebuked by God's word that we need to go back to the basic principles of Christian faith which are; studying the scriptures, praying always without ceasing, winning souls for God's kingdom and to taking care of the flock. We have been called as a church to continue witnessing to the world about Jesus Christ, so that at the end, every one of us should enter the kingdom of God. We must not get weary of preaching the Gospel of Christ even when things get tough because Jesus is always on our side. It is our task to do God's mission.
| To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13 I know where you live--where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city--where Satan lives. 14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. 15 Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it. (Revelation2:1-17) |
Rev Patricia Phiri.
Minister from Munali Presbytery ( Chawama congregation).
