“The Time is at Hand!” ~ Church of Pergamos

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches;

How awesome to hear the Lord Jesus say … “Thou Holdest Fast My Name!” This would be even in martyrdom! This is the second Church so far to hear of a pastor being martyred. History believes that Antipas, the martyred one, was the pastor of the Church at Pergamos. And he was put to death by being placed in a burning brazen bull. Suffering was a great part of Church in those days. For the Christ they served they were willing to die. It reminds me of our beloved scripture in Rev,12:11 “They overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb, and by the Word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”  It is believed that this Church was the headquarters of satan; for it says “even where satan’s seat is:” but what is so powerful is: the next statement of Jesus is: “Thou Holdest Fast My Name!” I had to stop here and meditate a while, can the Church hold fast is such a crisis? We are in a Crisis at the moment, and think how it has devastated the lives of God’s people and even Church leaders. It is not in any way to be compared with the crisis of these Churches and their suffering. We know martyrdom is rampant in the nations and there is strive, heartache, murder, disrespect for human life in our own streets … The time of the Lord is at hand – time for repentance, time to shun evil, time to have a testimony of Christ in our life … Time to strengthen our worship!  Jesus commended Pergamos of their works, holding fast to Christ’s name, and not denying the faith. Christ identifies Himself to the Church has One Who hath the sharp sword with two edges. In most of these Churches Jesus cuts into their heart with praise and then is the same cases He cuts into their lives with… “I have a few things against thee.”  I thought how many times we might just walk away when the Christ in us should be revealed… or with loved ones, when they need to be enlightened of their wicked ways. We must be aware of the doctrine of Balaam, lest we be a stumbling block in someone’s life, that sincerely needs to see Jesus in us. Jesus cries out “overcome – repent.” He promises hidden manna and a white stone! Loving you, Pastor