Cults? Cults! Judgment comes!

Good morning everyone!! Another great day to be alive in JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR!!!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!!

Today, in Revelation 2:12 the city of Pergamos is our topic. Pergamos comes from the Greek pergos (poor'-gos), a primary word which means a tower or castle.

Revelation 2;12 "And to the "angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges:"

The city of Pergamum was built on a hill 1,000 feet above the surrounding countryside, creating a natural fortress. It was a sophisticated city, a center of Greek culture and education, with a 200,000 volume library.

But, it was also the center of four cults; Athena, Asklepios, Dionysus (or Bacchus, the god of drunkennes), and Zeus. It rivaled Ephesus in its worship of idols. The cit's chief god was Asclepius, whose symbol was a serpent and who was considered the god of healing. People came to Pergamum from all over the world to seek healing from this god. Pergamos was the first city in Asia to build a temple to Caesar and became the capital of the cult of Caesar worship.

Just as the Romans used their swords for authority and judgment, Jesus' sharp two-edged sword represents God's ultimate authority and judgment. It may also represent God's future separation of believers from unbelievers. Unbelievers cannot experience the eternal rewards of living in God's Kingdom.

Here are four questions to consider on the verses we have read thus far.
1) What commendations did Christ have for the church at Ephesus? For what sin did he rebuke them?
2) What situation did the church at Smyrna face? What did God promise them? How do these facts square with the expectations of most Western Christians?
3)What was the great sin of the church of Pergamos?
4) Summarize Christ's message for the church at Thyatira.

Thank you for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny