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A MOST POWERFUL DESCRIPTION - ENDTIMES CHAT with GJ and DAN 

Revelation 2:12 provides one simple but powerful description of Jesus: “He who has the sharp two-edged sword.” Then in Revelation 2:16, we see again that it is “the sword of My mouth.”

The sword of His mouth symbolizes the judgment which can come when He speaks the word. This is a church in Pergamos facing severe judgment if they do not repent. Christians in Pergamos were trying to coexist, which led to the result of religious compromise and sinful practices in the church.

The church in Pergamos was situated in a dangerous environment. Jesus says to the church there, “I know that you live in the city where Satan has his throne, yet you have remained loyal to me. You refused to deny me even when Antipas, my faithful witness, was martyred among you there in Satan’s city.” This is probably a reference to the giant altar to Zeus in Pergamos. It could also refer to all that was dominating and controlling the life and culture of this city; it was truly a seat of satanic power. The serpent god, Asklepios, would also serve as a symbolic picture of Satan and his power. The symbol for Asklepios was a serpent.

Satan wants to make his throne global. We see symbols all over the place that creep into our subliminal passageways, continuing to desensitize us to what is happening around us.

After Jesus lets the church at Pergamos know what they are up against and encourages them in their faithful following of Jesus, He then goes into a serious evaluation. Two issues were confronted by the Lord when He says to the church, “Nevertheless, I have a few things against you.” Revelation 2:14.

Jesus says, “you tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel.” Revelation 2:14.

Balaam was a prophet in Israel. You can read about him in Numbers 22-25. Even though he talked like he was upright and would not curse the people of God, he advised the people in Israel to commit immorality and participate in pagan rituals. Numbers 31:16.

The doctrine of Balaam walks softly on immorality and encourages immoral behavior and compromise with pagan worship. In other words, The way of Balaam is a religious compromise for a few coins

What a message this is to the culture of our day! Religious leaders have fallen for a few coins or pleasure. Attitudes of holiness and godly living have become mere words as leaders have adopted immoral practices and succumbed to the secular attitudes and beliefs of society around them. But God's standards have not changed. The doctrine of Balaam is still condemned by the One to Whom we must all give account.

I have seen and heard many seasoned pastors say to younger pastors something like, “When you are just starting off in the ministry, you will have to take whatever you can be given and don’t expect much in the way of money. But when you have been in the ministry as long as I have, you will see the increase of the finances.”

I ask you, what is the heart of God? Is it for pastors to seek the ministry for financial profit wherever He can get it or is it for the lost? When seeking a church for ministry, are pastors seeking the benefits and the compensation, or are they following the heart of God and desiring to see lost people come to know Him?

Jesus doesn’t stop there. He gives a strong exhortation in Revelation 2:16. Jesus commands the church to “repent of your sin, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth.”

How do we battle Satanic influences and religious compromise? It is not by condemning the lost to hell, it is by living in a way that draws people to WHO Jesus is, Why he died and rose again for them, How he can turn life from darkness to light, change them from the inside out, and give them a life of promise and purpose.

Will you accept Jesus today? We pray you will.

Are you ready?