Revelation 2:8-17
Letter to Smyrna
Weakness:
Your afflictions and your poverty - yet you are rich
The slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan-- Those Jews who harass騷擾 the church are not God's people.
Encouragement:
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.
Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Church Smyrna was poverty-stricken災區- but rich in all that mattered. Jesus' word to them is all encouragement.
He has set a definite limit to their suffering - and he holds out to them the gift of life.
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Letter to Pergamum
Goodness:
You remain true to my name
You did not renounce放棄 your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city-where Satan lives
Weakness:
Where you live - where Satan has his throne.
Against them:
You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality.
You also have those who teaching of the Nicolitans.
Warning:
Repent, otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
At Pergamum the church had made a brave stand despite external pressure, but some embers are addicted to false teaching. As a result, old pagan practices are creeping in. Their choice is to repent or have Christ's fight against them.
Satan's throne: Pergamum was the principal centre of emperor- worship in the region.
Why?
False teaching may lead people astray and fall to sin, so it is more important matter.
Faithful witness, but have false teaching is like some churches in the name of Jesus Christ now.
How?
Stand firm in worse environment but have to walk in the right way of the Lord!
Be Hold on the truth and love of the God
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