"Letters for Home - Part 3" | Pastor Ben Kellert

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, not 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: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed 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 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it."

5 Pictures Painted in these Verses:

1- The City of Pergamum

• Where satan has his throne (vs 13)
• evil environment

3 Influences that contributed to the title of “Where Satan had his throne”:

1. The Temple of Asklepios - god of healing
2. 40 ft altar to Zeus
3. Center for emperor worship

2 - A Picture of Christ (vs 12b)

• Christ as the Chief warrior of evil
• Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

Double-edged Sword:

1. 1 for Salvation
2. 1 for Judgement

•  Jesus is the Warrior!

3rd - A Picture of The Church:

1. Perseverance
2. It was faithful

We need the Spirit of God in our lives today like never before!

Antipas did not compromise with the world!

Issues (vs 14 & 15):

1. Criticism #1 - They tolerated false teaching
2. Criticism #2 - It compromised with the world

4th - A Picture of the Cure

• The Cure - Repent
• Change your mind, direction, lifestyle... turn from your sin and go the opposite way!

Psalm 139:23-24   "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. ²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Immediate repentance is crucial - because our next breath is not guaranteed - every breath is a gift from the Father!

5th - A Picture of Promise!

• For "whoever has ears to hear" (for everyone!)
• allowed to eat hidden manna - fellowship with Jesus
• a new name - fresh start
• white stone (diamond) - with our name on it - represents acceptance and favor!
• Intimacy with Jesus!

*Next, click here to watch the full replay of this sermon: "Letters to Home" Part 3.