Pergamum is located about 55 miles north of Smyrna in what is today Turkey. At the time of writing Revelation 2:12-17, the city was under Roman rule and was a political center so many of the rulings affected Asia Minor.
Prevalent within the city was idol worship. In fact, within the city were three temples dedicated to the worship of the Roman emperor, another for the goddess Athena, and the Great Altar of Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. Many scholars believe this altar mentioned in the book of Revelation is the “Throne of Satan”.
We become like those we associate. That’s why what we read, watch, and listen to is so important. God hates sin and it separates us from His blessings but because of Jesus who paid the price for that sin, we are able to be in a His presence. Jesus told the believers at Pergamum that He has the sharp double-edged sword to take care of the faithful (v. 12).
God’s word is the sword that can divide or make a distinction between things we generally think of as being closely related or indistinguishable. For example: what is the difference between a person’s thoughts and their intent? God’s Word can also penetrate to the heart of a person and cause change.
This day with God will be amazing because we can go to God with our needs or challenges and He will bless us with the strength to overcome.
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