In Revelation 2:12-17, we meet the Church in Pergamum, a group of Christians that one has to admire for holding fast to the name of Jesus in a city that Jesus called “Satan’s throne,” and even after one of their number had been killed for his faith. Although they were steadfast in resisting outside attacks, they were less vigilant about the beliefs and practices of their own members, so Jesus urged them to repent by practicing church discipline, or else he would have to come and practice it himself. As with all the churches, he promised rich blessings for those who would hear his words and conquer by their faith.
Christians need to learn to speak with joy, listen with discernment, and grow in grace.
During a time of peace, God built up his church through the preaching of his word and powerful signs.
Human beings love using metaphors, comparisons between two things that are unlike to bring out some special way in which they are alike. In...