"But I have a few things against you: You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam." - Revelation 2:14   Are you holding fast to the Word of God and living a life that aligns with your professed faith? This is something Jesus addresses in Revelation when talking to the church at Pergamum. He says, “You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam.” Balaam, an Old Testament prophet,...  Read More

"But I have a few things against you: You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam." - Revelation 2:14   In Revelation 2:14, Jesus addresses the church at Pergamum, critiquing them on two fronts: their belief and their behavior. Despite their commendable faith in the face of persecution, Jesus points out significant issues that need correction. This is important for us as believers, to u...  Read More

"Yet you are holding on to my name and did not deny your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness who was put to death among you, where Satan lives." - Revelation 2:13   In Revelation 2:13, Jesus extends a powerful compliment to the church at Pergamum. Despite living in a place described as “where Satan’s throne is,” they held on to His name and did not deny their faith. This ...  Read More

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death." - Romans 8:1-2   Romans 8:1-2 brings us an important truth: it is through the promises of God and the message of salvation that we are liberated from the chains of sin. This echoes the message in Hebrews 4:12, which describes the...  Read More

"For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword…" - Hebrews 4:12   Jesus writes a letter to the church at Pergamum through His messenger John, saying, “Write to the angel of the church in Pergamum: Thus says the one who has the sharp, double-edged sword”  (Revelation 2:12).  This message is directed to the pastor of the church, and it highlights an important as...  Read More

“Be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” - Revelation 2:10   In Revelation 2:10, Jesus promises the crown of life to those who are faithful until death. This crown symbolizes eternal life, a promise echoed in James 1:12: “Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who ...  Read More

“Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last.” - Revelation 1:17   In Revelation 1:17, Jesus repeats a crucial command: “Don’t be afraid.” He reassures us, saying, “I am the First and the Last.” For the early Christians facing intense persecution, these words were a powerful reminder of His eternal nature and His presence with them through every trial. When we love Jesus, follow Him, and trust Hi...  Read More

“Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer.” - Revelation 2:10)   Jesus never promised that following Him would make life easier. In fact, He explicitly warned of the opposite. In John 16:33, He said, “You will have suffering in this world.” This is a reality that the early Christians in Smyrna knew all too well. They were persecuted, beaten, and under immense pressure. Jesus acknowledged th...  Read More

“I know your affliction and poverty—yet you are rich.” Revelation 2:9   In the city of Smyrna, the early Christians faced unimaginable challenges. They were afflicted, enduring persecution and slander. They lived in poverty, often unsure of where their next meal would come from. Yet, Jesus looked upon them and declared, “You are rich because of your faith in me.” It’s a paradox that challenges our...  Read More

“I know your affliction and poverty—yet you are rich!” - Revelation 2:9   Following Jesus isn’t always easy—it comes with pressures to conform, compromise, and even abandon our faith. The early Christians in Smyrna faced intense opposition. They were pressured to renounce their beliefs, conform to the world’s standards, and return to their old way of life. Yet, amidst these challenges, Jesus reass...  Read More

“I know your affliction and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” - Revelation 2:9   Have you ever faced hardship because of your faith in Jesus? For many of us, it might mean being mocked, called names, or excluded from social circles. These challenges can sting, but they pale in comparison to the sufferi...  Read More

“Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.” - Revelation 2:11   In today’s church environment, it’s easy to get caught up in programs, traditions, and meetings—important elements in their own right, but not substitutes for the transformative power of God. Jesus’s message to the persecuted church in Smyrna reminds us of what truly matters: the power of God at w...  Read More