November 10

"These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword… I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin… Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth."

(Revelation 2:12, 14-16 NIV)

The Church in Pergamum existed at the place where evil had his throne. Nevertheless, the congregation held fast to their faith in Jesus and didn’t deny their faith in Him, not even when someone in the congregation was killed for their faith. The Christians in Pergamum, however, had a problem, and it was that they did not face and deal with the false teachings that had crept in.

Even today there are Christians, who profess Jesus’ name, but there is also other things in their lives - Jesus and ... They do not think it too dangerous that a few in the congregation thumb their nose on doctrines. Surely it can’t play that big a role? There are so many interpretations of the Bible. I perceive God in my own way and you'll perceive Him in yours.

In this way we define ourselves away from the Truth - Jesus says that He is the way, the truth and the life. There can be only one Truth, and God wants us to have the correct understanding, and that we should proclaim the Truth and nothing else.

Those who turn back, and seek until they find the true faith - the Truth – will receive ‘the hidden manna’. I believe it deals with getting a deeper insight into the Word of God; His way of thinking and acting. But whoever wins the victory will also receive a white stone with a private name – a unique identity signifying their God relationship.

Prayer

Lord, you want the premiere position in my life. All too often you’ve had to share the position with other concerns, things, or teachings. Now I want to give You everything, and I want to receive both from the hidden manna and the new name, the unique identity that You promise.