Pergamum
Many of the people in Smyrna are to be prepared for a lot of trials, and suffering due to them walking with Jesus. Our Heavenly Father in Genesis 15 told Abraham not to fear that people that walked with the lord and are faithful will be tested a lot. But then will be rewarded for doing so. Our Heavenly Father will reward many people for being faithful to him and his callings on thier lives. There may be a lot of persecution for doing this. But in Heaven they will be given the crown of life. The first Martyr that went through a lot of suffering was named Stefanos. He later became victorious and was was given a wreath of honor and crown of life. An important thing to remember when you listen you must obey as well. The one that does this will be protected by the spirit and no harm will come to them. Anyone who rejects Jesus and does not live a godly life will be subject to the second death, or judgement to the lake of fire.
Pergamum was the former administrative capital of Asia Minor, which was subsequently moved to Ephesus .Pergamum featured a theater, a stadium, a library, and a bathhouse. But the city also had several major temple complexes, one dedicated to Zeus Soter, another to Asclepius Soter, and also to Athena Nicephorus. Most citizen were told to participate in all celebrations and worships.
One of the most visited complexes of Pergamum was the healing center called the Asclepion this was the center where many people went for healing. It was also used throughout the time of the ruling from the Roman Empire. The Library in Pergamum was one of the most world famous libraries in the city of Alexandria. As many as 200 thousand people visited at a time. Pergamum was also the home of the temple of Zeus. He later was known as Jupiter, or the Heavenly Father God. The altar’s stairs, columns, and sculptured sides once stood 40 feet (12 meters) high. Today, only the steps around the altar’s base can be seen in the Pergamum Museum in Berlin. Most of the temple was made out of white marble and was a battle station between other gods. One symbol that is seen a lot is Jesus with a double sward in his mouth. This is meant for being against the Roman Empire. The Adversary today in a lot of culture is said to be an ugly being that comes across looking like Zeus. There was a bishop once named Antipas. The reward for people that are faithful is a gift of a white stone with a sacred name on it. The people in Israel have a diet with a lot of Manna or bread.
The high priest’s robe had 12 stones, each inscribed with the name of one of the 12 tribes of Israel. The white stone, Yahalom was number 6 – Zebulun. Is. 9:1-7 (quoted in Matthew 4), says that the Galilee of the nations (Zebulun) would see a great light, a son born, who will reign on David’s throne. Many
Genesis 15:1 Some time later, the word of Yahweh came to Abram in a vision: Do not be afraid, Abram! I am your shield and shall give you a very great reward. Many christians avoided going to a lot of sporting events back then but Jesus tells them they are not missing out on things. If they are always faithful and win the race. The reward will be to a banquet in Heaven.
Revelation 2:10Do not be afraid of the sufferings that are coming to you. Look, the devil will send some of you to prison to put you to the test, and you must face hardship for ten days. Even if you have to die, keep faithful, and I will give you the crown of life for your prize.
Revelation 2:11’Write to the angel of the church in Pergamum and say, “Here is the message of the one who has the sharp sword, double-edged:
Revelation 20:14Death and Hades were emptied of the dead that were in them; and every one was judged as his deeds deserved. Then Death and Hades were hurled into the burning lake. This burning lake is the second death;
Revelation 2:12-13 12 Write to the angel of the church in Pergamum and say, “Here is the message of the one who has the sharp sword, double-edged:
13 I know where you live, in the place where Satan is enthroned, and that you still hold firmly to my name, and did not disown your faith in me even when my faithful witness, Antipas, was killed among you, where Satan lives.
John 4:32;but he said, ‘I have food to eat that you do not know about.’
Closing Prayer; Heavenly Father we thank you too that you understand our situation (v13). You see what it’s like to be a Christian in this particular time and place. You see what it’s like to lead your people when we’re going against the tide. In fact, you see beyond these pervasive cultural trends and pressures and ideologies: you see the reality of Satan at work (v13). You acknowledge our past faithfulness, even in the midst of spiritual forces that would tempt us away from you. We thank you in Jesus name Amen.
Prayer of Salvation to become a child of Our Heavenly Father. Lord Jesus, I confess my sins and ask for your forgiveness. Please come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Take complete control of my life and help me to walk in Your footsteps daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord for saving me and I know you will answer my prayers. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
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