The Church of Pergamos - Wedded - The Compromising Church

Temple Baptist Church - 1-12-2020

Revelation 2:12-17

Introduction:

A.  We took a short look at the Prophetic Interpretation of the Church at Pergamos a couple of weeks ago.  In 313 A.D., Constantine the Great removed the persecution of the church with the Edict of Milan.  In 325 A.D., at the Council of Nicaea, we find the beginnings of the Roman Catholic Church.

B.  Constantine the Great supposedly “converted” through a vision and, for the first time in 300 years, the “church” and the “state” were combined.

C.  A church that started out right and ended up wrong.

1.  Because they now had a reprieve from persecution and did not want to do anything to bring it back.

2.  Because they allowed “wolves” to enter the church and become comfortable upon their pews.

3.  Because they chose the path of compromise instead of the old paths of their fathers.

D.  Let us look at these verses:

1.  The Position of Christ In The Church – Verse 12  “These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges”

Hebrews 4:12-13  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  (13)  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

a.  The Word of God is our defense against Doctrinal Impurity.

b.  The Word of God is our authority in questionable things that cause Compromise.

c.  The Word of God is our means of trying the Imposters who cause them.

                       

2.  The Condemnation and Commendation Of The Church – Verse 13 “I know thy works”  Works, both good and bad!

a.  Their Bad Works - The position of Satan in the church – “even where Satan's seat is”  Notice the progression of spiritual decline within the church.

1)  Verse 2 -  We find the entrance of false apostles.

2)  Verse 9 – We find the synagogue of Satan.

3)  Verse 13 – We find the Satan’s seat and where Satan dwelleth.

b.  Their Good Works – The faithful who remained in the church – “thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you”

1)  Some held fast.

2)  Some did not deny.

3)  Some suffered death.

3.  The Problems Of The Church – Verses 14-15  Two things plagued the Church at Pergamos that plague churches in our day:

           

a.  Doctrine of Balaam.  Worldly Associations.

1)  Characterized by wrong associations (Balac)

2)  Characterized by wages of unrighteousness (greed)

3)  Characterized by sinful thinking (fornication)

b.  Doctrine of The Nicolaitans.  Doctrinal Ignorance.  The clergy over the laity!

1)  Verse 6 – The Deeds of the Nicolaitans.

2)  Verse 15 – The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans.

4.  Christ's Rebuke To The Church – Verse 16

a.  Cast off unequal yokes and separate.  In days of ecumenism, it makes true churches stand out.

b.  Reclaim God's Word as final authority.  God said it and that settles it if you believe it or not.

5.  The Warning Of The Church – Verses 12, 16

a.  Repent!  Get right with God or

b.  Recompense!  Pay the price.

6.  The Blessing To The True Church – Verse 17

a.  The Hidden Manna - meat to eat that ye know not of.

b.  The White stone - black stone signifies guilt (to black ball) while the white stone means innocence.

c.  The New Name – A lover's name given by an eternal Bridegroom.  We often call this a “Pet Name” that lovers call each other privately.

The Mustard Seed - The Church at Pergamos

Temple Baptist Church - 1-12-2020

Matthew 13:31-32

Introduction:

A.  A few weeks ago, we looked at the Prophetical Interpretation of the Church at Pergamos.  I do not want to rehearse that message, but I need to refresh our minds concerning what is taking place in this church.

1.  The persecution of Diocletian was so great in 303-312 AD that it was almost more than the church could bear.

2.  Around 312 AD, Constantine the Great “converted” to Christianity.  I use the word “converted” in quotation marks because he did not trust Christ, he said that he saw a vision of a cross in the sky, baptized his army, and won a battle.  Salvation is faith in the finished work of Christ in redemption.

3.  In 313 AD, Constantine the Great issued the Edict of Milan which granted religious tolerance to all religions, thus the persecution against the church stopped.  The local churches did not want to do anything to bring that persecution back, so they operated in a “benign” state of acceptance that caused no political “waves” but many political “woes.”

4.  In 325 AD, at the Council of Nicaea, the Roman Catholic Church had its official beginnings.  I say official because Roman Catholicism is just an extension of Babylonish worship.  The Roman Catholic Church became “wedded” to the state.

B.  The Parable of the Mustard Seed - Rev 2:12-17 - Pergamos - "wedded"

1.  It’s Small Beginning – “least of all seeds”

a.  One of the smallest of all seeds - Luke 17:6  And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

b.  One of the most irritating, biting of all seeds.  Its taste both strong and peculiar - Matthew 13:21  Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

2.  It’s Huge Growth – “greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree”

a.  The seed is powerful though small - Matthew 16:16-18  And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.  And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

b.  The seed is productive though small – Acts 2: 44-47  And all that believed were together, and had all things common;  And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,  Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

3.  It’s Strange End – “birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof”

a.  The Seed is the Gospel.  Matthew 13:3-4  And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;  (4)  And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:

b.  The Tree is the Church rooted in Christ – John 15:1  I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.  (A called our assembly of believers.)

c.  The Branches are the Saints – John 15:5a  I am the vine, ye are the branches.

d.  The Birds are the Enemies of the church – Matthew 13:4  … and the fowls came and devoured them up.

Revelation 18:1-3  And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.  (2)  And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.  (3)  For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

4.  The Apostate’s Lodging – “and lodge in the branches thereof.”  The Apostates were right at home among the branches.

a.  The Failure of the Church - Titus 3:10-11  A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;  (11)  Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.  (There are several things that must take place for “every foul spirit … unclean and hateful” birds to “lodge” in the branches of a producing tree or bush.  These are ENEMIES of the local church!)

1)  A Failure to recognize the Purpose of the Tree.  The Local Church is to be Pure for it to Glorify Christ and Educate the saints.

2)  A Failure to recognize the Persons who are Enemies.  Local Churches have become so “numbers” oriented that they welcome and accept everyone who walks through their doors.

3)  A Failure to recognize the Problems that they Cause.  These Enemies of the Local Church introduce Division and Doctrinal Heresy.

4)  Or to become Patronizing with Them!  Ignorant Local Church members easily becomes Disciples and Followers.

b.  The Comfort of the Apostate - Romans 16:17  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

c.  The Compromise of the Pulpit - Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  (The “sharp sword with two edges;” may have become a “butter knife.”)

5.  The Apostasy Rooted – “lodge”  Not easily removed!

a.  The Seat of Satan – Revelation 2:13   Spiritual wickedness in high places.

b.  The Doctrine of Balaam – Revelation 2:14  Worldliness and Idolatry

c.  The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans – Revelation 2:15  The Clergy became “Reverend!”

This One Thing I Do

Temple Baptist Church - 1-5-2020

Philippians 3:7-14

Introduction:

A.  Paul’s Spiritual Perspective for the present.  What Paul lost, the world calls gain!

1.  Paul lost much when he came to Christ by faith in Acts, chapter 9.

a)  Paul lost his Position.  Paul was at the zenith of his profession.  A young man in his mid-30’s whose zeal promoted him to the top.  He was revered by his peers and feared by those he persecuted.  When he got saved, his question was, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”

b)  Paul lost his Possessions.  In Acts, chapter 9, we find him in the house of Judas on Straight Street.  Possibly Judas surnamed Barsabas found in Acts 15:22.  No where does it give a residence for the great Apostle Paul.

4.  Paul traded it all for “the excellency 0f the knowledge of Christ my Lord.”

B.  What Paul gained was:

1.  The Knowledge of who Christ was, the Lord.

2.  The Reception of what Christ did, died and resurrected for him.

3.  The Understanding that righteousness came through faith in Christ instead of faith in keeping the Law.

C.  What Paul desired:

1.  To be Found in Christ.

2.  To know Christ in His Resurrection.

3.  To partake of Christ’s sufferings.

4.  To be made conformable unto Christ’s death.  Selfless and Sacrificial.

D.  Paul cites three things to show his desires:

1.  Forgetting those things which are behind.  Let’s move on.  2019 is over.

2.  Reaching forth unto those things which are before.  Things not yet achieved but within our reach.

3.  Pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  The urgency of our times.

E.  I want look at some things that we can reach this year that are invaluable.

1.  We can Reach Up in Devotion. 

a.  Dwelling with Him.

b.  Walking with Him.

c.  Working for Him.

d.  Delighting in Him.

2.  We can Reach inward in Discipline.

a.  In Spiritual Growth.  Take your spiritual temperature. 

b.  In Physical Denial.  Guard your desires.

c.  In Mental Preparedness.  Cast down your imagination.

3.  We can Reach downward in Compassion.

a.  To the Backslidden.  That could be you.

b.  To the Discouraged.  That could be you.

c.  To the Unfortunate.  That could be you.

4.  We can Reach outward to the Unsaved.

a.  In Prayers.  Never give up on your family and friends.

b.  In Witness.  Let you live give savor and illumination to the lost.

c.  In Missions.  Keep on keeping on for missions.  Get involved.

What I Have Not Written I Will Write

Temple Baptist Church - 1-5-2020

John 19:19-22; Philippians 3:13

Introduction:

A.  It is hard to believe that 2019 is gone and a New Year has begun.  “My how time flies when you are having fun!’’  It seems like just yesterday that 2019 started and now it is 2020! 

B.  Last week, I preached on “What I Have Written I Have Written.” 

1.  What we wrote last year cannot be changed because it is history.  We cannot change those things that we have done but we can certainly learn from them.  We learn from our victories and our defeats. 

2.  I often say that “today is the first day of the rest of our lives.”  What we do with the days ahead is up to each of us personally.  What we do with the days ahead is up to the church corporately! 

C.  I want to key in on the statement made by the chief priests:

John 19:21  Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but (write) that he said, I am King of the Jews.  (I inserted the word “write” into the verse because it is understood.)

1.  What Pilate had written was right!  Jesus Christ was the King of the Jews.

2.  The Christ haters tried to change Pilate’s mind and cause him to re-write what he said to conform to their purposes.

3.  Pilate refused!  Good for Pilate!  It was the only right thing that he had done.

4.  This year, this anti-God world in which we live will try to dictate what you and I write!

5.  What we write this year is up to us, not this present evil world.

D.  They were demanding that Pilate change what he had written, and he could have chosen to do so if he so pleased.  Not that what he had previously written would not be a fact of history and remembered by many, but that he could change his thinking on what he had written.

E.  Last year is now history and we are facing a New Year with a blank slate. 

F.  I am excited about what this year will hold for us. 

1.  This may be the year that the Lord returns.  What a blessing that would be!  I am glad that I do not know what tomorrow holds but I am glad that I can face it with hope. 

2.  I heard a man say once, “Let us make peace with our past and press on in the future.”  If you are lost, get saved!  If you are sinful, get right!  If you are disgruntled, get with the program!  If you are sitting, get to serving!  If you are living godly and serving the Lord, KEEP ON!

G.  I believe that the Lord is still looking for men and women to stand in the gap for our families, for our friends, for our nation, and for the world!

1.  The world needs men and women:

1.  Who cannot be bought;

2.  Whose word is their bond;

3.  Who put character above wealth;

4.  Who possess opinions and a will;

5.  Who are larger than their vocations;

6.  Who do not hesitate to take chances;

7.  Who will not lose their individuality in a crowd;

8.  Who will be as honest in small things as in great things;

9.  Who will make no compromise with wrong;

10.  Whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires;

11.  Who will not say they do it" because everybody else does it;"

12.  Who are true to their friends through good report and evil report, adversity as well as in prosperity;

13.  Who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning, and hardheadedness are the best qualities for winning success;

14.  Who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for the truth when it is unpopular;

15.  Who can say "no" with emphasis, although all the rest of the world says "yes."

2.  This Coming Year Satan Will:

1.  Try To Discourage Us

2.  Try To Distract Us

3.  Try To Defile Us

4.  Try To Divide Us

5.  Try To Destroy Us

6.  Try To Deceive Us

3.  What We Need To Resolve:

1.  We Need To Resolve To Be Faithful

2.  We Need To Resolve To Be Holy

3.  We Need To Resolve To Be Unified

4.  We Need To Resolve To Be Watching

5.  We Need To Resolve To Be Trusting

4.  Some Things You Can Count On Next Year

1.  God Will Still Be God And Will Not Change

2.  The Bible Will Still Be Right

3.  Satan Will Still Be Active

Conclusion:  Let us face this New Year with a resolve in our hearts to make it the best year that we have ever had!  Let us face this New Year with excitement and hope in our hearts!  May the Lord bless each and every one of you in 2011!