At our Adult Bible class this morning, we reflected on "The Message to the church at Pergamum." The people of this church were highly commended for their faithfulness, in fact they were willing to die for their faith. Antipas was one example. According to the early church fathers, he was slowly roasted alive in a bronze kettle during the time of Emperor Domitian.
The church also received condemnation for their tolerance of false doctrines. Some believers were wavering in their steadfastness - they wanted to be 'politically correct' and tolerating teachings that were in conflict with the teachings of Christ. Twisting God's truths as revealed in the Scriptures to fit our whims and fancies and rationalizing our sin is blatantly evil.
The message ends with a wonderful promise to the overcomer - the joy of receiving the hidden manna and the white stone with a new name written on it. Just as Israel received manna in the wilderness, God promises to give believers the spiritual sustenance that he needs. He is assured of the passport to heaven symbolised by the while stone with name written on it.
After Bible class we joined in worship in the main hall. Major Pascoe spoke on our Salvation Army doctrine Number 2. "We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver and Governor of all things, and Who is the only proper object of religious worship." She based her message on Genesis chapter 1. God the Creator, Preserver and Govovernor.
I count it a privilege to conduct the Adult Bible class every Sunday morning and thank those who have encouraged me by their regular support.
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