Musing – How might America be like the church in Pergamum?

 Hebraic Musing – How might America be like the church in Pergamum?

In Revelation 2 & 3, the Apostle John shared a vision/message from the LORD about each of the seven churches and each provides us with food for thought.  As we studied the third church, Pergamum, I couldn’t help but observe some troubling parallels to America today.  What did John write about the Church of Pergamum?  (NKJV)

Rev.2:12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:  The city had temples for all the pagan gods, but John warned “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword,” Hebrews 4:12 

 13 “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.   Yes, Satan has his throne here in the world we live in, and we Christians have had to hold fast in our conflicts with the world around us.  And we reflect on the news we hear of martyrs and the Charley Kirks of the world who have and will stand strong for the Kingdom.

14 “But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.  “But” is an attention-getting word!  We tend to compromise, like Balaam who was an example of compromise and moral decline; he was instructed by God not to curse Israel but fell into sin and followed Balak.  Meanwhile, today we have Christians who are swallowing the ungodly culture around us and giving in to sexual morality and the breakdown of God-ordained family structure.

15 “Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.    The doctrine of the Nicolaitans refers to a heretical belief system in early Christianity that misused the concept of grace, promoting a lifestyle of indulgence and immorality.  Do we see that in our churches today?

16 “Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.   Repent is the urgent Action is required!  “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness?” 2 Corinthians 6:14 reminds us to avoid being unequally yoked!  We need to rely on the "sword of my mouth" which represents the spoken word of Christ, which has the authority and power to bring about judgment and to overcome all opposition.

17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”’    “Him who overcomes” - John has already reminded us that we are overcomers,  “Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:5   And in John 6:35 Jesus said “I am the Bread of Life.”  Is Jesus also that “Hidden manna”?

What did Jesus mean when he promised the overcomers a White Stone?  The Greeks and Romans had a custom of noting friendship by means of a white stone that would be divided, and each person’s name was inscribed on the two parts and they were exchanged.  Producing either half insured friendly aid, so the divided stone became identification.  The king would retain one part and the other part would be given to a special ambassador.  The white stone is symbolic of a precious token of the love of Jesus.  The new name written in the stone suggests that Jesus will give a personal name to each who overcomes and receives a heavenly reward.  This indicates a secret relationship between the great King of kings and the individual!

Points to Ponder

Has the “doctrine of the Nicolaitans” crept into today’s church(s)?

Do we find ourselves still worshipping false gods?

What are you going to do with the “White Stone” that the King of Kings gave you?

What is your Ambassadorial role and responsibility?

♫ There's a new name written down in glory,  And it's mine, O yes, it's mine!. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                           October 28, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”