TEXT: Revelation 2:12-17
Jesus hated both the doctrine of Balaam and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans
Balaam's doctrine was tied to spiritual seduction; Nicolaitans tied to spiritual manipulation and domination - Both tied to spiritual witchcraft
Pergamos was committing spiritual adultery - The Christian is married to Christ and if they are being controlled or influence by any other thing be it good or bad it's spiritual adultery (Romans 7)
Law (Works) and grace don't mix even though those saved by grace WILL WORK for the Kin
One cannot be married to Christ and The Law at the same time!
Pergamos had become a church married to Christ but also seeking to be married to the state!
Christ reiterates his hatred for both doctrines but especially the Nicolaitans!
It is unscriptural government based upon false spiritual authority!
In Ephesus these were but deeds, in Pergamos they had become doctrine
Man-apointed bishops, which laid the foundation for the catholic church had the power of the state behind them teaching that those associated with their "state" guaranteed salvation
Four things condemned in Pergamos (Re. 2:14-15)
Holding the doctrine of Balaam
Eating things sacrified to idols
Committing fornication
Holding the doctrine of Nicolaitans
The "doctrine of the Nicolaitans" refers to a separation of the laity and priesthood for spiritual domination
This is compared to the "doctrine" of Balaam which refers to seducing the people through manipulation
John discusses domination within the church in 3 John 9-11
This spirit was in Diotrephes in the early church who sought preeminence (POWER)
Jesus loathed their doctrine and hated their deeds - Rev. 2:6, 15-16
Nikao - means to "conquer" and Laos means "people" - "Laity conquerors"
Diotrephesians were another name given to this group - leaders who LORDED themselves over God's heritage - "Conqueroring" and "Dominating"
Here were the roots of the priestcraft later seen in fullness at Thyatira and the roman hierarchy
From Ephesus to Pergamos (500 years) their deeds grew into a doctrine
Pergamos allowed this doctrine to grow into a big, bold and unscriptural government
Bishops endorsed by the state told people their association with the CHURCH guaranteed salvation
The church today has done nor taught differently
Denomnations have "CONQUERED" the laity - teaching these groups contribute to a person's spiritual well - being not Christ
The laity believing this equates particular churches with the word of God speaking for God instead of the word!
In the New Testament there ARE NO CHURCH denominations but fellowship of churches CONNECTED BY SOUND DOCTRINE!
The church was autonomous regarding its affairs - the pastor was the key!
Spiritual authority was held by prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, and Apostles (Ephesians 4:11)
Christ hates governments not designed by the Holy Spirit!
The Doctrine of Balaam
The way of Balaam (2 Pet. 2:15) This was the love of the wages of unrighteousness and coveting the gifts of Balak (2Pet. 2:15; Num. 22:7, 17, 37; 24:11). Numbers 22:7-8
The error of Balaam (Jude 1:11) This was accepting the wages of unrighteousness for his services in giving the secret of how to get God to curse Israel (Jude 1:11; 2 Pet. 2:!5; Num. 31:8, 16)
The doctrine of Balaam (Rev. 2:14) This was to teach Balak that if he would give his most beautiful women to the Israelite men and cause them to commit idolatry and adultery that God himself would curse Israel (Num. 25:1-9; 21:8, 16)
Rebuked for his iniquity; the dumb ass which spoke with a man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet
The seven churches were chosen by the Holy Spirit! And portray the entirety of the church age.
Ephesus
Smyrna
Pergamos
Thyatira
Sardis
Philadelphia
Laodicea
Ephesus - Apostolic church - Ended 100 AD
Smyrna - Martyr church - 100-300 AD - Rome hurled 10 bloody persecutions against the church
Pergamos - State church - 300 AD to 500 AD. Constatine great legalized Christianity making it state religion of Roman Empire - Invasion of paganism into church
Thyatira - Papal church AD 500 - Present. Rome assumed power over church - Pope
Sardis - AD 1500 - Luther - Justification of faith
Philadelphia - Missionary church - AD 1800 to AD 1900s
Laodicea - Present day apostate to rapture
Adam To Christ 4000. Church 2021 years
6021 years of human history
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