Oops! I also “forgot” which day to post our next Class! Instead of Sunday, the proper time in our “every-other-night” sequence … I uploaded Class Saturday as we drove to this week’s Revival!

So, next Class now will be Monday, the Lord willing. (None of which will matter a few days from now anyway!)

“12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and 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, where Satan dwelleth. 14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”

The Lord has both good things and bad things to note about this Church.

MANY OF REVELATION’S WORD PICTURES REFER/ALLUDE BOTH TO THE OLD TESTAMENT AND TO SOME LOCAL COLOR SITUATION! SUCH IS THE CASE HERE AT PERGAMOS AS WELL, THE SEAT OF SATAN, THE HIDDEN MANNA AND THE WHITE STONE! 

(These are briefly discussed in the video Class!)

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I also mentioned this fact in passing, but here’s more detail …

Balaam, his story is recorded in Numbers 22-25. And it is “loaded” with the Sword motif!

Numbers 22:23 … And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.

Numbers 22:29 … And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.

Numbers 31:8 … And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.

So, the local Church that has accepted tinges of Balaam-ism is surrounded (both in verse 12 and verse 17) with “sword” imagery!

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Some beloved historians (Alexander Hislop for example, 1807-1865) teach that when Babylon fell, Pergamos became home to the devils, principalities, etc! This apostasy was later headquartered at Rome, and still is in many ways! (As we shall see when we reach Revelation chapters 17 and 18.)

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The name Balaam actually (in Hebrew) means “not of the people!” Compare that to the Greek name Nicolaitans (meaning “to conquer the people”)! Seems that God’s dear people are always under attack from the devil!

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One of my favorite quotes in the whole Lesson …

 IF BALAAM COULD NOT CURSE THEM … HE WOULD CORRRUPT THEM!

The devil’s strategy has not changed much, has it?

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THIS SWORD JESUS HAS IS NOT THE SHORTER WEAPON (MACH’AIRA) A SOLIDER MIGHT CARRY … BUT 2-FOOT-LONG HANDLE ATTACHED TO A THREE-FOOT-LONG BLADE, DESIGNED TO BOTH SLASH AND THRUST … SPELLED IN GREEK (RHOMPHA’IA)!

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“Cultic Meals” of that Day, which a Christain could not (in good conscience attend) were …

Always centered around some god or goddess!

Always associated with prostitutes, religious or otherwise!

Always serving meat offered to said idol!

Ubiquitous, synonymous with social life!

Dining room located in the heathen temple!

Always included “foul songs!”

Often the invitations were printed as from the god himself!

Two altars were generally present!

One for the Lord Caesar, Emperor … the other for the god or goddess himself or herself!

No wonder Paul exhorted his people to … “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” 2 Corinthians 6:17

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Now, watch the video if possible …

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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