This Sunday, October 11, we’ll be looking at Revelation 2:12-17 to the church of Pergamum, “A Church Who Stumbles.” In preparation, I would encourage you to read Revelation 2:12-17 and reflect on the immorality and idolatry practiced in society. In what ways have you seen immorality and idolatry compromise the church?

The churches in Revelation 2-3 form a chiasm. Churches one and seven (Ephesus and Laodicea) receive the harshest corrections and warnings from our Lord. Churches two and six (Smyrna and Philadelphia) are encouraged and commended by the Lord but not corrected. The three churches in the middle (Pergamum, Thyatira, and Sardis) reflect the progression of sin and compromise. Doctrinal compromise (Pergamum) leads to toleration of sin (Thyatira) which leads to spiritual sloth and sleep (Sardis).

For this Sunday, here are some things I’m praising God for and praying for:

• Praise God for the truth and clarity of his Word that instructs us about the gospel and will judge our sinfulness. Take a few minutes to humbly read the section today. Praise God for his Word that makes the gospel clear. Be willing to submit to the truth of Scripture.
• Pray against Satan’s strategies of persecution and compromise. Pray for the persecuted church (see last week’s post). Pray for churches and Christians who have compromised their faith due to culture and sin.
• Pray for Christians to hold fast to the name of Christ and to sound doctrine. Pray for our church and elders and leaders to be attentive to the Word and to teach and preach the Bible truthfully and accurately. Pray that we will be a church that practices the Bible in both creed and conduct; doctrine and devotion.
• Pray for sinners to repent and receive the new life and privileges of salvation. Some are struggling because they cannot shake their identity from a past of sin. Some want to belong so they compromise. Some need to be cleansed from guilt. Some are just hungry and thirsty because the world and their choices have left them empty. Revelation 2:17 offers promises to those who believe in Christ. Christ is the only way we can be filled and fulfilled.

Thank you for praying with me each week for our worship services. If you’d like to learn more about the book of Revelation, find it on the media page for Wilkesboro Baptist . Sunday sermons and Wednesday Bible studies are available as well as additional teaching on the book of Revelation from a thematic standpoint. Look for the lesson on “Themes, Keys, and Interpretive Strategies for Revelation 6:1-8:5.”