The church in Pergamum was much like many churches today, members went to services to be comforted and to feel good about themselves, even though in reality, they were like those in Noah’s day as Jesus taught –

“For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark … ” – Matthew 24:38

They were soothed by the Balaams, teaching that everything was alright with the world and if there were some things that were obviously inconsistent with God’s teachings, they were told “we are to love and not judge.” The Hollywood lifestyle was constantly pumped into their brains through all kinds of media until they even made icons of the puppets they constantly saw before them as if they were fountains of wisdom.

If they had any problems, they had doctors and psychiatrists to help them – Oprah and Dr. Phil had all the answers didn’t they? If they needed God for anything, which was unlikely, they could always write out their wish list, put a Christian stamp on the envelope and send it off.

Meanwhile their Nicolaitan type pastors were feeding them spiritual Pablum and candy to keep their loyalty and finances in line – assuring them that they alone had all the spiritual answers. To the Pergamum members, Christianity was more of an insurance policy than a lifestyle recipe.

As you probably surmise, I am not a fan of the Pergamum style Christianity but, they were still Christians, just settling for a mere fraction of their Godly inheritance. God offers a life of victory to those who will choose to follow His lead. He can actually set one free from the bondage and pain of sin, which has eternal consequences. There may be some temporary suffering but it is the suffering that comes from the heat of battle in which the joy of victory wipes away the pain.

CBN put out an excellent documentary on the Pergamum church which has more detail than my video if you care to watch.

The Church alone is called to be Light to the world, but if we hide our light under a bushel gross darkness and corruption is the result –

Arise, shine;
For your light has come!
And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.

For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
And deep darkness the people;
But the LORD will arise over you,
And His glory will be seen upon you.
Isaiah 60:1,2

Needless to say, Pergamum style Christianity is not God’s intent for us. As we genuinely repent, His grace will restore us and put us back on the right way toward true life.

(Revelation Timeline part 4 will begin with the church of Thyatira)