On the Right, a Martyr - On the Left, a Compromiser

From Revelation 2:12-17

In my journal, I recently noted that the "Loveless Church" found in Revelation 2 is the closest example to the twenty-first century church one can find in scripture. While I probably still hold to that claim, I am beginning to feel that all seven churches are extremely applicable to today's church - at least in the United States (I have much too little knowledge of the global church). 

The church in Pergamos sits where Satan resides. While the citizens probably do not worship Satan directly, the devil rules over them subtly through their pagan acts. It is no stretch to say that any city, state or nation not devoted to Almighty God is, in effect, Satan's throne. Therefore, it is no stretch to also state that the United States is such a throne. We impeached Jesus Christ a long time ago. 

And yet, the church remains, trying to breathe underneath a current of paganism. 

We have our giants, of course. Men like Antipas who are willing to take seemingly unbearable abuse and ridicule for the name of Christ Jesus. Men and women who are berated by the media, disowned by their families, fired from their jobs and left clothed with nothing but their faith. Such individuals sit in our churches. They may even sit next to you, singing "Amazing Grace" on your right. You smile and praise God that such believers exist. You glance to your left to see another individual singing the same song. 

But this person is quite different. This woman recently had an abortion and is known for her promiscuity. This man is a workaholic, alcoholic, entertainment junky who spends little time with his family and even less in the church. Here you have the Compromising Church - boldly continuing to claim Christ as king of their lives, but allowing sin to cover their church like foul spray paintings.

Will God look down and see only the man on your right, thereby sparing the church as a whole? No. He will not. Revelation 2:16 states that unless the guilty party repents, "(Jesus) will fight against them with the sword of (His) mouth." 

Think about that for a moment. Romans 8:31 says that if God is for us, we are unbeatable. So, in theory, if God is literally fighting against you, you're doomed. The Sword of King Jesus is not reserved for the pagan alone. The believer is not spared. He will wield it against any who causes His church to stumble. The strike of the blade will not mortally wound the soul, but it may end the reign of the physical body. 

Do not mistake King Jesus for a wimp. He came to earth once, clothed in humility. No more. He has taken His throne and will judge harshly those who oppose Him, His truth and the soul's of his people.

So endure. Hold fast to truth - to Christ. Great reward awaits us.