VII: Letters to the Church

Patience

Second Peter tells us... “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some count slowness, but is long-suffering toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

This verse emphasizes God’s patience and his desire for all people to turn to him rather than being perceived as slow to fulfill his promise. But, while God is long-suffering, Scripture also reveals that it isn’t infinite. There are consequences for persistent disobedience and sin. Paul warns of rejecting God’s kindness and patience in Romans 2:4-5. We see God’s patience leading to repentance, but a persistent hard heart leading to judgment.

Scripture consistently affirms from Genesis to Revelation that there is a point where God’s patience ends. However, he is the only one who can judge a man’s heart and motivations. He longs for everyone to come to him in repentance and humility and to continually ask for forgiveness because we all fall short of his glory. We are also called to patiently endure, keep the faith, and love like Jesus loves, but the final word, consequences, and judgment are his and only his.

Rev. 2:19: “I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.”

Father, you are holy, merciful and gracious. Thank you for being patient with me/us, but holding us accountable and reminding us that sin has consequences. “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Amen.

Deb Hill
EFCC Member

by Deb Hill

To Tolerate or Not to Tolerate?

“But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel…” Revelation 2:20

There are two Jezebels mentioned in the Bible. This is the second one, and Jesus called her by that name, not as a compliment. The first Jezebel was the evil, murderous wife of the Israelite king Ahab. She corrupted her husband and the nation through her promotion of pagan worship of Baal (You may learn more about this idolatrous evil woman in 1 Kings 18-21 and 2 Kings 9:30-37). The second Jezebel was similar to the wicked queen. Jesus commended the small church of Thyatira for their increase of the works of love, faith, and endurance. But then He rebuked them for tolerating this self-styled prophetess’ teaching and, by their tolerance, permitted her to seduce some believers into sexual immorality and engage in pagan practices. Then, in His love and grace, Jesus gave her time to repent, but she refused to repent. We are not told what actually happened, but Jesus warned of the consequences that would befall her.

In our culture these days, we are told to see tolerance as a virtue. “You do, you.” “I’m okay, you’re okay!” “Don’t make waves.” “Don’t be judgmental.” “Your truth isn’t my truth.” In the church, in the family of believers, as the bride of Christ, are we to stay silent when we see sin in the church? How are we to “speak the truth in love” and not seem to have a permissive attitude toward sin? This is a very real question in the family of God today. We see a couple who profess Christ living together without being married. We see the compromise causing ripples and affecting others, leading them also into sin. Remember Jesus’ letter was to the church, not the culture. That is an important distinction. In 1 Corinthians 13:6, we are told that love “does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with truth.” To live in the way of Jesus, with the heart of Jesus, is to love the sinner but not the sin. This reminds me of the story in John 8 of the woman caught in adultery. While we tend to focus on the slipping away of the accusers as they recognized their own sin, we must remember that Jesus told the woman to go and sin no more. He told her that because He knew that would be her best life, to walk fully with Him on His path.

We don’t look for “gotcha moments” but for restoration in whatever sinful situation that God reveals to us. But we can’t just be silent. Know what God says, seek His wisdom, search your own heart, pray, speak the truth, and love them. Perhaps repentance will follow, and God’s family will rejoice.

Prayer: Father, help me to speak when I should and be silent when I shouldn’t! Thank You that You are full of grace and mercy but You are also a Holy God. May I reflect who You are. In Your Son’s name, Amen

Francie Overstreet EFCC Member

by Francie Overstreet

Warning Signs

Revelation 2:20-24

A few weeks ago, a few Jehovah's Witnesses came to my door to talk to me about their religion. I asked them a few questions about the Gospel of John, and they decided that they didn’t want to talk any further. This left me wondering: How does a cult like that start? If you’ve ever wondered how false teachers gain influence in churches, Jesus gives us a clear window into their playbook in his letter to the church in Thyatira.

First, he says, “Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess.” (v. 21) That line says a lot. Notice, “she calls herself” a prophetess. The church didn’t give her that title. The elders didn’t affirm her gifting. She just claimed the authority. That’s often how false teachers operate; they self-appoint. They don’t wait for community affirmation; they assert their role and expect others to fall in line. But that’s not the biblical model. In Scripture, gifts are affirmed in community, not claimed in isolation. If someone walks in saying, “God told me,” but isn’t willing to be tested, questioned, or corrected by the church… that’s a red flag.

Then Jesus says, “I gave her time to repent, but she refuses.” (v. 22) False teachers aren’t just misguided; they’re often unrepentant. One of the key marks of someone who’s walking with Jesus is a humble and teachable heart. A person who never says, “I was wrong,” or “I need grace,” is a person to be cautious around. They might be charismatic, but pay attention to whether or not they’re Christlike.

Finally, Jesus says some in Thyatira had been lured into “the deep things of Satan.” (v. 24) That’s a haunting phrase. False teaching often comes disguised as “secret wisdom.” “I’ll show you the real truth.” “There’s more to this if you’re ready for it.” That’s not just manipulation, it’s classic cult behavior. In his prolific book about cults, Walter Martin wrote, “One of the distinctive marks of a cult is its claim to secret knowledge; truth revealed only to the initiated, withheld from the outsider.” And Jesus is saying: Don’t fall for it. Truth doesn’t hide in the shadows, it walks in the light.

Here’s the challenge for us as believers: Be committed to knowing and following Scripture. Test what you hear. Don’t tolerate what Jesus wouldn’t. Be teachable and discerning. And always remember, it’s always about the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. That’s the foundation of our faith.

Ryan Paulson
Lead Pastor

by Ryan Paulson

A Victory Party

I remember when our three sons played youth sports, whether or not they had a winning season, there was a party at the end and each player received a trophy. The trophy was not for outstanding playing or winning games, but for participating–more of an encouragement for being part of the team.

In Revelation 2:17 we’re told, “To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.” The white stone is a tangible symbol of God's favor and recognition for faithfulness and overcoming, although the exact meaning of the stone is uncertain.

The best theory regarding the symbolic meaning of the white stone probably has to do with the ancient Roman custom of awarding white stones to the victors of athletic games. The winner of a contest was awarded a white stone with his name inscribed on it. This served as his “ticket” to a special awards banquet. According to this view, Jesus promises the overcomers entrance to the eternal victory celebration in heaven. The “new name” refers to the Holy Spirit’s work of conforming believers to the holiness of Christ (see Romans 8:29; Colossians 3:10). The new name doesn’t replace our earthly name, but is a symbol of our new and more intimate relationship with God. I like to think of it as my heavenly nickname–known only to me and of course God.

John 5:4–5 encourages “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” An overcomer holds fast to faith in Christ until the end. He demonstrates complete dependence upon the Lord Jesus through thick and thin.

The church back then faced and the church today faces many challenges. We live in a world that sometimes seems upside down and backwards. But we, born again believers, while part of this world, are not of this world. Our faith and focus is on the Lord Jesus Christ because of the relationship we have with him. If we place our faith and trust in the “world” around us rather than on him, we might just get a participation trophy instead of a special white stone with a secret heavenly nickname–our eternal reward, and entrance to a victory party in heaven. That is a promise from God to cling to.

Deb Hill
EFCC Member

by Deb Hill

Hidden Manna

In Revelation 2:17, Jesus makes a mysterious promise to the church in Pergamum: “To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna.” Hidden manna. That might be a strange phrase for some of us, but it was a phrase that many Jewish people in Jesus’ day would have known well. Manna was the daily bread that sustained the Israelites in the wilderness. Every morning, like clockwork, God’s provision showed up on the ground, and it was just enough for that day. No stockpiling. Not to be stashed away or stored in barns, but daily grace for daily need.

To Christians in Pergamum, the place where “Satan had his throne” (Rev. 2:13), Jesus promises “hidden manna.” We might read that as unseen or inexplicable sustenance and strength. What a great promise! The question you might be asking yourself is how to receive that manna. Great question. One day, the disciples asked Jesus if he was hungry, and he answered, “I have food to eat that you do not know about . . . My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” (Jn 4:32, 34) Jesus was energized, strengthened, and sustained by doing the will of God. That’s the same way we receive hidden manna. When we walk with Jesus, he sustains and feeds us.

I’m comforted by the fact that Jesus’ promise still holds: If you hold fast to me, I will give you hidden manna. Manna might not be flashy or opulent, but it’s real and nourishing. And most importantly, it’s always enough. This “hidden manna” is what happens when grace shows up in ways you didn’t expect. It’s that deep breath in the middle of chaos. It’s the sense of peace that doesn’t make sense, but somehow steadies your heart when you pray. It’s the flicker of joy that breaks through your grief. It’s that moment when you’re reading Scripture and a verse grabs your heart like it was written just for you. You didn’t plan for it. You didn’t force it. But Jesus meets you there, and you walk away full in a way you didn’t even know you were hungry for.

Hidden manna is sustenance from God that you can’t always quantify or explain, but you know when you experience it. Take some time today and reflect on the question: What “manna moments” have you experienced? When has Jesus met your needs in a way only He could? How might He be inviting you to seek Him for today’s sustenance?

Pastor Ryan Paulson

by Ryan Paulson

A Few Things

“Nevertheless, I have a few things against you…” - Revelation 2:14

Yike! That sounds ominous. What would you think if you heard those words from Jesus? “Josh, I have a few things against you…” To be honest, this time, when I read these words that Jesus spoke to the church in Pergamum, I found myself thinking, “Wow! Only a few things!? Not bad!” Honestly, the more I considered it, the more I felt like that would be a win! If Jesus looked at my life and said He only saw a few problems, I’d be pretty happy! But this realization got me thinking . . . why do we tend to beat ourselves up so much when we find a few things wrong?

We tend to think of repentance as a heavy, shame-filled practice that people only go through when we are new believers, or when we’ve really messed up. But repentance is supposed to be a normal, ongoing part of the Christian life. In fact, Martin Luther quite literally nailed this truth down in the very first of his 95 Theses which said, “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent,’ He willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.” Did you hear that? The “entire life!” Repentance was never supposed to be a one-time event that brings shame, but a lifestyle that brings forgiveness and life.

This realization has helped me reimagine what repentance is all about. Instead of seeing it as condemnation, I’m trying to understand it for what it really is… invitation. Jesus isn’t pointing things out in our lives to make us feel bad about ourselves—He’s inviting us to live in the freedom and grace He already purchased for us! When He told that church that they needed to repent, He wasn’t rejecting them or shaming them. He was drawing them back to Himself.

So now, when you and I see that there might be “a few things” that need to change in our lives, don’t be too discouraged. Instead, try to be grateful. Grateful for the fact that Jesus doesn’t walk away from us in our mess… thankful that He leans in, speaks truth, offers grace, and gives us the chance to turn around and keep following Him.

Remember, our goal isn’t perfection… It’s staying close to Jesus. And often, or quite regularly, that will mean being willing to say back to him, “You’re right. I messed up. Please help me change.” That’s not failure. That’s faith.

Josh Rose
Family Pastor

by Josh Rose

ANTIPAS, MY FAITHFUL WITNESS

The church in Pergamum had a bishop named Antipas who was probably discipled by the apostle John. He was brutally martyred sometime between 92 and 96 A.D. Jesus called him, “my faithful witness”. The believers stayed faithful themselves during this time even seeing what happened to Antipas. “...you did not deny my faith…” Revelation 2:13. The following is a traditional story told of Antipas whose name means ‘against all’. When he was refusing to worship emperor Nero, he was told, “Antipas, everything is against you.” His reply was, “Then I will be against everything.” Clearly, he was not a man to compromise. He would not deny Christ to save his life. He would not pledge allegiance to anyone or anything except His Savior. His faithfulness inspired those around him to be vigilant about their journeys with the LORD especially in the midst of the persecution they endured.

Antipas’ faithfulness did not lead to rescue from the brutal martyrdom! It was not a Hallmark movie where, from our perspective, everything turns out just great! Because this is God’s story, not ours, even though He has given us each a role in it, we do not understand completely the greatness of His story and its script. Its chapters don’t always end the way we think they will or want them to end. The bishop dies, a friend isn’t healed, evil happens, lies seem to prevail, life isn’t fair, the race wasn’t won, the promotion wasn’t given, the job was lost, BUT THE STORY ISN’T OVER!

What does He want us to do? Be a faithful witness, endure to the end, don’t compromise, trust Him, be patient, live joyfully, wait and focus on Him. He has great things for those who have “ears to hear”, conquer with Him and love Jesus because our definition of ‘end’ isn’t His. There is no THE END written on the last page.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life.”
James 1:12
ANTIPAS, MY FAITHFUL WITNESS

Pondering:
Consider how you might be compromising some beliefs or actions in your walk with the LORD. How can that be a slippery slope leading to lessening your love for Him? Ponder what it means for you to be His faithful witness to the very end of your life here. Will you trust Him with how it ends?

Francie Overstreet
EFCC Member

by Francie Overstreet

Sharp Mouth Sword

What do words and swords have in common? Both cut, and according to the Bible,, both apply to Jesus.

In Rev 2:12 Jesus introduces himself in the letter to the church in Pergamum by saying, “These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.” He finishes the letter by saying, “Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them (the ones who follow false teaching) with the sword of my mouth”

The sword of Jesus' mouth is a metaphor for how his words will cut, strike down, and conquer. But it is also not a metaphor because Jesus' words will literally cut. Jesus’ words have power. God, afterall, spoke the world into existence (Gen 1). Jesus is the Word (John 1), and the Word of God is a sharp double-edged sword (Heb 4:12), and is the Sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17).

Later in Revelation Jesus is portrayed as the conquering King who single handedly (or single tongue swordedly in his case) destroys the armies of the earth aligned against him. Rev 19:11-21 paints this powerful proclamation.

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

king of kings and lord of lords.

Align yourself with the conquering King and let his words penetrate, “even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow,” and let them, “judge the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12.

Pastor John Riley

by John Riley