English Ministry – Letters from God – (To the church in Pergamum: the church that compromises its belief)

English Ministry
Letters from God
(To the church in Pergamum: the church that compromises its belief)
Rev. 2:12-17
Key verse: Rev. 2:16
Bà Mục sư Nguyễn Đức Tánh

Here is a summary of the Bible study lecture transcript:

Introduction & Personal Reflection

• Vacation Update: The instructor shared that she has returned from a 20-day river cruise in Europe.
• Perspective on Life: She used her return home to reflect on life’s temporariness, noting that Earth is not our final destination. Citing her parents’ gravesite and the premature death of a teenager, she emphasized life’s fragility and the importance of aiming for eternity (Heaven) regardless of status or success here.
• Prayer: The session began with an opening prayer acknowledging God as Heavenly Father and asking for guidance to understand the upcoming study on love and obedience.

Bible Study: The Letters to the Seven Churches (Revelation) The lecture focuses on the third letter sent by Jesus to the church in Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17).

• Review of Previous Letters:
  • Ephesus: Praised for works but criticized for losing their “first love.”
  • Smyrna (transcribed as Smana): Praised for remaining faithful amidst persecution.
• Pergamum Context: Described historically as a major city in Asia Minor known as “Satan’s throne” because it was the first to build a temple dedicated to Caesar and hosted worship of Greek idols (Zeus, Asclepius).
• Scripture Reading: The class read Revelation 2:12-17 together.
  • Jesus’ Image: Depicted as the one holding a sharp two-edged sword (representing authority, judgment, and conquest), contrasting with the world’s power.
  • The Church’s Strength: They held fast to Jesus’ name during persecution and did not deny their faith even when “Antipas” was killed.
  • The Church’s Weakness: Compromised by accepting false teachings (Balaam and Nicolaitans) that encouraged eating idol food and sexual immorality.
  • Warning & Reward: Jesus warns them to repent or face war with the sword of His mouth. The conquerors receive hidden manna and a white stone with a new name.

Key Teachings & Application

• Bible Reading: The instructor strongly encouraged students to read a physical (paper) Study Bible daily, referencing her own habit from Utah school days. She emphasized that the Holy Spirit speaks through regular reading, not just listening to teachers.
• Living in a Dangerous World: Using the context of Pergamum (idol worship/Caesar worship), she compared it to modern struggles where Christians face pressure to compromise their faith or hide their beliefs due to fear of social repercussions. She urges students to value how God sees them over how friends view them.
• Purpose: Reminded students that they are created with a purpose for God; living for oneself (“It’s my life! I own my life!”) is not a Christian attitude.

Conclusion

• The session ended with a prayer for safety and bravery in faith.
• Homework: Students were asked to read Revelation Chapters 2 and 3 at home using their physical Bibles.
• Next Class: Will continue studying the letters (reviewing Ephesus, Smyrna details again) and potentially covering chapter 4.