Bible Reading: Psalm 41; Revelation 2: 11-19.
“I know thy words, and where thou dwellest, even where satan’s seat is: and then holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith even in those days where in Antipas was my faithful martyr who was slain among you where Satan dwelleth” -Revelation 2:13 (KJV).
The admonition to hold on to the Christian faith has become so expedient because of the challenges of the time we are in. Events of these last days have cost a lot of people the faith, with discouragement and doubt setting in.
If there is any time this admonition is desperately needed, now more than ever, with iniquities abounding, wickedness in high places, immorality in the increase and the promotion of all kinds of vices, the tendency to give up the faith is on the increase especially as countless number of Christians are being brutally killed for their faith in Jesus.
This letter to the church in Pergamos is very relevant to today’s church. Unfortunately, today the church seem to be so engrossed with affairs of this world that the spiritual stamina needed to stand trials, and overcome persecution is not given attention. The church seems to have so fallen in love with the present world that she is fast loosing heavenly consciousness and eternal perspective.
Most believers will rather compromise their faith to remain alive and enjoy this side of life than see themselves face the agony of persecutions and death.
They will rather compromise their Christian convictions and evade trials than stick to their convictions unto death.
They will rather pray for the persecutors to die so the persecution and trial could cease than ask God for strength and divine enabling to stand tall in faith in the midst of trials.
PRAYER: Oh Lord, Help believers to understand that trials and persecutions are integral part of the Christian faith.
Rev. Vincent Diolu