PASTOR STEPS DOWN DUE TO PAST SINS

HEADLINE NEWS: CHURCH SCANDALS! WRONG DOING! SIN! ALLEGED CRIME!

Last year my beloved mother transitioned to heaven at the age of 94 years old. One of her go-to responses whenever she learned of unexpected or impending unpleasant news, whether it was family news, or on the global stage. She always responded, “What Now!”

Lately, we are getting rapid news of not-so-good news about modern church leaders and practices. The news is difficult to hear whether it is alleged or true. Each exposure makes you want to say, “What now!”

A story was told: of a popular Megachurch pastor’s conversation with one of the elderly mothers of the church, “Mother, we no longer have to say what Peter told the lame man, with oozing pride he spoke, “Silver and gold have I none.” The Elderly-mother in an uneasy stare gazed at the pastor and replied, yeah but Pastor, neither can you say like Peter, “rise up and walk.”

Followers of Christ, Be Encouraged, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:9)

Read the message to the church in Pergamum! It is relevant for today! Know your real enemy! To the Angel of the Church (the Lead Pastor) of the Church of Pergamum/and all churches!.(Paraphrase)

(Revelations 2:13) “I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.”

What does Jesus know about the church? Jesus knows all about what we do individually, and collectively. He knows where we are, even if it isn’t much to know. This church was in the stronghold of Satanic power. It was in the political center of the worship demands of Roman government.

The above passage reveals that Jesus was pleased that the church of Pergamon did not deny his faith. It is always important to make sure that the faith we hold on to is the faith that belongs to Jesus.

(Revelations 2:14-15) “Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality.  Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans

Contextual Background: Read Scripture Reference Revelations 2:12-17)

The Nicoliatan (The name means rule the people, conquer the people) infiltrators, a doctrine that Jesus hated, (Rev. 2:6) because they believe in lording over the people and compromising their faith with other occults, religions, and doctrines. “It’s okay to bring practices into the Church from the world because the church needs all the help it can get!” Sounds familiar.

Teachings of Balaam (The True Priophet prostituted his gift to earn money and led Israel into idolatry and sexual immorality.)Balaam also means lord of the people.

Summary:

After the believers would not say, “Ceasar is Lord” and pledge their allegiance. A believer was killed, but the other believers stayed true to their faith. A stretegy of infiltration became the next play of Satan.

When Satan could not accomplish his goals by using persecution, He tried to accomplish his goals by using deception. (He uses the same tactics today.) He first used violence, persecution, then through infiltrating a group of compromising people an alliance was established.

It was a difficult environment, however difficulties never justifies compromise in the name of “We need all the help we can get.” No church then, or today needs that kind of help. The church began to look like the world. (The doctrine of Nicoliatan) Compromise! Worldly worship became the norm.

Self Reflection

• Can you think of any area of your life where you have allowed yourself to be compromised by the world? If so, has that compromised hindered the power of God from operating in your life?
• Do you know any believers who thought they could live with one foot in the church and another foot in the world, but in the end the world ensnared them and they backslid into a life of sin?
• If you know someone who is on the verge of backslliding, what do you think the Lord would have you do to help bring that person back to where he or she ought to be?

Action Steps: What Now?

1. Repent- a call to all Christians, not only those who first come to Jesus
2. Hear what the word of the Lord teachers- Obey the word of God
3. Examine your place of worship- False teaching and immorality is still a problem today.
4. Make Jeus the main attraction for all you do! Know the word for yourself.
5. Seek wise counsel.

Pray: I don’t want to allow any spirit of compromise in my life! I don’t want to live with one foot in the church and another foot in the world. I want to break free completely from the world and its influence so I give myself completely to your cause! I want to live in a way that pleases you and, to experience your power in my life. Today I am renewing my commitment to you all over again! I turn from the world, and I am running to you! I pray this in Jesus’ name! Amen!

Related Readings: Numbers 22-25