Revelation 2: 12-17   To the church of Pergamum Jesus identifies Himself as "The One who has the sharp two-edged sword.. "  In John's vision in chapter 1:16  Jesus is said to have a "sharp two-edged sword" which came out of His mouth.  Later in Revelation 19:15 Jesus comes on a white horse out of heaven "and from His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may smite the nations; and He will rule them with a rod or iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty."  

The sword is an instrument of judgement.. which comes from the mouth of our Lord.  Hebrews 4: 12 says, "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." 

In Ephesians 6:17 we are told to take up the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."  Isaiah 49:2 talks about the Servant of God.. "and He has made My mouth like a sharp sword".. 

All of these references bring us to a understanding of Jesus.. the Living Word.. the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us.  He came to speak truth.. to speak the Word of God.. the Word that judges nations and judges the thoughts of each heart.  Here, speaking to the Church, Jesus is passionate for them to hold on to the Truth.. even though they "dwell.. where Satan's throne is.." 

The church in Pergamum was sliding away from the whole truth.. they had allowed the "teaching of Balaam" to invade their church.  It was a teaching that would "put a stumbling block" before them.  They had allowed the teaching of the Nicolatians.. another stumbling block. These false teachers were leading the church away from purity and faithfulness.  It was promoting.. or at least allowing idol worship and immortality. 

Jesus calls His people to repentance.. quickly!  The consequence of false doctrines is judgement.. the "sword" of His mouth would "make war against them." 

But, to those who overcome.. there would be a mysterious and wonderful gift.. "hidden manna" and "a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it." 

We live in an age where the church has allowed in false doctrines.. many call themselves "christian" but are not staying faithful to the Truth of God's Word.  This will not stand, for the sword will come against them. We must be diligent against compromising the Truth of God's Word with the cultural mores of this world. 

Father in heaven, let the power of the Living Word fill us with Your Truth and give us wisdom to discern the lies of the enemy.  We know that many churches have allowed false teaching that condones immorality and idolatry.. Father bring repentance and restoration to Your people.  We take up the sword of Your Spirit, the Word of God and prayer. We take up the shield of faith and the belt of Truth. We put on the breastplate of righteousness and the shoes of peace. We ask that You help us to overcome. We look forward to the day when we will receive a white stone and a new name.. in the presence of our Lord Jesus.  Amen.