“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, `These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:  “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. “But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling-block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. “Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. `Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. (Rev 2:12-16 NKJ)

Pergamum, John’s third church. Pergamum was like going to the store to buy apples and being sold a bag of apples that was half good and half rotten.  The good was really good, faithful and true, even to the point of death.  The bad though was really bad, God asks them, “But why do you indulge that Balaam crowd? Don’t you remember that Balaam was an enemy agent, seducing Balak and sabotaging Israel’s holy pilgrimage by throwing unholy parties? And why do you put up with the Nicolaitans, who do the same thing?” As a Christian, you can’t be partially holy or partially sanctified.  Doing that which is wrong nullifies the good.

Deal with it and remove the bad or the Word will stand against you, and the Sword of the Spirit, that double-edged sword will cut, and cut deep. Strong words to this church and to us.