Quote:
Originally Posted by SpeakersCorner
Matt,
My last post must have been at the same time as yours. So you have now answered my question.
My point concerning Thyatira is that within an idol-worshipping church there are some who do not qualify. (I don't interpret the LC as Thyatira; I agree with Nee on Thyatira being the Roman church.) I can't recall your original wording, but I do know you said virtually everyone in the LC was guilty of idolatry. Right?
As for Pergamos not having any exceptions, I disagree. "You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality." You "have people there" indicates clearly it was not a monolithic situation.
What say you?
SC
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It's impossible to have 100% of people in any group 'lording it over' others. So, you need some subjects to be subjected to those who will act as 'lord'.
Balak = one who lays waste/destroyer
Balaam = devourer
Nicolaitan = to conquer the people
doctrines of Balaam in the hands of Balak + doctrines of Nicolaitans = Bad combination for which we see much evidence in the LC.
It is important to note that the responsibility in Pergamos appears to point to everyone. God tells them all to repent. Not just some. Those who acted as 'lord' and those who were willing to submit to this improper authority and receive the food sacrificed to these idols. It was to their destruction that they partook.
Think HWMR. It is the "processed" spiritual food handed out as a replacement to the Word of God which is the manna that God intended for us.
Matt