The Seat of Satan (The church of Pergamos..Part 2)

 

I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. (Rev 2:13)                                                  

What comes to mind when you hear the words--The seat of Satan? The word has a few thoughts about this. A seat mentioned in scripture meant a place of royalty, authority, and power. The church of Pergamos was located in the heart of the seat of Satan. In that area, a faithful soldier of the church named Antipas was murdered. According to some historical records of that time, he was put inside of a big hollow bull and heated until it became red-hot. It is believed that he was praying and giving thanks during his execution.

Whether the story was true or not, the fact of the matter is that he was martyred openly as an example to intimidate the church into silence. It did the opposite--the church stood firm and did not deny the faith. It is interesting that God calls the place where Antipas was murdered, the dwelling of Satan. History shows us that it was around the altar of the Greek God Zeus.

A seat in this verse denotes a stronghold. The city was, personally, inhabited by Satan thru the worship of Zeus. Spiritual strongholds exist in people, communities, cities, or countries. Leaders can have a demon power behind their operations and decisions. It is not the first time that Satan has, personally, been involved in a high political position. The King of Tyrus had the personal backing of Satan himself. (Ezekiel 28:12-15)

Another high-ranking demon spirit that we see is the Prince of Persia. Daniel was so set on seeking the Lord's face for guidance and insights into future events that it called the attention of that evil spirit. (Daniel 10:12-13) Names of demon spirits are important when dealing with the deliverance of a person or places of authority.

It is interesting how demon spirits can travel through time and do more damage to people. This altar of Zeus was taken into Nazi Germany and used as a podium for Adolph Hitler to address his people. (1) History teaches us that Hitler was used by Satan to kill millions of Jews. As we look at the church of Pergamos, God praised their steadfast faith and loyalty. On the other hand, God pointed out their shortcomings. They had mixture in their midst. 

It is because of this mixture that they were limited in making an impact on that city. Notice in Rev 2:7, God was going to give them the hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written. He was going to reveal mysteries to the church and, most likely, it would have been used to win the city of Pergamos. Alas, the church dwindled and lost its influence in the city. Let's look into our hearts and deal with any mixture in our lives. Allow the Lord to point out those areas of shortcomings and weaknesses in our lives. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the grace and mercy to overcome it. Then, we will be able to win our family, community, and even our nation to the Lord. God bless. 

  (1)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r83ZRissyw                                               

   Photo courtesy by Marco Montero Pisani on Unsplash

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

The unjust judge!

                       " Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:  And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?  I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?"

                         (Luke 18:2-8)

                       

                  This story has been preached in many churches. We see a widow who is determined to get justice and wears out this judge in her plea, finally getting her petition answered. A wonderful story with a happy ending, but unfortunately, one that has been misunderstood in the field of prayer. What I like is that it compares prayer to a courtroom setting and God is the judge of all things.

             The word of God tells us that Satan is the accuser of the Brethren. He goes to the court of heaven accusing us day and night before the father. (1) What should be our approach when we go to the court of heaven in prayer? The word says to enter his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise. Why? Because, we have the best attorney that money can buy. We have Jesus!

              In looking at this passage, I want to point out the gross misunderstanding of God and prayer! We think that if we continue to ask and ask that eventually, God is going to get tired of us and wind up giving us what we ask. Nothing could be further than the truth.

                First of all, how dare we compare the Judge of the earth to a unjust Judge? Luke 18:7-8 denotes this contrast. He said that God will avenge them speedily, in other words, we don't have to wear him down with our crying and groveling. Why? It's already done. (2) God has given us all things that pertains unto life. (II Peter 1:3) 

               So, we can walk in that courtroom, give thanks, as well as praise to God for our promises, then look at Satan and say----In your face! Why? Because Jesus has won our case. His evidence? His hands and body indicating our salvation and precious promises for us! 

              Bear in mind that for each promise, Satan will fight you so that you can give up and walk away. I remember hearing about inheritances that would take years before they were given to the right parties. We have an inheritance with the Lord and we don't have to settle for red tape.

                   Yes, God has its seasons, but when we get kingdom minded---All will change. We don't have to worry about time because God has no time. We can be in a area of expectancy and see his promises come to pass at any time. Do you visualize yourself with God's promises? Then, stop asking him and expect a breakthrough. Your lawyer Jesus Christ has won your case! God bless.

Scriptures--

 (1) Rev 12:10

 (2) II Peter 1:3

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