Pledge of Allegiance

Revelation 2:12-17

In the book of Revelation, the church of Pergamum was praised for standing strong against the forces of darkness and evil. Yet they were warned about the danger of compromise—bowing before the wrong altar while still claiming allegiance to God. We can face the same challenge today. The world will present us with countless altars—success, comfort, approval, power—each competing for our allegiance. But as Christ followers, we can’t pledge our allegiance to the world while still serving God.

1. Read Isaiah 55:10-11; John 1:1; Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 1:12; Revelation 2:12 — What is the connection between the word of God, Jesus, and the “sharp double-edged sword”?

2. Read Matthew 5:10 — Why would Jesus say persecution is a blessing?

3. Read Genesis 3:15; Exodus 1:15-16; Matthew 2:16 — Pastor Ryan talked about how Hitler sought to exterminate all Jews and that he was fulfilling Satan’s plan. What do you think about how Satan has used political leaders to slaughter the Jewish people?

       a. Can you think of other Bible stories or world events where the Jews were targeted?

4. What are your best practices for reading and studying the Bible on a regular basis?

5. Would you say you have a biblical worldview or a secular worldview? (A biblical world view runs every choice through the lens of scripture. A secular worldview runs choices through systems produced in the world without regard for God.) 

       a. How do you know what the biblical worldview would be?

6. Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 — What are our weapons? What weapons did Pastor Ryan say Antipas the Martyr used?

       a. Read 2 Corinthians 6:4,7; Ephesians 6:12-18 — What weapons are listed here?

7. Read John 1:4-5; Romans 13:12; Ephesians 5:8-11 — Pastor Ryan talked about how the Church in Pergamum was bringing light to the city and that persecution created even more light by separating the “gray” that existed in the hearts of the believers. What do these verses teach you about the light of the gospel?

8. Read Revelation 3:14-18 — What could the church in Laodicea learn from the church in Pergamum?