A Light To The Dark Places

To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. (Revelation 2:12-13) 
 
In reading about the seven churches in the book of Revelation, there was one church that was located in a very dark and dangerous place. The church at Pergamum was located in a city that Jesus described as holding the throne of Satan, not just where he dwelled, but where he ruled. Satan does not rule from hell. He is not in hell; he is on this planet right now. There are places where he is worshiped and where he rules. Jesus described this place of Satan's authority and his seat of authority as downtown Pergamum. 
 
If there was ever a place where you and I need to understand what is was like, it is Pergamum. We must understand that any time a human is worshipped, an object worshipped, or even a goal is worshipped, instead of Jesus, it is the place where Satan dwells.  
 
And we also need to understand that the church is called to be the church in dark places. God calls His people to serve in dark places. Sometimes, God’s people don’t have a stomach for that…wanting to insulate both themselves and their children from the very people who need saving. But the church is not a showcase for saints, but a hospital for sinners…and a lighthouse for those in the dark.