Jude warns us to avoid the ways of Cain, Balaam, and Korah that characterize false teachers—greedy, worshipping on one's own terms, appealing to the masses.

Many have wondered why God would allow the oracles of a pagan soothsayer to be included in His Word. Balaam's prophecies are significant to God's purpose.

Balaam illustrates the paradox of someone who knows God's will, but willfully and deliberately disobeys, presumptuously thinking he could manipulate or bribe God.

Balaam, motivated by self-interest, believing that the ends justify the means, willing to do anything to get his way, is spiritually inferior to a donkey.

Blinded by greed, Balaam used whatever mental gymnastics necessary to arrive at the answer he wanted. He turned the grace of God into a license for evil.

Christ severely criticizes the church in Pergamos for idolatry and following the doctrine of Baalam. To those who overcome, He will grant eternal life.

Cultural compromise, such as found in Pergamos, brings judgment from Jesus. To those who refuse to compromise their convictions, Christ promises eternal life.

Contrary to Protestant understanding, our works emphatically do count - showing or demonstrating (not just telling) that we will be obedient.

In the letters to the seven churches, Scripture foresees that a dearth of steadfastness marks the time of the end, but Christians are urged to hold fast.

Christ cautions the Pergamos congregation to shun the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. The Church suffers when it harbors those who compromise and offend.

Despite the Council of Laodicea's condemnation of the Sabbath, a group of believers termed Paulicians kept God's laws and resisted the heresy from Rome.

The seven churches listed in Revelation 2 and 3 all have deficits and strengths. God is testing us as never before; we must prepare and endure to the end.