An Open Door

Bible Reading: Revelation 3

Revelation 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

You want to be a church like the one at Philadelphia. They did not receive receive any rebuke from the Lord but received an open door of opportunity for ministry and evangelism. Here is what I find interesting about this church.

1. They had a little strength. This was not a mighty and powerful Mega-church. It was a small group that was not strong outwardly. But they realized that their strength was in the Lord. We must also realize that it is not earthly strength that makes kingdom progress.

Zechariah 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

1 Corinthians 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.

2. They kept the Word of Jesus. This church believed the Bible and kept it. They preached it and taught it to others. They did what the Bible says a follower of Jesus ought to do. They knew this:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

3. They had not denied his name. This church proclaimed the name of Jesus. They loved the Lord and knew he was their king and their only hope.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

They were not ashamed of the name of Jesus.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

This is what a good church is like. They pray to God knowing:

Matthew 6:13b ...For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

It is Jesus' kingdom - we will not deny his name.
It is Jesus' power - we will keep his word.
It is Jesus' glory - we have a little strength.

In Christ,
Rody