The Open Door

Primary Texts: Revelation 3:7–8, John 10:9, Acts 14:27, Matthew 25:1-13

Introduction

Many doors in the world.

Doors vs. Wheels?

Doors that shut at a time

Airport

Jesus Calls himself the door

Problem or Need

Without Christ and the open door, we are lost.

“If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” (John 8:24)

“The soul that sins shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20)

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23)

How does one go through the door?

If there is a way to be saved, what is it?

How do I enter?

Can I even enter it?

Too many stand outside the door.

Some don’t realize it’s open.

Some think they’re unworthy to enter.

Some were once inside but have stepped away.

Others inside forget how precious it is and begin to take it for granted.

If we ignore or hesitate at this door, we risk losing what matters most—fellowship and purpose in this life, and rest and reward with God in the next.

Solution

Jesus is the door. (John 10:9)

He opened the door by His sacrifice (Hebrews 10:19–20).

Have boldness to enter

By the blood

A new and living way

He holds the key (Revelation 3:7–8 ““And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” ).

No one else can open or shut the door but Christ alone.

He invites us in

to salvation

to the church

to mission

ultimately, to a prepared place (John 14:1–3 ““Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” ).

This door leads to everything the soul longs for: safety, rest, belonging, purpose, and hope.

“Enter by the narrow gate”/door

Application

For the Faithful:

Keep walking through that door daily.

Run with endurance (Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” )

Remain faithful (Revelation 2:10 “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” )

Tell others boldly, knowing the door is still open.

On opportunities God sets before you (eVANgelism)

Pray for opportunity

Prepare for opportunity

Look for opportunity

Act when opportunity comes

For the Visitor or Seeker:

Don’t stand outside anymore.

Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Why are you waiting? (Acts 22:16 “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’” )

Step through the door

in faith

repentance

confession

and baptism

into the body of Christ which He will save

For All:

Remember the parable of the wise and foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13): the door doesn’t stay open forever.

Look at the parable

This is a time-sensitive invitation. Delayed obedience is disobedience.

If you say, “I’ll take care of it tomorrow” you are disobeying now, and hoping for a tomorrow that you have not been promised.

The only time you know you have is now.

Conclusion

The one at the terminal who had every chance but never came.

The door is open—because Jesus opened it.

It's open to you—because God wants you in.

It won't be open forever—because judgment is coming.

Will you walk through? Will you continue abiding in Him?

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock…” (Revelation 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” )