The Small Church Promise

Read: Revelation 3:7-13

Revelation 3:7–13 KJV 1900

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 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. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Introduction:

Have you ever seen a perfect church?

Steve Phelps a Christian cartoonist put it this way, “You know, churches are like parking places: all the good ones are taken, and the only ones left are handicapped.”

There is no such thing as a perfect church.

The letters to the seven churches magnify this fact.

Dr. Wingrove Taylor gave this little description of each church -

Ephesus -Darling (loved one) - First Century Apostolic Church – Paul warned against false teachers. Must have been diligent about doctrine but deficient in devotion. Uncompromising but unloving.

Smyrna – Synonym for Myrrh embalm comes by being crushed) - Persecuted church Severely persecuted & Poor but spiritually prosperous

Pergamos – Perverted Marriage - What Satan couldn’t do by persecution he did by other means married the church to the world. Had a willingness to stand, but a worldliness that made them stumble

Thyatira – Medieval Church – Deals with queen Jezebel and Queen of Heaven. Vigorous, generous, and gracious, but did nothing about an adulterous member

Sardis – Denominational church – first of two that had nothing good said about them. Name only but spiritually dead. Long testimony but little spirituality

Philadelphia Missionary church – Abounding in living in loyalty longsuffering and loving

Laodicea - Lukewarm Church – Worldly and apathetic it could simply care less. Dr. Wingrove Taylor says of Laodicea, “Laodicea rule of the people sermons generated by market surveys. Full of goods but fireless in Godliness”

While some make a big deal about prophecy on these churches and how each church is a different age - I don’t want to do that tonight.

I want to look at the church at Philadelphia and draw some applications for Wichita Bible Holiness Church.

Some of you may have recieved a letter recently denouncing us as a “dead church” I want to encourage you to throw that out, I want you to see that God is still very active right here.

Philadelphia faced outside opposition - not inward. - Now I know because I try to visit with all of you at different points - do not agree with everything we do here - primarily due to difference of opinion and preference - but keeping unity in the bond of peace is of greater importance to you.

1. A Small church is not a dead church -

Philadelphia was a small church - with outside influences trying and testing it. They were commended even though they were of little strength because they kept God’s Word and did not deny the name of Christ.

God didn’t look down on them or judge them because they were small, or even weak of influence in their community. But he does commend them for being faithful. Faithful to God’s Word. - How about it tonight - I would much rather be faithful to God than pastor the largest most hippest, most growing church in the city or the world.

A QUIET CHURCH IS NOT A DEAD CHURCH!!!

Sometimes we never stop to ask why some people are quiet - I know that some right here in this congregation have come from backgrounds that have been harmful borderline toxic and abusive - it’s no wonder they are quiet today.

I know we are unique and different - but we are a church family and I love and appreciate each and every one of you! God has us here for a reason and purpose!

2. A Small Church is promised God’s Strength

He promises to put before them an open door - this could be a door of opportunity, a door of outreach (Philadelphia was known for that) But it could also mean - since she is weak - as Aquinas wrote, she is the fitter object for God’s power to rest on, that so the Lord Christ may have all the glory!!!

But I more prefer Osborne who wrote: in this context it is better to see this as entrance into the kingdom of God, with Jesus holding the keys that open the gate. He alone can shut the door, not these adversarial Jews.

Here are a few little reasons why I believe WBHC is still ALIVE

We have a unique sense of family - that of course might not be perfect church material - is perfect for us - and if you need more fellowship please don’t hesitate to ask or talk to me or set something up.

We have children and young people who are interested in serving Jesus

We have a desire to see people come to Christ and hear the truth.

We have an international reach (We give to and support missions

We have regular encounters with God in our services (God doesn’t visit dead churches.)

Within the past 12 months I know of several that the Lord has dealt with about their need of salvation (One a Muslim) - RIGHT HERE IN THIS CHURCH!!!

one has been entirely sanctified

Countless others have been dealt with about their soul due to prayers prayed right here at this church.

We are striving to be faithful - to go on in spite of circumstances around us - while trying not to compromise what we feel God’s Word says to us.