A Faithful Church

How would you describe a successful church? I think my answer has had to change in the last year.

But think about it for moment. What makes a church a good church.

I have mentioned several times how amused I get when I read on FB about someone looking for a church. They have a grocery list of what they are looking for (usually a standard no church could ever meet) and many times that list is to be honest, self absorbed. Looking for a church with old music. Looking for a church with new music. Looking for a goldilocks church where nothing is too hard or too soft, to warm or too cold, too big or too small, but just right.

But what does God think makes a good church?

I believe we can see a glimpse into this in

Revelation 3:7–13e HCSB

7 “Write to the angel of the church in Philadelphia: “The Holy One, the True One, the One who has the key of David, who opens and no one will close, and closes and no one opens says: 8 I know your works. Because you have limited strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name, look, I have placed before you an open door that no one is able to close. 9 Take note! I will make those from the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews and are not, but are lying—note this—I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to endure, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is going to come over the whole world to test those who live on the earth. 11 I am coming quickly. Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown. 12 The victor: I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of My God, and he will never go out again. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God—the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God—and My new name. 13 “Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.

The Church: Philadelphia

Revelation 3:7 HCSB

7 “Write to the angel of the church in Philadelphia: “The Holy One, the True One, the One who has the key of David, who opens and no one will close, and closes and no one opens says:

This city was about 30 miles from Sardis, the last city we preached about.

Let’s remind ourselves of the first 5 churches.

Ephesus- lost its first love.

Smyrna- was being persecuted

Pergamos- strong against outside sin, but compromising within.

Thyatira- Tolerated scandalous sin in their midst.

Sardis- The dead church

And now Philadelphia- The faithful church.

They were a farming community. Wool and grapes for wine.

They had much of their vineyards destroyed by Rome, because the government wanted to grow grain there.

They were small, but on route to other major cities.

The Description of Jesus

Revelation 3:7 HCSB

7 “Write to the angel of the church in Philadelphia: “The Holy One, the True One, the One who has the key of David, who opens and no one will close, and closes and no one opens says:

Holy One

True One

Having the Key of David (The great King of Israel) to open and close doors.

Here Jesus sets himself as the one who makes things happens for the church.

The unseen mover and shaker, who brings “success” to the church at Philadelphia.

He is Holy and true, and connects Himself to King David. This is important because there are those in Philadelphia who make some claim about being Jewish, but Jesus says he has the Key of David.

The Good Qualities

Revelation 3:8 HCSB

8 I know your works. Because you have limited strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name, look, I have placed before you an open door that no one is able to close.

Limited strength- that may not sound like a strength, but its what they did with their limited strength that makes it a strength. It’s like when a person who has little is generous with what they do have. That can do more than a wealthy person, who hoards what they have.

Kept My Word- All through the Scripture we are taught the importance of DOING what God’s Word says, not simply hearing it. This church is living out their faith by being obedient to what the Scripture says. This past week I was reading where someone was saying that a particular denomination was on the “right side of history” Thats the new buzz phrase for saying that they are up on the times. But what that person was saying is that this particular denomination was compromising the unchanging word of God in order to accommodate a particular sin that our culture has decided is no longer sinful. The church at Philadelphia is healthy. It is “successful” because they are keeping God’s word. WITH WHAT STRENGTH THEY HAVE.

Not denying His name- They know who saved them. They are proudly proclaiming that Jesus is Lord, not matter the cost.

And there you have it! That’s how Jesus describes a healthy and successful church.

They are using what they have to serve Him. They are keeping His Word, and making much of His name! Nothing about the programs, size, style, etc.

IF we aren’t careful we can think in terms of nickels and noses, bucks in the plate, and butts in the pew.

The Negative Qualities

None- This is the second of the 7 churches that Jesus has NOTHING negative to say to them.

Again. doesn’t mean they are perfect, but it means that they are striving to be who Jesus wants them to be.

I think THIS is a measure of success in a church. That although it is pastored by a sinful man, filled with sinful people. We have been redeemed and want to live close and clean and obedient to the Lord

The Promises of Blessing

There is so much good to talk about here. Let’s cover some of the promises Jesus extends the this faithful, healthy, and successful (in his eyes church).

An open door of ministry.

Revelation 3:8 HCSB

8 I know your works. Because you have limited strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name, look, I have placed before you an open door that no one is able to close.

Colossians 4:3 HCSB

3 At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the message, to speak the mystery of the Messiah, for which I am in prison,

Public Acknowledgement

Revelation 3:9 HCSB

9 Take note! I will make those from the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews and are not, but are lying—note this—I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I have loved you.

Here’s a group of religious people claiming to be the real deal, but Jesus points out that Satan is behind them. He has said that HE has the key of David. He is true religion not them.

Apparently these folks were giving the Church in Philadelphia a hard time.

Maybe their false doctrine seemed to be gaining a foothold, even the Church was doing everything right.

Jesus said, he would, eventually, make those folks acknoweldge that Jesus has loved them. That they were right, that they were faithful, successful, and healthy.

Rescued from Tribulation

Revelation 3:10 HCSB

10 Because you have kept My command to endure, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is going to come over the whole world to test those who live on the earth.

This is the first time Revelation has mentioned anything like this, but its a beautiful promise that when the Tribulation comes, the church of the Lord Jesus Christ will NOT BE HERE!

I will have much more to say about this in the future.

Permanently Established

Revelation 3:11–13 HCSB

11 I am coming quickly. Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown. 12 The victor: I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of My God, and he will never go out again. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God—the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God—and My new name. 13 “Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.

In figurative language the church is encouraged to hold on. That King Jesus is going to secure its members. That he will establish them with a name.