When Jesus Holds the Door Open for You

When Jesus Holds the Door Open for You Revelation 3:7-13 March 21, 2021 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. 9 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. 10 What should we know about Philadelphia? • • It was founded by the King of Pergamum around 130 BC . He named it “Love of Brother” in honor of his own beloved brother, Attalus It lies in the eastern end of a broad valley that was a rich agricultural area. There was a terrible earthquake there in AD 18 that did more damage to Philadelphia than any of the other area cities. It served as a “missionary city” for the Greek culture, especially its language. There was a considerable Jewish community who apparently excluded the local Christians from their gatherings and fellowship. • • • • The Big Idea: Even if the world shuts Christians down, Jesus is the one who has the keys to the Kingdom and will open doors for His churches. Jesus has a special appreciation for believers and churches who know their weaknesses and cling to Him in faith. He walks with you through tribulation and writes His name on your life! Revelation 3:7-13 (ESV) 3 7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. “ ‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 8 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and 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 from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ 12 ETERNAL TRUTHS FROM THIS SCRIPTURE: 1. The eternal Son of God holds open the door of belonging in the Kingdom and spreading of the Gospel. [Colossians 4:3-4] 2. When we know our weakness, God will show His power. If you have trouble acknowledging your weakness, the problem is pride. Pride is cured by humility. Humility allows us to know God’s power. [2 Corinthians 12:7-10] 3. Greater faith comes from consistently taking God’s Word into our lives. This principle applies to the individual Christian, as well as to the church. Weak faith is cured by God’s Word. [1 John 5:3-4] 4. There may be people who do not love you, but you are loved by the Lord. He has put His name on you, will be with you in times of trouble, and has prepared a place for you with Him for eternity. [John 14:1-3] 5. In Christ, you belong. In Christ, you have a home. In Christ, you have hope. [1 John 3:1-2; John 1:12]