Church in Philadelphia

In these past few weeks we've read about the Loveless Church of Ephesus, the Persecuted Church in Smyrna, the Compromising Church in Pergamos, the Corrupt Church in Thyatira, the Dead Church of Sardis.

 I was a bit delighted when I realized that today we would look at the Faithful Church of Philadelphia. You may have heard that Philadelphia means "brotherly love".

It was located in the fertile valley of of the Cogamus River, at the foot of Mount Tmolus. Philadelphia was known for its major trade route linking Europe to Asia Minor. The fertile land was great for agriculture and the mineral rich volcanic soil made it well suited for growing grapes. At one time, this land was known as the Wine Capitol.

However, Philadelphia was also located on a fault line. I have to chew on the significance of that piece of information. Does living on a fault line cause one to be on guard, ready for the seismic changes that could come at any moment? It is said that after an earthquake devastated the city in 17 AD, many folks chose to live outside the city walls in huts and tents rather than risk living near or in the collapsing stone buildings.

The Church of Philadelphia and the Church of Smyrna are the only two of the seven churches addressed in Revelation that received entirely positive remarks from Jesus.

To this Faithful Church, Jesus commends them for their works and has set before them an open door that no one can shut.

"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." Revelation 3:8

Though their strength is little because they have kept the Word of God and have NOT denied His name, He has set before them an open door.

According to David Jeremiah, open doors represent opportunities for ministry. He speaks of passages in Scripture where doors are opened that are apart from man's plans.

(I Corinthians 16:8-9, 2 Corinthians 2:12)

Even when in prison, Paul requests that his readers "pray for an open door to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains." Colossians 4:3

Jesus speaks words of encouragement to this Faithful Church. He opens doors for them. I wonder if doors represent opportunity. As if God is gently guiding our steps, leading us into new directions. Doors of favor? God's favor, His presence, His faithfulness to His faithful Church.

Oh Faithful Church, Jesus has so much more for you!

In Revelation 3:10 He promises to "keep you from the hour of trial that shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth."

He promises to that He is "coming quickly!" He encourages His to "Hold fast what you have so no one may take your crown."

"He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. 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 I will write on him My new name." Revelation 3:12

Church, do we believe these words are for us today? Are we part of the faithful, protected church? Are we going to be overcomers? Will we be ones who will receive a new name, one that calls us as those who belong to God? Will we be the pillars that stand in His temple, pillars that will withstand the seismic changes of today?

"Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches." Revelation 3:13

Dear Jesus, thank you for these words of encouragement to your faithful Church. I pray that your children today will be found faithful to You until the end of our days upon this earth. Open our ears, Lord, grant us understanding and wisdom. In Your precious, holy name, Jesus, we pray. Amen