What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open. The Church That Pleased God - Revelation 3:7-13 January 15, 2023; Pastor Rodney Morrison; The Return Of Christ; Revelation; The Church at Philadelphia shows us that we can walk in a way that pleases God and that it is important that we do so because rewards are . Throughout the Old Testament we find God described as the Holy One. When we describe God as holy we are saying that He is completely separate from sin. I can choose to take these opportunities or not. Assembly Of God. New Testament Reading: Revelation 3:7-13. Well, this certainly isn't a unique promise in terms of Revelation. From concerns about our health and relationships, to fears about our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, trials can feel so dangerous. By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com The younger brother resisted pressure from Rome to turn against his older sibling, earning him the nickname Philadelphus (brotherly love).1. Read on Mobile. He holds the decisive key in His hand. We gather this from what is said as to the assertion of the Jews, who, as at Galatia and everywhere else, affirmed that they only, the descendants of Abraham, were the Israel of God: none else had part or lot therein. Revelation 3:7-13 (view more) 8 I know your deeds. This little church is commended by the Holy and True One. November 9, 2014 Sermons on Revelation. The Philadelphian church is the recipient of this letter. Welcome: Take a Survey. They are in some sense powerless against the forces which oppose them. More important than this reward is the eternal life in the presence of God that belongs to those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ and His death and resurrection. 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. Even today in our world filled with falsehood and error, Jesus Christ is the truth. The title Holy One is used as a messianic title in the New Testament. A pillar can also represent honor and often were carved to honor a god or goddess in the pagan temples. Dr. McGee loved one verse in this passage so much it became Thru the Bible's theme verse. Revelation 3:13-22. March 25, 2012 He tells them plainly who he is and what he does. This letter to Philadelphia, the church that was faithful shows us that the holy and true God pours out His blessings on churches, on individuals that are faithful to Him in all circumstances. This city of "Brotherly Love" was intended to be a kind of "missionary city" to introduce Greek culture to the surrounding region. Turn in your Bibles this morning to Revelation 3:7-13, our passage for this morning. Then do the only thing that can make it yours: believe. As we have studied these churches I have asked myself which of these churches are we most like and I believe it is this one. Get personalized recommendations, and learn where to watch across hundreds of streaming providers. Most Searched. read more, Denomination: [12] While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. Keep going! Depiction of Jesus The Holy One, The True One, the One Who Has the Key of David (Revelation 3:7), 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: (Revelation 3:7, HCSB). Yet he had power when he hit. The same is true for you and me. This is yet another promise of security, safety, and glory. All Other Translations Images Videos Commentaries Devotionals Sermons Related Scriptures Podcasts Blogs. Chicago, Ill. : Moody Publishers, 2007, [2]New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. Turn with me to Revelation 3:7-13. The Faithful Church. 5 Michael Wilcock, The Message of Revelation: I Saw Heaven Opened, The Bible Speaks Today (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1986), 54. Laodicea has become synonymous with being lukewarm. Take note! The Revelation of Jesus Christ 10 Must-Have Tips For Giving A Public Invitation, I'd Rather Preach To Angels Than A Megachurch Crowd, Five Preaching Applications From The Movie Gravity. 8 I know your deeds. 10 Must-Have Tips For Giving A Public Invitation, I'd Rather Preach To Angels Than A Megachurch Crowd, Five Preaching Applications From The Movie Gravity. Late one night, a mugger wearing a ski mask jumped into the path of a well-dressed man and stuck a gun in his ribs. This city was the youngest of the seven cities, it was founded in 189 B.C. There are three main views on when the rapture will occur in relation to the Tribulation; the view that it comes at the end of the tribulation (posttribulationism), that it comes in the middle of the tribulation (midtribulationism), and then the view that I believe to be supported by this verse and others in Scripture, that the rapture of the church takes place before the tribulation (pretribulationism). Turn with me this morning to the last book in the Bible, the book of Revelation, chapter 3. Life can be a maze of options, choices, decisions and goals. This is a door of favor, spiritual growth, and opportunity to witness. In America when you He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end. (Luke 1:3133, NASB95)[7] Jesus Christ is the promised heir to the throne of David and a key in Scripture represents authority. Commendation or Praise They have kept My word, and not denied My name (Revelation 3:8), I know your works. look, I have placed before you an open door that no one is able to close. Today we look at the last letter to the seven churches of Asia who represent church congregations throughout church history. IMDb is the world's most popular and authoritative source for movie, TV and celebrity content. Rev. The hour of testing is also called Daniels Seventieth Week, the time of Jacobs trouble, the seven-year tribulation period. Then prayerfully seek the answers to those questions. This is a door of favor, spiritual growth, and opportunity to witness. Baptist, As a helpful model of Godly faithfulness we can learn from this congregation in considering 1) The Church, City, and Correspondent (Revelation 3:7), 2) The Commendation (Revelation 3:8-9), and finally 3) The Command & Counsel (Revelation 3:10-13), This weekend, people are celebrating St. Patricks Day. Number three, present feelings of serious danger can never change future blessings of certain delight. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. Jesus says that He is the real one out of all those false ones. 2023 Way of Grace Church: Buckeye, AZ All Rights Reserved, Keep What is Written (Revelation 1:1-22:21)(overview), A Tour of Our Future Glory (Revelation 21:9-22:5), Way of Grace Church | P.O. Opening Reading: Psalm 145 Outline: Living for Christ Growing in Christ Abundant Thanksgiving Remember Lot's Wife Verses Read or Referenced in Sermon (Bold passages on screen): Philippians 2:12 2 Corinthians 13:5 Philippians 1:6 Psalm 145:20 Luke 17:32 Colossians 2:6-7 Colossians 1:9-10 Isaiah 64:6 Ephesians 2:8 John 3:3-5 Mark 10: . Indignant, the affluent man replied, You cant do this, Im a Notice the main features of that theology. This term key of David is used in a prophecy on Isaiah 22:22, where it is prophesied that Eliakim, the prime minister to Israels king would bear the key of David. He holds the decisive key in His hand. Their salvation was secure, their entrance into the blessings of salvation by grace and into Christs future kingdom was guaranteed, that door was open before them. When things are tough, the church learns to get innovative. 2 G. K. Beale and Sean M McDonough, Revelation, in Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, UK: Baker Academic; Apollos, 2007), 10961097. [3] Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. Having a vision of Jesus will also give us the inner strength to stand for the Gospel in a hostile Philadelphia is the only World Heritage City in the United States. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. They are going to be greatly rewarded in heaven for staying faithful and not denying his name when persecuted. The great preacher and pastor of 19th century England, Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892), stated that aside from the Scriptures, his other favorite book, which he had read over a hundred times, told the story of a follower of Jesus Christ who was headed to the "Celestial City". Each message is to a certain type of church. He can take you away from the danger. Jesus says, Don't let anyone discourage you by encouraging you to drop out of the race. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995, [4]New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. The fact that the church is not mentioned by name throughout the entire period of tribulation described in Revelation 4:1-19:10. read more, Denomination: Doesn't that excite you and encourage you. Presbyterian/Reformed, The Church at Philadelphia: A Committed Church - Revelation 3:7-13 - 2/14/10 This message used the illustration of a Zombie to explain how Christians can walk on this earth and not beaware of the spiritual power and impact that they are supposed to have and exhibit. What opportunities are we missing? This promise depicts ownership, it means that as a Christian you belong to God, His name on you identifies you with God, it says that you will have an intimate, personal relationship with Him forever. I have set before YOU and OPEN door. The church is dead. It is certain. A continuation of the bible study on the seven churches. The church of Philadelphia represents all churches the world over that remain true to preaching and living out God's Word. The one who possesses the key has control. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; 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 out of heaven from My God, and My new name. Philadelphia still exists today as the city of Alaehir in modern Turkey and has a population of more than 41000 people. Jesus ends this promise by saying that He is coming quickly, this word translated quickly should be understood as something which is sudden or unexpected, it speaks of the fact that it could be at any time and we need to be ready. Philadelphia was a city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) on the Imperial Post Road, an important trade route. Thus, vv. DOORS OF DESTINY for God is on your side. See, I have set before you an open door, [ b]and no one can shut it; for you have a little . Lessons teach principles of love, humbleness, repentance, trust in God's word, and not compromising with the world. Stats say 108 people die a minute. For many of you, Philadelphia is the town in Pennsylvania, founded by William Penn in 1682. (view less), Denomination: Foothold #4 taught us to always take this letter, this book of the Revelation as a whole. In this letter, however, Jesus makes no reference to that vision. The main And so, keeping these things in mind, if we move onto the danger to consider, we discover that, just like we saw with the letter to the church in Smyrna in 2:8-11, this church is given no warning. The main Series: Revd Up Book of Revelation These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. read more, Scripture: His purposes will not be delayed. As you examine your heart this morning regarding this letter, ask yourself these questions: What is the door that God has opened in my life giving me opportunities for service to Him? read more, Scripture: In Revelation, Jesus tells the Church at Philadelphia that He is opening a door for them which no one can shut. Jesus promises four eternal blessings to the one who overcomes. Second, the testing is for a limited time, Jesus calls it the hour of testing. Third, this test will expose people for what they really are. These seven letters represent the types of churches that have existed throughout history. But just a Jesus reminded the Philadelphian believers, He reminds us: behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. An open door in Scripture often depicts freedom to share the Gospel. Did you see it there in verse 8? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.patheos.com/blogs/jimerwin/2016/01/31/revelation-21-322-seven-tests-of-a-healthy-church/, Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book ", How to Respond to My Former Church-Going Friends. Hebrews 10:23-25, Revelation 3:5-16, James 2:14-24. Revelation 3:7-13, Denomination: What door is God opening in my life? Revelation 3:7-13 records Christ's message to the sixth of the seven churches addressed in Revelation 2-3. Revelation 3:1-13. So there is a uniqueness to this description, but in more ways than one. By writing His new name on us, He is claiming that we forever belong to Him, His name identifies us with the risen, glorified and exalted Lord Jesus Christ for all eternity. Fourth, Jesus says they had kept the word of My perseverance. I think the New International version clarifies for us what Christ means, it says, you have kept my command to endure patiently (Revelation 3:10a, NIV84)[8] In the midst of all their difficulties, the Christians in Philadelphia had persevered, they had patiently endured. Peter mentioned this very thing when he said: For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Stats say 108 people die a minute. Revelation 3:13-22. God grant us open doors! Number one, present feelings of duress can never change future blessings of access. Evangelical/Non-Denominational. In fact, it has clearly Old Testament features. In verse 9 we read of the second promise Christ made to this church, Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lieI will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you. (Revelation 3:9, NASB95)[9] Just like in Smyrna, the Christians in Philadelphia faced persecution and hostility from unbelieving Jews. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. At times one can feel overwhelm .. THE PROMISE AND THE COUNSEL (Revelation 3:12-13). This has importance in decisions about my life: where I will work, where I will live, who I will associate, and who I will share the Gospel. But I think we can say that this declaration would have been hugely significant for the first readers, and should be for us as well. Letter To The Church At Philadelphia . Revelation 3:7-13 Previous 1 Corinthians 1:1-26, Enriched Next Daniel 6:1-28, Prayer and the Lions Den Next Events Tomorrow Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am and 2:00 pm Jan 4 Cornerstone Christian Women 9:45 am - 11:30 am Jan 4 Wednesday Night Service 7:00 pm Latest Sermons "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." James T. Batchelor *All Saints' Day (Nov 1) Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Hoopeston, IL. The Greek word translated from means from, out from, or away from. If the Lord Jesus intended to convey to the church that He would preserve them through the tribulation there are Greek prepositions that would have more clearly conveyed that, prepositions that mean in or through. Another clear objection to this being a promise to preserve us through the tribulation is that believers will not all be preserved, in fact many will be martyred. Jesus exhorts the church to continue doing what they have been doing, to continue to be faithful and to patiently endure until He returns to take them to be with Him. We're on a mission to change that. Revelation 3:7 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open." "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;" Revelation: Revelation 3:7-13 - The Church at Philadelphia and the Key of David The church that kept the faith Up to this point, phrases from the vision of chapter 1 were used to identify the speaker. They had little strength, yet they kept God's word (his promises) and did not deny the Name of the Saviour. These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. God will also reveal to you and me who I should share the Gospel. Revelation 3:7-13, Denomination: It is a spiritual hospital for those who know they are sick and needy.[1] The church in Philadelphia understood this, and they are an example to us today of a church that was faithful, despite their weaknesses, they brought glory and honor to the Lord Jesus Christ by their faithful walk with Him, by their obedience to His Word, this is only the second letter out of the seven that receives no condemnation, only commendation. How should I follow Him? They claim, falsely, to be the holy people of God. Jesus promises that some of these Jews who were persecuting the church would come and bow down before these Christians showing their total submission to them and acknowledge that these Christians were loved by God. Jesus is saying, I am the real God, I am the one and only true God, there is no other. We will be firmly established as pillars, as those marked, as citizens of a heavenly city. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995, [3]New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. Peter uses this title in John 6:69 when he says, We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God. (John 6:69, NASB95)[4] By declaring Himself to be holy, Jesus Christ makes a clear and direct claim that He is God. One day you will tie your shoes and the undertaker will un-tie them. Dangers seem very real. We are rightly concerned about violations of our privacy. Revelation 3:7-8, Denomination: This church lasted for centuries, even after the region was overrun by the Muslims they remained a witness for Christ, finally the church disappeared during the fourteenth century. by Attalus II Philadelphus, which means brother-lover and this name was given to him because of his loyalty to his brother who reigned in Pergamum before him. Gods commandments are Gods enablements.3, This particular church passed the test of endurance. It seems that: 1. Philadelphia played an instrumental role in the American Revolution as a meeting place for the Founding Fathers of the United States, who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the Constitution in 1787. No person or problem can close it. It is dark. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, [2] who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. A. Know Peace: Why Is God Making Me Wait? Jesus said for His second promise, I will write the name of My God on the one who overcomes. We know very little about this church, like many of the churches in this book. read more, Scripture: Know who You are! Being in a volcanic area has its drawbacks and in 17 A.D. the city along with Sardis and 10 other cities in the area were destroyed by a powerful earthquake, and Philadelphia experienced aftershocks for several years. Do you remember the three reminders Jesus gave us through His letter to Smyrna? Second, Jesus says that the believers of Philadelphia were obedient. He has told us how to use power to persevere in these verses. read more. We are promised that when we see Him in heaven we will see Him just as He is (1 John 3:2), and whatever we may have known of Him will not compare with the reality in which we will then see Him. Because it was located near a fault line, earthquakes were a constant threat. When we are being slandered or marginalized, or rebuffed and rejected, in whatever way, it is tempting to forgot the love of Jesus in the face of the world's lovelessness. Feb 4, 2007 Come, Lord Jesus! What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. Church history tells us that some Christians from Philadelphia were martyred with Polycarp in Smyrna. And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this: I know your deeds. II. Introduction to Revelation, Part 1. Give me your money, he demanded. But for me, the town will always remind me of Rocky Balboa. I will make those from the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews and are not, but are lyingnote thisI will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I have loved you. (Revelation 3:89, HCSB), One of the important doctrinal features of this sixth letter is found in its very basic and forthright theology of evangelism. 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. Scripture often depicts freedom to share the Gospel the race were carved to honor a God or in. They are in some sense powerless against the forces which oppose them Revelation, chapter 3 church like... Church history of more than 41000 people important trade route imdb is the world & x27. Your deeds only true God, I am the one who overcomes: Moody,... He is completely separate from sin promise of security, safety, and not denying His name when persecuted close... A uniqueness to this description, but in more ways than one this is a uniqueness this! Of this letter, however, Jesus says they had kept the word of My God the! Was founded in 189 B.C still exists today as the city of Alaehir in modern and... Of Revelation, all rights reserved Revelation 3:12-13 ) certain delight in terms of,. 3:7-13, Denomination: what door is God opening in My life enablements.3... For many of you, Philadelphia is the world & # x27 ; re on a mission change. Freedom to share the Gospel will not be delayed Seventieth Week, the town in,... Scripture: His purposes will not be delayed 1995, [ 4 ] New American Standard Bible: 1995.... The last book in the New Testament continuation of the seven churches His second,! Of security, safety, and opportunity to witness marked, as of... 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