When He returns for the church, we will meet Him in the air, when He comes at the second coming He will come to the earth. Zombie Christians No one can shut the doors to the kingdom or to blessing if Jesus Christ opens them, and no one can open them if He shuts them. Yet he had power when he hit. This can relieve much stress in my life, if I will trust God. read more, Scripture: Denomination: By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com [8]The Holy Bible: New International Version. Answer. Know who Jesus is! In America when you 35, The Preachers Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1982), 143. The end times spoken of by our Lord Jesus and the apostles in Scripture has come upon us at a rate faster than most of us comprehended. Revelation 3:1-13. How? We will be firmly established as pillars, as those marked, as citizens of a heavenly city. Jesus closes with those now familiar words of counsel, He who has an ear, let Him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. We must not only listen to the words, but obey the truths found in each letter. I am coming quickly. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. Look at the diagnosis of these believers, the assessment of this church, that Jesus announces, beginning in verse 8 I know your works. It is this same Lord who has set the Christians in this outpost city before an open door which no one is able to shut.6, 6. He has loved us. Jesus wants his churches to be motivated by love, founded on the truth, strong under pressure, and unashamed of his name. It is Jesus Christ who opens and shuts. A series of messages from Jesus to the 7 churches in Revelation. 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. The Revelation was written to address specific issues with seven churches in Asia Minor at the end of the first century yet they are as relevant to us today as they were to the church then. What door is God closing in my life? The fact that the church is not mentioned by name throughout the entire period of tribulation described in Revelation 4:1-19:10. He wasnt very strong. The "power" the church possesses is power before the Lord: spiritual power with God derived from their faithfulness to Him in the face of trial. This is a love letter from the Lord Jesus to this church. This coming of Christ is different from His coming in local judgment promised to the other churches, the coming that Jesus speaks of here is to deliver them from the hour of testing which will end when Christ returns in His second coming to the earth. I have set before YOU and OPEN door. In verse 7: Jesus begins by defining Himself as the "Holy One." Who is the holy one? 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). I have opened a door that can never be shut. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 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. read more, Scripture: But for me, the town will always remind me of Rocky Balboa. 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. Run!. Revelation 3:7-13 The main Revelation 3:7-13 To the Church in Philadelphia 7 "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. The location of Philadelphia was at the junction of several trade routes and it became known as the gateway to the East. It was located in a volcanic region and the fertile soil of the area was well suited for growing grapes and the city was also famous for their wine, the chief god of the city was Dionysus, the Greek god of wine. 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. INTRODUCTION/REVIEW Just as this city was built as a center for the spread of the Greek language and culture, it was also a strategic location for the spread of the Gospel. 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. [10] 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.". (Isaiah 22:22). By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com Later in the vision, John would record this sight Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. For this reason He can declare: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. Turn with me to Revelation 3:7-13. We will learn more of this city in chapter 21. He'll open that same door for us if we desire it! He has told us how to use power to persevere in these verses. The Passage: "The Church in Philadelphia" (3:7-13) In this passage we find the sixth letter, or mini-letter, that was dictated by Jesus to John in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. Login or Register. The Protestant Reformation in Europe is dead. Hebrews 10:23-25, Revelation 3:5-16, James 2:14-24. (view more) Message 11 from Revelation exploring Jesus' letter to the church at Philadelphia. thank you for publishing it. The one who possesses the key has control. It was backed by volcanic cliffs and though the land was rich and fertile from the volcanic residue, Philadelphia was a dangerous place to live due the many earthquakes experienced by the region. You don't know when the door will shut and your chances will run out. (John 17:11, 12, 14, 15). Just as in the other letters, Jesus chooses to introduce himself in this letter in a way that has particular relevance for the Philadelphian church. Call to pay attention to the Holy Spirit (Revelation 3:13), Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. (Revelation 3:13, HCSB). 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. The people are the same problems are the same. We will also see that this opening and shutting also refers to opportunities for service. They claim, falsely, to be the holy people of God. Exhortation Take Note! 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. look, I have placed before you an open door that no one is able to close. Apparently, there was no suitable expression to introduce an important point for the Philadelphians. But given the language about the open door and the key it's also safe to assume that these Jews were attempting to discourage the Christians. The church in Philadelphia is a great example to us of a small church being faithful to Gods Word and the Lord Jesus Christ. When things are tough, the church learns to get innovative. II. The Church of the Open Door INTRODUCTION/REVIEW We need to know He is coming back soon! Trust Him today. 7. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. Let me just remind you that these letters can Dangers seem very real. Assembly Of God. Rocky Balboa fought only with his hands. DOORS OF DESTINY Number three, present feelings of serious danger can never change future blessings of certain delight. DOORS OF DESTINY We can catch the flavor of the Greek word for lie by thinking of these people as pseudo-Jews. But what does He mean when he says he has the key of David? ", "Hello, Jim. We want to continue on today, looking at the question, What does God think of His church? Here in Revelation 1, I'd encourage you to go to that message online if you want to dig into those ideas a little deeper. It is dark. As we continue the series of The Seven Churches in Revelation, today we will be looking at the great church at Philadelphia. The rapture of the church is the subject of three passages in the New Testament: John 14:1-3, 1 Corinthians 15:51-54, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 our scripture reading for this morning, none of these passages speak of judgment, but instead speak of the church being taken up to heaven. So Philadelphia represents perseverance in the midst of difficulty. Revelation 3:7-13, Denomination: And no one can take that from us. So God is unique, He is dependable, and because of first two traits, I can trust Him to show me opportunities which I can seize upon in my life. In both ways, Jesus can protect you. At times one can feel overwhelm .. Whereas the keys in 1:18b are called the keys of death and of Hades, in 3:7b a quotation from Isa. As a 16-year-old Romanized Briton in 406/7AD, Patrick was sold to a cruel warrior chief whose opponents' heads sat atop sharp poles around his palisade in Northern Ireland. Revelation 3:7-13 LOVE LETTER In Revelation 2 & 3 our Lord Jesus Christ gives messages to 7 churches in Asia. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. 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 focused on the spiritual battle that we are fighting against Satan but starting with this message I will be shifting to the First, Jesus promises that the one who overcomes will be made a pillar in the temple of My God and he will not go out from it anymore. This is a figure of speech, you will not actually be made a stone pillar. Have you ever tried to pull open a door which was supposed to be pushed open? Click here to listen to this lesson. Since the start of the year I have been sharing with you how we are in a battle. When the door shut, the opportunity for salvation from the flood was over. Sounds like Jesus Christ wanted to tell them something very important. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995, [4]New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. When you are stuck in the midst of struggle and turmoil and trials, from within or without, it is so easy to feel like you are going nowhere. 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. But if He closes one door, He opens another door. Introduction: There are more than a few scholars who view the seven churches in Revelation as representative of church ages. August 25, 2013 This is a door of favor, spiritual growth, and opportunity to witness. In particular, since Jesus has the power over death, He also has the power over opportunities in my life. The point here is that if you are going to persevere, you have to real. Doesn't that excite you and encourage you. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name. The book itself begins and ends with this assurance. 108 --- YES 108 WHAT IS THE ENEMY OF BETTER? These cohorts do Satan's work for him on earth. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. God is telling the church to hang in there. This is the distinction that Paul made between true Jews and false Jews in Romans 2:28-29. Address to Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7), Write to the angel of the church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7, HCSB), 2. The church was named after a nickname of it The Overwhelmed Church- Revelation 3:7-13 September 12, 2021; . His new name which He will write upon us and we will be privileged to call Him will reflect the glorious revelation of His Person. We learn how to reach out to others.4, 4. [12] While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. There are three qualities that define Jesus in this verse: Jesus is holy. Scripture You are nothing more than dirty Gentiles and unfaithful Jews. But sometimes we Q. he that openeth, and no man shutteth, and shutteth, and no man openeth; he opens the scriptures, which are shut to a natural man, as he did in his own personal ministry, when here on earth, and now by his spirit; and none can shut them, either men or devils, or hinder the spread of light and knowledge by them: he opens the door of the gospel, and Sermons; Topics Easter 1; Test Topic 1; Series God Gives New Gifts - Advent 2022 3; Advent Season at HFBC 10; . The hour of testing is also called Daniels Seventieth Week, the time of Jacobs trouble, the seven-year tribulation period. These Tributes were recorded at TaeDae's Funeral at Nuneaton Christian Fellowship on 19th January 2017. read more, The Church That Jesus Loved Speaker: Bryce Morgan Series: Happy Ever After (Revelation), Topic: And because they have patiently endured in the face of this suffering, Jesus assures them that they will be protected from a more intense and larger scale time of suffering that is coming. Know Peace: Why Is God Making Me Wait? This one is addressed to the church in Philadelphia. 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. 5. read more, Denomination: That does not mean we are perfect, but instead that we are aware of our weaknesses and flaws and that we are each redeemed sinners at different stages of growth and spiritual maturity, but I see in you that desire to remain faithful to Gods Word and to obey it and to be faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ. It is tempting to forget who is for us when everything and everyone seems to be against us. 8 I know your deeds. Rev. 22:22 is substituted for of death and of Hades: the one having the key of David, who opens and no one shuts, and who shuts and no one opens. The substitution is meant to amplify the idea of the original phrase in 1:18b by underscoring the sovereignty that Christ holds over the sphere of death and Hades. Thus, Eliakims temporary control of the kingdom as prime minister to the king of Israel was a prophetic historical pattern pointing forward to Jesus Christs greater and eternal sovereignty over a greater kingdom.2. John MacArthur writes, The church is not a place for people with no weaknesses. As a 16-year-old Romanized Briton in 406/7AD, Patrick was sold to a cruel warrior chief whose opponents' heads sat atop sharp poles around his palisade in Northern Ireland. What does Revelation 3: 7-13 mean to us now? 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. You can be a fake and try to make in the Christian life. 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. The promise that Jesus is giving to the one who overcomes is that they will have an eternal place of honor in Gods temple and by not going out anymore spoke of the security that they would have in their eternal home, never have to flee from earthquakes or enemies. (view less), Denomination: This describes for us that Jesus Christ is the ultimate and final authority, and it stresses His awesome power. 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. God has given us just enough to persevere, if we know how to use what God has given us. 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. 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. The city of Philadelphia was 28 miles southeast of Sardis. In his role, he controlled access to the top leader. They claim, falsely, to be the holy people of God. So how were the Jews persecuting these disciples? Jesus promises four eternal blessings to the one who overcomes. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 578. Thesis: We need to receive a fresh revelation of Jesus Christ daily so we do not fall asleep at our assigned mission. Revelation 3:7-13 records Christ's message to the sixth of the seven churches addressed in Revelation 2-3. for God is on your side. Jesus says that He is the real one out of all those false ones. The Revelation of Jesus Christ First, He says that He knows their deeds and that they have a little power. Today we look at the last letter to the seven churches of Asia who represent church congregations throughout church history. 8 I know your deeds. read more, Scripture: The message is from the Lord Jesus Christ through an angel . This city was the youngest of the seven cities, it was founded in 189 B.C. Today we look at the last letter to the seven churches of Asia who represent church congregations throughout church history. This was important in the Greek and Roman world that had multiple gods and goddesses. Not only was this church the last in the Revelation churches but it was the worst of the churches. (2:25) So what did Jesus mean when He said He was coming soon? These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. Letter To The Church At Philadelphia . The victor: I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of My God, and he will never go out again. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My . A pillar can also represent honor and often were carved to honor a god or goddess in the pagan temples. 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. Stats say 108 people die a minute. This little church is commended by the Holy and True One. IMDb is the world's most popular and authoritative source for movie, TV and celebrity content. We all want to have a feeling of security. What is the difficult time I am experiencing? I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My Godthe new Jerusalem, which. The main Second, Jesus says that the believers of Philadelphia were obedient. Lets begin with the author and then we will look at the church and the city where it is located. As I said earlier, this church receives no condemnation, but instead Christ outlines four realities that characterize this church. EVER CONSIDER WHY SOME DOORS OPEN AND SOME DOORS CLOSE? Having a vision of Jesus will also give us the inner strength to stand for the Gospel in a hostile Why? The victor: I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of My God, and he will never go out again. Foothold #4 taught us to always take this letter, this book of the Revelation as a whole. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. They are going to be greatly rewarded in heaven for staying faithful and not denying his name when persecuted. Behold, I have set before you an open door, whichno one is able to shut. Jesus ends by promising to write on those who overcome His new name. Jesus is Christs earthly name that told us He was our Savior. read more. THE PROMISE AND THE COUNSEL (Revelation 3:12-13). God grant us open doors! In every case, it is power to live for God. Peter declared in 1 Peter 1:15, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; (1 Peter 1:15, NASB95)[5] The Lord Jesus Christ goes on to describe Himself as Hewho is true. (Revelation 3:7b, NASB95)[6] The Greek word that is translated as true is a word that describes something or someone that is genuine, authentic, the real thing or person. You are nothing but pretenders and corrupters of the truths.. Revelation 3:7-13, IGNITE: Secure In Christ. And don't forget that description of what God has promised for the conquerer, the overcomer. They also might have been accused by the Jews before the Romans as being unfriendly to the Emperor, since they confessed this man Jesus as Lord of all and would not worship the Caesar. In Revelation 13, we are introduced to two of Satan's cohorts, two beasts. The church of Philadelphia represents all churches the world over that remain true to preaching and living out God's Word. 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. 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. The primary purpose for the founding of Philadelphia was that it would be a center of Greek culture and language reaching out and Hellenizing the region around it. Jesus says that if they do this then no one can take their crown. But in person he has proclaimed the gospel and has pointed countless men to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ." -J. HamiltonOther Illustrations:The Framed Picture of Revelation 11-16144,000 sealed6 trumpet plagues (7-9)True Prophet John (10:1-11)Persecuted Church (11:1-14)Christ is King (11:15-19)Persecuted Church (12:1-13:10)Satan's . It is a fellowship of those who are aware of their weaknesses and long for the strength and grace of God to fill their lives. Keep going! . 3 Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. New International Version (NIV) Subscribe. 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. Studying the book of Revelation 3; shows a significant summary of the history, time and relevant details according to the bible's acts based onBenson Joseph - Bible Commentary and reading parallely the bible's version New American Standard Bible 1995 with Strong Numbers. read more, Scripture: Hear the Word. God prevented the Gospel from going to Asia, but opened the door for the Gospel to go to Europe in Pauls missionary journey. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. The end times spoken of by our Lord Jesus and the apostles in Scripture has come upon us at a rate faster than most of us comprehended. Because of their faithfulness and perseverance, the Lord Jesus made some amazing promises to this church. Dr. Alan Cairns | Studies in Revelation Revelation 3 Play SUN 01/18/1976 2,880+ | 47 min I Stand at the Door and Knock Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Revelation 3 Play FRI 12/24/2010 2,860+ | 2 min Blotted Out of the Book of Life Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Revelation 3 Play THU 09/18/2014 2,760+ | 2 min Or youve tried to push a door open which was supposed to be pulled? 1:18 does mention the keys of Death and Hades, but here only one key is mentioned, the key of David. These seven letters represent the types of churches that have existed throughout history. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Take note! Listen again to the beginning of the book: The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take placeblessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. See, I have set before you an open door, [ b]and no one can shut it; for you have a little . Revelation 3:7-13 He named it in honor of his brother, Attalus II, who was called Philadelphus, which means, he who loves his brother. A continuation of the bible study on the seven churches. 11 I am coming soon. In Revelation, Jesus tells the Church at Philadelphia that He is opening a door for them which no one can shut. 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. This church was a small church in numbers, but it was having a powerful impact on the city. Clearly these Christians have very little social capital or political clout. We can catch the flavor of the Greek word for lie by thinking of these people as . Introduction to Revelation, Part 1. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in., But remember what Jesus is stating here. Mark L. Strauss and John H. Walton, Teach the Text Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2014), 7071. So there is a uniqueness to this description, but in more ways than one. But in this letter, I think we find three more reminders for a suffering, reminders that can and should also give us comfort and courage when we face various trials (I Peter 1:6) or trials of various kinds (James 1:2). Please stand, if you are able, in honor of the reading of Gods Word. 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. 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. Gods commandments are Gods enablements.3, This particular church passed the test of endurance. Because Jesus is unique, He is dependable. The prosperity which attends the preaching of the word in some places, and the discouragement in others, are not to be attributed to the different gifts and graces of men, so much as to the sovereign pleasure of Him who has the key of . (3:7a) Philadelphia, which means "brotherly love," was situated in Lydia along the Hermus River valley about 38 miles southeast of Sardis. Since the start of the year I have been sharing with you how we are in a battle. In these seven letters we find an
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