Title Open Door Church! (Revelation 3:7-13)
Out of the seven churches in Asia Minor mentioned in Revelation chapters 2 and 3, the church was the only church that had nothing to reproach and praise. And the church was a church with a very special nickname. “Behold, I have put an open door in front of you, and no one can close it” (verse 8). So, what kind of silver door does the church in Philadelphia have?
1. It is the door of salvation.
Jesus said that he would give Peter the key to the kingdom of heaven, and this key is the key that opens the gates of heaven, pointing to the faith of believing and professing Jesus as the Christ. This is the message that taught us that our salvation is not received by works, but by faith. That is, the gate of heaven is opened and entered through faith. I hope that the doors of salvation will be wide open to the saints. The fact that there is a church in Philadelphia means the saints who clearly profess their faith in Jesus Christ. It is a church where believers with the assurance of salvation gather to worship, learn the Word, and glorify God, so it is a church that is fully prepared so that they can go to God at any time. Today, our church must become such a church. I hope that all the saints will pass through the door of salvation opened in heaven and become saints who enter into eternal life.
2. This is the door of blessing.
You must know that God blesses those who have opened the door of heaven's blessings.
“But he rather commanded the firmament above, and opened the gates of heaven, and rained down manna to feed them, and gave them food from heaven” (Psalm 78:23,24).
When the Israelites came out of Egypt and passed through the wilderness, God opened the gates of heaven and rained down rain. You said here. This silver was eaten by 2 million Israelites for 40 years as they passed through the wilderness. Therefore, an open door to heaven is . Let's look at the Bible again. “Thus says the LORD of hosts. Put your whole tithe into a storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and test me with it, and see if I do not open the gates of heaven and pour it out so that there is no place for you to accumulate a blessing” (Malachi 3:10). It is said that when God gives blessings so that there is no place to build up, the gates of heaven are opened and given. And the key that opens the door to this blessing is the word Pharaoh. Our church must be a church with the door of blessing open. I hope that you will become saints who open the door to blessings.
3. It is the door of mission.
The Philadelphia Church was this wide-open church exporting the gospel, located in a transportation hub with well-developed roads from Rome to various cities such as Lydia, Mysia, and Phrygia. What is the purpose of our Lord in establishing the church? Also, what is the greatest concern of our Lord for the church? That is missionary work. We must know that missions is our Lord's greatest concern and desire. “I am coming quickly, and hold fast what you have, so that no one can take your crown” (verse 11). It means that God can take off our crown and give it to others. Therefore, you should try not to let other people and other churches take away the crown and reward you have prepared for me and you. We must not close the door of heaven that has been open for 70 years. I pray that you will become saints who open the gates of heaven more widely.