December 4, 2019

Bible reading: Revelation 3

“7And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; 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; 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.”

Here in chapter 3, Jesus finishes with the last 3 of the 7 churches. Many people, when they think of Revelation 3, they think lukewarm Christianity, but many times we can tend forget about the Church of Philadelphia. Also known as “brotherly love,” Philadelphia was known for their faithfulness to the Lord. Though they went through many attempts in that time period, this church was faithful to serve and worship God. They relied on His promises as seen in these verses. Trends and phases will fade, but praise Him, His promises will not! They remained faithful no matter what. Even in temptation in verse 10, they trusted God for His strength. Through all of this they were blessed for their faithfulness.

Now unfortunately, the other two churches were condemned in this chapter. Sardis started well, but eventually became dead spiritually. There was no true hearted faithfulness, Christlike love, or servitude for Christ. Laodicea did what it took to get by. Not growing in their spiritual lives, but not all the way dead spiritually. Just really coasting by. Which according to verse 16, God dislikes even more than spiritually dead, because it is fake. With seeing all three churches, may it be said of us that we can display our Christianity to be faithful and loving in service to our Lord Jesus Christ!

David Fulp