Key Verse: Revelations 3:7-13
There are seven types of Churches (Revelations 2-3) that exist throughout the ages. These are:
- Ephesus – a loveless church
- Smyrna – a persecuted church
- Pergamum – a compromising church
- Thyatira – a corrupt church
- Sardis – a dead church
- Philadelphia – the faithful church
- Laodicea – a lukewarm church
The two churches that were praised by Jesus were Smyrna and Philadelphia.
Today I would like to share on the Philadelphia Church, the Faithful Church.
3 points on how Jesus revealed Himself to the Faithful Church and the promises He gave:
1. Jesus revealed Himself as Holy (v.7)
Jesus is God, He is holy. Holiness is the totality of His being. There is absolutely no darkness in Him.
2. Jesus is True (v.7)
Jesus is our True Saviour. There are many others that claim to be the Messiah, they are false Christ’s. There is only One True Saviour. Jesus revealed to the Faithful Church that He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6).
3. Jesus holds the Key of David (v.7)
The Key of David is Kingdom Power. This means that Jesus can open the doors to the treasures in heaven, the storehouse. Matthew 16:19 says “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Jesus gives us authority and power to receive the treasure in heaven.
Jesus can open doors, but He can also close them so no one can go in. Jesus brings people to you that can bless you, but also remove people that want to harm you.
Why was Jesus pleased with the Faithful Church?
1. They did not deny the name of Jesus (v.8-9)
The Philadelphia Church faced persecution. Even though they were small, insignificant, had little strength and resources they were consistent. They held on to God’s commandments and did not deny Jesus.
2. Their perseverance (v.10-11)
They were consistent and steadfast even through persecution and temptation.
3. The rewards (v.12)
Jesus was an overcomer. Today He is sitting at God’s right hand. The Faithful Church has rewards here and now on earth. There will also be rewards at Jesus’ second coming. We can be the corner pillar that supports the whole building and other living stones that are beautifully decorating the temple. Jesus will write on us the name of God, the name of the New Jerusalem and the new name of Jesus.
(v.13) Do you have spiritual ears? Can you hear what the Holy Spirit says? For the Faithful church there are rewards. Even if you have little strength and little power, be faithful to His Word and to His name.
Your Pastor
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If you would like to accept Jesus into your heart please pray the following prayer.
“Dear God, I am a sinner and need forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ shed His precious blood and died for my sin. I am willing to turn from sin. I now invite Christ to come into my heart and life as my personal Saviour.”
If you have just prayed this prayer and accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, congratulations! We invite you to contact us as we would love to pray a blessing over your life and help guide you on your journey.
The next step. As a way to grow closer to Him, the Bible tells us to follow up on our commitment.
- Get baptised as commanded by Christ.
- Tell someone else about your new faith in Christ.
- Spend time with God each day. It does not have to be a long period of time. Just develop the daily habit of praying to Him and reading His Word. Ask God to increase your faith and your understanding of the Bible.
- Seek fellowship with other followers of Jesus. Develop a group of believing friends to answer your questions and support you.
- Find a local church where you can worship God.
God bless you.