In His letter to the angel, or messenger of the church of Philadelphia, which means, brotherly love, here's what's said about Christ, about the church, and about some other people.
The Lord introduces Himself, and describes Himself.
1. He who is Holy.
2. He who is True.
3. He who has the key of David.
4. He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens.
The Lord describes them, and what He has and is doing in them as a church.
1. I know your works.
2. See I have set before you an open door.
3. And no one can shut it.
4. For you have a little strength.
5. You have kept My Word.
6. You have not denied My Name.
The Lord explains what He is going to do those of the Synagogue of Satan.
1. He describes these people as of the synagogue of Satan.
2. He assures the church He is going to act towards them.
3. He explains that they say they are Jews, but are not, but are liars.
4. He will make them come and worship before the church of Philadelphia's feet.
5. He will make them know that He has loved the church of Philadelphia.
The Lord further describes the church of Philadelphia.
1. They had kept Jesus's command to persevere.
2. Jesus promises to keep them from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world.
3. The hour of trial or tribulation will test those who dwell on the earth.
The Lord tells them what He is going to do.
1. Behold, I come quickly.
The last few things Jesus said to this church.
1. Hold fast what you have that no one may take your crown.
2. He who overcomes, I make him a pillar in the temple of My God.
3. And, he shall go our no more.
4. I will write on him the name of my God.
5. I will write on him the name of the city of My God the new Jerusalem.
6. The new Jerusalem comes down out of heaven from My God.
7. And I will write on him my new name.
8. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Some final thoughts in reflection and in application.
1. One day, we will meet the pastor of this church, and it's members in heaven.
2. They are an example of grace, and interestingly, Jesus had no correction for them.
3. Christ was emphasizing to them His nature, position, and authority.
4. The main message to them seems to be about the open door He gave them.
5. He assured them, that no one could close what He opens and keeps open.
6. They did not have a large amount of strength.
7. Their little strength did not mean they were somehow deficient.
8. They also were keepers of His Word. Jesus commends them for this.
9. He also commended them for not denying His name.
10. They had trouble come upon them from liars.
11. One day the tables would be turned against their enemies.
12. This church also was faithful to simply "persevere", or hang in there.
13. The Lord promised this church they would not go through the "hour of trial"
14. Many people, including myself, believe this is the last days church.
15. I also believe the next church is part of the last days church. The lukewarm church.
16. The last days churches have a open door, little strength, and lot's of opposition.
17. The last days church includes many who are not hot or cold.
18. There are many promises made to the church of Philadelphia. ( 3:9-13 )
I do pray that you are blessed by your own reading, meditation, and study in this book of Revelation. We have the promise of blessing in it, from the Lord Himself. See Rev 1:3
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
