THE OPEN DOOR

Philadelphia—the name signifies, “the city of brotherly love.” How appropriate then for a church to be birthed there, for love for our Father and for our fellowman is the Great Commandment to Christ’s followers. Out of that flows the church’s commitment to the Great Commission—to reach the lost, baptize them into the fellowship, and disciple them. This church at Philadelphia is pictured as “the church of the open door.”  Christ holds the key and has unlocked the door to evangelism. 

We must seize the opportunity while the door is open. There are three mandates for a missionary church. These are the featured in Revelation 3:8 where Jesus declared. “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”

First, we must have A POWER THAT IS SUFFICIENT. “I know your works…you have a little strength.”  From the human perspective, this congregation would not seem impressive. The numbers of people, financial resources, and community influence was minimal. These are often ways we gauge a church’s impact from a human perspective. Yet, what we have here is a heavenly perspective. Jesus says, “I know your works,” and commends them for being a great church as He gauges it. That is the only evaluation that matters! 

An old song says, “Little is much when God is in it.” A shepherd’s staff surrendered to the Lord could be used to part the Red Sea. 300 warriors obedient to God could route an enormous army camped against them. A stone in a slingshot hurled by a young lad could bring a giant to the ground. A pot of oil could be poured out over and over to be used to pay the debt a widow owed. Five loaves and two fish placed in the hands of Jesus could feed 5000. An old rugged cross where Jesus gave all would be the means of redemption. Twelve common men sold out to Christ would turn the world upside down!

Second, we must have A PERSEVERANCE THAT IS EVIDENT. “I know your works…for you…have kept My word.”  Our responsibility is faithfulness and God’s is to produce fruitfulness. We sow the seed and the Lord of the Harvest brings in the crop. Let us not consider what the world wants in order to shape our appeal to them and thereby miss what God requires—obedience to the truth, that is, faithfulness to the Word. An open door that welcomes all sinners to hear the Gospel must never be an open door to allow false doctrine and compromised morality to invade the church. We are to seek the stray sheep, not build a barn for goats. We say to anyone and everyone, “Come,” but to those who would be saved, “Repent!”

The Risen Lord would specifically commend them, “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.”  Because they would keep steadfast, God would keep them secure. Their perseverance would bring their preservation.

Third, we must have A PROFESSION THAT IS DEFINITE. “I know your works…for you…have not denied my name.”  The missionary church is not about publishing its fame, but proclaiming Christ’s name. “ ‘Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved,’ ” (Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬‬). The faithful church is not one to promote the messenger, the music, or the ministries, but to preach the Master!

The name of Jesus is the great dividing line—the difference between heaven and hell. It will be an open door to those who will be saved and an offensive name to those who are to be damned.  The church of the open door preaches that name and lets the chips fall where they may!

The letter closes with this appeal:

“ ‘Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. ‘ “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ‘  ” (Rev. 3:11-13). 

Are we listening?