“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” (Revelation 3:7-8, NIV)
John wrote the book of Revelation to seven different churches in and around Asia Minor. Each local church had their own issues to which Jesus speaks. One is lukewarm in their relationship with the Lord, one is prideful, one is spiritually dead, etc. The Lord encourages each to work on these areas of growth.
Only the church at Philadelphia goes without criticism. It was a small church and not very influential. But they were faithful to God and his Word. They stood up to the lies of Satan.
Look what God promised them for their faithful service: Revival! God promised to take his key and open spiritual doors before them. God promised opportunities for ministry the enemy couldn’t stop. And God promised to protect them through it all (see Rev. 3:7-13).
I thought about that promise this week when I read an article about a small church in Georgia. Miracles are taking place. People are driving great distances to visit the church. They’ve baptized over 500 people, often 30-40 at a time. Their church (the size of New Life) often swells to 600 people on Sunday nights. Read about it here: Revival in Georgia
God’s taken the key and opened a spiritual door for them!
I’m praying he does the same for us. I’m asking that God would reward your faithfulness to him by sending revival to our church and our communities! Are you ready for it? Will you pray in agreement with me?
