Following Jesus 111
Blog #2015-54
Following Jesus: What kind of church are we?
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.
“‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and 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 from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ (Revelation 3:7-13 ESV)
In sharp contrast to the compromising, corrupt and dead church is the faithful church. This is a follower or a church belonging to Jesus who is strong in their commitment to, trust in, dependence upon and worship of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The church is faithful to Jesus because He is the One True, Holy Savior. The faithful church knows Jesus and is covenant relationship with Him.
At the same time, Jesus Christ knows the works of the faithful church. Vs. 8.
Even though the church is weak it keeps and guards the Word of God.
In light of this faithfulness, Jesus has set before the faithful church an open door. Jesus has given the faithful church an opportunity to serve Him. No one can hinder this sovereign work of God. Even though the faithful church may be small and not very powerful or wealthy, if has faithfully kept God’s Word and has not denied the name of Jesus.
Will Jesus say this of us?
![](https://www.alliancenet.org/sites/default/files/j.i._packer_ask.png)
The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals is member supported and operates only by your faithful support. Thank you.
Reformation Societies is a fraternal of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. It is supported only by its readers and gracious Christians like you. Please prayerfully consider supporting Reformation Societies and the mission of the Alliance.