Following Jesus 112
Blog #2015-55
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.
Finally, Jesus Christ encourages the faithful church. Vs. 9-10, 12-13. The enemies and opponents of the faithful church will not be successful in their opposition, but rather will fall down before the faithful church.
The faithful church will also be kept from the hour of trial. Due to their patient endurance in the present, they will be guarded from the hour of trial to befall the world in the future.
The faithful church will be known as pillars in the Temple of God. The faithful will have important responsibilities in heaven and throughout the eternal state. They will also be given new names: specifically the name of God. This indicates identification as to whom the faithful belong and their purpose.
Jesus give the faithful church one final challenge. Vs. 11. Since Jesus is coming quickly the church is to hold on to what it has. It is to make sure no one steals their focus of finishing the race of serving Christ by compromise, corruption or the growing influence of the unconverted.
In what ways does your life reflect a high view of Christ? Do you consciously think about Jesus being holy, true and the only Savior? How are you challenged to obey God’s Word? Are you challenged to deny that you are His follower? Are you making choices that reflect that Jesus Christ is returning to earth soon? If so, what are they?
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