An Open Door

 Yesterday morning I was told of church that is closing its doors soon. They are disbanding, even though they had been a strong church. They have a great location in the heart of a suburb of Atlanta with people all around them. This news made me very sad. I was sad for the members of that church and for the Lord's work in that place. It made me very thankful for the blessings of God on our church and the fact that our doors are open. I pray they will remain open until Jesus comes.

The church at Philadelphia seems to have been a church like our church. (Revelation 3:8) Jesus knew their works. He had set before them an open door, and no one could shut it, because they had a little strength, they had kept His Word, and they had not denied His name. I think we see in this verse the key elements that enable God to bless a church with an open door. Let's consider what Jesus is telling us today.

Jesus is watching to see what we are doing to join Him in His work. When He sees that we are being faithful in that work, He blesses us by giving us an open door. The open door is an opportunity to reach more people for Him. When He opens this door, no one can shut it. However, we have to take advantage of that opportunity by using the little power we have to do His will in His power. Then, we will see what only God can do.

Also, Jesus blesses a church for keeping His Word. This means we must know the Word and do what it says. We must not do the sinful things, and we must be faithful to do the good things. That is why He gave us the instructions in His Word. Finally, we must not deny His name. We must stand up for Jesus in public, and let people know that He is Lord of all. We must not back down from doing what He would do the way He would do it. It doesn't matter the size of a church, if that church will do these things, I believe, Jesus will keep the doors open.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read Revelation 4-6.