AN OPEN DOOR

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Philadelphia

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Read Revelation 3:7-13

     "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.”   Revelation 3:8 NKJV

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     These letters to the seven churches describe the actual events at the time of this writing but because of their placement in a prophetic vision, some have viewed them as typical of the church in various stages of history.
     If this is a valid secondary interpretation, then the Philadelphia church most likely represents the churches of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries of missionary outreach. God truly has given and still gives an open door for missionary endeavor. How long this will be, we do not know, but the opportunity is there today.

     Others also see a composite picture of the church at any time in history. In this view the promise of deliverance is comforting: “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. Behold, I am coming quickly!” (3:10-11a)

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     Lord, I look forward to Your coming, perhaps in our lifetime. Help us to take advantage of the open door we have today for spreading the good news of salvation. Give me the opportunity to share my faith in You.

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      These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens"   Revelation 3:7b NKJV

STAND FAST

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Thessalonians

Read 2 Thessalonians 1-3

Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 NKJV

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Paul writes this letter to correct false teaching about the Lord’s return. “Now, brethren,” he writes, “concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2)

Paul goes on to explain the events that will happen prior to the Lord’s return to earth. He tells them of the coming evil world leader who will oppose and exalt himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” (2 Thessalonians 2:4)

Even though this man of sin will not be revealed until after the “gathering together” of believers, (2:7-8) the spirit of antichrist was and is already working in the world. Paul reminds them and us that “the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.” (3:3)

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Lord, it is so evident in our day that the spirit of antichrist is at work. Help us to keep our eyes on You and not be discouraged as Your coming draws closer. Above all, help us not to grow weary in serving you and others in Christian love.

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"...But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. " 2 Thessalonians 3:13 NKJV