Philadelphia — the City of Brotherly Love — not the one in Pennsylvania — but the one in Asia Minor, in 95 AD, that Jesus wrote to in chapter 3 of the Book of Revelation. This is the second letter, like the one to Smyrna, with no scolding or admonishment. Here’s why…
The city of Philadelphia was very prosperous and you can watch the video from “The Prophetic Gallery Series” in the Bible App, for the full story. However, good times don’t last as they were hit by 2 massive earthquakes in 17 and 23 AD. They were later betrayed by Rome who wiped out their vineyards — which were their main source of income. Seems that by 95 AD, they were still struggling…
The Letter to the Church of Philadelphia
“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Philadelphia.
This is the message from the one who is holy and true,
the one who has the key of David.
What he opens, no one can close;
and what he closes, no one can open:“I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me. Look, I will force those who belong to Satan’s synagogue—those liars who say they are Jews but are not—to come and bow down at your feet. They will acknowledge that you are the ones I love.”
Revelation 3:7-9
Jesus quotes Isaiah 22:22…
I will give him the key to the house of David—the highest position in the royal court. When he opens doors, no one will be able to close them; when he closes doors, no one will be able to open them.
Isaiah 22:22
Jesus has the final say as to who goes anywhere. But, His message to the church of Philadelphia is…
Hang in there…
You know, Jesus never said that life would be easy if we followed Him. In fact, He warned us…
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Obey and Persevere
We continue in the letter…
“Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown. All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the name of my God, and they will be citizens in the city of my God—the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God. And I will also write on them my new name.
Revelation 3:10-12
A Time of Testing
Right now, many of us are going through a “time of testing”. Now, more than ever, we need to hold on to Jesus — to His Saving Grace and Confident Hope.
Listen to the Spirit… Jesus says it again…
“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”
Revelation 3:13
You need to HAVE the Spirit before you can LISTEN to the Spirit! Otherwise, all this is just nonsense. You might think, “Oh, I’m OK. I go to church, I’m good.” NO, YOU’RE NOT! None of us are — at least not by ourselves. Only through Jesus can we have the assurance of salvation and a 1-way, non-stop ticket to paradise — to Heaven and that you won’t be left behind after the Rapture.
Are you sure?
If not, this is what you have to do…
Believe. Repent. Be Baptized. Receive the Holy Spirit.
- Believe — have Faith — that Jesus is the Christ and He died taking your sins away forever and that He rose from the dead 3 days later.
- Repent of your sins — stop sinning! Do a complete 180-degree turn in your life and surrender your life to Him. When you ask Jesus to forgive you He will. ALL your sins will be wiped clean — past, present, and future! And All means ALL!
- Be Baptized by water baptism — show the world and yourself that you have died to your old life and are born again in Christ.
- Receive the gift of Holy Spirit in your heart.
Invite Jesus into Your Heart and Receive the Gift of Grace, Joy, Peace, and the Confident Hope of Eternal Life…
Pray this prayer humbly and wholeheartedly…
“Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Please forgive me. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and my life to you. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. I will follow you for the rest of my life. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
I survived college, 6 hurricanes and 2 years of unemployment — links to my 3-part testimony are below. Jesus isn’t asking much of us for the abundance of love and support He gives to those who are His believers.
Related: Rejoice during Trials…
My Testimony…
- From Catholic to Prodigal: Surviving College
- From Prodigal to Progressive: Surviving Hurricanes
- From Progressive to Born Again Christian: Surviving Unemployment
The 5 Solas
- Sola Scriptura (“Scripture alone”): The Bible alone is our highest authority.
- Sola Fide (“Faith alone”): We are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ.
- Sola Gratia (“Grace alone”): We are saved by the grace of God alone.
- Solus Christus (“Christ alone”): Jesus Christ alone is our Savior, Redeemer, Lord, and King
- Soli Deo Gloria (“to God alone be the Glory.”): It’s all about God, not us.
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