Philadelphia one of two of seven churches Christ had nothing bad to say about.
"Philadelphia" = familial brotherly love
CITY * Constant earthquakes * Rich agriculturally
AUTHOR - CHRIST * Sovereign, Holy, True (not coming in judgment) * Calls to holiness * Only source of truth - embodiment of truth, nature, essence * Holiness/Truth of Church goes to its Christ-centeredness * Has Key to open treasures of heavenly kingdom
THE CHURCH * Faithful despite resources/ability * Had open door to proclaiming Christ - few hindrances * We have plentiful opportunity to serve, witness, evangelize - how faitful are we? * Doctrinally faithful * "Faithful with a little . . . "
THE PROBLEM * False teachers compete with the faithful churches
THE PROMISE * Christ will elevate the true church * Christ will manifest his love for the true church * Christ promises protection
COMMANDS * Keep,maintain truth, service, etc so you don't lose crowns
COUNCIL/CONCLUSION * Security is in Christ * Citizenship is in heaven * Will be identified with christ (same name) |