Today we journey down the road to the Church of Philadelphia – the church known for “Brotherly Love!” This is the church of the common folks – ordinary people with simple, yet fulfilling lives. At times, they appear to be left behind because they are not well known. At least not well know to the world – but in God’s eyes they are powerful.

The Message to the Church in Philadelphia
Revelation 3:7-13
“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. 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. Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.” (NLT)

This church was located in the center of Greek civilization and yet remained an independent Christian city until the close of the 14th century when it was conquered by the Turks.

The church also came out of the Sardis Reformation church which became a dead and cold State Church. But the Church of Philadelphia was a church that was alive and well. Revivals were brought about with what was known as the Modern Missionary Movement. It was the moving of the Spirit of God among the common folks. This was also about the time that Bibles were being printed for the common man that he could read for himself and discover the Truths of God. It was also known for the Faith Missionary Movement – the Open Door.

It gives us hope – those living ordinary lives and yet we are able to have close relationships with the Heavenly Father and His Son. We can be used of the Lord each and everyday.

Hold On! That is the message! Hold on and wait for the return of Jesus – because He is coming back for us!

Walk in Spirit and Truth and allow Jesus Christ to be your Overseer in His House! Be willing to go and do what He has called you to do. No matter how small it may be – just go and then do it.

This is the remnant – that was mentioned in my last post. The Reformation Church believed but they did not obey the commands. That is what the Church of Brotherly Love did – they added obedience to their beliefs and never denied Him and went out into the world to do their part in the Great Commission.

Remember that even today, Satan continues to raise up counterfeit people to draw hearts away from the Truth – don’t allow him a foothold – stand your ground. And even though you may be weak – yet you will be strong.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18:
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.
(NIV)

2 Corinthians 12:10:
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (NIV)

Remember when Christ Jesus opens a door, no man can shut it!

Father, thank you for these words of encouragement today! We are weak and yet we are strong in you. Help us to hold on and continue to serve you in the mess and chaos that surrounds us. May we continue on our journeys – believing and obeying you and never denying the name of Christ Jesus. Help us to encourage one another and become brothers and sisters of “brotherly love!” I love you, Lord. I ask this in Christ Jesus’ name, amen.

Hate has become popular in our world today! It is okay to voice your hatred to others if you don’t agree with them. We have forgotten that we have been called to love one another! Are you ready for a heart change for the good of one another? Step out and even in your weakness you will find that you are strong. Strong in Him.