Following Jesus 110

Blog #2015-53

Following Jesus: What kind of church are we? 

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.

“‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ (Revelation 3:7-13 ESV)

In sharp contrast to the compromising, corrupt and dead church is the faithful church. This is a follower or a church belonging to Jesus who is strong in their commitment to, trust in, dependence upon and worship of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

What observations may be made regarding such a follower of Jesus? What observations may be made regarding such a church? Let us turn then to Revelation 3:7-13. 

To begin with, Jesus Christ is the ssovereign God over the faithful church. Vs. 7. The Apostle John identifies Jesus as He who is holy: the holy one. He is completely separate from sin (Isaiah 6:1-8; John 12:37-43). 

Jesus is not only holy, but He is the One, True God. This means He is trustworthy (John 1:14; 14:6). 

Jesus is not only holy and true, but He is also the only Savior. He is the sovereign One who opens the door to salvation which no one can shut. He is also the One who shuts the door which no one can open. 

This is the One to whom the faithful church and follower of Jesus commits to, trusts in, depends upon and worships. Do you?

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