LEARNING DAILY

 

Revelation 3:8, “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.”  Jesus

 

Revelation 3:10, “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 earth.”   Jesus

 

The church at Philadelphia is considered the missionary period of the church continuing until the Church is raptured.  This period of the history of the church has seen great outreach by missionaries, revivals occurring, and the beginning of Christian education (Sunday School and more recently the development of Christian schools).  The Lord Jesus holds the key to the kingdom of God.  He alone gives those who believe in Him access through the narrow gate allowing them access to God’s kingdom and its righteousness.  No one can shut that door.  No one can deny anyone who believes access into God’s kingdom.

 

 The church at Philadelphia was faithful in keeping the word of the Lord; the people did not deny Him in the face of opposition.  It seems that this church literally faced the problem of conforming to the world’s standards or remaining loyal and faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ.  Satan is always attacking Truth; he always has and he always will.  Remember what he said to Eve in the garden?  Did God really say …?  The Lord Jesus told this church that He knows the works of the people; they have kept His word and not denied Him.

 

In a world full of evil and opposition this church has continued to walk in their faith; the Lord’s promise to them is to keep them from the hour of trial that was to come.  In 1 Thessalonians 1:10, Paul called this “the wrath to come”.  This promise is extended to all of God’s people throughout the ages.  David Jeremiah’s study on The Revelation states in the first three chapters the church is mentioned 19 times.  Beginning with Chapter 4, the church is no longer mentioned.  The Church is in heaven!  As we progress in our study of The Revelation, this terrible “the wrath to come” will be examined.

 

Earlier I made the statement that the church of Philadelphia represents the true Church of Believers at the time of the rapture.  Would you agree that believers today are being persecuted around the world?  Read the news.  Persecution has been going on in this country for years as more and more restrictions are being made on Christian activities.  Today more and more open attacks are being made against Christians.  I do not have to tell you what they are.  As the time of the rapture draws nears these attacks are only going to increase.  But, the promise of the Lord Jesus Christ is “I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on earth.”   For Believers, those who faithfully keep the Word of God in their heart, this rapture will be their reward for diligently seeking Him in prayer, Bible study, and not being deceived by all the world uses to come against them. 

 

Revelation 3:11-12, “Behold, I am coming quickly!  Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.  He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God and he shall go out no more.  I will write on him the name of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.”  Jesus

 

 

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