Seven Churches…Church Number Six!
The church of Philadelphia is the only church that God the Father did not have something against. In fact there was commendation for the Philadelphia church for their stand:
I know all that you’ve done. Now I have set before you a wide-open door that none can shut. For I know that you possess only a little power, yet you’ve kept my word and haven’t denied my name. 9 Watch how I deal with those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews but are not, for they’re lying. I will make them come and bow down at your feet and acknowledge how much I’ve loved you. 10 Because you’ve passionately kept my message of perseverance, I will also keep you from the hour of proving that is coming to test every person on earth. 11 But I come swiftly, so cling tightly to what you have, so that no one may seize your crown of victory. Revelation 3:8-11 (TPT)
No doubt the tests and challenges were the same for the Philadelphia church as the other churches in Asia Minor, faced. Yet, this church appeared to be able to stand up to the devil and his imps. They had discernment, and a clear understanding that they were serving God alone. They were able to persevere in the face of challenges and the Father promised them that as long as they held fast to their confession and testament that they would have a crown of victory.
We all fit into the description of one of these churches. If we are able to keep our testimony and rise up when the taunts of the enemy attempt to bring us down, then we too will receive a crown of victory. If we are double minded or prone to side with even a person like Jezebel and we have become like dead bones and never repent, then we will never see the victor’s crown spoken to the seven churches through the Apostle John. And because churches are made up of people, and basically without the grace of God, we people never change, then we are hearing the Words spoken to us today, as believers that can’t seem to overcome various sins and weights. Our answer today is no different from the answer over 2000 years ago:
37 Cut to the quick, those who were there listening asked Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers! Brothers! So now what do we do?"
38-39 Peter said, "Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away—whomever, in fact, our Master God invites." Acts 2:37-39 (The Message)
Maria