Letters to the Church- Revelations 3:7-13

THE CHURCH AT PHILADELHIA

The words of Jesus are both holy and true. In Him, there is no falsehood.
He holds the keys to both heaven and eternal life. These are doors that
only He can open or close. Jesus is the "Key of David." When people believe
the message of grace, He opens the gates of heaven to them. If people
refuse to believe, they shut themselves off from Christ and eternal life.
Jesus has closed the door against them.

Jesus mentioned that this congregation had "little strength." It was
struggling, yet it had not denied His name, nor lost faith. It is not
by our strength that we are saved, but it is through grace alone. The
holding of the open door is not by our strength, it is by Christ's
strength. This congregation had it's struggles, but it's faith remained
firm. It's strength was in Christ alone. There are many challenges that
can drain the strength of a church. There are many challenges that seem
to threaten the existance of a church. The church is not without hope,
it can always look to Christ for strength and courage. The church recieves
it's power and strength from the One who is the source of all strength;
Jesus Christ. It does not matter whether a congregation is large or small;
it can become drained and lose strength. The saints must draw their strength
daily from Christ through His Word and Sacrament.

This congregation had it's share of struggles, but these struggles did not
draw them away from Christ. Through the struggles, they held on tightly
to their confession of Christ. Their faithfulness serves as an example for
the Church of this day. The Church in these times still has to struggle and
face many challenges, but it still hopes on to faith. Let the Church not
give in to pressure from the world, nor grow weary; but may it continue
to stand upon Christ and preach His Gospel. The Lord will strengthen His
Church for the task. Christ is faithful; He will renew the Church's
strength and hope.

Jesus tells the saints that He is coming soon. The Church awaits the
fulfillmet of this promise with joy. Jesus encourages His Church to
hold on. Hold on even when times seem both uncertain and difficult.
Hold on Church and remain faithful; Christ is coming soon. When He
does return, He will take His bride the Church, to be with Him
forever.