The Philadelphia Example


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THE PHILADELPHIA EXAMPLE Revelation 3:7-13 A great bible study regarding church history would be to study and research the seven churches of Asia Minor of Revelation Chapters two and three. Of course we don't have time to discuss all seven churches and can only skim the surface on Philadelphia. However, this church is one that we can relate to and also the church that give us encouragement and hope that we can take several good points from that can help us be a better church. This is the only church of the seven with no condemnation. A Church Of Great Potential A. Revelation 3:8 God sees within this small church those that have “kept His word” (truly saved and standing fast), they loved the word of God and God recognized that this small church had strength, or (“dynamics”). They had not denied the name of Christ. They were well known as a faithful church. B. God had set before them an open door. This meant that they would have opportunity to preach and teach the word of God openly beyond their small group in Philadelphia. Acts 14:27; II Cor. 2:12; Col. 4:3 Whenever God would open a door to Paul in order to witness and preach Christ he immediately took the opportunity. Some people are picky about which door of opportunity to go in and teach and preach Christ. It is God that opens the doors, we are to just go in! An open door may be to join a church, to serve in the church, to witness to a lost person, to give yourself to full time service, to preach, to teach, to be a missionary, to help a missionary, etc. I Cor. 10:31; Mat. 28:20 The business of the church is twofold: First we are to glorify God in everything we say and do, we are to let our light shine. Second, the church is commanded to GO into all the world and preach and teach Jesus Christ. We are to go through every open door God gives us. God's Promise Of Blessings Revelation 3:9-13 A. God will humiliate the enemies of those who will be faithful like the church of Philadelphia, those that stand fast and go through the doors of opportunity. B. God promises that those that are saved and have kept His word will be saved from “the hour of temptation”, (Time of Jacobs trouble, Tribulation), that will come upon the whole world to try them... C. God promises to share New Jerusalem with those that “overcome”, (are saved by faith), and give each one a new name. The Modern Church Of Philadelphia Revelation Chapters 2 & 3 – The historical periods that are assigned to the seven churches very between bible historians. However, for the sake of arguing we will take the information from the well know Clarence Larkin's famous rendition of Church History Charts. The Church of Philadelphia – The time period for this church is approx. A.D. 1750-A.D.1900. Christian Groups – The great awakening preachers: George Whitfield (1714-1770), Jonathan Edwards (1793- 1758), Frances Asbury (1745-1816), William Carey (1761-1834), D. L. Moody (18371899, Adoniram Judson (1804-1890), Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892). The Main Events and Purpose –Rekindle the fire of the Gospel from the dead church period before. Christ's church came alive as His word burned hot in the hearts of these fine men and others as they began to cross this country and others by land and sea preaching the Gospel to millions running through every door God would open. The evangelical church was burning hot in North America, The British Isles and the foreign fields also. Then came the Laodician Church and the fire was quenched.