Scripture – Revelation 3:7-13 NIV
“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Bob’s thoughts:
We were warmly welcomed and a gentleman pointed out the restrooms.
The sanctuary ceiling is a low-rise arch that frames the cross in the stained-glass panel. I found some of the projection screen offerings useless with white lettering over a light background, though some of the projections later were readable.
I was pleased that there was a Prayer of Illumination before the Scripture and message and I liked the interpretation that John’s letters to the churches were dictated by Christ. Also, the reference to losing flavor or saltiness, as I have been placed on a salt-free diet.
We appreciated the time the pastor gave us after the service. I was also glad to get a prayer list.
I sense Christ has good things planned for His church.
Jan’s thoughts:
We took advantage of this beautiful morning for a drive and were welcomed warmly by many folks throughout our visit.
The music unexpectedly leaned a bit toward the contemporary. The song Soon and Very Soon was an uplifting reminder of Malawi, and His Eye is on the Sparrow refers to a verse I read just this morning and was another welcome reminder.
The large sanctuary had great acoustics and ideal volume.
It’s not unusual for one person to act as liturgist for part of a service, but today several others took leadership roles. It’s always encouraging to see leaders stepping up.
The current sermon series revolves around the churches in the Book of Revelation and today’s message was entitled Patient Endurance – The Church at Philadelphia. The pastor began by stating that Christ dictated this document, which I believe is clear from the text. Christ has nothing against this church because of their strong love for each other.
The pastor stated the secret of their strong love was three-fold:
1 – Persistence – they held on to the truth of the Gospel;
2 – Power – they had little strength, but with God they were powerful;
3 – Patience – they had the ability to look beyond the circumstances of oppression from the regime of the empire of Rome…and stayed teaching and living out the Gospel message.
And Jesus would reward them for their faithfulness.
I appreciated this reminder of the value of patient endurance in Jesus’ eyes. This trait is severely undervalued in our world.
We enjoyed delightful conversations with the Music Director and then with the Pastor and appreciated their time today.
Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we pray Your blessing on Your church. May You continue to guide and grow them as they know You more and more. Amen.
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