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"Behold I have set before thee an open Door." The New Year has arrived with all the possibilities of God's wonderful grace for his Church. It is appropriate that we see another year as a doorway of opportunity to serve the Lord. The words of the Lord to this church had a special significance for its people. Philadelphia means the city of brotherly love. It was so named as a lasting momento to the affection existing between its founder Attalus II and his brother Eumenes of Pergamos. The city was located in a region referred to as, "the burnt district" because of constant earthquake activity. This city was to become known as, "the gateway to the East" since it lay alongside the great imperial road from Rome, running to the east of the empire. It was also referred to as, "little Athens" because of the many beautiful temples which adorned its architecture. It becomes more obvious why the Lord would send this text message to this little fellowship of believers. He had placed them in a strategic location. Many travellers were passing through the city. Business traffic was common as the commercial world moved along the highway. Opportunities were indeed unique. This was not just a man made circumstance. God had opened the door for his people to extend the influences of the Gospel. Did they have the vision to take full advantage of their privileged position? The congregation was not large but it was energetic. Let all those who serve in small fellowships take heart in knowing that the numerical size of the congregation never excludes them from an effective and farreaching influence for the Lord. The Gospel message reached many a distant town as a result of their faithful witness. The congregation had been through some particular trial from an evil adversary but it had come out victoriously and in spiritual purity. They had kept the Name of The Lord in faithful loyalty. They realised that the honour of His Name was more important than the preservation of their own lives. Are you found in this succession? Yes, doors of opportunity are always opening for those who are in touch with God. The ministry of any church will be magnified by the Lord Jesus Christ in return for fidelity and fervour to his Name and His Word. Conversely He will not bless any work which fails to honour His Name and His Word. Will it be worth the pain and reproach to stand for God and righteousness? We only need to read the promise left to this people in verse 11. "Behold I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast that no man take thy crown." Now we must look forward into the days before us and give ourselves to Him who sets the door of opportunity and service before us. God bless you as you serve the Lord this year.
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Due to be updated: March Archived Messages.
02/12/02 The River of Blessing. |