David Jeremiah - The Faithful Church

Christ commended the church in Philadelphia for four things: they had an open door, they had a little strength, they had kept the Word of God, and they had not denied the Lord. If we want to be commended by Christ like this church, we will go through open doors of ministry, depend on His strength, and be true to Him and to His Word. What does this mean for us today?

The Potential of the Local Church — If Christ is present and the church is committed to Him, there is going to be a door of opportunity for ministry. Every church should pray for those doors to be recognized, opened, and walked through.

The People of the Local Church — Many churches today think there are too few people, there is too little money, there are too few gifts, and there are too few opportunities. But remember this truth: When we are weak, Christ is strong. Building the Church of Jesus Christ is not up to us. We depend on the Head of the Church to give His Body the strength it needs.

The Principles of the Local Church — In verse 8, Christ summarizes three principles that apply to every church: open doors for ministry, depending on Christ’s strength, and keeping the Word of God. Being faithful to God’s Word will lead to open doors for ministry and dependence on Christ’s strength. When the Word of God is the priority, everything else will fall into place.

The Priorities of the Local Church — Because the Church belongs to Christ, we are to boldly identify with Him regardless of the cost. We proclaim His Name as the Bible does—the only Name whereby we can be saved (Acts 4:12).