Philadelphia: The Church with the Open Door

Bible Text: Revelation 3:7–13 | Presenter: Pastor Joel Jocelyn | Series: Christ’s Heart for His Church | Philadelphia
The Church with the Open Door
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[[Revelation 3:7–13]]
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“City of brotherly love”
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Holiness
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[[1 Peter 1:13–16]]
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The church of Philadelphia pleased God because:

++It was made up of people who were holy
++It did not conform itself to the world or its culture

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God cannot and will not use unholy people.
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The One who is True:
++Genuine
++Authentic
++Real
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“You have a reputation for being alive – yet you are dead!”
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The One who has the Key of David:

++Only Jesus has the authority to decide who enters the Kingdom of God and who is kept out of it.
++He decides who lives (eternal life) and who dies (eternal death)

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The One who opens and shuts doors.
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He is Sovereign
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El Shadai – _God Almighty_
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[[Isaiah 44:6]]
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[[Isaiah 43:12-13]]
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Jesus Knew their Deeds…
_And He Knows Yours_
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Holiness carries with it blessings.

++The purpose of holiness is not to walk around with a proud heart comparing ourselves to others.
++The purpose of holiness is not to earn salvation

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We have already received salvation, freely, based on the work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
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We are not seeking to be holy so that we may earn God’s love.
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He will not love any more if we are good nor will he love us any less if we are bad.
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So, why bother to be holy?

++Holiness creates in us an assurance of salvation.
++Holiness gives us the joy of our salvation.
++Holiness enables us to open additional doors of service and ministry.
++Holiness brings about blessings

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They “had little power.”
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Yet, they Kept Christ’s Word –
_They were Obedient!_
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“God says it in His Word. I believe it in my heart.  That settles it in my mind. And I obey.”
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They Did not Deny the Name of Jesus