Dr Tom Hover
April 28, 2024
Revelation 3:7-13 / Psalm 34:1-22
THE MISSIONARY CHURCH: THE CHURCH AT PHILADELPHIA / EXPERIENCING THE PERSONAL POWER OF PERPETUAL PRAISE!
THE MISSIONARY CHURCH: THE CHURCH AT PHILADELPHIA
Text: Revelation 3:7-13
This is the church with unlimited opportunity. Have you seen churches like the today? They seem to have limitless opportunity. God gave this church an open door that no one could close. The reason they had this opportunity related to their keeping the Name and Word of the Lord. Let's look at this church.
I. A PICTURE OF THE CITY Revelation 3:7
Two Greek words are used to make the name Philadelphia. PHILEO. is love and ADELPHOS is brother; together they are love for brother or brotherly love. The city was prosperous due to its location and the grape growing and wine making. It was the center of worship of the god Dionysos. In addition, they had several other pagan temples. The city today is part of the nation of Turkey. It is called ALASEHIR, meaning reddish city, because of the red hills behind it, or city of God.
II. A PICTURE OF THE CHRIST WHO SPEAKS Revelation 3:7-13
Christ identifies Himself five ways to this church.
First, He Who Is “holy”, Second, He Who is “true.", Third, He Who Has The “key of David." Fourth, "He Who opens and no one will shut." Revelation 5:1-5,
I Corinthians 16:9, II Corinthians 2:12, Colossians 4:3, Fifth, "Who shuts and no one opens." Not only does the Lord admit, but He excluded Who He will.
III. A PICTURE OF THE CHURCH COMMENDED Revelation 3:8-10
First, He knows their deeds. “I know thy works”
Second, they have a little power. “for thou hast a little strength”
Thirdly, they have kept His word. “hast kept my word”
Fourth, they have not denied His name. “and hast not denied my name.”
IV. A PICTURE OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Revelation 3:8-10, Revelation 14:12, Ephesians 3:21, Hebrews 10:25
V. A PICTURE OF THE CHURCH CHALLENGED Revelation 3:11
VI. A PICTURE OF THE PROMISES Revelation 3:12, I John 5:4-5
First, they will be pillars in this temple. Revelation 3:12
Second, the name of God will be written upon them. Revelation 3:12
Third, they will have God's city written upon them. Revelation 3:12
Fourth, They Will Get Christ’s New Name Written on Them. Revelation 3:12, Revelation 19:12, 16 “Him that overcometh and I will write upon him my new name.
VII. A PICTURE OF COMMAND TO THE CHURCHES Revelation 3:13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
CONCLUSION: This church was given an open door of missionary opportunity. We have many doors of opportunity open for the gospel message. However, some doors are closing and they may be closing because we failed to march through that door when God opened it. You can give money so others can go and that they might have the best kind of equipment available to them. You may be called of God to go; if so, you need to get busy about that kind of opportunity today. However, we all are call to be missionaries in our sphere of influence. (Salt and Light)
PM SERVICE
EXPERIENCING THE PERSONAL POWER OF PERPETUAL PRAISE!
Main Text: Psalm 34:1, Sermon Text: Psalm 34:1-22
I. WHEN I PRAISE, MY FAITH IS BOLSTERED Psalm 34:2
II. WHEN I PRAISE, MY FEARS ARE BANISHED Psalm 34:4-5
III. WHEN I PRAISE, MY FOES ARE BEATEN Psalm 34:6-7,
Proverbs 16:7
IV. WHEN I PRAISE, MY ARE BESTOWED Psalm 34:8-10
V. WHEN I PRAISE, MY FUTURE IS BRIGHTENED Psalm 34:5, Psalm 34:11-12, Psalm 34:13-15, Psalm 34:15, Psalm 34:16-17, Psalm 34:12
Conclusion: When there is peace in the heart, there will be praise on the Lips. However, know this that: True worship and praise is not lip service but life service. and Emotion without Devotion is nothing more than Commotion.
Our Life and our place of worship should be of such character that it will be easy for people to find God and difficult for them to forget Him.
