Pastor's Blog

 

Notice the contrast between these two present-day Churches.In Philadelphia, the Lord has set before them an “open door” into the revelation of His manifest presence, and the operation of the supernatural in their midst.In Laodicea, He is outside of the Church knocking upon a “closed door,” seeking out any individuals who are able to hear His voice, inviting them to turn aside and commune with Him.

The Lord counsels those who willingly open the door of their spirit to Him, to “buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich” (Revelation 3:18).This “gold” speaks of the divine nature as being of far greater value than all of these external riches that they possess and rejoice in.

A glorious promise is given to those who choose to turn aside from this materialistic spirit within the Laodicean Church:

“To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne”Revelation 3:21

This is the greatest of the promises that were given to these seven Churches, yet the most difficult to attain, even more so today, because of the many subtle deceptions that must be discerned, especially the intensity of the temptations that must be resisted.These hindrances to true spirituality, that must be overcome, are greater than any pressures that other generations had to face.It is easy to compromise, but the cost is high, as those who do will not be able to hear the gentle knock of the Lord on the door of their spirit – “If any man hear My voice.”

The Lord is looking for those who are willing to pay the price in order to be a part of the “Church at Philadelphia,” and gain the spiritual life and strength that is available therein.Few will pay the price, because the “Church at Laodicea” is very popular.It knows and uses the techniques that will bring about Church growth and material prosperity.

At this present time, the Lord is making the following passage of Scripture very real to those seeking a higher level of personal communion with Him.

“I love them that love Me; and those that seek Me early shall find Me… that I may cause those that love Me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasure” Proverbs 8:17, 21

The word “Philadelphia” is derived from the Greek word “phileo.”This is the highest form of human love (phileo) and speaks of compatibility in relationship – “I love them that love Me.”This speaks of those who are experiencing a new “first love” for Jesus Himself.

Those who turn aside from all that is religious and self-serving, and are gathered together in the out-flowing of His love through them, are finding an eternal treasure that they had little anticipated.They will never be disappointed as they pass unhindered through this “open door” into His glorious presence.

“That I may cause those that love Me to inherit substance (the Lord Himself); and I will fill their treasure” (a new “first love” for Jesus Himself).