I grew up hearing, when God closes one door, He opens another. Of course this was said during times of transition. But it always signified a new beginning our opportunity. If you have been following these post you know we have been looking at what constitutes a healthy church. More specifically we have been looking at the seven churches in Revelation, and learning from once healthy churches which were in danger of dying out.
Yesterday we ended the series with looking at the congregation in Philadelphia. While this congregation was facing hard times and persecution like the other six congregations. They were different in the fact, that they are the only congregation not to be rebuked by Jesus. In this letter Jesus tells the congregation, He knows their deeds. He knows they have suffered, greatly. He knows that they feel small and weak; as if they are not making a difference in their community. Jesus acknowledges all of this and commends them for what they have done and are doing. He assures them, they do have an impact on their society; even if they cannot see it for themselves. Jesus says something that has stuck with me for a long time. Something that I pray grabs hold of you as you are reading this. “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.” (Rev 3:8).
Yesterday I started the message by asking the congregation at Tomah Naz, what came to mind when they heard these words. Some of the responses were as followed: opportunity, assurance, responsibility, promise. Then I asked what they felt when they heard these words. The responses were: peace, joy, excitement, passion. So what comes to mind when you hear these words of Jesus? What emotions do you feel when you hear these words?
Finally I asked what our open door in Tomah was. They responded with Family Promise/homeless ministry, ministry to those addicted and simply living a life of commitment to Christ before their friends and families who do not know Jesus as their savior. So what is your open door? What is your congregation’s open door?
No matter what struggles you are facing right now; or the struggles your congregation is facing reaching the lost. If you are faithful and committed to Christ. If you stay strong in your faith, even when society may be questioning your faith, remember these words. “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.” (Rev 3:8). So what is your open door, what is your congregation’s open door? Get up and walk through it. Pastor Travis out.
