February 26, 2006 pm   Open the door.  Rev. 3

By Ronald E. George Jr. at the Fayetteville Baptist Church

Do we want the church doors opened by the Lord?  Do you hear the one about the church with the open doors. 

Rev. 3:7 (NIV) "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars--I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.

Do you see the vision?  The church doors had been opened by the Lord. 

If the church is to grow then the doors must be opened by the Lord.  First things first: 

A.  The church had little strength.  They must depend on the Lord.  Emphasis on prayer and asking for the Lord to work in your community to bring Him the glory for the glory of the Lord. 

B.  The church had kept the Word of God.

C.  The church had not denied the name of the Lord.  The church had: 

1. Open heads:  Willing to believe and think

2. Open hearts:  Willing to love others and trust the Lord

3. Open hands:  Willing to open our hands to take another and give.

4. Open homes:  Willing to let Jesus and others come in for fellowship.

5. Open arms:  Willing to wrap our arms around another in love. 

D.  The church endured patiently.  Willing to keep on keeping on. 

God kept them and blessed them.  This is what we want.  We want the Lord to bless us for His honor.