Rev. 3:7-13: “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. 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. 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. 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. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

The Apostle John writes these words at God’s instruction as he was in exile on the Island of Patmos. John wrote to seven churches. Only two received commendations. Philadelphia is one of the two. It could perhaps seem presumptuous to apply these words exactly to Beautiful Savior but all of Scripture is meant for all time. Much of what is written is by God’s grace applicable to the ten years God has preserved this congregation. Let’s look at some of the key phrases that apply to Beautiful Savior.

 

Jesus is speaking as the text begins. The open door reminds us of our Savior who has opened the door to heaven by his grace and announced it through his Word. This small group at Beautiful Savior that has held together all these years has done so because of God’s grace announced in his Word. No wonder the group has wanted this Word “kept” in all its truth and purity and “proclaimed” to all. These two key ingredients (keeping and proclaiming the Word) are hallmarks of the church at Philadelphia and Beautiful Savior at Bella Vista.

 

For ten years this congregation has persevered. We want to continue that individually and as a congregation. “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” Behind that encouragement stands God’s promise, “I will also keep you…”  God will give us grace and strength to persevere so that we will continue to “hold on” and “overcome.” God grant this church and us continued perseverance.

 

To God be the glory!