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Bible Pathways - Dec. 24, 2008

 

December 24

Revelation 3

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Jesus knocking at our heart (3:20). The Church with Christ in heaven (Chs. 4&5). The Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the Book (5:5). The elders in heaven worship Him and the angels exalt Him as the Lamb (5:8-14). WOW!

The Church in Sardis could boast that there were no false doctrines being taught; but there was an equally serious sin. Unto . . . the Church in Sardis write . . . I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die. . . . repent (3:1-3).

A few names . . . in Sardis . . . have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh . . . I will not blot out his name out of the Book of Life (3:4-5). During His earthly ministry, Jesus also had said: If ye keep (obey from the heart) My Commandments, ye shall abide in My love (John 15:10; see 15:6).

The Church in Philadelphia probably seemed weak and insignificant as far as the world was concerned; their number was small and they had only a little strength (Rev. 3:8). But notice! That small group of Christians in Philadelphia was not dependent upon their little strength; their faith was in Christ, who had opened a door that no one — not even those of the synagogue of Satan (3:9) — was able to close. Jesus commended the church, saying: Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou . . . hast kept My Word. . . . I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation (testing), which shall come upon all the world (3:8,10).

Our Lord still opens doors, regardless of how impossible our situation may seem. God works through those who recognize the insufficiency of their own strength to accomplish His work.

The majority of Church members in Laodicea probably congratulated themselves on being broad-minded. They probably pitied the narrow-minded Christians in Philadelphia. The Laodicean believers prided themselves on their ability to compromise. But Jesus severely condemned Laodicea: So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue (vomit) thee out of My mouth (3:16). Still, He appealed to them: Be zealous (diligent) therefore, and repent (3:19).

Today God has opened a door to evangelize the world. It is an open door which God in His grace has entrusted to us.

Jesus is still saying: I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne (Rev. 3:20-21).

Thought for Today:

Is it possible to have Sunday morning programs so full of exciting activities that there is little time to worship Christ? In contrast, they lack a sense of where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them (Matt. 18:20).

Cross Reference:

For Rev. 3:5: See Ex. 32:32. Rev. 3:12: See Is. 62:2. Rev. 4:2-3: See Ezek. 1:28. Rev. 4:5: See Zech. 4:2. Rev. 4:6: See Ezek. 1:22. Rev. 4:7: See Ezek. 1:10. Rev. 4:8: See Is. 6:2-3.

Word Studies:

3:20 sup =b> feast, share spiritual food and fellowship; 4:6 beasts =b> living ones.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash — Co-Founder of Bible Pathway International • Staff: Bernice Rathbone • Government Officials: Rep. Randy Neugebauer (TX) and Sen. Jeff Sessions (AL) • Country: Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) (19 million) an island in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern tip of India • Major languages: Sinhala and Tamil • Christianity suppressed • 69% Buddhist; 15% Hindu; 8% Christian (mostly Catholic); 7% Muslim (mostly Sunni); 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Study and heed the instruction of the Word of God that your prayers may be heard (Prov. 1:28-30).

Memory Verse for the Week: John 14:6



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