As a result God opened a door of opportunity for them. We will find in the next verse that the open door is an opportunity to tell others about Jesus Christ. They had been faithful to Him. They were not powerful in the sense of political influence or financial wealth, but they were devoted. That was all the power they needed. They held to the teaching of scripture and did not deny Jesus even under persecution. They were committed to Him.       There have always been two types of Christians. Those who seriously follow Him and those who do not. Those who dedicate themselves to God and those who give a part of themselves. In the book of Ecclesiastes we are reminded that this is the view of our world,     Do not be excessively righteous, and do not be overly wise. Why should you ruin yourself? (NASB) Eccl. 7:16   We read in the gospels that Jesus told a rich man to give away everything that he owned. But the man was not willing to give all of himself to God. Some today do not want to be “overly righteous” because that would spoil their fun. “Why should you ruin yourself?” Why should we witness for Jesus? We sometimes forget that God demands that Christians serve Him as a slave serves a Master.     And why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? (NASB) Luke 6:46   These Christians served Jesus with a passion in their heart. So God opened doors of opportunity for them. This is real church growth. God responds to the hearts of His children who are committed to Him by opening doors of ministry.       In the city of Los Angeles (in the United States) there was a church called the “Church of the Open Door.” The church was famous for its pastors. They were men such as Dr. R. A. Torrey, Dr. Louis T. Talbot, and Dr. J. Vernon McGee. This church had a huge red, neon sign on top of the thirteenth floor which read, “Jesus Saves.” The doors of the church were always open throughout the day to anyone who wanted to come in and pray to God. The church was a beacon in the United States and throughout the world since it supported many missionaries. The church at Philadelphia was like the Church of the Open Door. God opened doors of ministry for both churches.         < Back   Next >
	Copyright © Like The Master Ministries. All Rights Reserved.   Study In Revelation