Promoting Christ
Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. (Revelation 3:10-11)
Philadelphia was intended to be a missionary center for the Hellenistic way of life. In fact, it was built as a Greek city to promote Hellenism. Therefore, they were very special. Their goal was to evangelize the world for the Hellenistic lifestyle, with arts and thinking. In today’s Scripture passage, Jesus is telling this church (as well as our church today) that we have already been given the Great Commission. (Matthew 28:16-20) Therefore, we are to be missionary focused. We are called to reach people for Christ, regardless of where they are.
Our goal is literally to recharge Jerusalem. Our “Samaria” is the entire globe, the description of the outermost parts of the world. If you look at the construction of the Greek words, it means you are to do all of that at the same time. You don't just reach your Jerusalem. After you reach your city, now go to your county. After you reach your county, then go to your state. After you reach your state, then reach your nation. Finally, go to the entire world. In essence, do all of that at the same time! The context and construction of the Greek language tell us to do that.
These are our walking orders. The church at Philadelphia understood this command from Jesus. They were in a culture that knew all about being the example to reach people for the Hellenistic lifestyle. They were the kind of church that prioritized spreading the Gospel. The thing that set them apart from other churches was that they weren't trying to promote Hellenism; instead, they were promoting Jesus. We would be wise to follow their example.
Let’s focus on spreading the Good News of the Gospel to everyone. Let’s not buy into the lie that our influence and voice are limited by our location. Instead, let’s pray bold prayers and believe in our big God that we can take His message wherever He wants, if we are just willing to be obedient.
Philadelphia was intended to be a missionary center for the Hellenistic way of life. In fact, it was built as a Greek city to promote Hellenism. Therefore, they were very special. Their goal was to evangelize the world for the Hellenistic lifestyle, with arts and thinking. In today’s Scripture passage, Jesus is telling this church (as well as our church today) that we have already been given the Great Commission. (Matthew 28:16-20) Therefore, we are to be missionary focused. We are called to reach people for Christ, regardless of where they are.
Our goal is literally to recharge Jerusalem. Our “Samaria” is the entire globe, the description of the outermost parts of the world. If you look at the construction of the Greek words, it means you are to do all of that at the same time. You don't just reach your Jerusalem. After you reach your city, now go to your county. After you reach your county, then go to your state. After you reach your state, then reach your nation. Finally, go to the entire world. In essence, do all of that at the same time! The context and construction of the Greek language tell us to do that.
These are our walking orders. The church at Philadelphia understood this command from Jesus. They were in a culture that knew all about being the example to reach people for the Hellenistic lifestyle. They were the kind of church that prioritized spreading the Gospel. The thing that set them apart from other churches was that they weren't trying to promote Hellenism; instead, they were promoting Jesus. We would be wise to follow their example.
Let’s focus on spreading the Good News of the Gospel to everyone. Let’s not buy into the lie that our influence and voice are limited by our location. Instead, let’s pray bold prayers and believe in our big God that we can take His message wherever He wants, if we are just willing to be obedient.
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5 Comments
May I always be following Jesus 🙏
Can you clarify something for me. We read Jesus saying "you are in my hands and I am in the Fathers. No-one can pluck you from the Fathers hands". John seems to contradict that when he says to "make sure no one takes your crown". I am assuming the crown reference is not salvation, so can you explain what he is referring to?
No one can yank you out of the Father's hands, says Jesus, "You are in my hand, and I'm in the Father's hands."
Nobody can take you out of God's hands, he is telling you. You cannot be separated from God; only you can do that.
God gave us free will for one reason: are you prepared to follow him or turn away from him?
John warns us to watch out for anyone attempting to seize our crown, the crown of salvation. Do not let the world's things or what it has to offer divert your attention. Never lose sight of and never let go of Jesus. The only route to the Father is through Him and is an honor to be chosen by him and to be able to wear the glorious crown of salvation. God bless you.
I am in God's Hands. I PRAISE GOD for everything I have ever been Blessed with Family, Friends, and Most of All. JESUS !
Yes , I agree and if we didn't have free will we would be basically like robots.