by leaps and bounds

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works; behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name (Revelation 3:7-8).

Revelation chapter three records the words of Jesus spoken to the Apostle John as a message to each of the seven churches of Asia. These were important churches during the era of early Christianity. Revelation 3:8 is addressing the church in Philadelphia- which was apparently one of the better churches of the seven.

Notice that Jesus said there was an open door set before them that no man was able to shut. What was this open door? It was a door of opportunity to grow in the knowledge of God, to prosper spiritually and to minister to those who did not know Jesus as Savior. That same door is open to the church- God’s people- today. However, we must take into account the characteristics we need in order to have the open door made available to us. The Lord knew the works of the people in the church in Philadelphia. He knows our works also.

First of all, we need just a little strength. In II Corinthians 12:9, the Lord said these words to the Apostle Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Did you catch that? When we are weak, God is strongest in our lives! Surely we can echo the words of Paul in the following verse:

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong (II Corinthians 12:10).

Secondly, we must keep His Word. God’s Word is our road map as we travel through life. God’s Word is our battle plan as we face the enemy of our souls. In John 14:15, Jesus said, “If you love me; keep my commandments.” The Bible teaches us what is right and what is wrong. We need- not just a head knowledge- but a heart knowledge of God’s Word so we can keep His commandments. The Psalmist said it well: “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11)

Finally, we must never deny His name. No matter what it costs us, we can never be ashamed of our Savior. Again, we refer to the words of Jesus:

“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32-33)

Think about it. God has an open door for me. He has an open door for you. I want to be able to walk right through it. What about you?

---

Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.

Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children  — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter  — Breanna. 

Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 

Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.