To the Church in Philadelphia

Philadelphia one of two of seven churches Christ had nothing bad to say about.

"Philadelphia" = familial brotherly love

CITY

• Constant earthquakes
• Rich agriculturally

AUTHOR - CHRIST

• Sovereign, Holy, True (not coming in judgment)
• Calls to holiness
• Only source of truth - embodiment of truth, nature, essence
• Holiness/Truth of Church goes to its Christ-centeredness
• Has Key to open treasures of heavenly kingdom

THE CHURCH

• Faithful despite resources/ability
• Had open door to proclaiming Christ - few hindrances
• We have plentiful opportunity to serve, witness, evangelize - how faitful are we?
• Doctrinally faithful
• "Faithful with a little . . . "

THE PROBLEM

• False teachers compete with the faithful churches

THE PROMISE

• Christ will elevate the true church
• Christ will manifest his love for the true church
• Christ promises protection

COMMANDS

• Keep,maintain truth, service, etc so you don't lose crowns

COUNCIL/CONCLUSION

• Security is in Christ
• Citizenship is in heaven
• Will be identified with christ (same name)