The Call To Overcome: The Faithful Church
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
And without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that he rewards those who seek Him.
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
While five of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation got a comeuppance, the Church in Philadelphia got praised! Why? The believers kept their faith under fire!
Regarding the character of this church, don’t think location. DO think VOCATION, as a calling and profession of faith. Because…
'The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him' (John 4:23).
Paul gave us in-the-faith work instruction, and its extraordinary conclusions:
'Therefore, my beloved... work out your own salvation with fear and trembling... that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the Word of life' (Philippians 2:12, 15-16).
Both Jesus and Paul reminded Christians…
To 'hold fast': to 'remain tightly secured' (Oxford Dictionaries),
To 'grit it out' (Urban Dictionary).
Because Christians WILL suffer persecution, and this beloved group of saints was TIRED.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Have you ever tried, pushed, worked, or waited for so long that you wanted to give up? Praise the Lord! That’s when miracles happen. Your victory has never been closer.
Marathoners call it the final push. Because when you push through pain and fatigue, you discover a source of energy hidden deep within the body’s design. Fans cheer and marvel at your victory!
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Media success IS a marathon! Every year thousands step onto the track. Most are talented. Many are prepared. But few reach the finish line called “Booking!”
Why?
They don't hold the course. They don’t push through pain. They don’t wait on God. They don't feel HIS strength, because they turn back. But..
You know better, because you know Jesus. While nailed to a Cross, He demonstrated the power God gives… beyond the end of human endurance. The result? Unstoppable victory!
'For My strength is made perfect in weakness' (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Because 'Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint' (Isaiah 40:31). Therefore…
Encourage each other and hold the course!
The Call To Overcome: The Persecuted Church (Part 18)
* Letter to The Faithful Church: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+3%3A7-13&version=NKJV
* Additional brief article on the Faithful Church: http://www.gotquestions.org/church-in-Philadelphia.html
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.