Sermon —— Small church with a big God
Three main points, that Jesus communicated to all seven churches
Jesus wants every church to be a… Working Church A listening church And overcoming Church Jesus has a strong desire that every church is healthy, strong… And caring out the assignments, but he gives. That is why he gives clear instructions… Showing us where we need to change and how to walk with him. He continually pours out his mercy and his Grace to enable us to overcome Jesus would always point out the strengths of each church… And also the areas that needed to change Any correction he brought to the churches… Was always motivated because of his love He wants each church to be properly aligned with him… And moving in the proper direction
Last week —I spoke about dealing with lukewarmness Lukewarmness = spiritual drowsiness Lethargy and apathy ,,, very low enthusiasm Going through the motions… But without the fire of God Note ��️ This topic of lukewarmness… It is very important regarding our relationship with God… it’s a serious matter that affects every area of our life and decisions Without the fire of God, burning with us… without maintaining inner passion for God We will not be able to complete our God-given assignments as believers. The flesh and the world will swallow up lukewarm believers… defeated life. No spiritual vision = time, energy & resources wasted on the things of this world. Rev 3:14-22 “And to the angel ( Messenger ) of the church of the Laodiceans write, These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: —- 14 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. —15 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. —-16 Lukewarmness == means you’ve cooled off to room temperature To be hot, requires energy To be cold requires energy But lukewarmness requires no energy at all. To be on fire for the things of God… Takes Energy… effort… diligence. They used to be on fire… Zealous… Now they have become Lukewarm. Symptoms of lukewarmness Because you say, I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’— and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 17 Note ��️ You say ….I am rich… Wealthy = this is not confidence in God… This is a false confidence You say….I have need of nothing = I don’t need Church I don’t need to pray… I don’t need to change anything in my life I don’t need correction
Lukewarmness == settling to the spiritual climate of our culture = conformity ( Rom 12:2 ) Worldly and fleshly attitudes prevail // Can’t be told and won’t be taught.
Jesus gives the solution I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. —18
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. —-19
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. —-20
To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.—-21
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ”—-22 Today I want to speak on —- Small church with a big God Rev 3:7-13 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: —-7
“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. —-8 Note ��️ Philadelphia was established as a missions city… To establish Greek culture/language Jesus was communicating, mission, and vision… opportunity to advance the gospel. No one can shut this door = no one can stop you from this opportunity that I’m giving you Jesus said… For you have a little strength = small in numbers… Limited in resources
Jesus was opening up a huge opportunity… Even though this was a smaller church… because of your faithfulness, I am opening a door of opportunity & can stop you. Little = micro Strength = Power Many times… The enemy of our soul… Says If you were part of a big church… Then you could do great things for God Remember,,,, Jesus shook the world with 12 disciples Paul started with only 12 disciples to start the church at Ephesus Many times great things have happened starting only with a few people… but who know they serve a big God. Small group of people… Who Will Dare to have a big vision… We’ll see great miracles The church of Philadelphia… Were small and numbers and resources But… great door of opportunity Note Many churches look at what they don’t have… So they limit their vision… limit God. They allow the enemy to convince them that they can’t do very much…. Because there’s not very many people & resources. God always delights… And taking those that have nothing… I’m doing great things Ex: God asked Moses… What do you have in your hand? Answer: All I have is this Staff God used this man and a stick… To bring the greatest empire to its knees The prophet asked the widow woman… What do you have in the house? Answer: All I have is a little oil. The prophet Elijah… Ask a widow woman for a little water… And a little meal. Her answer: I don’t have anything but a little God worked a great miracle… It’s a stand her of the prophet through a famine Samson… All he had was the job on the donkey And he defeated 1000 philistines David… All he had was five stones and a slingshot And God use that little that he had to bring down the giant Goliath All the little boy had… Or five loaves and two fish Jesus used that little lunch… To feed multitudes All Dorcas had… With a needle and thread And she impacted the lives of many people
Point— The church of Philadelphia was a small church… with little resources But Jesus validated that small church… And let them know that they were significant Everyone tends to be impressed by big churches But the truth is… Most believers in the world are in smaller churches Jesus reminds us… Small churches are valuable… and must be open to have big vision Small churches… Need to realize that Jesus Christ concert before them. Great opportunities. Jesus can do great miracles… Through small churches Nations can be reached… Through small churches It’s because we serve a miracle working God.
Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.
Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. —-10
Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 11 He who overcomes, …