WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.799 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, where we are encouraging, equipping, and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:06.799 --> 00:00:13.000 ! I'm Pastor Patrick Daly, and you're listening to week 9 of our sermon series through the Book of Revelation. 00:00:13.540 --> 00:00:18.500 Before we jump into today's message, I want to give you a little behind-the-scenes context. 00:00:18.960 --> 00:00:23.920 We have been journeying through these seven churches in Revelation for the past couple of months now, 00:00:23.920 --> 00:00:28.500 and honestly, it has been a rewarding experience for me personally, 00:00:28.500 --> 00:00:31.240 and I hope that it's been rewarding for you. 00:00:31.920 --> 00:00:34.320 Each church has taught us something different. 00:00:34.899 --> 00:00:37.060 Ephesus, they lost their first love. 00:00:37.579 --> 00:00:39.340 Smyrna faced persecution. 00:00:40.219 --> 00:00:42.679 Pergamum struggled with compromise. 00:00:43.340 --> 00:00:45.719 Thyatira tolerated false teaching. 00:00:46.420 --> 00:00:54.340 And last week in Sardis, we saw a church that looked alive on the outside, but was spiritually dead on the inside. 00:00:54.939 --> 00:00:57.240 Today, we arrive at Philadelphia. 00:00:57.240 --> 00:01:00.600 And I have to tell you, this church is special. 00:01:01.200 --> 00:01:05.760 It's one of only two churches that receive zero criticism from Christ. 00:01:06.359 --> 00:01:09.200 Just pure accommodation and encouragement. 00:01:09.760 --> 00:01:15.159 In this week's sermon, I use a lot of fun analogies, a lot of connections with movie references, 00:01:15.420 --> 00:01:19.420 specifically from Disney, such as Monsters Incorporated and even Frozen. 00:01:19.420 --> 00:01:23.500 Now I know, I know, lots of movie references lately, 00:01:23.500 --> 00:01:32.260 but they really help us to understand the concept of doors, keys, and who has the authority to open and to shut them. 00:01:32.939 --> 00:01:38.359 What I want you to listen for as you hear this message is how Christ introduces himself. 00:01:38.879 --> 00:01:40.900 He says he has the key of David. 00:01:40.900 --> 00:01:46.420 And this goes all the way back to the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah chapter 22. 00:01:47.080 --> 00:01:53.580 When you understand what that means, it completely changes how you see Christ's authority in your life. 00:01:54.260 --> 00:01:57.640 Also, this church in Philadelphia had little power. 00:01:57.640 --> 00:02:04.180 They weren't influential or impressive by worldly standards, but they were faithful to God. 00:02:04.700 --> 00:02:06.859 And that is what Christ honors. 00:02:07.579 --> 00:02:09.400 One more thing before we start. 00:02:09.819 --> 00:02:13.219 This is actually our last week in Revelation in 2025. 00:02:13.879 --> 00:02:15.719 We're going to be pausing for a little while. 00:02:16.360 --> 00:02:19.979 Next Sunday, we are beginning our Advent series as we prepare for Christmas. 00:02:20.520 --> 00:02:24.599 But don't worry, we'll come back to finish Revelation after the New Year. 00:02:24.599 --> 00:02:31.439 We still have to go over Laodicea, and then there's some really exciting stuff in the rest of Revelation. 00:02:32.159 --> 00:02:35.719 So let's settle in, and let's dive into this message together. 00:02:36.340 --> 00:02:40.240 Here is Faithful in Weakness, Crowned in Glory. 00:02:42.139 --> 00:02:43.599 Well, good morning, everyone. 00:02:43.840 --> 00:02:47.639 We are continuing our sermon series through the book of Revelation. 00:02:47.639 --> 00:02:51.539 We have been going through these churches in Revelation. 00:02:51.539 --> 00:02:57.500 Before we begin, I want to ask you guys, how many of you guys have a set of keys? 00:02:58.139 --> 00:03:00.099 You don't have to take them out of your pocket, right? 00:03:00.180 --> 00:03:10.519 But we should, I mean, at least most of us should all have a set of keys for a car or a house or a storage unit or whatever, right? 00:03:10.520 --> 00:03:18.340 And what we're going to be going over today is how Christ has the key of the house of David. 00:03:19.040 --> 00:03:22.460 And he shall open a door that no one can shut. 00:03:22.540 --> 00:03:26.620 And it's going to show the power and the awesomeness of our Lord and our God. 00:03:26.719 --> 00:03:31.500 So I want you to keep two things in mind as we are beginning, and that's keys and doors. 00:03:31.580 --> 00:03:34.620 Something that's very practical for us today. 00:03:34.620 --> 00:03:39.599 So let's go ahead and let's bow our heads and let's pray together, and we'll go ahead and begin. 00:03:39.800 --> 00:03:46.939 Father God, we thank you for this time and this opportunity for us to gather this morning as we are going through the book of Revelation. 00:03:46.939 --> 00:03:52.280 We pray that you will bless this time, let your Holy Spirit move in and through our lives. 00:03:53.060 --> 00:03:56.360 And we just pray that we'll learn something new. 00:03:56.360 --> 00:04:02.840 For those of us that may not know Christ, may we come to believe in your Son, Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the life. 00:04:03.200 --> 00:04:06.820 May we all grow together collectively and individually. 00:04:07.260 --> 00:04:10.960 And may we be moved to do good in the name of Jesus Christ. 00:04:11.120 --> 00:04:14.620 It is in the name of Jesus that we pray and we all say together, amen. 00:04:15.900 --> 00:04:18.199 So go ahead and turn your Bibles. 00:04:18.199 --> 00:04:21.780 It's going to be to Revelation chapter 3, verses 7 through 13. 00:04:22.480 --> 00:04:26.100 How many of you guys have seen Monsters Incorporated? 00:04:27.020 --> 00:04:27.720 Monsters Inc. 00:04:27.879 --> 00:04:28.879 Monsters Inc., right? 00:04:29.580 --> 00:04:32.939 Or maybe you've seen the show Monsters University. 00:04:33.100 --> 00:04:35.080 That was kind of a pretty cool one, right? 00:04:35.520 --> 00:04:43.040 You have this movie where you have these doors that open to different places, right? 00:04:43.439 --> 00:04:47.360 And the whole premise, I don't want to give too many spoilers if you haven't seen it. 00:04:47.360 --> 00:04:49.560 You should go see Monsters Inc. if you haven't. 00:04:49.560 --> 00:04:57.500 Is this idea that he who has the power of the door will be able to open and shut it. 00:04:57.819 --> 00:05:07.019 And it's very connected to what we're finding here in Revelation with Christ as the one who has the key and the one who can open and shut the door, right? 00:05:07.019 --> 00:05:13.680 I think of that specific imagery of when you have Sully and Mike Wazowski. 00:05:13.680 --> 00:05:17.759 They get banished into this frozen tundra, as it were, right? 00:05:17.799 --> 00:05:18.680 This frozen land. 00:05:18.799 --> 00:05:20.240 And they're trying to open the door. 00:05:20.339 --> 00:05:23.359 They're trying to get back to Monsters Incorporated. 00:05:23.500 --> 00:05:24.620 And they just can't. 00:05:24.620 --> 00:05:28.099 And they have to find a way back into the corporation. 00:05:28.100 --> 00:05:31.220 And that's a very interesting scene, right? 00:05:31.520 --> 00:05:35.080 We think of doors and how we can open and go through them. 00:05:35.620 --> 00:05:38.379 We can also think of how doors can get shut, right? 00:05:38.920 --> 00:05:42.000 How many of you have been locked out of your house before, right? 00:05:42.000 --> 00:05:43.400 You don't have to raise your hand, right? 00:05:43.439 --> 00:05:46.180 Or you locked your keys in your car, right? 00:05:46.620 --> 00:05:51.140 These are very real situations and moments that happen in everyday life, right? 00:05:51.139 --> 00:05:58.300 And it goes to show how important it is for us to have keys and to have the appropriate door. 00:05:59.219 --> 00:06:02.659 And I hope for a lot of us, we lock our cars and lock our doors. 00:06:02.779 --> 00:06:04.500 Don't tell me if you do or don't, right? 00:06:04.939 --> 00:06:09.439 But it's so important to know the power of the door, but also the power of the key. 00:06:09.500 --> 00:06:13.620 And we're going to see here in Revelation how that is tied in with our scripture. 00:06:14.120 --> 00:06:15.939 What is Pastor Patrick talking about? 00:06:16.039 --> 00:06:19.339 Monsters, Inc. and doors that are teleportation? 00:06:19.339 --> 00:06:22.060 It is directly tied into what we're going for. 00:06:22.659 --> 00:06:27.179 So we'll go into the, we're going over the church in Philadelphia. 00:06:27.519 --> 00:06:29.399 It's going to be, let's turn our Bibles there. 00:06:29.479 --> 00:06:33.719 Revelation 3, chapter 7, excuse me, verse 7 through 13. 00:06:35.899 --> 00:06:41.079 And as we turn there, keep in mind doors and keys here, right? 00:06:41.799 --> 00:06:42.679 Are we all there, church? 00:06:43.219 --> 00:06:45.019 All right, let's read it together. 00:06:45.579 --> 00:06:48.759 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia, right? 00:06:48.759 --> 00:07:00.500 Write the words of the Holy One, the true one who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. 00:07:00.699 --> 00:07:02.560 Well, that's, there it is right there, right? 00:07:02.579 --> 00:07:06.879 We're talking about the key of David and the ability to open a door. 00:07:07.399 --> 00:07:08.579 No one else has that key. 00:07:08.939 --> 00:07:09.360 Verse 8. 00:07:09.360 --> 00:07:10.900 I know your works. 00:07:11.379 --> 00:07:16.139 Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. 00:07:16.560 --> 00:07:22.639 I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 00:07:23.220 --> 00:07:29.319 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and they are not. 00:07:30.060 --> 00:07:30.759 What do they do? 00:07:31.160 --> 00:07:32.000 They lie. 00:07:32.000 --> 00:07:36.279 Behold, I will make them come and bow down before whose feet? 00:07:37.079 --> 00:07:37.920 Your feet. 00:07:38.019 --> 00:07:42.800 And they will learn that I have loved you, because you have kept my word about patient endurance. 00:07:43.300 --> 00:07:51.079 And I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world to try those who dwell on the earth. 00:07:51.620 --> 00:07:53.139 I am coming soon. 00:07:53.879 --> 00:07:57.480 Hold fast what you have so that no one may seize your crown. 00:07:57.480 --> 00:08:02.000 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. 00:08:02.379 --> 00:08:03.900 Never shall he go out of it. 00:08:04.060 --> 00:08:06.300 And I will write on him the name of my God. 00:08:06.780 --> 00:08:08.040 The name of the what? 00:08:08.600 --> 00:08:10.140 The city of my God. 00:08:10.520 --> 00:08:11.439 The new Jerusalem. 00:08:11.800 --> 00:08:14.879 Which comes down from my God out of heaven. 00:08:15.700 --> 00:08:17.400 And my own new name. 00:08:17.960 --> 00:08:22.000 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 00:08:22.520 --> 00:08:23.000 Wow. 00:08:23.400 --> 00:08:25.120 We've got a lot to unpack here, right? 00:08:25.120 --> 00:08:28.840 So we start off when Christ is introducing himself. 00:08:28.939 --> 00:08:34.500 We can go ahead and go to that next slide here on what are the things that we can observe within the text here. 00:08:35.120 --> 00:08:39.460 So Christ is introducing himself as the holy one and as the true one, right? 00:08:39.480 --> 00:08:41.539 He's speaking to the church in Philadelphia. 00:08:41.539 --> 00:08:45.039 We know that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, right? 00:08:45.120 --> 00:08:47.759 That our God is holy, right? 00:08:47.779 --> 00:08:49.419 That our God is righteous. 00:08:49.560 --> 00:08:51.220 We think of all these attributes, right? 00:08:51.220 --> 00:08:55.720 And Christ is, he has the key of David, right? 00:08:56.800 --> 00:09:00.060 He can, it is only Christ that can open the door and shut it. 00:09:00.100 --> 00:09:03.700 That's something that's very important that we can initially take away. 00:09:04.399 --> 00:09:05.500 We think about that. 00:09:05.600 --> 00:09:08.540 We may live in a, we do live in a culture. 00:09:08.680 --> 00:09:12.480 We live in a world where people may say, well, I have the key. 00:09:12.860 --> 00:09:14.120 I have the answers. 00:09:14.120 --> 00:09:21.639 I have the way, but we know in scripture that it is Christ who has that key of David, right? 00:09:22.299 --> 00:09:25.000 I want to show you, there's a verse in here. 00:09:25.600 --> 00:09:27.299 It's Isaiah 22. 00:09:27.820 --> 00:09:30.080 I'm keeping Erin on her toes right now. 00:09:30.080 --> 00:09:31.879 So very interesting. 00:09:32.539 --> 00:09:37.179 Where do we find this key of David that's being referenced in Revelation here? 00:09:37.179 --> 00:09:43.719 We find it in Isaiah chapter 22, verse 22, and I will place on his shoulder the what? 00:09:44.399 --> 00:09:46.419 The key of the house of David, right? 00:09:46.639 --> 00:09:49.159 He shall open and no one shall shut. 00:09:49.659 --> 00:09:51.899 And he shall shut and no one shall open. 00:09:51.979 --> 00:09:55.959 So this is a direct reference from the prophet Isaiah, right? 00:09:56.559 --> 00:09:59.500 And so that's something we should take note, right? 00:09:59.500 --> 00:10:02.519 When you see these direct connections within scripture. 00:10:02.519 --> 00:10:08.939 Going back to what we can observe here, Christ acknowledges, I know your works. 00:10:09.059 --> 00:10:10.840 I know the things that you do. 00:10:11.519 --> 00:10:15.960 And he has set before them an open door, which no one can shut. 00:10:16.019 --> 00:10:16.740 That's so important. 00:10:16.840 --> 00:10:19.899 We keep seeing this idea of this open door. 00:10:20.879 --> 00:10:23.860 And though they have little power, they have kept his word. 00:10:24.919 --> 00:10:27.519 That's a very beautiful verse right there. 00:10:28.360 --> 00:10:32.000 How many of us have felt like we do not have a lot of power? 00:10:32.519 --> 00:10:39.100 We may be placed in a situation or we may even be going through a situation where we are weak. 00:10:39.500 --> 00:10:41.679 But yet it is Christ that is strong. 00:10:42.079 --> 00:10:50.220 And we can place our trust in him and leaning on him, fully relying on God as our strength and as our refuge. 00:10:50.679 --> 00:10:52.000 So they are faithful. 00:10:52.000 --> 00:10:58.240 And it's mentioning, as I put on here, that Christ has the key of David. 00:10:58.240 --> 00:11:03.120 Now, we have in verse 9, those of the synagogue of Satan. 00:11:03.340 --> 00:11:08.840 Now, for those of you who have been here previously, we know we've talked about this idea of the synagogue of Satan. 00:11:09.299 --> 00:11:10.320 Specific people. 00:11:11.180 --> 00:11:16.879 In this particular context, it's talking about Jewish people that are liars. 00:11:17.139 --> 00:11:18.460 Now, that's very interesting, right? 00:11:18.500 --> 00:11:22.299 Those that are opposing this church in Philadelphia. 00:11:22.299 --> 00:11:26.219 And it's such a problem. 00:11:26.919 --> 00:11:33.620 Whatever this lie is, they're lies that are being spread or they're living out, whatever it is, 00:11:33.919 --> 00:11:45.099 that Christ is saying that he will make them bow down before the ones that are against the church, against the believers. 00:11:45.100 --> 00:11:47.040 Now, that's very interesting. 00:11:47.200 --> 00:11:49.740 Now, it's not to bow down and worship them. 00:11:50.340 --> 00:11:56.500 No, it's for them to bow down in reverence, to recognize or to acknowledge the people of God. 00:11:57.720 --> 00:12:00.139 Now, I do have, do I have Isaiah? 00:12:00.300 --> 00:12:04.139 I should have Isaiah 60 in there, verse 14. 00:12:04.139 --> 00:12:08.039 Now, this is also fulfillment of prophecy. 00:12:08.819 --> 00:12:16.500 The sons of those who afflicted you shall come bending low to you, and all who despised you shall bow down at your feet. 00:12:16.899 --> 00:12:21.460 They shall call you the city of the Lord, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel. 00:12:21.460 --> 00:12:25.639 This is another direct connection where it's talking about the city of God, 00:12:25.759 --> 00:12:32.240 and those that are opposing the people of God will bow down in recognition to the people of God. 00:12:32.240 --> 00:12:40.379 And we have also in here showing that how Christ loves his people, right? 00:12:40.820 --> 00:12:44.259 Because you are precious in my eyes and honored, and I love you. 00:12:44.360 --> 00:12:48.700 I give men in return for you, people in exchange for your life. 00:12:48.700 --> 00:12:55.500 So it's just very interesting seeing how these passages in Isaiah are all connected when we think about it. 00:12:55.500 --> 00:13:05.399 It's that first one in Isaiah 60 is talking about the holy city, the future Israel. 00:13:05.899 --> 00:13:09.940 And then in Isaiah 43, 4, it's speaking of Christ. 00:13:09.940 --> 00:13:14.940 So it's kind of showing the prophetic, as it were, the things that will happen in the future. 00:13:14.940 --> 00:13:20.440 We go over to verse 10 and 11, right, where it's mentioning here, 00:13:21.320 --> 00:13:28.020 because you have kept my word about patience and endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial. 00:13:28.720 --> 00:13:34.360 Now, the hour of trial, we see that in Scripture, right, where the hour is at hand, right? 00:13:34.400 --> 00:13:38.740 When it mentions in Luke, this is your hour and the power of darkness, 00:13:38.740 --> 00:13:42.860 which is talking about judgment or testing that is going to come. 00:13:42.860 --> 00:13:47.379 So in this context, what Christ is saying in verse 10, 00:13:47.899 --> 00:13:51.220 you have kept my word and I will keep you from the hour of trial, 00:13:51.419 --> 00:13:54.340 from testing, from judgment, as it were. 00:13:54.620 --> 00:13:56.419 So they are remaining in Christ. 00:13:56.519 --> 00:13:57.940 They've been faithful to him. 00:14:00.300 --> 00:14:06.419 And it's wonderful to know, despite what these Jewish people, 00:14:06.419 --> 00:14:09.740 these people who are opposing the church, 00:14:09.740 --> 00:14:16.519 they feel or they are weak by worldly standards. 00:14:16.779 --> 00:14:19.019 And yet in Christ, they are strong. 00:14:19.899 --> 00:14:22.340 What a wonderful parallel that we can think, 00:14:22.460 --> 00:14:25.779 especially when it comes to us in our own situations, 00:14:25.779 --> 00:14:27.960 when we are dealing with culture, 00:14:28.340 --> 00:14:30.740 when we're dealing with those tough situations. 00:14:30.740 --> 00:14:34.659 It may not be specifically someone who is opposing you, 00:14:34.659 --> 00:14:35.620 but maybe it is. 00:14:36.199 --> 00:14:40.179 Maybe you have experienced someone who is directly opposing you 00:14:40.179 --> 00:14:42.879 and your walk in faith in Christ. 00:14:43.219 --> 00:14:46.120 Maybe it's someone who is opposing what you believe in 00:14:46.120 --> 00:14:47.299 and what you hold dear. 00:14:47.779 --> 00:14:51.419 The call is for you to remain in Christ, 00:14:51.500 --> 00:14:53.419 to hold fast as it were. 00:14:53.519 --> 00:14:55.459 That is the lesson that we can learn. 00:14:55.919 --> 00:14:58.759 And that was the message for this church in Philadelphia. 00:14:58.759 --> 00:15:04.799 So he's calling for them to remain so that no one seizes their crown. 00:15:04.939 --> 00:15:08.259 Now, it's very interesting when we're talking about this idea of crowns, right? 00:15:08.319 --> 00:15:12.059 When I talked about lampstands for churches, 00:15:12.059 --> 00:15:17.519 it was this imagery of a church's witness being lost, 00:15:18.159 --> 00:15:20.080 that you don't want to lose your witness. 00:15:20.639 --> 00:15:23.399 And when it comes to receiving your crown, 00:15:23.539 --> 00:15:25.399 that is speaking of your testimony. 00:15:25.399 --> 00:15:28.319 That's not necessarily a salvation thing. 00:15:28.840 --> 00:15:30.100 That is your testimony. 00:15:30.840 --> 00:15:32.699 Now, what's very interesting about it 00:15:32.699 --> 00:15:37.579 is that being saved by believing in Jesus Christ, 00:15:38.120 --> 00:15:40.100 we have the ability to wear. 00:15:40.539 --> 00:15:41.939 There's many types of crown. 00:15:42.039 --> 00:15:43.039 There's the crown of life. 00:15:43.159 --> 00:15:44.159 There's the crown of righteousness. 00:15:44.360 --> 00:15:47.459 There's all different types of crowns that we can wear. 00:15:47.939 --> 00:15:50.179 But it's important for us not to, 00:15:50.939 --> 00:15:51.659 in other words, 00:15:51.840 --> 00:15:53.399 not to lose our testimony. 00:15:53.399 --> 00:15:56.079 We remain in Christ 00:15:56.079 --> 00:15:58.240 and we make sure that our lives, 00:15:58.500 --> 00:15:59.480 the actions, 00:15:59.819 --> 00:16:00.720 the things that we do, 00:16:00.819 --> 00:16:01.860 the words that we speak, 00:16:02.179 --> 00:16:04.259 are in alignment with Christ. 00:16:04.759 --> 00:16:06.639 That they're in alignment with Scripture. 00:16:07.379 --> 00:16:09.699 Because you don't want to be a hypocrite, 00:16:09.919 --> 00:16:11.980 let alone a liar at that. 00:16:12.860 --> 00:16:14.519 And that's very important for us, 00:16:14.620 --> 00:16:19.679 is may we live lives that honor and glorify the Lord. 00:16:19.679 --> 00:16:22.519 And so that crown there is just very interesting 00:16:22.519 --> 00:16:24.479 and beautiful imagery, right? 00:16:24.599 --> 00:16:27.620 You don't want to have anyone steal your crown, right? 00:16:27.639 --> 00:16:28.519 You think about that. 00:16:29.179 --> 00:16:31.859 I kind of think on a more practical level, 00:16:31.859 --> 00:16:33.539 like if you've ever been to Burger King 00:16:33.539 --> 00:16:35.059 and you've worn the little crown, right? 00:16:35.120 --> 00:16:37.019 You don't want your friends or your family, 00:16:37.099 --> 00:16:38.219 like I've got kids here. 00:16:38.359 --> 00:16:38.819 So, you know, 00:16:38.899 --> 00:16:40.859 when one kid wants to, 00:16:41.399 --> 00:16:42.299 Aaron specifically, 00:16:42.719 --> 00:16:44.579 wants to celebrate his birthday, 00:16:44.580 --> 00:16:47.960 of course people want to steal his crown, right? 00:16:47.980 --> 00:16:50.720 So you can kind of think of that kind of imagery here. 00:16:51.400 --> 00:16:53.759 But certainly the crown of life 00:16:53.759 --> 00:16:56.420 and the crown that is being mentioned here in Scripture 00:16:56.420 --> 00:16:57.580 is not a Burger King crown. 00:16:57.660 --> 00:16:59.080 Let me make that very clear here. 00:16:59.560 --> 00:17:02.420 But it's important for us to get that imagery nonetheless. 00:17:03.560 --> 00:17:04.960 Don't lose your witness. 00:17:05.380 --> 00:17:06.539 Let your testimony, 00:17:07.220 --> 00:17:08.400 may that be worn, 00:17:08.519 --> 00:17:10.160 may that shine as it were. 00:17:10.160 --> 00:17:11.680 And so that's very important. 00:17:11.680 --> 00:17:14.480 And so it is witness, 00:17:14.700 --> 00:17:15.480 it is reward, 00:17:15.660 --> 00:17:17.240 and wearing this crown 00:17:17.240 --> 00:17:19.400 is the call to remain in Christ. 00:17:20.519 --> 00:17:24.380 Just as it says in James 1, verse 12, 00:17:24.500 --> 00:17:27.740 blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, 00:17:27.900 --> 00:17:30.100 for when he has stood the test, 00:17:30.200 --> 00:17:32.740 he will receive the crown of life, 00:17:32.900 --> 00:17:35.299 which God has promised to those who love him. 00:17:35.960 --> 00:17:36.900 And it goes on, 00:17:36.900 --> 00:17:41.500 we go back to Revelation in verses 12 to 13, 00:17:41.680 --> 00:17:43.380 the one who conquers, 00:17:43.500 --> 00:17:45.980 I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. 00:17:46.019 --> 00:17:47.940 What a strange language, right? 00:17:48.740 --> 00:17:49.160 A pillar? 00:17:49.519 --> 00:17:50.820 What do you mean by that? 00:17:51.960 --> 00:17:54.420 When it's talking about a pillar in the temple of God, 00:17:54.480 --> 00:17:55.539 it's being remembered. 00:17:55.840 --> 00:17:59.220 Just like how we've had the imagery of the book of life, right? 00:17:59.220 --> 00:18:01.140 Not being blotted out of the book of life, 00:18:01.200 --> 00:18:01.940 being remembered. 00:18:02.980 --> 00:18:04.720 Now that is some pretty powerful language. 00:18:04.720 --> 00:18:06.720 In fact, in... 00:18:06.720 --> 00:18:10.400 Do I have Isaiah 65? 00:18:12.220 --> 00:18:13.039 I think I do. 00:18:13.440 --> 00:18:13.960 There you go. 00:18:14.920 --> 00:18:15.779 This is very interesting. 00:18:16.519 --> 00:18:18.900 Directly connected with what we're seeing in Revelation. 00:18:19.140 --> 00:18:20.000 I'll read it out loud. 00:18:20.140 --> 00:18:22.880 For behold, I create new heavens and new earth. 00:18:22.920 --> 00:18:25.380 That's very Revelation-like language right there, right? 00:18:25.460 --> 00:18:25.900 Prophetic. 00:18:26.420 --> 00:18:28.200 And the former things shall not be remembered 00:18:28.200 --> 00:18:29.220 or come into mind, 00:18:29.279 --> 00:18:30.960 but be glad and rejoice forever. 00:18:30.960 --> 00:18:33.100 That which I create, for behold, 00:18:33.259 --> 00:18:35.039 I create Jerusalem to be a joy 00:18:35.039 --> 00:18:38.460 and her people to be a gladness. 00:18:38.600 --> 00:18:40.440 I will rejoice in Jerusalem 00:18:40.440 --> 00:18:41.900 and be glad in my people. 00:18:42.559 --> 00:18:45.039 No more shall be heard in the sound of weeping 00:18:45.039 --> 00:18:47.279 and the cry of distress in here. 00:18:48.920 --> 00:18:51.779 And when we're reading this language, 00:18:52.180 --> 00:18:56.079 it's directly connected in dwelling into the city of God. 00:18:56.220 --> 00:18:57.940 And that imagery of being a pillar 00:18:57.940 --> 00:19:00.299 is being part of this city, as it were. 00:19:00.960 --> 00:19:01.680 Being remembered. 00:19:01.840 --> 00:19:03.640 We think of Christ as the foundation. 00:19:03.840 --> 00:19:06.160 Well, imagine your life being a pillar 00:19:06.160 --> 00:19:07.340 upon that foundation. 00:19:07.500 --> 00:19:08.960 You can think of many different words 00:19:09.740 --> 00:19:11.519 or ways to explain this. 00:19:12.220 --> 00:19:13.420 But it's very interesting 00:19:13.420 --> 00:19:15.480 when we're talking about the city of God 00:19:15.480 --> 00:19:16.460 and the new Jerusalem 00:19:16.460 --> 00:19:18.579 and how this is connected with Isaiah. 00:19:18.680 --> 00:19:20.940 There's a lot of Isaiah parallels 00:19:20.940 --> 00:19:22.900 and connections that we see in here. 00:19:23.220 --> 00:19:26.100 But it helps us with our understanding of Scripture. 00:19:26.099 --> 00:19:28.579 It helps us to grow in our faith 00:19:28.579 --> 00:19:31.019 and to see God how to plan all along. 00:19:31.619 --> 00:19:32.459 And we praise God. 00:19:32.539 --> 00:19:33.719 Can I get an amen on that? 00:19:34.019 --> 00:19:35.959 I mean, that's beautiful. 00:19:36.159 --> 00:19:37.179 That's remarkable. 00:19:38.179 --> 00:19:39.539 And so in this, then, 00:19:39.619 --> 00:19:40.740 let's go to the interpretation. 00:19:41.039 --> 00:19:42.659 Those are all the things that we can observe 00:19:42.659 --> 00:19:43.799 and that's a lot in there. 00:19:44.259 --> 00:19:46.319 We're talking about pillars and keys 00:19:46.319 --> 00:19:48.500 and doors and remaining. 00:19:49.480 --> 00:19:50.679 That's very important. 00:19:50.680 --> 00:19:52.620 But it's simplistic language. 00:19:53.380 --> 00:19:54.100 Think about it. 00:19:55.120 --> 00:19:56.340 Christ has the key 00:19:56.340 --> 00:19:58.720 to open the door and to close it. 00:19:59.000 --> 00:19:59.799 That's easy. 00:20:00.460 --> 00:20:02.500 That's easy for us to understand. 00:20:03.120 --> 00:20:05.759 Or how important it is for us to know 00:20:05.759 --> 00:20:07.400 that when we are weak, 00:20:07.519 --> 00:20:09.120 it is Christ who is strong. 00:20:11.060 --> 00:20:13.240 That's a wonderful thing, right? 00:20:13.799 --> 00:20:16.980 And here, that's the interpretation, right? 00:20:17.620 --> 00:20:18.620 Directly connected. 00:20:18.619 --> 00:20:21.859 Only Jesus can open and close the door. 00:20:23.459 --> 00:20:24.919 Only Jesus can. 00:20:28.619 --> 00:20:32.239 It is Christ who is the one who is in control. 00:20:32.859 --> 00:20:37.379 Not man, not society, not culture, 00:20:38.159 --> 00:20:39.179 not even government. 00:20:40.639 --> 00:20:42.319 And I want you to think of that imagery 00:20:42.319 --> 00:20:45.539 I gave earlier of Monsters Incorporated, right? 00:20:45.579 --> 00:20:46.419 That movie, right? 00:20:46.420 --> 00:20:48.640 Where the guy is trying to open the door 00:20:48.640 --> 00:20:50.480 and he can't get through. 00:20:51.279 --> 00:20:52.360 Might as well be locked. 00:20:52.440 --> 00:20:54.539 It's a useless door at that point, right? 00:20:55.160 --> 00:20:56.660 We have to think of that 00:20:56.660 --> 00:20:58.460 and how that's connected. 00:20:59.420 --> 00:21:01.640 This shows the power of Christ 00:21:01.640 --> 00:21:04.740 and his ability to open and close the door. 00:21:05.259 --> 00:21:07.920 It's like how I've mentioned in previous sermons, 00:21:08.000 --> 00:21:09.779 I've said it before and I'll say it again, 00:21:10.200 --> 00:21:12.120 that Christ gives us time, 00:21:12.119 --> 00:21:13.500 but not forever. 00:21:14.500 --> 00:21:17.019 When we have that imagery of the open door, 00:21:17.759 --> 00:21:19.799 by golly, go through it. 00:21:20.500 --> 00:21:22.039 Enter through the narrow gate. 00:21:22.239 --> 00:21:24.059 Enter through the door, as it were. 00:21:24.679 --> 00:21:26.219 We think of this imagery 00:21:26.219 --> 00:21:28.259 and the opportunity for us 00:21:28.259 --> 00:21:29.599 to go through the open door. 00:21:30.599 --> 00:21:33.299 Especially, what comfort it is 00:21:33.299 --> 00:21:34.719 when we are weak. 00:21:34.720 --> 00:21:37.519 to know that God is the God of comfort 00:21:37.519 --> 00:21:39.740 and he's always there for us. 00:21:40.079 --> 00:21:41.600 Even when we have our battles 00:21:41.600 --> 00:21:44.339 and when we're facing the synagogue of Satan, 00:21:44.500 --> 00:21:47.180 a group of people who are liars and opposing. 00:21:47.900 --> 00:21:50.360 Even if we do face something like that, 00:21:50.460 --> 00:21:51.620 I hope that none of us do. 00:21:52.460 --> 00:21:53.259 But if we do, 00:21:54.100 --> 00:21:56.779 know that God is there with you. 00:21:57.140 --> 00:21:58.279 That he is for you 00:21:58.279 --> 00:21:59.500 and he is not against you. 00:21:59.500 --> 00:22:02.700 I want you to ask yourself, 00:22:02.839 --> 00:22:04.420 am I trusting in Christ, 00:22:05.220 --> 00:22:07.519 knowing that he has opened the door before me? 00:22:08.000 --> 00:22:09.380 Are you going to go through it? 00:22:09.400 --> 00:22:10.839 That's a question for you to think of. 00:22:11.200 --> 00:22:12.319 The second thing then is, 00:22:12.480 --> 00:22:13.259 as I was mentioning, 00:22:13.799 --> 00:22:15.220 when we are weak, 00:22:15.339 --> 00:22:16.920 he provides a way. 00:22:17.119 --> 00:22:18.839 This is how it's all connected in here. 00:22:19.279 --> 00:22:20.259 That we are not alone. 00:22:20.839 --> 00:22:22.599 That God is there with us. 00:22:23.460 --> 00:22:25.480 Well, even when people 00:22:25.480 --> 00:22:28.599 think that they have the power. 00:22:29.500 --> 00:22:31.859 We think of the culture in which we live in, 00:22:31.960 --> 00:22:33.420 the technological advances 00:22:33.420 --> 00:22:34.900 and all the things, right, 00:22:34.980 --> 00:22:36.359 that are happening in the world. 00:22:37.160 --> 00:22:39.319 It is God who is in control. 00:22:39.920 --> 00:22:41.319 And I know for a lot of us, 00:22:41.539 --> 00:22:41.900 don't we, 00:22:42.019 --> 00:22:43.000 don't raise your hand please, 00:22:43.319 --> 00:22:45.079 don't we wish we were in control? 00:22:46.119 --> 00:22:46.519 Right? 00:22:46.640 --> 00:22:47.779 We all have that tendency. 00:22:47.980 --> 00:22:48.200 I mean, 00:22:48.799 --> 00:22:51.200 especially if you're a controlling person, right? 00:22:52.059 --> 00:22:53.700 A lot of us have that tendency 00:22:53.700 --> 00:22:55.099 to want to be in control. 00:22:56.680 --> 00:22:59.000 But there's limits to our power, 00:22:59.500 --> 00:23:00.460 and to our control. 00:23:01.640 --> 00:23:02.720 We think of God. 00:23:03.640 --> 00:23:05.759 He is the one who is in control. 00:23:06.420 --> 00:23:06.940 Not us. 00:23:07.099 --> 00:23:08.680 And I know it's hard 00:23:08.680 --> 00:23:09.799 because for a lot of us, 00:23:09.839 --> 00:23:10.559 that's very humbling. 00:23:10.640 --> 00:23:11.640 I want to be in control. 00:23:11.680 --> 00:23:12.720 What are you talking about? 00:23:13.640 --> 00:23:14.440 But essentially, 00:23:14.599 --> 00:23:15.799 the truth remains truth. 00:23:16.579 --> 00:23:17.720 God is in control. 00:23:17.720 --> 00:23:20.500 And we face experiences 00:23:20.500 --> 00:23:22.120 in this imperfect world. 00:23:22.779 --> 00:23:23.720 Our struggles, 00:23:24.000 --> 00:23:24.620 our trials, 00:23:24.740 --> 00:23:25.600 and our tribulations. 00:23:26.259 --> 00:23:27.360 All of these things 00:23:27.360 --> 00:23:28.400 that we experience, 00:23:28.900 --> 00:23:31.079 not only is God there with us, 00:23:31.120 --> 00:23:32.640 but he provides a way. 00:23:32.740 --> 00:23:34.059 He provides comfort. 00:23:35.600 --> 00:23:37.220 He's always there for us. 00:23:37.259 --> 00:23:38.500 And just think of that imagery 00:23:38.500 --> 00:23:39.900 of the open door 00:23:39.900 --> 00:23:41.500 that is available to you 00:23:41.500 --> 00:23:43.640 when you're going through a trial 00:23:43.640 --> 00:23:44.940 or a tribulation. 00:23:44.940 --> 00:23:47.620 And as I was mentioning, 00:23:48.660 --> 00:23:49.440 our enemies, 00:23:50.019 --> 00:23:51.420 culture and society, 00:23:51.559 --> 00:23:53.940 may think that they have control, 00:23:54.900 --> 00:23:55.779 but at the end, 00:23:55.840 --> 00:23:56.240 they don't. 00:23:56.759 --> 00:23:57.500 Even the ones 00:23:57.500 --> 00:23:59.080 that try to steal our crown, 00:23:59.700 --> 00:24:00.900 may we know 00:24:00.900 --> 00:24:02.559 that we are protected in Christ. 00:24:04.340 --> 00:24:05.059 And then finally, 00:24:05.180 --> 00:24:06.180 I have as the third point, 00:24:06.299 --> 00:24:08.140 endurance brings forth rewards 00:24:08.140 --> 00:24:09.880 in the city of God. 00:24:10.480 --> 00:24:12.259 We keep the word in our heart. 00:24:12.259 --> 00:24:15.539 Let God work in and through you 00:24:15.539 --> 00:24:18.000 and may we be able to tell people, 00:24:18.099 --> 00:24:19.039 to show people 00:24:19.039 --> 00:24:20.700 our living testimony. 00:24:21.240 --> 00:24:22.579 May we witness to God. 00:24:23.379 --> 00:24:23.819 Now certainly, 00:24:23.940 --> 00:24:24.539 we're not perfect. 00:24:24.640 --> 00:24:25.839 Anybody here perfect, right? 00:24:26.200 --> 00:24:27.099 Just like that verse, 00:24:27.200 --> 00:24:28.420 let he who is without sin 00:24:28.420 --> 00:24:29.440 cast the first stone. 00:24:31.319 --> 00:24:32.539 Nobody threw the stone, right? 00:24:32.619 --> 00:24:34.000 If you haven't read that, right? 00:24:34.779 --> 00:24:36.240 And I always love that scene 00:24:36.240 --> 00:24:38.319 when Jesus is writing on the sand. 00:24:39.160 --> 00:24:40.420 A lot of scholars debate, 00:24:40.500 --> 00:24:41.460 what was he writing in the sand? 00:24:41.460 --> 00:24:42.759 I like to think he was writing down 00:24:42.759 --> 00:24:43.279 their sins 00:24:43.279 --> 00:24:44.840 or writing down their names. 00:24:45.559 --> 00:24:47.180 That's why they're all walking away, right? 00:24:48.319 --> 00:24:49.360 But in any sense, 00:24:50.140 --> 00:24:51.420 it's just important for us 00:24:51.420 --> 00:24:54.460 to remain in him. 00:24:54.920 --> 00:24:56.640 Even when there is judgment 00:24:56.640 --> 00:24:57.720 or there's trial, 00:24:58.299 --> 00:25:00.340 people that are rising up against us, 00:25:00.880 --> 00:25:02.259 we remain in Christ. 00:25:03.000 --> 00:25:04.039 Let our testimony, 00:25:04.259 --> 00:25:05.340 let our witness remain. 00:25:05.460 --> 00:25:06.920 Let's not lose that crown, 00:25:07.100 --> 00:25:08.559 as it were, right? 00:25:08.559 --> 00:25:11.179 I know I mentioned Burger King, 00:25:11.259 --> 00:25:11.940 but this is something 00:25:11.940 --> 00:25:13.240 that's much more significant 00:25:13.240 --> 00:25:15.559 than a silly Burger King crown, right? 00:25:15.779 --> 00:25:17.619 I use that only as imagery 00:25:17.619 --> 00:25:20.019 because I don't think 00:25:20.019 --> 00:25:21.200 I've ever worn a crown. 00:25:21.279 --> 00:25:22.419 Maybe I've worn a plastic crown. 00:25:22.500 --> 00:25:23.399 Maybe you have as well, 00:25:23.440 --> 00:25:24.919 but I can't think of many instances 00:25:24.919 --> 00:25:26.379 where we wear crowns, do we? 00:25:26.859 --> 00:25:28.539 We might wear a hat from time to time, 00:25:28.639 --> 00:25:29.919 but crowns, probably not. 00:25:29.920 --> 00:25:34.740 And so we are to live our life 00:25:34.740 --> 00:25:37.820 in preparation and anticipation 00:25:37.820 --> 00:25:40.420 of Christ's return and reign. 00:25:40.940 --> 00:25:42.440 And we will be rewarded 00:25:42.440 --> 00:25:45.740 to live in the city of God, 00:25:46.380 --> 00:25:49.039 the new heaven and the new earth. 00:25:50.340 --> 00:25:51.220 And I don't know about you, 00:25:51.320 --> 00:25:53.440 but when I think of Christ 00:25:53.440 --> 00:25:54.400 ruling and reigning 00:25:54.400 --> 00:25:56.759 and his way being higher 00:25:56.759 --> 00:25:59.259 and in that Isaiah, 00:25:59.519 --> 00:26:02.539 can you pull up the Isaiah chapter 60? 00:26:05.000 --> 00:26:06.059 When we went in that, 00:26:11.000 --> 00:26:13.599 I think Isaiah 65, 00:26:13.799 --> 00:26:15.119 let's try that other one, yeah. 00:26:17.039 --> 00:26:18.640 The new heavens and the new earth, 00:26:19.299 --> 00:26:21.099 the former things shall not be remembered 00:26:21.099 --> 00:26:22.039 or come into mind, 00:26:22.619 --> 00:26:24.460 but be glad and rejoice forever 00:26:24.460 --> 00:26:26.259 in that which I create. 00:26:27.160 --> 00:26:28.840 Behold, I create Jerusalem 00:26:28.840 --> 00:26:29.759 to be a joy 00:26:29.759 --> 00:26:31.980 and her people to be a gladness. 00:26:32.079 --> 00:26:33.360 I will rejoice in Jerusalem 00:26:33.360 --> 00:26:34.620 and be glad in my people. 00:26:35.380 --> 00:26:37.660 No more shall be heard 00:26:37.660 --> 00:26:39.100 the sound of weeping 00:26:39.100 --> 00:26:41.500 or the cry of distress. 00:26:42.720 --> 00:26:43.579 I don't know about you, 00:26:43.640 --> 00:26:44.460 that's very comforting. 00:26:45.819 --> 00:26:47.960 How many times have we been in distress 00:26:47.960 --> 00:26:50.120 or how many times have we wept 00:26:50.120 --> 00:26:50.819 here on the earth? 00:26:50.860 --> 00:26:51.519 Don't answer that. 00:26:51.519 --> 00:26:54.940 But we think of that kind of imagery 00:26:54.940 --> 00:26:56.460 of the new heavens 00:26:56.460 --> 00:26:57.400 and the new earth. 00:26:58.240 --> 00:26:59.180 Very powerful. 00:26:59.559 --> 00:27:00.940 To dwell with him forever. 00:27:02.119 --> 00:27:03.319 That's something that's, 00:27:03.319 --> 00:27:05.180 it's astonishing. 00:27:06.000 --> 00:27:07.079 And it's something certainly 00:27:07.079 --> 00:27:08.379 that's maybe hard for us 00:27:08.379 --> 00:27:09.319 to wrap our minds around, 00:27:09.400 --> 00:27:09.759 I admit. 00:27:10.359 --> 00:27:11.819 But it's beautiful nonetheless. 00:27:13.119 --> 00:27:13.960 Ask yourself, 00:27:14.720 --> 00:27:17.319 where are you 00:27:17.319 --> 00:27:19.440 or when have you been weak? 00:27:19.440 --> 00:27:22.380 And how can you trust in God 00:27:22.380 --> 00:27:24.380 who is the strong one? 00:27:24.820 --> 00:27:26.480 Or ask yourself the question, 00:27:27.220 --> 00:27:28.840 where is Christ calling me 00:27:28.840 --> 00:27:30.580 to patiently endure? 00:27:32.200 --> 00:27:33.100 And finally, 00:27:33.620 --> 00:27:36.240 we have our application, 00:27:36.460 --> 00:27:37.660 how should we respond? 00:27:39.000 --> 00:27:39.799 Well, the first thing 00:27:39.799 --> 00:27:41.539 is to seek Christ, right? 00:27:41.880 --> 00:27:42.880 To seek Christ, 00:27:42.980 --> 00:27:44.259 the holy and true one. 00:27:44.340 --> 00:27:45.299 First and foremost, 00:27:45.920 --> 00:27:47.460 you've got to know Jesus Christ, 00:27:47.559 --> 00:27:48.420 the way, the truth, 00:27:48.420 --> 00:27:49.160 and the life. 00:27:50.039 --> 00:27:51.680 God is holy and righteous, 00:27:51.680 --> 00:27:52.620 just like we had 00:27:52.620 --> 00:27:54.060 in our interactive reading, 00:27:54.160 --> 00:27:55.380 to ask, to seek, 00:27:55.440 --> 00:27:56.100 and to knock. 00:27:57.300 --> 00:27:58.320 Well, in this case, 00:27:58.320 --> 00:27:59.460 we're talking about a door 00:27:59.460 --> 00:28:00.220 that is open, 00:28:00.380 --> 00:28:01.920 that only Christ can open. 00:28:02.279 --> 00:28:03.360 May you respond 00:28:03.360 --> 00:28:04.880 by going through the door, 00:28:05.960 --> 00:28:08.460 responding to Christ's invitation 00:28:08.460 --> 00:28:09.360 for salvation. 00:28:10.039 --> 00:28:11.180 Trust in the Father 00:28:11.180 --> 00:28:12.480 who gives the Holy Spirit. 00:28:12.480 --> 00:28:14.279 the greatest reward 00:28:14.279 --> 00:28:15.339 that we can receive 00:28:15.339 --> 00:28:16.140 here on earth 00:28:16.140 --> 00:28:16.960 is salvation 00:28:16.960 --> 00:28:18.640 from Jesus Christ. 00:28:19.299 --> 00:28:20.680 By believing in the Lord 00:28:20.680 --> 00:28:22.079 and being saved, 00:28:22.180 --> 00:28:22.960 the death, burial, 00:28:23.039 --> 00:28:23.640 and resurrection 00:28:23.640 --> 00:28:24.680 of Jesus Christ. 00:28:25.480 --> 00:28:27.000 And that second thing, then, 00:28:27.099 --> 00:28:28.980 is to remain in Him. 00:28:29.759 --> 00:28:30.539 I put in here, 00:28:30.640 --> 00:28:32.079 be a pillar, right? 00:28:33.160 --> 00:28:34.099 Be a pillar 00:28:34.099 --> 00:28:37.279 and be crowned with life, right? 00:28:38.259 --> 00:28:40.619 Our call is to grow in Christ 00:28:40.619 --> 00:28:41.920 and to remain in Christ 00:28:41.920 --> 00:28:43.160 in our spiritual walk. 00:28:43.599 --> 00:28:44.920 We think of this imagery 00:28:44.920 --> 00:28:46.059 where, I mean, 00:28:46.099 --> 00:28:46.680 how many of us 00:28:46.680 --> 00:28:48.200 have gone hiking before, right? 00:28:48.299 --> 00:28:49.519 I mean, I sure hope 00:28:49.519 --> 00:28:50.200 we all have. 00:28:50.779 --> 00:28:52.160 Is every path 00:28:52.160 --> 00:28:52.960 or every journey, 00:28:53.059 --> 00:28:53.720 if you're trying to get 00:28:53.720 --> 00:28:54.740 on top of a mountain 00:28:54.740 --> 00:28:55.599 or you're trying to go 00:28:55.599 --> 00:28:57.279 down to a river 00:28:57.279 --> 00:28:58.139 or whatever it is, 00:28:58.180 --> 00:28:59.359 is it always easy? 00:29:00.180 --> 00:29:00.639 Well, no. 00:29:01.680 --> 00:29:03.440 Sometimes you trip over a rock 00:29:03.440 --> 00:29:03.920 and you're like, 00:29:03.920 --> 00:29:05.560 I've walked this trail 00:29:05.560 --> 00:29:06.420 many times. 00:29:06.759 --> 00:29:07.800 Or other times, 00:29:07.940 --> 00:29:09.840 the path may be 00:29:09.840 --> 00:29:13.240 a rocky way, 00:29:13.320 --> 00:29:13.820 as it were. 00:29:15.420 --> 00:29:16.560 All I'm saying 00:29:16.560 --> 00:29:17.400 is that the journey 00:29:17.400 --> 00:29:18.660 may not be perfect. 00:29:19.460 --> 00:29:20.320 There will be times 00:29:20.320 --> 00:29:21.080 where we trip 00:29:21.080 --> 00:29:21.740 and we fall. 00:29:22.000 --> 00:29:22.759 There may be times 00:29:22.759 --> 00:29:24.160 where we may even question 00:29:24.160 --> 00:29:24.860 what we're doing. 00:29:25.860 --> 00:29:26.820 But in any sense, 00:29:26.820 --> 00:29:28.140 we have got to 00:29:28.140 --> 00:29:30.840 be on this path, 00:29:30.980 --> 00:29:31.680 this journey 00:29:31.680 --> 00:29:33.120 in Christ, 00:29:33.740 --> 00:29:34.180 growing, 00:29:34.799 --> 00:29:35.799 being transformed 00:29:35.799 --> 00:29:36.380 and becoming 00:29:36.380 --> 00:29:37.259 more like him. 00:29:38.440 --> 00:29:39.740 And we think about it 00:29:39.740 --> 00:29:40.500 as we journey, 00:29:40.660 --> 00:29:41.440 the culture, 00:29:41.759 --> 00:29:42.360 the world, 00:29:42.500 --> 00:29:43.820 people may go against you, 00:29:43.860 --> 00:29:45.019 but may you never be 00:29:45.019 --> 00:29:45.960 distracted. 00:29:46.240 --> 00:29:47.620 May you never be derailed, 00:29:47.880 --> 00:29:48.120 right? 00:29:49.860 --> 00:29:50.740 May you never 00:29:50.740 --> 00:29:52.420 deter 00:29:52.420 --> 00:29:53.900 from your walk 00:29:53.900 --> 00:29:54.640 in Christ. 00:29:55.640 --> 00:29:56.720 Remain in his word. 00:29:57.580 --> 00:29:59.019 Remain in his love 00:29:59.019 --> 00:30:00.600 and his promises. 00:30:00.599 --> 00:30:02.359 And so we 00:30:02.359 --> 00:30:03.959 not only respond 00:30:03.959 --> 00:30:05.339 by receiving 00:30:05.339 --> 00:30:06.500 the gift of salvation, 00:30:06.500 --> 00:30:07.419 but we continue 00:30:07.419 --> 00:30:08.179 to respond 00:30:08.179 --> 00:30:09.480 by repentance, 00:30:09.859 --> 00:30:11.219 our mind being changed, 00:30:11.319 --> 00:30:12.740 our heart being transformed 00:30:12.740 --> 00:30:13.879 as we journey 00:30:13.879 --> 00:30:14.740 through this life 00:30:14.740 --> 00:30:15.939 becoming more like him. 00:30:16.980 --> 00:30:18.159 It's rewarding. 00:30:19.059 --> 00:30:20.039 It's wonderful 00:30:20.039 --> 00:30:22.059 when you see someone 00:30:22.059 --> 00:30:23.819 become more Christ-like. 00:30:24.740 --> 00:30:25.419 Now, I'm sure 00:30:25.419 --> 00:30:26.339 many of you may know 00:30:26.339 --> 00:30:27.379 a pretty wicked person. 00:30:27.519 --> 00:30:28.759 Don't give me names. 00:30:28.879 --> 00:30:29.899 Don't tell me who. 00:30:29.900 --> 00:30:31.900 Maybe later, 00:30:32.240 --> 00:30:32.580 right? 00:30:33.620 --> 00:30:34.820 But you may know 00:30:34.820 --> 00:30:35.820 of a wicked person 00:30:35.820 --> 00:30:37.620 who has a hardened heart, 00:30:37.800 --> 00:30:38.080 right? 00:30:39.519 --> 00:30:40.580 Maybe you know 00:30:40.580 --> 00:30:41.080 of someone 00:30:41.080 --> 00:30:41.800 whose heart 00:30:41.800 --> 00:30:43.060 has been softened, 00:30:43.560 --> 00:30:44.759 whose heart 00:30:44.759 --> 00:30:45.960 has been transformed, 00:30:46.100 --> 00:30:47.580 or even the very way 00:30:47.580 --> 00:30:48.740 that they think 00:30:48.740 --> 00:30:50.160 is different. 00:30:51.420 --> 00:30:52.480 You want to talk 00:30:52.480 --> 00:30:52.900 about transformation, 00:30:53.820 --> 00:30:54.400 the working 00:30:54.400 --> 00:30:55.680 of the Holy Spirit? 00:30:55.680 --> 00:30:55.799 spirit. 00:30:57.000 --> 00:30:57.440 That 00:30:57.440 --> 00:30:59.660 is but one example 00:30:59.660 --> 00:31:00.660 you can think of. 00:31:01.279 --> 00:31:01.900 Think of what, 00:31:01.980 --> 00:31:02.840 it may even be you. 00:31:03.500 --> 00:31:04.120 You may be like, 00:31:04.160 --> 00:31:04.900 I don't know anybody. 00:31:05.000 --> 00:31:05.519 Well, maybe it was 00:31:05.519 --> 00:31:06.500 because it was you, 00:31:06.580 --> 00:31:06.840 right? 00:31:07.240 --> 00:31:08.560 Maybe God was working 00:31:08.560 --> 00:31:09.420 in your life 00:31:09.420 --> 00:31:10.100 to be more 00:31:10.100 --> 00:31:11.279 like him, 00:31:11.840 --> 00:31:13.140 to be transformed. 00:31:14.019 --> 00:31:15.100 I think I've mentioned, 00:31:15.099 --> 00:31:17.559 I'm not going to give 00:31:17.559 --> 00:31:18.000 any names, 00:31:18.119 --> 00:31:18.859 but I knew of one 00:31:18.859 --> 00:31:19.859 gentleman who 00:31:19.859 --> 00:31:21.519 was married to a 00:31:21.519 --> 00:31:23.419 very good Christian woman, 00:31:23.759 --> 00:31:25.439 very angry, 00:31:25.579 --> 00:31:26.259 very bitter. 00:31:27.079 --> 00:31:27.740 He didn't want to be 00:31:27.740 --> 00:31:28.319 around the guy. 00:31:28.980 --> 00:31:30.339 He wasn't a pleasant person. 00:31:30.339 --> 00:31:34.419 after the, 00:31:34.559 --> 00:31:34.939 what, 00:31:35.039 --> 00:31:35.659 five years 00:31:35.659 --> 00:31:36.379 that I knew him, 00:31:37.379 --> 00:31:38.619 I think the first three 00:31:38.619 --> 00:31:38.819 were, 00:31:39.720 --> 00:31:40.599 I didn't want to hang 00:31:40.599 --> 00:31:41.059 out with him. 00:31:41.339 --> 00:31:41.839 I wanted to hang 00:31:41.839 --> 00:31:42.299 around the rest 00:31:42.299 --> 00:31:42.759 of the family. 00:31:44.079 --> 00:31:45.179 But over time, 00:31:45.919 --> 00:31:46.339 prayer, 00:31:47.579 --> 00:31:48.759 being present, 00:31:49.539 --> 00:31:50.980 the Lord worked 00:31:50.980 --> 00:31:52.240 in his life 00:31:52.240 --> 00:31:53.919 to the point 00:31:53.919 --> 00:31:54.500 where the man 00:31:54.500 --> 00:31:56.039 made a decision 00:31:56.039 --> 00:31:56.699 for Christ, 00:31:57.319 --> 00:31:58.319 got baptized, 00:31:59.000 --> 00:32:00.159 and he ain't perfect. 00:32:00.839 --> 00:32:01.879 And none of us are. 00:32:02.480 --> 00:32:02.819 Right? 00:32:04.559 --> 00:32:06.039 But to see the transformation 00:32:06.039 --> 00:32:06.959 in his life, 00:32:07.019 --> 00:32:08.679 to see his heart soften, 00:32:10.119 --> 00:32:10.459 where, 00:32:10.859 --> 00:32:12.579 now your family 00:32:12.579 --> 00:32:13.740 wants to be with you 00:32:13.740 --> 00:32:14.919 more so. 00:32:15.639 --> 00:32:17.139 Now that hostility 00:32:17.139 --> 00:32:18.359 and that toxicity 00:32:18.359 --> 00:32:20.639 is being changed. 00:32:22.139 --> 00:32:22.819 And that's just 00:32:22.819 --> 00:32:24.579 maybe a more extreme example. 00:32:25.099 --> 00:32:25.659 Maybe not. 00:32:26.579 --> 00:32:27.959 But how God works 00:32:27.959 --> 00:32:28.639 in us, 00:32:28.640 --> 00:32:30.540 the ability 00:32:30.540 --> 00:32:31.020 for us 00:32:31.020 --> 00:32:31.940 to be molded, 00:32:33.120 --> 00:32:34.400 people see that. 00:32:34.940 --> 00:32:36.500 People recognize that. 00:32:37.400 --> 00:32:38.340 People will know, 00:32:38.480 --> 00:32:38.540 like, 00:32:38.580 --> 00:32:38.800 hey, 00:32:38.980 --> 00:32:40.400 you're not the same 00:32:40.400 --> 00:32:41.480 person that I know. 00:32:41.560 --> 00:32:42.060 And granted, 00:32:42.320 --> 00:32:43.240 a lot of it's just 00:32:43.240 --> 00:32:44.180 because we're growing up, 00:32:44.200 --> 00:32:44.460 right? 00:32:44.800 --> 00:32:45.780 But there's also 00:32:45.780 --> 00:32:47.180 that spiritual transformation 00:32:47.180 --> 00:32:48.120 where there's something 00:32:48.120 --> 00:32:49.300 about you. 00:32:50.040 --> 00:32:51.000 Or there's something 00:32:51.000 --> 00:32:52.220 that God is doing 00:32:52.220 --> 00:32:53.160 in your life 00:32:53.160 --> 00:32:53.440 that, 00:32:54.240 --> 00:32:54.759 and I can't put 00:32:54.759 --> 00:32:55.519 my finger on it, 00:32:55.539 --> 00:32:56.339 but people know 00:32:56.339 --> 00:32:57.400 these kind of things. 00:32:58.480 --> 00:32:58.879 And so, 00:32:59.680 --> 00:33:00.720 how very powerful 00:33:00.720 --> 00:33:01.180 is it? 00:33:03.980 --> 00:33:04.379 Respond 00:33:04.379 --> 00:33:06.000 by word 00:33:06.000 --> 00:33:07.099 and action. 00:33:09.099 --> 00:33:09.879 Think about 00:33:09.879 --> 00:33:11.400 how you respond 00:33:11.400 --> 00:33:12.339 to people. 00:33:13.839 --> 00:33:14.420 And I know 00:33:14.420 --> 00:33:15.099 for some of us, 00:33:15.140 --> 00:33:15.700 we'd rather not 00:33:15.700 --> 00:33:16.259 deal with people, 00:33:16.319 --> 00:33:16.500 right? 00:33:18.200 --> 00:33:18.879 But we live 00:33:18.879 --> 00:33:19.299 in a world 00:33:19.299 --> 00:33:19.799 where we have 00:33:19.799 --> 00:33:20.680 to deal with people. 00:33:20.680 --> 00:33:22.660 And I pray 00:33:22.660 --> 00:33:23.279 that for each 00:33:23.279 --> 00:33:24.080 and every one of us, 00:33:24.140 --> 00:33:25.039 whether you're online 00:33:25.039 --> 00:33:26.200 or whether you're here 00:33:26.200 --> 00:33:27.420 in person, 00:33:28.720 --> 00:33:29.500 that God will work 00:33:29.500 --> 00:33:30.160 in your life 00:33:30.160 --> 00:33:31.560 and that you 00:33:31.560 --> 00:33:32.660 will be transformed 00:33:32.660 --> 00:33:34.279 and that you 00:33:34.279 --> 00:33:35.500 can share 00:33:35.500 --> 00:33:36.680 and shine 00:33:36.680 --> 00:33:37.640 the light of Christ 00:33:37.640 --> 00:33:38.900 with other people. 00:33:40.340 --> 00:33:41.299 Just think about 00:33:41.299 --> 00:33:43.039 how so many people 00:33:43.039 --> 00:33:44.320 are in darkness 00:33:44.320 --> 00:33:46.440 or how many people 00:33:46.440 --> 00:33:47.700 do not know 00:33:47.700 --> 00:33:48.320 the truth 00:33:48.319 --> 00:33:50.119 and how your 00:33:50.119 --> 00:33:51.200 very interaction 00:33:51.200 --> 00:33:51.980 can have such 00:33:51.980 --> 00:33:53.460 a profound impact. 00:33:54.419 --> 00:33:55.720 My wife will tell you 00:33:55.720 --> 00:33:56.559 the story of 00:33:56.559 --> 00:33:57.299 someone who 00:33:57.299 --> 00:33:59.059 was not a Christian, 00:33:59.500 --> 00:34:00.339 grew up with this 00:34:00.339 --> 00:34:01.000 woman, 00:34:02.079 --> 00:34:03.079 and years later, 00:34:03.159 --> 00:34:04.000 high school reunion 00:34:04.000 --> 00:34:04.419 said, 00:34:05.200 --> 00:34:05.500 you know, 00:34:05.599 --> 00:34:06.159 I knew you were 00:34:06.159 --> 00:34:06.879 always a Christian 00:34:06.879 --> 00:34:07.480 and I didn't know 00:34:07.480 --> 00:34:09.000 about this Jesus person, 00:34:09.099 --> 00:34:09.299 right? 00:34:10.639 --> 00:34:11.920 Just little interactions. 00:34:12.860 --> 00:34:13.440 The everyday. 00:34:14.299 --> 00:34:15.059 The people that we 00:34:15.059 --> 00:34:15.539 talk to, 00:34:15.619 --> 00:34:16.599 the things that we do, 00:34:16.679 --> 00:34:17.719 all of these things. 00:34:18.940 --> 00:34:19.740 They make 00:34:19.740 --> 00:34:20.860 and they have 00:34:20.860 --> 00:34:21.840 a profound impact. 00:34:23.300 --> 00:34:24.039 And finally, 00:34:24.200 --> 00:34:24.860 the third one 00:34:24.860 --> 00:34:26.440 is to show others 00:34:26.440 --> 00:34:26.860 the door. 00:34:26.960 --> 00:34:27.519 And I don't mean 00:34:27.519 --> 00:34:28.340 show them out 00:34:28.340 --> 00:34:29.200 of the door, 00:34:29.300 --> 00:34:29.960 get out of here, 00:34:30.120 --> 00:34:31.100 because I got to be 00:34:31.100 --> 00:34:31.880 careful when I write 00:34:31.880 --> 00:34:32.640 these kind of things. 00:34:32.720 --> 00:34:33.500 Show others the door, 00:34:33.580 --> 00:34:34.059 get out of here, 00:34:34.100 --> 00:34:34.320 right? 00:34:34.840 --> 00:34:35.240 No. 00:34:35.940 --> 00:34:37.300 Show others the door, 00:34:37.400 --> 00:34:37.980 what church? 00:34:38.460 --> 00:34:40.039 That Christ provides 00:34:40.039 --> 00:34:40.440 for all. 00:34:41.200 --> 00:34:42.019 We have to think 00:34:42.019 --> 00:34:42.980 that God gives us 00:34:42.980 --> 00:34:43.880 time for us 00:34:43.880 --> 00:34:45.920 to be saved, 00:34:46.019 --> 00:34:46.420 to grow, 00:34:46.519 --> 00:34:47.200 to transform, 00:34:47.199 --> 00:34:47.859 and to act 00:34:47.859 --> 00:34:48.639 by sharing 00:34:48.639 --> 00:34:49.599 in the gospel 00:34:49.599 --> 00:34:50.519 of Jesus Christ 00:34:50.519 --> 00:34:51.319 with other people. 00:34:52.579 --> 00:34:54.279 May we minister. 00:34:55.139 --> 00:34:56.859 May we speak truth. 00:34:56.960 --> 00:34:58.379 May we deal in love 00:34:58.379 --> 00:34:59.079 and may we 00:34:59.079 --> 00:35:00.419 let people know 00:35:00.419 --> 00:35:00.659 that, 00:35:00.819 --> 00:35:00.919 hey, 00:35:01.480 --> 00:35:02.659 Christ is the way, 00:35:02.759 --> 00:35:03.159 the truth, 00:35:03.199 --> 00:35:03.759 and the life. 00:35:04.139 --> 00:35:05.299 And there is a door 00:35:05.299 --> 00:35:06.799 that Christ has 00:35:06.799 --> 00:35:07.619 the key to 00:35:07.619 --> 00:35:08.819 and that door 00:35:08.819 --> 00:35:09.319 is open. 00:35:09.319 --> 00:35:09.500 And then, 00:35:09.579 --> 00:35:11.179 you better go through it. 00:35:11.179 --> 00:35:13.899 easy language 00:35:13.899 --> 00:35:14.839 we can think of. 00:35:15.940 --> 00:35:16.419 Simplistic, 00:35:16.559 --> 00:35:17.539 but very powerful 00:35:17.539 --> 00:35:18.819 and very well connected. 00:35:19.000 --> 00:35:19.139 I mean, 00:35:19.159 --> 00:35:19.899 when we're looking at 00:35:19.899 --> 00:35:21.219 all those connections 00:35:21.219 --> 00:35:22.000 with Isaiah, 00:35:22.619 --> 00:35:24.399 use that kind of imagery, 00:35:24.519 --> 00:35:24.659 though. 00:35:25.619 --> 00:35:26.960 A key to a door, 00:35:27.679 --> 00:35:28.839 a door that is open 00:35:28.839 --> 00:35:30.440 and the opportunity 00:35:30.440 --> 00:35:32.379 of how you can speak 00:35:32.379 --> 00:35:33.960 the gospel message 00:35:33.960 --> 00:35:34.539 to others. 00:35:35.259 --> 00:35:36.460 Think of the opportunity 00:35:36.460 --> 00:35:38.619 of you serving others, 00:35:38.619 --> 00:35:39.819 speaking truth, 00:35:39.960 --> 00:35:41.119 inviting people to church 00:35:41.119 --> 00:35:42.500 and encouraging them 00:35:42.500 --> 00:35:43.420 in their life journey. 00:35:44.259 --> 00:35:44.679 Certainly, 00:35:44.819 --> 00:35:46.299 as I mentioned earlier, 00:35:46.400 --> 00:35:47.440 none of us are perfect, 00:35:48.199 --> 00:35:49.239 but certainly, 00:35:49.400 --> 00:35:50.460 we should all be 00:35:50.460 --> 00:35:51.259 journeying together 00:35:51.259 --> 00:35:52.719 in our life in Christ. 00:35:54.619 --> 00:35:55.859 I challenge for you, 00:35:56.559 --> 00:35:58.179 look for one person 00:35:58.179 --> 00:36:00.079 that you can talk with 00:36:00.079 --> 00:36:00.579 this week. 00:36:01.440 --> 00:36:02.799 Think of one person 00:36:02.799 --> 00:36:03.079 that, 00:36:03.739 --> 00:36:04.460 not showing them 00:36:04.460 --> 00:36:05.099 the door out, 00:36:05.579 --> 00:36:06.199 but showing them 00:36:06.199 --> 00:36:06.759 the door in, 00:36:07.599 --> 00:36:08.480 the door to come 00:36:08.480 --> 00:36:09.059 to Christ 00:36:09.059 --> 00:36:11.280 and how powerful 00:36:11.280 --> 00:36:11.900 that is. 00:36:12.780 --> 00:36:14.019 Your very interaction 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:16.500 can literally be 00:36:16.500 --> 00:36:18.300 life-saving. 00:36:19.460 --> 00:36:20.579 Just think about that, 00:36:21.300 --> 00:36:22.420 that your one interaction 00:36:22.420 --> 00:36:23.820 can have such a profound 00:36:23.820 --> 00:36:24.679 impact on people 00:36:24.679 --> 00:36:26.000 and that can be 00:36:26.000 --> 00:36:27.559 convicting to us, right? 00:36:27.639 --> 00:36:27.920 It was like, 00:36:27.960 --> 00:36:28.440 well, what if I was 00:36:28.440 --> 00:36:29.380 having a bad day? 00:36:29.480 --> 00:36:29.619 You know, 00:36:29.639 --> 00:36:30.280 am I going to affect 00:36:30.280 --> 00:36:30.820 them negatively? 00:36:30.940 --> 00:36:32.119 You can still speak to that. 00:36:33.119 --> 00:36:34.139 We're all human, 00:36:34.659 --> 00:36:36.860 but may we own up to it. 00:36:36.860 --> 00:36:38.660 May we be able 00:36:38.660 --> 00:36:42.099 to show people 00:36:42.099 --> 00:36:42.579 the love 00:36:42.579 --> 00:36:45.280 despite our imperfections. 00:36:46.360 --> 00:36:47.160 And so ask yourself 00:36:47.160 --> 00:36:47.940 the question then, 00:36:48.360 --> 00:36:49.579 who can I show 00:36:49.579 --> 00:36:50.760 the open door 00:36:50.760 --> 00:36:51.740 of Christ's love? 00:36:52.700 --> 00:36:53.780 Think of one person. 00:36:54.360 --> 00:36:55.440 Could be a phone call, 00:36:55.539 --> 00:36:56.220 could be a text, 00:36:56.300 --> 00:36:57.079 it could be a visit. 00:36:57.079 --> 00:36:58.900 There's all these 00:36:58.900 --> 00:36:59.880 kind of opportunities 00:36:59.880 --> 00:37:02.039 for us to minister 00:37:02.039 --> 00:37:02.500 to people 00:37:02.500 --> 00:37:03.380 and we have to think, 00:37:03.920 --> 00:37:05.199 we are all called 00:37:05.199 --> 00:37:06.840 to share in the gospel message. 00:37:07.360 --> 00:37:08.579 We are all called 00:37:08.579 --> 00:37:09.779 to be saved by, 00:37:11.119 --> 00:37:11.960 in Christ, 00:37:12.139 --> 00:37:13.059 by believing in him. 00:37:13.480 --> 00:37:14.679 We're all called to grow 00:37:14.679 --> 00:37:15.480 and we're all called 00:37:15.480 --> 00:37:16.539 to act upon it. 00:37:17.739 --> 00:37:19.000 And so how important 00:37:19.000 --> 00:37:19.940 it is for us 00:37:19.940 --> 00:37:21.119 to share. 00:37:22.079 --> 00:37:23.159 Let people know 00:37:23.159 --> 00:37:24.179 of the open door. 00:37:24.179 --> 00:37:25.799 I think of, 00:37:26.239 --> 00:37:28.519 just as a little humor here, 00:37:28.599 --> 00:37:29.599 you think of that song, 00:37:30.179 --> 00:37:31.199 is it Frozen, 00:37:31.480 --> 00:37:32.399 Love is an Open Door? 00:37:33.259 --> 00:37:33.559 Am I right? 00:37:33.599 --> 00:37:34.119 Okay, okay, 00:37:34.139 --> 00:37:35.059 it is Frozen, right? 00:37:35.539 --> 00:37:36.879 You can think of that song too, 00:37:36.960 --> 00:37:37.179 right? 00:37:38.179 --> 00:37:38.779 I know, 00:37:38.879 --> 00:37:42.239 I have a lot of movie analogies, 00:37:42.339 --> 00:37:42.599 you guys. 00:37:42.679 --> 00:37:44.179 I mentioned Lion King last week, 00:37:44.239 --> 00:37:45.799 I'm mentioning Monsters Incorporated, 00:37:45.960 --> 00:37:47.279 what's going on here, right? 00:37:47.460 --> 00:37:49.419 But you can think of that analogy, 00:37:49.559 --> 00:37:49.819 right, 00:37:49.980 --> 00:37:50.699 in Frozen, 00:37:50.899 --> 00:37:52.599 of love is an open door, 00:37:52.599 --> 00:37:54.839 that Christ has the door 00:37:54.839 --> 00:37:55.460 that is open 00:37:55.460 --> 00:37:57.239 and he's exhibiting his love 00:37:57.239 --> 00:37:57.940 by opening. 00:37:58.719 --> 00:38:00.400 May you respond to that love. 00:38:01.000 --> 00:38:02.480 All these kind of connections 00:38:02.480 --> 00:38:04.059 that we can relate with people 00:38:04.059 --> 00:38:05.460 and we can connect with people. 00:38:06.039 --> 00:38:07.159 That's the beautiful thing 00:38:07.159 --> 00:38:08.279 about movies 00:38:08.279 --> 00:38:09.179 and all these things. 00:38:09.319 --> 00:38:10.440 It can be an opportunity 00:38:10.440 --> 00:38:11.659 to point them to Christ. 00:38:12.619 --> 00:38:13.519 And so in all of this, 00:38:13.619 --> 00:38:14.380 let us remember, 00:38:15.119 --> 00:38:16.159 let us think about 00:38:16.159 --> 00:38:18.099 this church in Philadelphia, 00:38:19.059 --> 00:38:20.619 that Christ holds the key 00:38:20.619 --> 00:38:21.179 to the door. 00:38:21.839 --> 00:38:23.259 He determines what's open 00:38:23.259 --> 00:38:24.119 and what's shut. 00:38:24.980 --> 00:38:26.079 When we are weak, 00:38:26.119 --> 00:38:27.400 it is Christ that is strong. 00:38:27.960 --> 00:38:28.900 He gives us comfort, 00:38:29.139 --> 00:38:29.519 strength, 00:38:29.699 --> 00:38:30.079 peace. 00:38:30.799 --> 00:38:32.299 He is that strong tower. 00:38:33.659 --> 00:38:34.779 And then also that, 00:38:35.380 --> 00:38:36.219 may we remain 00:38:36.219 --> 00:38:37.199 and become a pillar, 00:38:37.440 --> 00:38:37.679 right? 00:38:38.139 --> 00:38:39.420 May we wear that crown 00:38:39.420 --> 00:38:39.980 as it were. 00:38:41.159 --> 00:38:42.119 Let's pray together. 00:38:43.679 --> 00:38:44.319 Father God, 00:38:44.400 --> 00:38:45.799 we thank you for this time 00:38:45.799 --> 00:38:47.039 and once again, 00:38:47.099 --> 00:38:47.739 this opportunity 00:38:47.739 --> 00:38:48.859 for us to go through 00:38:48.859 --> 00:38:50.339 Revelation. 00:38:50.539 --> 00:38:51.719 We know that Revelation 00:38:51.719 --> 00:38:53.879 is such an unusual book 00:38:53.879 --> 00:38:54.339 of the Bible, 00:38:54.539 --> 00:38:55.799 but by golly, 00:38:55.859 --> 00:38:56.559 it is your word. 00:38:57.339 --> 00:38:58.179 And we humbly 00:38:58.179 --> 00:39:00.019 come before you 00:39:00.019 --> 00:39:00.839 and your word. 00:39:01.519 --> 00:39:02.619 We ask that 00:39:02.619 --> 00:39:05.059 the Holy Spirit 00:39:05.059 --> 00:39:07.639 will move in our hearts 00:39:07.639 --> 00:39:08.419 and our minds 00:39:08.419 --> 00:39:09.799 to transform us. 00:39:10.839 --> 00:39:12.559 May we understand more 00:39:12.559 --> 00:39:13.879 this church in Philadelphia. 00:39:13.880 --> 00:39:16.500 when we're thinking about 00:39:16.500 --> 00:39:19.000 those that are opposing 00:39:19.000 --> 00:39:21.380 that church, 00:39:22.240 --> 00:39:23.380 may we know that there are people 00:39:23.380 --> 00:39:24.559 that will oppose us. 00:39:25.400 --> 00:39:26.760 May we recognize that 00:39:26.760 --> 00:39:28.480 when we are weak, 00:39:28.559 --> 00:39:29.300 you are strong. 00:39:29.680 --> 00:39:30.880 And may we turn to you 00:39:30.880 --> 00:39:32.280 during trials 00:39:32.280 --> 00:39:33.079 and tribulations 00:39:33.079 --> 00:39:34.160 or even in moments 00:39:34.160 --> 00:39:34.700 of weakness. 00:39:35.480 --> 00:39:37.059 I pray for everyone here 00:39:37.059 --> 00:39:37.740 this morning 00:39:37.740 --> 00:39:39.200 who's in person 00:39:39.200 --> 00:39:40.079 and those that have 00:39:40.079 --> 00:39:41.019 joined us online 00:39:41.019 --> 00:39:43.300 on Rumble, 00:39:43.780 --> 00:39:44.079 TikTok, 00:39:44.400 --> 00:39:44.639 YouTube, 00:39:44.920 --> 00:39:45.280 Facebook, 00:39:45.460 --> 00:39:45.759 wherever, 00:39:45.920 --> 00:39:46.960 or even those listening 00:39:46.960 --> 00:39:48.079 later. 00:39:50.199 --> 00:39:51.820 May you come to know Christ, 00:39:52.480 --> 00:39:53.519 the way, 00:39:53.619 --> 00:39:53.940 the truth, 00:39:53.980 --> 00:39:54.440 and the life. 00:39:55.259 --> 00:39:55.940 May you begin 00:39:55.940 --> 00:39:57.139 on a journey in him, 00:39:57.219 --> 00:39:58.099 being transformed 00:39:58.099 --> 00:39:59.059 and growing in him. 00:39:59.820 --> 00:40:01.300 And may you be moved 00:40:01.300 --> 00:40:03.219 to wear the crown, 00:40:03.980 --> 00:40:05.099 the crown of life. 00:40:06.239 --> 00:40:08.840 May you speak truth. 00:40:08.840 --> 00:40:11.519 May you live like Christ 00:40:11.519 --> 00:40:13.140 as a beacon of hope 00:40:13.140 --> 00:40:13.720 for others. 00:40:14.860 --> 00:40:15.519 We love you, 00:40:15.940 --> 00:40:16.860 we praise you, 00:40:17.100 --> 00:40:17.880 we glorify you, 00:40:17.920 --> 00:40:18.579 and we honor you. 00:40:19.019 --> 00:40:19.860 It is in the name 00:40:19.860 --> 00:40:20.700 of Jesus Christ 00:40:20.700 --> 00:40:21.380 that we pray 00:40:21.380 --> 00:40:22.200 and we all say together, 00:40:22.300 --> 00:40:22.880 can I get an amen? 00:40:23.500 --> 00:40:23.940 Amen. 00:40:26.320 --> 00:40:27.460 Thank you for listening 00:40:27.460 --> 00:40:28.480 to today's message. 00:40:28.820 --> 00:40:30.160 I hope that this sermon 00:40:30.160 --> 00:40:31.220 encouraged you. 00:40:32.039 --> 00:40:32.420 You know, 00:40:32.680 --> 00:40:33.600 when I was preparing 00:40:33.600 --> 00:40:34.240 this message, 00:40:34.340 --> 00:40:35.320 I kept thinking about 00:40:35.320 --> 00:40:35.940 that gentleman 00:40:35.940 --> 00:40:36.680 that I mentioned, 00:40:37.180 --> 00:40:38.780 the one that was so angry 00:40:38.780 --> 00:40:39.220 and bitter, 00:40:39.640 --> 00:40:41.100 and how God transformed 00:40:41.100 --> 00:40:42.160 his heart over time. 00:40:42.660 --> 00:40:43.740 That is the power 00:40:43.740 --> 00:40:44.840 of what we're talking 00:40:44.840 --> 00:40:45.440 about here. 00:40:46.040 --> 00:40:47.180 God is the God 00:40:47.180 --> 00:40:48.000 of transformation. 00:40:48.600 --> 00:40:50.019 When we remain faithful, 00:40:50.500 --> 00:40:52.260 even when we feel weak, 00:40:52.740 --> 00:40:54.260 God works in us 00:40:54.260 --> 00:40:55.180 and through us 00:40:55.180 --> 00:40:55.880 in ways 00:40:55.880 --> 00:40:57.620 that we can't even imagine. 00:40:58.260 --> 00:40:59.100 And that's really 00:40:59.100 --> 00:40:59.960 what Philadelphia 00:40:59.960 --> 00:41:00.880 teaches us. 00:41:01.480 --> 00:41:02.120 This church 00:41:02.120 --> 00:41:03.360 didn't have influence, 00:41:03.680 --> 00:41:04.840 they didn't have power 00:41:04.840 --> 00:41:06.019 by the world's standards, 00:41:06.019 --> 00:41:06.139 standards, 00:41:06.480 --> 00:41:07.579 but they had something 00:41:07.579 --> 00:41:08.619 more important. 00:41:09.199 --> 00:41:10.300 They were faithful 00:41:10.300 --> 00:41:10.820 to God. 00:41:11.360 --> 00:41:13.239 They kept Christ's word. 00:41:13.739 --> 00:41:14.460 They didn't deny 00:41:14.460 --> 00:41:15.039 his name. 00:41:15.880 --> 00:41:16.780 And I want to challenge 00:41:16.780 --> 00:41:17.639 you this week 00:41:17.639 --> 00:41:18.659 with something practical. 00:41:19.380 --> 00:41:20.460 Think of one person, 00:41:20.960 --> 00:41:22.079 just one person 00:41:22.079 --> 00:41:22.920 who needs to hear 00:41:22.920 --> 00:41:24.139 about this open door 00:41:24.139 --> 00:41:25.300 that Christ provides. 00:41:25.980 --> 00:41:26.980 Maybe it's a co-worker, 00:41:27.440 --> 00:41:28.259 a family member, 00:41:28.659 --> 00:41:29.159 a neighbor, 00:41:29.759 --> 00:41:30.960 someone who is walking 00:41:30.960 --> 00:41:31.599 in darkness 00:41:31.599 --> 00:41:32.460 and needs to know 00:41:32.460 --> 00:41:33.360 that there is a door 00:41:33.360 --> 00:41:33.840 of hope 00:41:33.840 --> 00:41:35.960 and Christ has the key. 00:41:36.800 --> 00:41:37.800 Maybe it's a text, 00:41:38.220 --> 00:41:38.980 a phone call, 00:41:39.400 --> 00:41:40.760 an invitation to coffee 00:41:40.760 --> 00:41:42.480 and the great thing is 00:41:42.480 --> 00:41:43.260 you don't have to have 00:41:43.260 --> 00:41:43.940 all the answers, 00:41:44.360 --> 00:41:45.599 you just have to point them 00:41:45.599 --> 00:41:46.680 to the one who does. 00:41:47.559 --> 00:41:47.980 And hey, 00:41:48.340 --> 00:41:49.860 if you are feeling weak 00:41:49.860 --> 00:41:51.140 or powerless right now, 00:41:51.480 --> 00:41:52.460 if you're going through 00:41:52.460 --> 00:41:53.460 something difficult, 00:41:54.099 --> 00:41:55.200 remember this church 00:41:55.200 --> 00:41:55.960 in Philadelphia. 00:41:56.840 --> 00:41:57.960 Christ doesn't need 00:41:57.960 --> 00:41:58.620 your strength, 00:41:59.079 --> 00:41:59.760 he needs 00:41:59.760 --> 00:42:00.880 your faithfulness. 00:42:01.380 --> 00:42:02.680 When you are weak, 00:42:02.679 --> 00:42:04.279 he is strong. 00:42:04.679 --> 00:42:05.919 And that is a promise 00:42:05.919 --> 00:42:07.339 that you can hold on to. 00:42:08.259 --> 00:42:09.279 We'll come back 00:42:09.279 --> 00:42:09.879 to Revelation 00:42:09.879 --> 00:42:10.919 after the new year 00:42:10.919 --> 00:42:12.319 to finish the seven churches 00:42:12.319 --> 00:42:13.319 with Laodicea. 00:42:13.579 --> 00:42:14.319 And then, 00:42:14.539 --> 00:42:15.519 we'll dive into 00:42:15.519 --> 00:42:16.799 the really exciting 00:42:16.799 --> 00:42:17.759 prophetic visions 00:42:17.759 --> 00:42:18.559 in the rest 00:42:18.559 --> 00:42:19.599 of the book of Revelation. 00:42:20.099 --> 00:42:20.879 But for now, 00:42:21.259 --> 00:42:22.039 let's enter 00:42:22.039 --> 00:42:23.539 in the season of Advent 00:42:23.539 --> 00:42:24.059 together. 00:42:24.940 --> 00:42:26.279 All of our resources 00:42:26.279 --> 00:42:26.960 from today, 00:42:27.519 --> 00:42:28.299 the Bible study, 00:42:28.859 --> 00:42:29.899 congregational notes, 00:42:30.059 --> 00:42:30.519 slides, 00:42:30.519 --> 00:42:31.920 they're all available 00:42:31.920 --> 00:42:33.199 for free on our website 00:42:33.199 --> 00:42:33.820 at 00:42:33.820 --> 00:42:35.780 OntarioCommunityChurch.org. 00:42:36.219 --> 00:42:37.440 Everything is in 00:42:37.440 --> 00:42:38.360 our sermon archive, 00:42:38.559 --> 00:42:39.780 so you can go back 00:42:39.780 --> 00:42:40.579 and review 00:42:40.579 --> 00:42:41.759 or even share it 00:42:41.759 --> 00:42:42.599 with someone else. 00:42:42.940 --> 00:42:43.980 Thank you for being 00:42:43.980 --> 00:42:44.980 a part of this journey 00:42:44.980 --> 00:42:45.639 through Revelation 00:42:45.639 --> 00:42:46.239 with us. 00:42:46.619 --> 00:42:47.239 It has been 00:42:47.239 --> 00:42:48.119 such a blessing 00:42:48.119 --> 00:42:49.719 to study these churches 00:42:49.719 --> 00:42:50.199 together 00:42:50.199 --> 00:42:51.119 and to see 00:42:51.119 --> 00:42:52.219 what Christ is saying 00:42:52.219 --> 00:42:53.019 to his church 00:42:53.019 --> 00:42:54.820 then and now. 00:42:55.440 --> 00:42:56.940 May you hold fast 00:42:56.940 --> 00:42:57.599 and remain 00:42:57.599 --> 00:42:58.539 into what you have. 00:42:59.059 --> 00:42:59.759 May you walk 00:42:59.759 --> 00:43:00.799 through the open door 00:43:00.799 --> 00:43:01.960 that Christ sets 00:43:01.960 --> 00:43:02.659 before you. 00:43:03.000 --> 00:43:04.139 And may you trust 00:43:04.139 --> 00:43:04.980 in his strength 00:43:04.980 --> 00:43:05.980 when you have 00:43:05.980 --> 00:43:06.699 little power, 00:43:07.299 --> 00:43:08.039 knowing that 00:43:08.039 --> 00:43:09.219 he is making you 00:43:09.219 --> 00:43:10.360 into a pillar 00:43:10.360 --> 00:43:11.679 in his temple. 00:43:12.339 --> 00:43:13.239 God bless you. 00:43:13.579 --> 00:43:14.920 We will see you next week 00:43:14.920 --> 00:43:16.259 as we begin Advent. 00:43:16.260 --> 00:43:16.760 Advent. 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:16.760 00:43:16.760 --> 00:43:46.740 Thank you. 00:43:46.760 --> 00:44:16.740 Thank you. 00:44:16.760 --> 00:44:46.740 Thank you.