Philadelphia. There's some really cool stuff here about the city being a gateway or a doorway to the east. Jesus is essentially saying, "I've opened a door for you. Will you walk through it?" He's inviting the church to partner with God in making the world like God's kingdom - love, grace, healing, etc.

We're taught to open doors for ourselves, to make things happen, to create our own destiny, to work hard and move up the ladder. We're always looking for doors to open...how often do we miss the doors that Jesus has already opened for us? Jesus opens doors, but also recognizes that it's hard to walk through them. It's risky. We might fail or be rejected. But Jesus says he'll be with us and believes in us.

Some say our faith is like an epidural...takes the pain away. God is more like a midwife who encourages us along the way to new life. Some say our faith is like a crutch to make us feel better. Faith is not about a crutch, it's about a cross. On the other side of pain and self-sacrifice, there's resurrection...there's new life.

Speaker: Aaron Vis

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13

http://bible.com/events/48907245