In Philadelphia Jesus says: the kingdom of the Gospel, and the kingdom of heaven, is in my hands, I can secure access to whoever I will; I can open to all who do my will. “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet YOU HAVE KEPT MY WORD AND HAVE NOT DENIED MY NAME.” Revelation 3:7-8 You have kept my word – you have kept the true doctrine; and have not denied my name, by taking shelter in heathenism when Christianity was persecuted. “Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. I am coming soon. HOLD ON TO WHAT YOU HAVE, SO THAT NO ONE WILL TAKE YOUR CROWN.” Revelation 3:10-11 You who are faithful to the grace of God are often hidden from trials and difficulties which fall without justification on those who have been unfaithful to my covenant. “The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. NEVER AGAIN WILL THEY LEAVE IT. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name.” Revelation 3:12 The Colossians had the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel of peace, but they must have more; it is their privilege to be filled with knowledge. “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, WE HAVE NOT STOPPED PRAYING FOR YOU. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way…” Colossians 1:9-12
WE MUST HOLD ON TO WHAT WE HAVE, SO THAT NO ONE WILL TAKE OUR CROWN…
-Bill Stockham