Seven churches

THE SEVEN CHURCHES
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east and the west, from the north and the south and sit down at the feast in the Reign of
God. Then those who are now last will be first, and those who are now first will be last."
Matthew 23:13-14 "How terrible for you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees! You
hypocrites! You lock the door to the Realm of heaven in people's faces, but you
yourselves don't go in, nor do you allow in those who are trying to enter!"
Acts 12:12-16 Aware of his situation [Peter has been rescued from prison by an angel of
God], he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many people had
gathered and were praying. Peter knocked at the outside door, and a servant girl named
Rhoda came to answer it. She recognized Peter's voice and was so happy that she ran
back in without opening the door, and announced that Peter was standing outside. "You
are crazy!" they told her. But she insisted that it was true. So they answered, "It is his
angel." Meanwhile Peter kept on knocking. At last they opened the door, and when they
saw him, they were amazed.
John 20:19-26 It was late that Sunday evening, and the disciples were gathered together
behind locked doors, because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities. Then Jesus
came and stood among them. "Peace be with you," he said. After saying this, he showed
them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy at seeing the Lord... [Jesus
breathes the Holy Spirit on them. Thomas is not there and doubts.] A week later the
disciples were together again indoors, and Thomas was with them. The doors were
locked, but Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you."
Philadelphia being at the cross roads of east and west was an opportunity of witnessing
through their contacts and hospitality to many who passed that way. An open house of
love for those who pass by is a sure way of expressing your love and hence convincing
way of Christian expression and evangelization. Jesus within their hearts, each believer
becomes a door - a means of salvation for others. These doors will be taken away once
the rapture has taken place.
Dispensationally this modern era has found tremendous missionary movements which is
the necessary condition for the end of the ages. All men may have a fair opportunity to
hear the word so that when judging he may be fair. Mission fields are getting opened in
unreachable areas. But time is close when it will be shut and a new period of dispensation
will usher in.