SECURITY IN EVANGELISM Monday 30 January

Open Heavens Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye

Memorise: The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30

Read: Revelation 3:7-13

Taking a quick look at the history of Philadelphia gives us an insight into the letter of the Lord to the church there. The word Philadelphia is from the Greek word ‘Philadelphos’ meaning brotherly love. This city was established as a missionary field of Greek culture to the neighbouring cities. One advantage that constantly worked against many of its inhabitants was its being sited in the midst of a plain of grape fruits. This gave them access to cheap wine and left many drunk in the morning. Philadelphia and other surrounding cities were subject to constant earthquakes thereby keeping residents ever on alert. The expense of repairs was constant. These conditions perhaps explain the state of members of this church (Revelations 3:8). The church at Philadelphia was strong, vibrant and was missionary minded. When Mohammed and his followers invaded Asia Minor, an event that saw many churches falling away, the church in Philadelphia stayed together and remained strong. They refused to yield to the jihadists and insisted on remaining Christians. To this day, the church in Philadelphia is still standing.

One thing worth of note here is that the Lord had no rebuke for this church. She had little strength yet she stood firm for the Lord. If this supposed feeble church could be without rebuke, your local assembly too can be without rebuke. From this we learn a vital lesson that a church that is built on love and is constantly winning souls for Christ will always overcome the temptations of the devil. Is your church a ‘going’ Church?

PRAYER POINT:

Father, let Your church worldwide be built on love, evangelism and obedience to you.

 

Bible in one year: Numbers 11-14