Kentucky MBC
03.29.2026 Sunday

      • Psalm 71:23KJV1900

      • Ephesians 1:13–14NKJV

  • Oh How He Loves You And Me

      • Colossians 3:12NIV

  • I Should Have Been Crucified
  • Glory To His Name
  • Lamb Of God
  • Behold The Lamb

  • Revelation 3:7 KJV 1900
    7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
    The Church in Philadelphia, the sixth of the seven churches, found in Lydia of Asia Minor.
    Known at the “gateway” or “door” to the East in spreading Greek culture, Philadelphia is located about 28 miles southeast of Sardis in Modern day Alasehir, Turkey, on the Cogamus River between two mountain ranges.
    This made it a literal doorway between Asia Minor and Asia.
    This also made it a strategic location to be used as a military buffer city.
    The name Philadelphia, means brotherly loved and was so named from its founder Attalus Philadelphia, the king of Pergamum.
    Philadelphia was known for its wines through the growing of grapes on the fertile fields of the area.
    Philadelphia was also built on a geological fault line which caused the city frequent earthquakes and tremors, forcing the people to flee the city to avoid being injured or killed by falling buildings.
    Like many of these other pagan, Roman cities, Philadelphia was home to numerous temples dedicated to the gods and goddesses of ancient Greece, especially Dionysus, the god of wine.
    Philadelphia was the last of the seven cities to lose its Christian testimony. There was a thriving Christian community there as late as 1,000 AD, up until the time the city was captured by the Muslim armies.

    The Christ of Philadelphia

    Revelation 3:7 KJV 1900
    7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

    Righteousness: Jesus is the Absolute “holy” One

    “Holy” is the Greek word Hagios, which means “wholly different” from others.
    It is the ultimate description of God. We will see these words in
    Revelation 4:8 KJV 1900
    8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
    Jesus and God are One.
    Hosea 11:9 KJV 1900
    9 I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: For I am God, and not man; The Holy One in the midst of thee: And I will not enter into the city.
    Jesus is the Holy One, the Head of the church, the Groom of the church, the one walking among us.

    Rightness: Jesus is the Absolute “true” One

    As the Holy God, Jesus is also the true God, distinct from all others, especially the dead idols of men. Jesus is not make believe or fantasy. He is absolutely real.
    Jesus speaks truth, crushing and negating the lies and philosophies of men.
    Jesus is the true way that brings life eternal and blessings as opposed to the way of man which only brings misery, death, and vain emptiness.

    Resources: Jesus is the Absolute “Key of David”

    This speaks of His authority. Jesus is in control, Jesus is ruling, and Jesus the Almighty King that rules.
    Jesus has already been seen with the keys, authority, over death and judgment.
    Revelation 1:18 KJV 1900
    18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
    You cannot die until Jesus opens the door! and You cant stay dead if you know Him as your Savior.
    Jesus has the keys of Service.
    The “key of David” is a quote of Isa 22:22
    Isaiah 22:22 KJV 1900
    22 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; So he shall open, and none shall shut; And he shall shut, and none shall open.
    The context of this verse is Isaiah telling Eliakim, the faithful servant of Hezekiah, who had given him the palace key by which only through him could people gain admission to the King and his treasures. Jesus is the only one with the authority to open the door to the wealth of the king and to shut the door so none could enter.
    The key belongs now to Jesus who will bring Israel into the family of God and His kingdom on earth and in Heaven.

    The Commendation of Philadelphia:

    Revelation 3:8 KJV 1900
    8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
    Just like the church at Smyrna, Jesus didn’t have anything bad to say about this bride. However, unlike Smyrna, who was suffering tremendous persecution, the church of Philadelphia was not suffering but was prospering.

    Behold Your Door of Opportunity:

    Because of its location, Philadelphia was the gateway to the east, especially the kingdoms of Mysia, Lydia, and Phrygia. Any merchants traveling to and from these locations has to pass through the city.
    What an evangelistic opportunity for fulfilling the great Commission.
    Since Christ has strategically placed them in a prime location and opened a door to Him and all His resources, He mentions 3 great things about this church.

    Church of “little strength”.

    They were small in number, they lacked political power, and they lacked financial influence, but they were taking advantage of Jesus resources. God was using them in a big way. They were making a tremendous impact on their city.
    Why? because they were also a

    Church of “keeping Jesus’s Word”.

    Like the church at Ephesus, Philadelphia was pure and strong in their doctrine. They were unlock many churches today that chase any fad, new philosophy, or marketing technique. The Gospel and the Word of God is the
    Romans 1:16 KJV 1900
    16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
    May we always be found keeping and proclaiming the Word of God.
    But He also mentions Philadelphia was a

    Church of “not denying Jesus’s Name”.

    The church in Philadelphia was not ashamed of Jesus or of their relationship to Jesus Christ.
    Sometimes it is easy to identify with Him in His death, but we are also to identify with Him in His Resurrection and Proclamation. We should never be ashamed to talk about Jesus Christ.
    True Bible-believing, Bible-living, Bible-proclaiming churches today are in the minority just as they were when John wrote this letter. Most of them or small with little influence in our world. However, if we continue to Honor God’s Word and Keep Jesus Christ at the forefront of our conversations, God will bless us with more and more opportunities to be a blessing as He has blessed us.
    1 Corinthians 1:26–31 KJV 1900
    26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

    Behold Your Opposition.

    Revelation 3:9 KJV 1900
    9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

    Behold Jesus’ Awareness:

    Again, he mentions the Jews becoming the synagogue of Satan, just like He did to the church of Smyrna.
    Revelation 2:9 KJV 1900
    9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
    The Jews that Jesus is speaking of seem to be a reference to the unbelieving Jews that were Satan inspired, to be hostile toward the church by persecuting the church and trying to destroy the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are the ones who rejected Jesus Christ as their Messiah and Savior.
    They were not true Jews that believed in the promises of God nor in the person of Jesus Christ. They were descendants of Abraham in name only, not by faith in Jesus Christ.

    Behold Jesus’ Answer:

    Revelation 3:9 KJV 1900
    9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
    One way or the other, either by the reception of the Word of God proclaimed by the people of God or by the forcing recognition and worship.
    Philippians 2:10–11 KJV 1900
    10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
    Not only does Jesus see our opposition, but Jesus is in control of our opposition.

    Behold Your Optimism.

    Revelation 3:10 KJV 1900
    10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
    Even though there was opposition to their message of Jesus Christ and a rejection of the name of Jesus Christ, Jesus makes 3 promises to them.
    Promise 1: Philadelphia will be

    Received as the Bride of Christ.

    Revelation 3:9 KJV 1900
    9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
    Jesus’ love is for His bride. When the see the union and feast that He has prepared for her, they will then know how much He loves the church.
    All the world, all fake churches and religious systems, every mocker, and every hater of the truth and of Jesus will know, Jesus said, “I have loved you. You are my Bride!”

    Raptured as the Bride of Christ.

    Revelation 3:10 KJV 1900
    10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
    Remember the context of the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
    Written to the saints of the 7 churches.
    Revelation 1:1 KJV 1900
    1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
    Warned of His Coming Judgment.
    Revelation 1:7 KJV 1900
    7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
    With one church left to read of the things that are, we are getting closer to the hour of temptation.
    What is the Hour of Temptation?
    Revelation 3:10 KJV 1900
    10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
    “from” is to be removed as opposed to “through”.
    “the” as a definite article reveals that Jesus had John looking to a very specific trial, Notice it is upon the world and those that dwell upon the earth.
    “Temptation” literally means testing, examination, trial.
    I believe “the hour of temptation” that Jesus is referring to is the what Daniel spoke of in Daniel 12:1
    Daniel 12:1 KJV 1900
    1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
    We all believe in the Rapture, according to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, however, we may disagree as to the when of the rapture. I have not been deceptive in any way that I am Pre-Tribulation. I also believe that is the difference between “from” and “through”. Jesus promises trials and testings in this world that will test our faithfulness as each one of these 7 churches have experienced. However, everyone of these churches also have the opportunity to overcome.
    The tribulation period that we will studying beginning in chapter 4 is reserved for unbelieving “earth dwellers” who have not believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. These “earth dwellers” will face the wrath and judgment of Almighty God!
    Hopefully, next Sunday night, Easter, I will give the difference between the Rapture and the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ.

    Behold Your Obligation.

    Be Active

    Revelation 3:11 (KJV 1900) 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
    Behold, I come quickly, that equals the rapture. We are to be looking for the coming of the groom, Jesus Christ.
    Therefore,
    Hold Fast. = “take possession of, seize, control, arrest” the opportunity that you have been given.
    How do we hold fast?
    Watching for the coming groom.
    Watch how we are living.
    We may not ever know the extent of our outreach and influence in this world until we get to heaven. However, I do not that God is using His churches in ways that cannot begin to be comprehended. I believe that His word will not return to Him void.
    Therefore, we are to Wait, we are to Watch, we are to Work until His comes.
    Seize the opportunities that you are given. Make proof of your ministry.
    2 Timothy 2:15 KJV 1900
    15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

    Be alert

    Why is it important?
    Because we will be

    Rewarded a Crown as the Bride of Christ.

    So that “no man take thy crown.”
    A crown is promised to the faithful of His true churches. Only kings who reign wear crowns. Only His faithful bride will be crowned and reign with Him and judge Israel and the nations and the angels.
    Matthew 19:28 KJV 1900
    28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
    1 Corinthians 6:2–3 KJV 1900
    2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
    Don’t let the opposition and focus of earthly men rob you of your ability to reign.

    Rewarded Residential Status in the City of Jesus

    Revelation 3:12 KJV 1900
    12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
    Stability - “pillar in the temple”
    Remember, Philadelphia was on a fault line. The people were always being evacuated from their city. But Jesus says, “No more”.
    As His bride, we will dwell with Him.
    In the New Jerusalem alongside Jesus Christ, we will have no fear, no tremors, no fleeing. There will only be perfect peace with the Prince of Peace!
    Remember, this is the city Abraham looked for by faith.
    Hebrews 11:10 KJV 1900
    10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
    Security - The Name of the Creator, the City, and the Christ.
    God assumes ownership of His creation. Those who have been redeemed are His forever.
    The name of the city because We live in His house. Our destination is to dwell with Christ in His father’s house.
    His name because we are special to Jesus. His name is representative of the fullness of His person.
    Listen very closely as we close this service this morning.
    This world may not see the value in this church, but God does, and He will honor those who are faithful.
    The opportunity of a wide open door came to the church in Philadelphia came with fear of earth quakes and opposition of people. But they hung on the Word of God and never forsook the name of Christ, and now they have eternal security in the presence of Jesus Christ in the city of God with the Creator of all.
    Revelation 3:13 KJV 1900
    13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
    Would you like this?
    Revelation 3:20 KJV 1900
    20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
    The Door is opened.
    First, you must be saved.
    Second, you must identify with Jesus Christ.
    Third, you must be faithful, waiting, watching, and working.

      • Revelation 3:7NKJV

      • Revelation 3:7NKJV

      • Revelation 4:8NKJV

      • Hosea 11:9NKJV

      • Revelation 1:18NKJV

      • Isaiah 22:22NKJV

      • Revelation 3:8NKJV

      • Romans 1:16NKJV

      • 1 Corinthians 1:26–31NKJV

      • Revelation 3:9NKJV

      • Revelation 2:9NKJV

      • Revelation 3:9NKJV

      • Philippians 2:10–11NKJV

      • Revelation 3:10NKJV

      • Revelation 3:9NKJV

      • Revelation 3:10NKJV

      • Revelation 1:1NKJV

      • Revelation 1:7NKJV

      • Revelation 3:10NKJV

      • Daniel 12:1NKJV

      • 2 Timothy 2:15NKJV

      • Matthew 19:28NKJV

      • 1 Corinthians 6:2–3NKJV

      • Revelation 3:12NKJV

      • Hebrews 11:10NKJV

      • Revelation 3:13NKJV

      • Revelation 3:20NKJV

  • The Savior Is Waiting

      • Psalm 71:23KJV1900

Kentucky MBC
kmbc@att.net
(501) 794-1640
http://www.kentuckymbc.org
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