THE SIXTH MARK OF THE CHURCH – OPPORTUNITY

THE CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA, TURKEY

The sixth mark of the church is opportunity. Christ placed before the church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) an open door, that no one can shut, and he holds the key to the door. Christ holds the key to the door of salvation. Do we wish to enter the narrow door and step onto the narrow way which leads to Life? Christ holds the key to the door of service. …What are we going to do with our life? Are we going to feather our nest with down and line our pockets with gold? Are we bent on making a fortune and retiring young in comfort, having turned a deaf ear to the needs of a world without Christ? Or shall we rather scorn the way of safety and luxury, and hasten through the open doors to the needy multitudes outside?

This was Christ’s message to the church at Philadelphia. It before the whole church of Philadelphia that he had opened a door. This is the New Testament ideal. Evangelism is not the prerogative of parsons. It is not the hobby of a few fanatics. It is a duty resting upon the whole congregation and upon every member of it. Every Christian is called to be a witness. Every local Christian community is called to mobilize its forces and marshal them into battle array. How much impact is our local church making upon its neighborhood? Are our church members being trained for active evangelistic enterprise? Are we arranging special services in which the gospel is preached, and aiming to lead our own friends to Christ? These are the doors which Christ has opened. We must be sure to go through them. The key is Christ’s; but the choice is ours.

The open door stands for the Church’s opportunity; the key of David for Christ’s authority. Christ has the keys. Christ has opened the doors. Now it is up to us. The door stands open to invite us. Let us not hesitate a moment longer. Let us go in through the door of salvation, and out through the door of service.

WHAT CHRIST THINKS OF THE CHURCH, John Stott, p.108f.

What opportunities do we have to witness to Christ? What opportunities do our churches have to share the Gospel in their communities?