Notes of Faith April 25, 2025
Open Door Policy
I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.
Revelation 3:8, NIV
Wilcox’s Pier Restaurant in West Haven, Connecticut, prepared great seafood for its patrons. But many people came just to watch waiters with arms full of trays walk right through a door that magically opened for them. The first automatic door was installed in 1931 at this restaurant so servers wouldn’t have to use their arms to push the door open.
Rev 3:7-13
7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this:
8 'I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 'Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie — I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you. 10 'Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 'I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 'He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. 13 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'
The Lord has been in the open-door business from the beginning. The church in the New Testament city of Philadelphia had great opportunities to serve Him. Their location was strategic. Their presence was timely. The Lord blessed their efforts, and He does the same for us.
Pray for God to open doors for you to spread His Word. Look for the opportunities He sends, and take advantage of them. Sometimes the door opens just enough for us to say a few words or to exercise a moment of kindness. The Lord constantly sets before us open doors that no one can shut.
In how many ministries has God given to us illimitable opportunities! Oh, how many facets and in how many areas are there opportunities to serve God! “Behold, I set before thee an open door.”
W. A. Criswell
Our work on earth will soon be finished. We will be able to work no more. Pray, pray, and pray again, for more opportunities both small and great to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with someone today. A smile, a small gift, a helping hand, a sacrificial loan or purchase for someone in need, speaks the gospel without words, and may bring opportunity, an open door to share the gospel that someone may be saved! That is our work while life still lasts, to walk through those open doors of God and speak to the hearts of those in desperate need of a Savior. Pray for such an open door for you today.
Pastor Dale