If Jesus were to evaluate your church, what do you think He would say? What might He say to other churches in your area? We actually have a pretty good idea. In Revelation, Jesus wrote seven evaluation letters to seven first-century congregations in Asia Minor, beginning with the church in Ephesus and concluding with the church in Laodicea. Jesus reviewed each local assembly of believers’ faith and works, including points of commendation, concern, and correction. Though these letters were addressed to specific congregations in the first century, there are some remarkably relevant applications for us because we still face some of the same issues today.

The sixth church Jesus addressed was the church in Philadelphia. This was a small church with little resources but rich in good works, loyal to God’s Word, and unashamed of their faith. This congregation had been faithful to the Lord in the face of real opposition. Now the Lord was opening up a new door of opportunity for the church for the advancement of gospel of Jesus Christ.