Ep.121 - Seven Churches Speak: Power to the Powerless - Philadelphia

Sometimes one of the most difficult aspects of faith is when we appear to be doing everything right but things don’t appear to be getting any better. All too often we mistakenly assume that good behaviour invariably equates to an easier life! The church at Philadelphia learnt that in spite of their committed devotion, they were subject to the rejection of those around them, and the persecution from those above them in authority

And yet Jesus was extremely commendable of the Philadelphian church. Like the church at Smyrna, he hadn’t a single complaint to say about them. He acknowledged their vulnerability and weakness, yet celebrated their steadfast commitment to endure and persevere. And though they were presently under threat of excommunication and isolation, Jesus would one day publicly acknowledge them and express his deep love of them

This week the Curious Team take a look at the tough experience of the Philadelphians. How we sustain faith in the midst of pressure and rejection. How we must come to an understanding that our expressing real holiness of life, does not always result in a reduction of pressure and tough times. Tune in this week as the team seek to get under the surface of the Philadelphian understanding


Further Reading
We’ve listed some views below for you to read and ponder…
The Little Church that Tried - RayStedman.org

To the Church in Philadelphia - Ligonier.org

What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this episode. So here goes. We’ve been getting stuck into the following;

Jeffrey A D Weima—
The Sermons To The Seven Churches of Revelation (A Commentary and Guide)

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