THE PERFECT CHURCH

REVELATION 3:7-13

Pastor Rick Jackson

Of course we all know there are no perfect local churches. If you ever find one, someone has said, don't join it! Because the moment you join it- it will no longer be perfect. The lesson is, of course, that since none of us is perfect, no church made up of imperfect people can be perfect. With that in mind however turn to our text. Jesus directed John to write to 7 local churches in his day. Jesus complimented each church on what was right about them (if anything) and then told them what was wrong with them. Just as one church had no good things Jesus said about them- one church had no bad things that Jesus discussed with them. What about this "perfect" church? What are some characteristics of this church? What lessons can we learn about churches we see, hear, and or know about?

Before we get started note Who the Authority on this matter happens to be--- the Lord Jesus Christ[v. 7]

I. THE PERFECT CHURCH HAS AN OPEN DOOR [v. 8]

1. It's Power is Not in Itself [Rm. 1:16, II Co. 12:9-10]

2. It's Keeping is a Two-fold Testimonial [1:3, 2:6, 3:3, 8; 12:17, 14:12, 16:15, 22:7, 9]

3. It's Non-denial is Noteworthy

Acts 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

II. THE PERFECT CHURCH HAS OPPOSITION [v. 9]

1. Religious Professors

2. Liars

3. Destined to face the Master

III. THE PERFECT CHURCH HAS OPPORTUNITIES [v. 10-12]

1. To Escape the Great Tribulation [v. 10, 14:7]

2. To Engage in the Great Task [v. 11]

Matthew 6:19-20 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

3. To Enjoy the Great City [v. 12]

1 John 2:13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
1 John 2:14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1 John 5:4-5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

INVITATION [v. 13]