“I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” – Revelation 3:8
For most of modern history, the church in the West has held a position of cultural influence. Policies, traditions, and customs have often reflected Christian values… even the calendar that we reference every day is based on Jesus. But that age is fading. Increasingly, believers find themselves on the margins—misunderstood, opposed, or even ignored. The question we must ask is: “How do we relate to the world when we no longer have power?”
Revelation 3:8 gives us a wonderful answer. Jesus gives this little, seemingly unimpressive, powerless church in Philadelphia some advice that would be good for us to hear. He says, “You have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” This was not a rebuke—it was high praise. Jesus was not looking for worldly strength; He was looking for faithfulness. Did you hear that? This is just as true today as it was then. Today, Jesus is not looking for worldly strength; He is looking for faithfulness.
The Philadelphia church didn’t control policy. They weren’t building empires. They weren’t admired by the world. They were simply faithful to the name of Jesus and obedient to the Scriptures. That, Jesus says, is what opens doors no one can shut.
We need to prepare ourselves for a similar season. When the church is no longer at the center of culture, we must resist the temptation to grasp for political dominance or fight to “win” in worldly terms. Instead, like Philadelphia, we are called to remain faithful—deeply rooted in Scripture, unwavering in our allegiance to Jesus, and radically loving even when misunderstood.
Weakness, in God’s economy, does not disqualify—it qualifies. Powerlessness is not failure. In fact, all throughout the Bible, God delights to use those who the world counts out. As Paul reminds us, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
The open door Jesus promises is not tied to cultural authority—it is tied to gospel opportunity. Even in exile, even under pressure, even with “little power,” Christ opens doors for witness, for love, for courage. And no one can shut them.
So don’t fear the loss of power. Embrace the opportunity to live a compelling, countercultural faith. Speak the name of Jesus boldly. Obey His Word consistently. Love your neighbors sacrificially. Be faithful in little, and watch how He remains faithful in everything else.
Josh Rose
Family Pastor