VII: Letters to the Church

He Stands and Knocks

Toward the end of his letter to the church in Laodicea, Jesus made the stunning statement,

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20) It’s an astounding statement because Jesus is writing to the church. To people who know and follow him. And yet, he’s on the outside, asking to be let in.

One of the most iconic depictions of Jesus in art isn’t of Him walking on water or calming a storm. It’s of Him standing silently at a closed church door. William Holman Hunt’s painting The Light of the World captures Revelation 3:20 in stunning detail.

Jesus stands at a weathered wooden door, holding a lantern. He’s dressed in royal robes, surrounded by thorns and overgrowth, suggesting that he’s been standing and knocking for quite a while. The door is aged and unused. But most striking of all, there is no doorknob on the outside; the only way to open the door is on the inside.

The painting depicts Jesus in the same way he presents himself in Revelation 3:20; he isn’t breaking down the door. He’s not shouting or forcing His way in. He’s knocking. Waiting. Patiently. Lovingly.

The church in Laodicea had everything they thought they needed, but they were missing intimacy with Jesus. They thought they were good. “I’m rich. I’ve prospered. I need nothing.” And yet, Jesus says they are poor, blind, and naked. Sometimes success closes us off to our true and deepest need. Self-sufficiency deafens us to the knock. But Jesus still knocks. He wants in. Not to take, but to give. Not to burden, but to dine. “I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” That’s not religious obligation. It’s relationship and communion.

And that’s the beauty of the gospel: Jesus knocks even on the doors overgrown with weeds, the ones that haven’t been opened in a long time. Maybe that’s you today. Maybe it’s been a long time since you experienced communion with Jesus. Today, take a moment to look at the door of your heart. Is it closed out of distraction? Fear? Pride? Maybe, like Laodicea, you’ve said “I’m good” for too long. But Jesus is still there. Still knocking. Still hoping to be welcomed in. And here’s one of the biggest shockers of all… the handle is on your side.

Pastor Ryan Paulson

by Ryan Paulson

Wholehearted Relationship

In Revelation 3, Jesus speaks to the church in Laodicea and says, “You are neither hot nor cold... I wish you were one or the other!” (v.15). It’s a strong message, but it comes from love. Jesus isn’t condemning—He’s calling His people back to a wholehearted relationship with Him. Friends, you may not always see it, but your lives leave a deep impression. Your words, your patience, your choices, and even your quiet presence shape the hearts and forms our minds shaped by relationships.

It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers. It’s about being open to growth, honest in your walk, and anchored in something greater than yourself. It's noticed when you lead with humility and show kindness, even in frustration. It's noticed when you consistently show up with care. It's noticed when you continue to walk with God even when the road is hard or the steps feel small. That kind of faithfulness speaks volumes.

Jesus says, “I stand at the door and knock.” He’s not waiting for you to be stronger or better– He’s waiting to walk with you just as you are. A heart that stays open to Him becomes a source of life for everyone nearby. So keep seeking Him and keep answering the knock until you see Him face-to-face.

- Where in my life have I grown lukewarm or comfortable?
- How is this impacting my relationship with God, myself, and with others?
- Confess this to the Lord and ask Him to empower you to walk in the fullness of His love this week.

Jessica Klootwyk
Discipleship Director

by Jessica Klootwyk

Deceived and Comfortable

Yesterday Francie did a wonderful job of explaining how the church in Laodicea became so apathetic spiritually, even though (and maybe because) they were living in such a rich culture. They were lukewarm, neither hot nor cold.

The city of Laodicea was a proud clothing manufacturer specializing in expensive garments made of black wool. The people in the church were comfortable, self-sufficient, and believed they were just fine. So can you imagine how they felt when Jesus told them they were pitiful and poor? (among other things) If they really listened, they were quickly jarred out of self-deception and into reality. He loved them enough to speak the truth–Jesus didn’t beat around the bush.

However, He quickly told them how they could be restored to spiritual health:
“I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.” Revelation 3:17-18

In Bible times, refiners used fire as a gold purifier. Fire caused impurities to rise to the surface for easier removal. In his first letter to believers in Jesus throughout Asia Minor, (northern Turkey) the apostle Peter used the gold-refining process as a metaphor for the way trials work in the life of a believer. Unconfessed sin, hidden shame, guilt, pride, etc.–impurities in life that come to the surface in trials. Jesus can forgive and wipe them all away when we aren’t blinded and deceived and ask forgiveness.

The Laodicdeans were proud of their black wool, but Jesus said they would wear white garments symbolic of the pure life available when Jesus has taken away the guilt and shame of disobedience. They would no longer be naked and ashamed when wearing white and walking close to Him.

But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults, keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Psalm 19:12-13

Only Jesus can reveal to us what is really in our hearts: arrogance, pride, willful disobedience, shame, guilt, and others, leaving us lukewarm and lacking real joy. All we have to do is ask for his help and forgiveness. He is faithful.

“Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1.

How have trials in your life refined you and brought you closer to Jesus?

Deb Hill
EFCC Member

by Deb Hill

Head in the Sand?

“For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” Revelation 3: 17

There was a myth thought to be true that an ostrich would hide its head in the sand when a predator was near, thinking if he could not see it, the predator could not see the ostrich. The phrase “having your head in the sand” is still used today to describe someone who ignores a potentially growing problem. We use phrases similar to that for those unwilling to face reality, like ‘turn a blind eye, live in denial, look the other way’. This is true in action as well when we consider the sinking of the Titanic. Many of those who drowned simply refused to believe the ship was sinking and didn’t evacuate immediately. Then it became too late.

When thinking about Jesus’ words to the church in Laodicea, verse 17 seemed to be an ostrich moment for the believers there. The believers thought they were fine; thought they needed nothing, but the LORD saw their true souls mirrored the culture. They may have been wealthy according to Laodicea but the church was spiritually in poverty. The LORD wanted the believers to have the richness of His Presence in their lives, to walk in growing intimacy with Him. But they must have ignored the nudges of the Holy Spirit and the still small voice of God because they chose not to recognize what they truly were: “wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.”

How does that happen? It happens a little bit at a time. Just a little ignoring of Scripture, a little disobedience, until it becomes a carnal lifestyle, “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God…”

Remember this letter is to believers in the church. And all of a sudden, we find ourselves where we never thought we would be.

How can we correct this? How do we become spiritually rich? Of course, as is the recurring message it begins with repentance. Let us look at a great verse that points us in the rich direction, getting our heads out of the sand.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
Psalm 139:23-24 ESV

And then because the Message presents an amplified version . . .
“Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong – Then guide me on the road to eternal life.”

Psalm 139:23-24 Message

Change/Transformation is a partnership and it must begin with surrender.

Will we pray those verses, hear Him, and follow His leading? Praying earnestly for our church to walk in spiritual richness.

Francie Overstreet
EFCC Member

by Francie Overstreet

What’s in a Name?

I was born in Orange County, but moved to Denver when I was 11 years old, and I quickly became a Bronco fan. For years, Denver’s football home was known simply as Mile High Stadium. It wasn’t just a place, it was a landmark in Denver. So when it was renamed Invesco Field at Mile High in 2001, the backlash was immediate. In defiant opposition, the fans kept calling it Mile High. The signs changed, but the hearts of the people didn’t. Why? Because names aren’t just labels, they’re tied to identity. That’s sort of what happened in the ancient city of Philadelphia.

After a devastating earthquake in AD 17, Philadelphia was rebuilt with Roman help, and out of gratitude, they renamed the city “Neocaesarea,” which means “New Caesar.” But that name never stuck. The people eventually went back to calling it what they had always known: Philadelphia.

Imagine how much it would have meant to the church in Philadelphia to read,

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 from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. (Revelation 3:12)

They knew all about names and new names. Jesus is speaking their language; he’s inserting himself into their story. He’s not just making a promise, he’s making a personal connection. He’s saying, “You’ve been renamed before. This time, the name will stick. Because this time, it’s coming from me.”

We live in a world that’s always trying to name us. We get names based on our looks, our income, our resume, our worst moments, or our highlight reel. Some names are subtle: Impressive. Important. Invisible. Some are harsh: Failure. Unlovable. Not enough. And we spend so much of our lives trying to either live up to those names or outrun them. But then Jesus steps in and says, “You don’t have to achieve your name. I’ll give you mine.” What great news; what relief! It’s a name not built on performance, but on his grace. Not earned, but received. Not shaky, but secure.

Jesus knows that we live in a shaky world. The ground beneath us trembles… sometimes literally. But his promise is steady: “You are mine.” When the world tries to rename you, Jesus reclaims you. You may feel overwhelmed and overmatched today. Maybe like the church in Philadelphia, you have little strength. But in Jesus, you’re not overlooked. You’re named. Marked. Claimed.

Not “New Caesar.”

Not “Not Enough.”

But Beloved. Child. Pillar. Mine.

So take a moment and breathe that in today: You don’t have to achieve your identity. You get to receive it. And when life shakes, or people mislabel you, remember: the One who holds the key, who opens doors no one can shut, has already spoken your name. And he never gets it wrong.

Pastor Ryan Paulson

by Ryan Paulson

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Avoiding Relational Lukewarmness

“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”

Revelation 3:15-16

I don’t know about you, but I’m a guy who likes his “hot food” to be hot, and his “cold food” to be cold. For instance, I prefer my coffee to be about one degree from where it will burn my tongue, and I like my milk so cold that I will chill a glass in the freezer for a few minutes before filling it up. What I don’t like is room temperature coffee or milk. But then, who does?

Since yesterday was Father’s Day, it might be helpful for those of us out there who have interactions with kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews and even neighbors, to think a little about how we can continually take steps to be hot and/or cold, which is to say, to be a useful blessing from God in the lives of those with whom we interact. Here are a few that I submit for your consideration.

For any of us to be a useful presence in someone’s life, we might want to prayerfully consider how much we listen when we are around? How do we do with asking questions? With asking clarifying questions? With simply trying to understand? With sometimes keeping our opinions and advice to ourselves? (Proverbs 20:5)

Second, we might want to prayerfully consider how faithful and dependable we are? Do we keep our promises (to the best of our ability)? Are we someone our kids can count on? Someone they can rely on? Call in a pinch? That kind of thing. (Matthew 5:37)

Third, we might want to prayerfully consider whether we come across as judgmental? Would our kids say they feel safe telling us just about anything? (Ephesians 4:2)

Fourth, do we make an effort to spend time with them? I am reminded of some advice I once received - quality time always grows out of quantity time. Sometimes it takes awhile to build that relational equity, but once it’s there, good conversations can happen. (Ecclesiastes 11:6)

Well, I am sure you have your own thoughts on avoiding lukewarmness in your closest relationships. Thanks for reading mine.

To God be the glory,

Scott Smith
Care Pastor

by Scott Smith

Faithful When Power Fades

“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

by Josh Rose

Know He Loves You

“…behold, I will make them come and bow down before
your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you.”
Revelation 3:9b

Imagine with me that you are at this event where the faithful though small group of believers in the Philadelphia church are having something amazing happen. “…those of the synagogue of Satan…” are bowing down at the church members' feet. This future scenario has a surprising purpose. The Lord Jesus in speaking to His family members tells them that some day their very enemies will finally know Jesus loved them. He didn’t want these liars to recant their unbelief or to cry out that the believers had been right all of the time. What Jesus said really surprised me and caused me to ponder this deeply. As this message was for the church, clearly it had a message for them and us. It was overwhelming to get just an inkling of how much God wants us to KNOW that He LOVES us completely, fully, all of the time, in every situation. Let us look at Romans 8:35, 38-39.

“Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Who but God loves like this, who died for us in our place while we didn’t even know Him! Who loves us even when we doubt Him, choose wrongly, are living without hope? Who has succumbed to the deceit of the evil one when he says we certainly aren’t worthy of God’s love? Who loves even though the circumstances of life make us question His love? God does, because He is love and as His children, nothing can separate us from His love. In the Romans passage, there are 17 things that cannot separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. It is a comprehensive list.

If you begin to feel ‘unloved’, you are not listening to the right voice!

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

I John 4:10

Reflection:
Why do you think God wants you to know He loves you all of the time?
What has made you question His love in the past or even now?
How is God calling you to think differently?

Francie Overstreet
EFCC Member

by Francie Overstreet

“Behold-I Will”

Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. Revelations 3:8-9 (ESV)

The word behold is an old word that really isn’t used today, and isn’t even found in different Bible versions today. What does it even mean? In the Bible, the word "behold" is usually the translation of the Hebrew word הנה (hinneh,) in the Old Testament and the Greek word ιδου (idou) in the New Testament. Both the Hebrew and Greek words mean "look" or "see." Here we “see” by using "behold," Jesus highlights the significance of the specific event, miracle, or teaching that follows. It makes us aware that what is about to be presented is important and worthy of attention.

As a military wife, or as anyone familiar with military life, the command yelled “ten hut” (a shortened version of attention) refers to a specific posture and mental state: standing at attention means to stand with heels together, feet turned out 45 degrees, legs straight (but not stiff), arms down, chest lifted, and back arched. It also means to be alert and ready to hear and execute commands. This stern announcement usually precedes the entrance of a commanding officer or other senior officer. The point is, like “behold” it is saying “pay attention” something important is coming.

We see in Revelation 3, Jesus emphasizing what he has done, and what he will do. He is reminding and encouraging the church that no one can shut the open door he set before them. He also promises that the liars in the synagogue of Satan will bow down at the feet of the faithful, finally recognizing Jesus’ love for them. Encouragement, a promise and reminder of God’s faithful love, all given to the church and to us in these two verses.

Personally, I like the word behold! It catches my attention, it makes me take closer notice of what follows and the repetition also tells me that this is very important for me to know and understand.

What stands out to you in these verses? Why is the open door important? What is the importance of the promise?

Deb Hill
EFCC Member

by Deb Hill