Open the Door... He's Knocking!
(By: Emerson Blythe)
TEXT: (Rev 3:19-22 KJV) "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. {20} Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. {21} To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. {22} He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
THIS IS A VERY STRANGE PASSAGE OF SCRIPTURE.
IT WAS TO A CHURCH: THE CHURCH OF THE LAODICEANS.
THE LORD IS SUPPOSED TO BE INSIDE A CHURCH.
THIS ONE, HE WAS WITHOUT, KNOCKING.
THE CHURCH IS TO BE THE DWELLINGPLACE OF THE LORD: (Eph 2:19-22 KJV) "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; {20} And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; {21} In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: {22} In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."
BUT HOW MANY MORE CHURCHES FIND THE LORD SHUT OUT AND KNOCKING AT THE DOOR???
IT MAKES ONE THINK OF THE TIME THE JEWS WENT TO RENOVATE THE TEMPLE AND UNCOVERED A COPY OF THE BIBLE!
(2 Ki 22:5-13 KJV) "And let them deliver it into the hand of the doers of the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD: and let them give it to the doers of the work which is in the house of the LORD, to repair the breaches of the house, {6} Unto carpenters, and builders, and masons, and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the house. {7} Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully. {8} And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. {9} And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD. {10} And Shaphan the scribe showed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king. {11} And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes. {12} And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying, {13} Go ye, inquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us."
CAN YOU IMAGINE A "CHURCH" WITH NO BIBLE?
CAN YOU IMAGINE A CHURCH WITH THE LORD STANDING OUTSIDE SEEKING ADMISSION?
CAN YOU IMAGINE THE LORD PATIENTLY KNOCKING, AND NO ONE TAKING THE TIME TO OPEN THE DOOR!
1. THE LORD IS KNOCKING AT THE HEART OF THE NON-RELIGIOUS PERSON.
Some people just do not have time for religion, for church. Others see it as a crutch for the weak. As a well-rounded and balanced person, they see no need for church, or Christianity.
If you fit in this category, the Lord is knocking at your door.
When Jesus came to the Jews of His day, offering salvation, they saw no need for it.
(John 8:31-36 KJV) "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; {32} And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. {33} They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? {34} Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. {35} And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. {36} If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."
JESUS WAS KNOCKING ON THESE PEOPLE'S DOOR. IS HE KNOCKING ON YOURS TODAY?
Some people just do not have the time to think seriously about their souls.
(Luke 8:13-15 KJV) "They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. {14} And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. {15} But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience."
IT SEEMS THE MORE CONVENIENCES WE HAVE, THE LESS TIME WE HAVE. IT IS SUCH A RUSHED UP WORLD THAT SOME JUST DO NOT HAVE TIME FOR THE LORD.
IF YOU FIT IN THIS CATEGORY, THE LORD IS KNOCKING AT YOUR DOOR.
(Luke 10:38-42 KJV) "Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. {39} And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. {40} But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. {41} And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: {42} But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
IF YOU HAVE BEEN ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO DO NOT HAVE TIME FOR THE LORD, HE IS PATIENTLY KNOCKING AT YOUR HEART'S DOOR, SEEKING ADMISSION. WILL YOU NOT OPEN THE DOOR TO HIM TODAY?
2. THE LORD IS KNOCKING AT THE DOOR OF THE CASUALLY RELIGIOUS PERSON.
THERE ARE PERHAPS MORE PEOPLE WHO ARE CASUALLY RELIGIOUS TODAY IN OUR SOCIETY THAN THERE EVER HAS BEEN SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHURCH.
BACK IN NEW TESTAMENT TIMES, PEOPLE RISKED THEIR ALL TO FOLLOW CHIRST. IT WOULD COST THEM ESTRANGEMENT, PERSECUTION, LOSS OF THEIR MATERIAL POSSESSIONS, AND IN MANY CASES, EVEN THEIR VERY LIVES. PEOPLE WHO HAD TO RISK ALL WERE MORE LIKELY TO GIVE ALL. IF YOUR WHOLE HEART WAS NOT IN IT, YOU WOULDN'T BE IN IT AT ALL.
TODAY, PEOPLE GIVE AN HOUR TO THE LORD OCCASIONALLY, THEY PROFESS CHRISTIANITY, BUT IT MEANS VERY LITTLE TO THEM. THIS MAY VERY WELL FIT THE POSITION OF THE LAODICEANS IN REVELATION CHAPTER 3. TO THIS TYPE PERSON, JESUS IS KNOCKING AT THEIR DOOR, WANTING TO COME IN AND BE A REAL PART OF THEIR LIVES.
Jesus said, (Mat 7:21 KJV) "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
(Mat 15:8-9 KJV) "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. {9} But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
(Luke 9:23-24 KJV) "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. {24} For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it."
DO YOU FIT INTO THIS CATEGORY? IF SO, THE LORD IS KNOCKING AT YOUR DOOR, WANTING YOU TO MAKE HIM THE CENTRAL PART OF YOUR LIFE, AND SERVE HIM WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART. (Mat 6:33 KJV) "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
(Luke 9:62 KJV) "And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."
IF THE LORD IS KNOCKING AT YOUR DOOR IN THIS RESPECT, WILL YOU NOT OPEN THAT DOOR TO HIM TODAY?
3. THE LORD IS KNOCKING ART THE DOOR OF THE ERRONEOUSLY RELIGIOUS
PERSON.
MANY PEOPLE TODAY ARE DEVOUTLY RELIGIOUS, BUT THEY HAVE NEVER TAKEN THE TIME TO PROVE WHAT THEY BELIEVE, AND WHAT THEY PRACTICE, TO SEE IF IT IS IN KEEPING WITH THE TEACHING OF GOD'S WORD. Remember Matt 15:9, "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
(Gal 1:6-7 KJV) "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: {7} Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ."
Of the Romans, Paul said, (Rom 10:2-3 KJV) "For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. {3} For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God."
Paul told the Corinthians: (2 Cor 13:5 KJV) "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?"
(1 Tim 6:3-5 KJV) "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; {4} He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, {5} Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself."
JUST BECAUSE YOU DID NOT KNOW YOU WERE WRONG DOES NOT MEAN YOU WILL BE EXCUSED. (Mat 15:14 KJV) "Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch."
(James 5:20 KJV) "Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins."
(1 John 4:6 KJV) "We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error."
IF YOU ARE IN RELIGIOUS ERROR TODAY, THE LORD IS KNOCKING AT YOUR HEART. (Rev 2:5 KJV To the church at Ephesus:) "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."
(Rev 3:3 KJV To the church at Sardis:) "Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee."
(Rev 3:19-20 KJV) "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. {20} Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
4. THE LORD IS KNOCKING AT THE DOOR OF THE PERSON WHO HAS NOT OBEYED
THE GOSPEL.
(Heb 5:8-9 KJV) "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; {9} And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;"
(1 Pet 4:17 KJV) "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?"
(2 Th 1:7-9 KJV) "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, {8} In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: {9} Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power."
Paul's lament of Rom 10:16: "But they have not all obeyed the gospel... "
(Acts 18:8 KJV) "And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized."
IF YOU HAVE NOT OBEYED THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST TODAY, THE LORD IS KNOCKING AT YOUR DOOR. (2 Pet 3:9 KJV) "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
IF THE LORD IS KNOCKING AT YOUR DOOR TODAY, WILL YOU NOT OPEN THAT DOOR TO HIM, AND RENDER OBEDIENCE TO THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST?
5. THE LORD IS KNOCKING AT THE DOOR OF THE BACKSLIDDEN CHRISTIAN.
IF YOU ARE NOT AS DEVOUT AS YOU USED TO BE, THE LORD IS KNOCKING AT YOUR DOOR. IF YOU HAVE FALLEN BY THE WAYSIDE, HE IS KNOCKING AT YOUR DOOR. (Ezek 33:11 KJV) "Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?"
Remember, James said that to convert the erring brother from the error of his way, is to save a soul from death.
(Mat 23:37 KJV) "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!"
IS THE LORD KNOCKING AT YOUR HEART'S DOOR TODAY? WILL YOU REFUSE HIM EVEN LONGER? WON'T YOU OPEN THAT DOOR TO HIM TODAY?
CLOSING: THE PROMISE FOR THOSE WHO OPEN.
(Rev 3:20 KJV) "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
NOTE: IT STARTS OUT TO A "CHURCH." IT ENDS UP ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS. "if any man hear my voice, and open the door..."
OPENING THE DOOR TO THE LORD IS ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS. YOU DON'T HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE REST OF THE CHURCH. YOU DON'T HAVE TO WAIT FOR YOUR FAMILY, YOUR HUSBAND, WIFE, BROTHER, SISTER, MOTHER, FATHER, SON OR DAUGHTER.
WILL YOU NOT OPEN THE DOOR TO JESUS TODAY?