Open doors and authentic faith A reading from the Revelation 3, 7:13 on the Daily Bible refresh hello my friend Dr. Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.

This is your daily reading of the Bible from a progressive point of view.

In a bit I will read the New Testament lessons selected from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.

The reading is understandable.

I use the message version relatable.

Please listen to the points to ponder and applicable with action steps you can take.

We pray and are done in less than 10 minutes.

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Here's today's reading.

Reading from the Revelation 3:7 13 from the Message to Philadelphia Write this to Philadelphia to the angel of the Church, the Holy, the true David's key is in his hand opening doors no one can lock.

Locking doors no one can open.

I see what you've done now See what I've done.

I've opened the door before you that no one can slam shut.

You don't have much strength.

I know that you used what you had to keep my word.

You didn't deny me when times were rough.

And watch as I take those who call themselves true believers but are not nothing of the kind, pretenders whose true membership is with the club of Satan.

Watch as I strip off their pretensions and they're forced to acknowledge it's you that I've loved because you kept my word in passionate patience.

I'll keep you safe in the time of testing that will be here soon and over all the earth, every man, woman and child put to the test.

I'm on my way.

I'll be there soon.

Keep a tight grip on what you have so no one distracts you and steals your crown.

I'll make each conqueror a pillar in the sanctuary of my God, a permanent position of honor.

Then I'll write names on you.

The Pillars, the name of my God, the name of God's city, the new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven and my new name.

Are your ears awake?

Listen.

Listen to the wind words.

Listen.

The spirit blowing through the churches.

Well, my friends, in this passage today from the Revelation, it speaks to the church in the city of Philadelphia, offering powerful insights about authenticity perseverance and divine possibility.

Let's talk about some points to ponder.

First, is the divine door opening?

The imagery of doors being open that no one can shut speaks to a divine intervention and in breaking down systematic barriers.

Just as the early church faced institutional opposition, today's progressive movements often encounter resistance from established religions, religious and social structures.

This passage reminds us that divine justice can't be contained by human barriers.

A second point is strength and vulnerability.

You don't have much strength.

I know that you used what you had to keep my word and is what the scripture says.

This validates the experience of marginalized communities and grassroots movements.

True power isn't about institutional authority or numerical of majority.

It's about a faithful witness despite limited resources and opposition.

A third point is about authenticity versus religious performance.

The text's critique of pretenders challenges us to examine religious performance culture.

Authentic faith isn't about maintaining appearances or religious superiority, but about genuine commitment to justice and love.

This especially speaks to how progressive Christianity often faces accusations of not being real Christianity.

Let's talk about an action step.

Identify at least one closed door in your community.

Could be some barrier to inclusion, justice or equality.

Or could be some physical or social or institutional wall or door.

And work with others to create an alternative pathway or challenge the existing barrier.

Remember, sometimes what seems like little strength can be exactly what's needed for transformation.

We're going to come back and have a closing prayer here in just a moment.

Just a reminder that we have a great tool for you to use for your own daily Bible study at home.

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You pick it up at our website voiceofgoddaily.com free to you.

Let's pray.

God of open doors.

We live in a world of walls and barriers, some visible, others hidden in tradition and prejudice.

Help us recognize the doors you are opening even when they lead us into uncomfortable spaces of growth and change.

When we feel weak or inadequate, remind us that you use our limited strength in unlimited ways.

Give us courage to be authentic in our faith even when others question our belonging.

Grant us patience in the struggle for justice and help us to trust that you are making a way where there seems to be no way in the spirit of love and liberation.

Amen.

My friend, I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.

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My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your daily Bible Refresh.

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Remember, God's loyal love doesn't run out.

His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.