7 Letters (Part 3) … The Great Tribulation

Written By Betty Predmore

REVELATION 3:7-22

(December 12)

The letters continue with a letter to the angel of the church of Philadelphia. They weren't a strong church, but they were an obedient one. Because of this, Jesus declares that he will force all the false teachers that came against them to bow down before them and acknowledge them as being the ones he loves.

I'd like to think he feels that way about us. Maybe we aren't the strongest all the time, but when we remain faithful, he honors us with his love, and he defeats our enemies.

A great time of testing is coming to these believers, but they will be protected because of their obedience. There will be a time of great tribulation that true believers will be spared from. He encourages them to hold on to their faith and they will become pillars in the Temple of God where they get to stay for all eternity. They will be citizens of the New Jerusalem that will come down to earth after Jesus returns.

All of this was told to them by Jesus, through John. Jesus opens the door to heaven with the key of David, which is his authority to invite believers into the New Jerusalem. Once that door is opened, (salvation), no one can close it. If it is closed (judgement), no one can open it.

Jesus then speaks words to the angel of the church in Laodicea, through John's writing. This is the lukewarm church we hear so much about. They are not hot ... on fire for Christ, nor are they cold ... against him. They simply trod along without much conviction of anything.

Because of this, Jesus warns that he will spit them out. Because they are wealthy, they think they don't need anything else. They don't realize how poor they are in spirit. Only through faith can they achieve true richness ... richness in spirit. When they do this, their eyes will be open to truly see.

Jesus isn't forceful. He doesn't push his way into our lives. He simply says, "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends." (Verse 20) It is ALWAYS our choice to open the door or not. He wants us to come to him in our own free will, choosing him over this world.

That is what he was telling the church of Laodicea. He wanted them to make up their minds one way or the other. You can't straddle both sides of the fence. You are either in the world or in him. Choosing the world brings you to participation in that Great Tribulation. Choosing him brings you victory.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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