What does it mean for Jesus to say, “I stand at the door and knock”?
That’s the picture we explored this Sunday as we continued our Last Word for Today series. In Revelation chapters 2 and 3, the risen Christ speaks to seven churches in Asia Minor—some strong, some struggling, all loved. And because the number seven in Scripture represents completeness, we’re meant to understand that these aren’t just letters to long-ago communities. They are words to the whole Church, including us.
The churches back then weren’t perfect.
Ours isn’t either.
But the message remains: flawed, but loved.
As we heard in the sermon:
“Jesus is in the midst of the lampstands, not standing apart from them.”
There’s a rhythm to how Christ speaks to his Church:
Affirmation.
Correction.
Promise.
He tells the truth in love. He names what’s wrong, yes, but always as someone knocking at the door, eager to sit down and share a meal.
And so we asked ourselves: What would it look like to open the door together?
The last word isn’t judgment or fear. It’s invitation.
Listen to the full message (and this week’s children’s lesson) right here. As always, we’d love for you to reflect with us, pray with us, and let the Spirit speak, not just to your heart, but through our life together as a church.
We’d love to see you in person at Lincoln Park-Lynnwood United Methodist Church, 3120 Pershing Street, Knoxville. Come as you are. We’re not in the judging business. We’re in the welcoming business.
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