For taking your time to study remain blessed. TOPIC: THE PURITY AND PERSERVANCE OF A FAITHFUL CHURCH. TUESDAY JULY 4 TEXT: REVELATION 3:7-13 KEY VERSE: “That he might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:27). The church in Philadelphia received commendation and encouragement without any blame from Christ. He who is holy and true did not see anything unholy or untrue in their midst. The righteous, impartial judge was so pleased with that church that all He had for them was greater privilege of more usefulness in ministry. The two churches in Smyrna and Philadelphia commended by Christ, having no moral flaw, spiritual blemish or doctrinal error to correct, give each Christian and each church hope and encouragement that it is possible to live with complete spiritual victory, living a day at a time. The compromise and corruption found in the other churches were not found in the churches in Smyrna and Philadelphia. The decline of the first love, the inroad of idolatry and immorality through the corrupting influence of Jezebel, the deception of the doctrine and deeds of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, association and interaction with false world religions, compromise and toleration of sin and false prophets, fear of suffering persecution and consequent unfaithfulness, were not found in these two faithful, pure, Christ-honouring churches. The Lord first introduced Himself to the Church, His Church, as He who is holy and true, the only source of our holiness, the only true way to God. Christ is the holy One. Angels and demons called Him the Holy One. The kingdom of darkness refers to Him as the Righteous One. Men and enemies knew Him to be holy and found no fault in Him. His sacrifice and atonement for our sins was acceptable to God because He was holy, righteous, spotless, sinless, pure and perfect. And He has divine power and authority to demand holiness and to make us holy. Look up to Jesus for a perfect life and keep His holiness in the church. “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.” (Hebrews 7:25-27). Thought for the day: Jesus is coming for a glorious church, without any blemish. Song for the day: Holy, holy, holy … Lord God Almighty. Bible reading for the day: Job 29-30; Acts 12 #horemow.