I. A Breathtaking Description of the Lord Jesus (vs.7)
   A. He who is Holy-refers to the Lord alone who possesses absolute Holiness. In the New Testament, the title “Holy One” is used in describing the second person of the trinity, Jesus Christ. (Luke 1:35; John 6:69)
   B. He who is True-Truth is used alongside Holiness several times in Revelation, in reference to Jesus. (6:10; 15:3; 19:2,11)
  “The vacuum in a world of error and falsehood is truth.” Unknown Author
   C. He who has the key of David-keys in Scripture point to authority. (1:18; 20:1; Matthew 16:19)
   D. He who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens-this description emphasizes the omnipotence of the Lord. (Is. 46:9-11; Daniel 4:35)

II. Wonderful Works of the Lord Jesus (vs.8-9)
   A. He provided an open door. (vs.8) He tells us why in this case? Their faithfulness. Open doors in Scripture many times point to the gospel. (I Corinthians 16:8-9; Colossians 4:2-3)
   B. He promised a humbling experience. (vs.9) Amazingly the Lord Jesus promised that the very ones opposing the true gospel would be humbled before them. 

III. Awesome Promises from the Lord Jesus (vs.10-12)
   A. I will keep you from the hour of testing-a promise to the church that believers would be kept from the tribulation period.
   B. I am coming quickly-points to the imminency of the Lord’s return. (I Thes 4:13-18)
   C. I will make him a pillar in the temple/he will not go out from it anymore-promise of stability and security. 
   D. I will demonstrate that you are mine-name of My God, city and new name.  These promises allude to ownership, security and blessing. WOW!

This is lesson 4 in our study of Church History. The history of the church is filled with persecution and in this lesson Mr. Jan Langford explains the reasons why the church has been hated throughout its history.

Some of the Topics to be looked at in this multiweek study include the purpose, beginning and organization of the Church.  The beginnings of missions and the opposition to the church.  The growth of hierarchialism and denominationalism. The Protestant Reformation.