In this episode of the Beyond Sunday podcast, Robby and James discuss James’s recent sermon on the church of Philadelphia, one of the seven churches in Revelation. They note that Philadelphia is the smallest of the churches, yet it receives strong commendation from Jesus and no rebuke. The conversation centers on what that faithfulness means and why it matters.

They also spend time on Jesus’ description of himself as the one who has the key of David. James explains this as a reference to Jesus as the promised descendant of David and as the one who opens and closes doors that no one else can control. That image leads into a broader discussion of doors in Scripture, salvation, and the opportunities God gives for gospel witness.

Another major topic is holiness. James points to Revelation’s repeated declaration that God is “holy, holy, ho ...