In the Bible, the imagery of a door often represents a significant opportunity, while a key symbolizes authority. The Apostle Paul beautifully illustrates this concept in his second letter to the Corinthians:

“When I came to the city of Troas to preach the Good News of Christ, the Lord opened a door of opportunity for me”
(2 Corinthians 2:12 NLT).

God Opens Doors of Opportunity

Just as God opened a door for Paul, He continues to open doors in our lives today. Consider a simple conversation where someone unexpectedly brings up a topic that creates an open door to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s crucial that we are ready and willing to step through such divine openings. There are some things that only God can do, and there are some things that only we can do. God will open a door, but we must walk through it.

Jesus Holds the Keys to Opportunity

It is Jesus who possesses the key and ultimately opens these significant doors. We can find comfort in knowing that He, with all authority, orchestrates these opportunities. Imagine if we held the keys ourselves – they would likely be misplaced! But Jesus doesn’t lose the keys; He is intentional in opening doors for His purpose.

Think about the story of Pastor Chuck Smith, a central figure in the Jesus Revolution. God undeniably opened a door for him, and he courageously walked through it, impacting countless lives.

Our Role in God’s Plan

While some things are exclusively within God’s power, we also have a vital role to play. God will open a door, but we must choose to walk through it. In the context of the church, our aim should always be to have open doors. We should never create barriers where God intends a bridge. Our desire is to be stepping stones, facilitating people’s journey to Christ, rather than becoming stumbling blocks that hinder their way. Encountering Jesus should never be made difficult.

Welcoming All: The Church as an Open Door

It’s a reality that someone might walk into our church who lives differently or dresses in a way that makes some within the Christian community feel uneasy. However, these are the very people who need to hear the life-transforming message of the gospel. Our mission is to call them to Christ, just as they are.

Our message should not be, “Clean up your life first, and then come to Christ.” Instead, it should resound with the truth: “Come to Christ, and He will clean up your life.”

The Church: A Hospital, Not a Museum

Ultimately, the church should function as a hospital for sinners, a place of healing and restoration, not a museum for those who perceive themselves as already perfect or “saints.” Let us keep our doors wide open, reflecting the welcoming heart of Jesus who holds the keys to true opportunity and transformation.