Throughout the history of the world the Lord has been a wall of protection around His people. He delivers us from all evil. He delivers us from the hour of temptation, of testing.

We are not to fear the spiritual darkness and wickedness that rapidly is filling the earth. The Scripture teaches us to not fear even though a multitude of adversaries should rise against us.

A thousand shall fall at our side and ten thousand at our right hand but we shall not be harmed. We are perfectly safe as long as we continue to abide in the Lord Jesus Christ, guarding the word of His patience.

How does Christ keep us from the hour of testing? In the same manner He keeps us from the devil (John 17:15). Christ keeps us so the devil cannot harm us, and Christ will keep us so the hour of testing cannot harm us. Not a hair of our head shall perish (Luke 21:18).

We know that the saints suffer every kind of problem and suffering imaginable. But no enticement, no problem, no suffering, no persecution, no affliction will ever be able to separate us from God's love in Christ as long as we endure patiently, carrying our cross behind the Master.

The believer who endures patiently, following Christ throughout his life, will be kept by Christ. He will fear no evil because Christ will be with him continually, guarding and protecting him from evil through to the conclusion of the present wicked age.

If we are abiding in Christ's patience we will see the reward of the wicked with our eyes but we ourselves will have complete confidence in the Day of Judgment.

Christ keeps us singing as we go, even through the darkest night. We can dance with Him on the waters of testing and tribulation if we will allow Him to do the leading. This is the consistent testimony of suffering saints throughout the history of the Christian Church. Christ was with them in the flames, in the stocks, in prison, in the bed of affliction.

No matter what the problem may be, Christ will keep us safe and bring us joyfully to Glory to be with Him where He is.

What particular problem was requiring patience and faithful discipleship on the part of the saints in Philadelphia?

Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie, behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. (Revelation 3:9)

Paul spoke of "perils among false brothers," those who say they are "Jews" but are not.

Throughout every age the true prophets and remnant of the Lord have been persecuted by those who claim to be the Lord's people.

To be continued.