To Laodicea, Jesus gave one of the most famous invitations in Scripture: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” He was speaking to a church that had shut Him out. He was not inside their fellowship. He was outside, asking to come back in.

Picture the Lord of glory knocking on the very church that bears His name. That is tragedy. A congregation can be filled with people, programs and performances yet leave Christ standing outside.

A congregation can be filled with people, programs and performances yet leave Christ standing outside.

But His grace is amazing. He does not walk away. He knocks. He waits. He promises, “If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him.” That is fellowship. That is intimacy. That is the heart of the Christian life.

An overcomer keeps the door open.

An overcomer keeps the door open. When Christ knocks through conviction, they respond. When He calls for fellowship, they invite Him in. The church may forget Him. The world may reject Him. But the overcomer hears His voice and welcomes His presence. Do not leave the Lord outside. Open the door. Let Him in.

Check out more from Dr. Tony Evans @tonyevans.org

About The Author

Dr. Tony Evans

Dr. Tony Evans is one of the country’s most respected leaders in evangelical circles. As a pastor, teacher, author and speaker, he serves the body of Christ through his unique ability to communicate complex theological truths through simple, yet profound, illustrations. While addressing the practical issues of today, Dr. Evans is known as a relevant expositor. New and veteran pastors alike regard him as a pastor of pastors and a father in the faith.


At the heart of this vision is the use of church and school partnerships to effect spiritual and social change in communities. Dr. Evans’ church and school outreach philosophy has been attributed as a catalyst for former President George W. Bush’s Faith Based Initiative, which was his first formal act of office. Dr. Evans seeks to train churches, schools and volunteers in this philosophy, as well as in the functional practicalities, through the National Church Adopt-A-School Initiative which is a ministry underneath the umbrella of The Urban Alternative.


Dr. Evans serves as president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry that seeks to restore hope and transform lives through the proclamation and the application of the Word of God. His daily radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on more than 850 radio outlets throughout the United States and in more than 80 countries.


Dr. Evans has written numerous books and booklets including his legacy work, Oneness Embraced, as well as his vision work, The Kingdom Agenda. Some of his most recent books includes, Kingdom Man, A Moment For Your Soul, Marriage Matters, and Victory in Spiritual Warfare.



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