Window Shopping: A Sermon on Stepping Through The Open Door

When the Window Isn’t Enough

“I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it…” - Revelation 3:8

Ever go window shopping?

You walk by the storefront, your eyes catch something beautiful, maybe even life-changing. But there’s a pane of glass between you and what you desire. You can see it, but you can’t reach it.

Many people live their spiritual lives the same way; pressed up against the glass, longing for more, but never stepping through the door that leads to transformation.

A Pattern of Separation

From the beginning, humanity has lived with this tension. When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, they weren’t just cast out. They were separated. The door to intimacy with God was shut. From that moment on, all of Scripture tells the story of how God began working to reopen it and restore relationship with His creation.

In the Old Testament, we find glimpses of His presence; God opening “the windows of heaven” to pour out provision or blessing. Prophets caught visions. Priests felt moments of glory. But full access was still out of reach.

The law was described as a shadow of better things to come. Moses saw God’s glory; but only from behind. David wanted to build a temple; but never got to. Isaiah prophesied the Messiah; but didn’t live to meet Him. They were people of great faith who only saw the outline of what would one day be fulfilled.

They stood faithfully at the window, but they could not yet enter in.

The Door Swings Open

Then Jesus came, and everything changed.

He didn’t come just to give us a better view of God. He came to be the door back into God’s presence.

When He died on the cross, the veil in the temple, the final barrier between God and man, was torn from top to bottom. The invitation that had once been restricted to a high priest once a year was now extended to anyone willing to respond. No more shadows. No more distance. The door was now wide open.

Jesus said in John 10:9, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved…”

What had once been glimpsed through prophecy and ritual was now available in reality. Through His name, through His blood, and through His Spirit, God’s presence became accessible; intimate, personal, and powerful.

Almost Isn’t Enough

Acts 26:28 records Agrippa saying, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”

He stood at the window. He saw the truth. He felt the Spirit. But he walked away. That’s what window shoppers do. They love the music. They cry at the sermon. They feel conviction. But they never change. They want just enough of God to feel better; not enough to be transformed.

Jesus warned in Luke 6:46: “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”

The tragedy is that Hell will be filled with people who were almost saved.

What’s Waiting Through The Door?

The open door Jesus offers isn’t just an escape from judgment. It’s an invitation into new life. On the other side is more than forgiveness. It’s transformation.

There’s repentance that turns your life around.

There’s baptism in Jesus’ name that washes away your past.

There’s the Holy Ghost; God’s Spirit living in you; bringing power, peace, and purpose.

Through that door is freedom from addiction. Healing for broken hearts. Clarity in confusion. Peace that carries you through storms. A future that’s secure.

Jesus said He came that you might “have life, and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

God isn’t offering an upgrade. He’s offering a new creation.

But Don’t Wait Too Long

Here’s the sober truth: the door won’t stay open forever.

In Noah’s day, the ark stood open while he preached.

But eventually, the Bible says, “the LORD shut him in.” The opportunity closed. The time ran out.

Jesus told a parable of ten virgins; five wise and five foolish. The foolish were unprepared when the bridegroom came. By the time they returned, it was too late. The door had been shut.

If God is calling you now, don’t assume you’ll feel that pull tomorrow. Every moment of conviction is a moment of mercy. Don’t gamble with your soul by waiting for a better time.

Today is the day of salvation.

Jesus Is Knocking

He’s not yelling. He’s not forcing. He’s knocking.

Revelation 3:20 says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock…”

He waits for you to open your heart. To move from “almost” to “I’m ready.”

Think of the woman with the issue of blood who pressed through the crowd. Or blind Bartimaeus who cried out until Jesus stopped. Or the prodigal son who got up and went home.

What will you do?

Will you stand at the window of your calling; or walk through the door of your destiny?

Everything you’ve been searching for is through the door. Forgiveness. Hope. A fresh start. Relationship with God. Eternal life.

The windows are behind you. The door is in front of you. And the Savior is waiting. Will you walk in?