Tag: lukewarm
The ‘last-day’ church?
Scripture reading for December 6th: Revelation 3
Key Scriptures: Revelation 3:14-17 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The Words of the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the beginning of God’s creation. “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked.”
The final church Jesus addressed was found in Laodicea, a town known for its riches and mineral springs and its water supply–made lukewarm by routing through the aqueducts on the way to the city. . The church there had been affected by its culture and now reflected the culture more than the Savior. Jesus, in love, plainly called this church to address this problem through repentance and rededication. He even told them that He stood outside of their church at their door–knocking to gain an entrance! Those who would respond would be restored to table fellowship with their Lord and also obtain rulership in the age to come!
Revelation 3:19-20 “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me.”
Faith confession and prayer: Father, thank You for a life-giving rebuke and for loving us enough to warn us about compromising with the culture of this world. Forgive me for complacency and a lukewarm attitude concerning my own life and Your mission. I need Your grace and zeal to finish well in this lukewarm culture of the last days.
Revelation 3:21-22 “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with Me on My throne, as I also conquered and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Jesus comes knocking!
Scripture reading for December 12th: Revelation 3:7-22
The last of the seven letters Jesus dictated to John on Patmos was to the church at Laodicea. Imagine being a part of this church, thinking that you knew and loved Jesus, and then hearing from your bishop that He was actually outside your door knocking to gain entrance!
“These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:14b-16) Jesus called Himself three powerful names. As the ‘Amen’, He had said ‘yes’ to God’s Word and made it available to us through His sacrifice. He was the ultimate faithful ‘Witness’ of God’s goodness and mercy. He was also the ultimate and final ‘Ruler’ of God’s creation. From this unique position of authority, Jesus made a startling revelation to this church family: they were ‘lukewarm’ in their love for Him!
Jesus looks carefully at the heart of each of His beloved followers. He desires full and complete devotion! He was fully and completely devoted to the Father’s will on our behalf. 2nd Chronicles 16:9 states that God’s eyes search the earth looking for those who are fully sold out to Him in order that He might show Himself strong on their behalf!
These believers were deceived about their spiritual state. They were evidently blessed financially by the economy of Laodicea. They had good jobs and were prosperous and well-supplied. But Jesus warned them of their spiritual poverty and nakedness. They did not see the true condition of their hearts and in His love, Jesus called out to them. He always rebukes those He loves and disciplines the children He wants to receive. (Revelation 3:19) (Hebrews 12:5-11)
“So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:19b-20) Repentance is a change of mind which results in a change of action. Jesus knows our deeds and is looking for complete change. Examine your own life today in light of these verses! Hopefully, Jesus has already found an open door!
Jesus comes knocking!
Scripture reading for December 12th: Revelation 3:7-22
The last of the seven letters Jesus dictated to John on Patmos was to the church at Laodicea. Imagine being a part of this church, thinking that you knew and loved Jesus, and then hearing from your bishop that He was actually outside your door knocking to gain entrance!
“These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:14b-16) Jesus called Himself three powerful names. As the ‘Amen’, He had said ‘yes’ to God’s Word and made it available to us through His sacrifice. He was the ultimate faithful ‘Witness’ of God’s goodness and mercy. He was also the ultimate and final ‘Ruler’ of God’s creation. From this unique position of authority, Jesus made a startling revelation to this church family: they were ‘lukewarm’ in their love for Him!
Jesus looks carefully at the heart of each of His beloved followers. He desires full and complete devotion! He was fully and completely devoted to the Father’s will on our behalf. 2nd Chronicles 16:9 states that God’s eyes search the earth looking for those who are fully sold out to Him in order that He might show Himself strong on their behalf!
These believers were deceived about their spiritual state. They were evidently blessed financially by the economy of Laodicea. They had good jobs and were prosperous and well-supplied. But Jesus warned them of their spiritual poverty and nakedness. They did not see the true condition of their hearts and in His love, Jesus called out to them. He always rebukes those He loves and disciplines the children He wants to receive. (Revelation 3:19) (Hebrews 12:5-11)
“So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:19b-20) Repentance is a change of mind which results in a change of action. Jesus knows our deeds and is looking for complete change. Examine your own life today in light of these verses! Hopefully, Jesus has already found an open door!