Though the Bible is clear that we do not know the day or hour in which Christ will return to gather up His saints, we do know what it will be like during the last days and the tribulation through the prophecy of the book of Revelation. All of the chaos going on in the world has urged me to refreshen myself on scripture pertaining to the end times. Today I was finishing up reading the letters to the churches and the letter to the church of Laodicea stood out to me. God speaking, 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 3:15-16 I want to share with you some of the exposition in my Fire Bible pertaining to these verses. This describes the spiritual condition of the church in Laodicea. The city of Laodicea was a wealthy center of business and trade. The atmosphere of prosperity had led to spiritual laziness and unconcern in the church. They were no longer hot enough spiritually to recognize or respond to the Holy Spirits guidance; and they were not quite cold enough to realize their need to repent and return to dependence on God. 1.) A lukewarm church is one that is apathetic and negligent about personal devotion to Christ. It is a church that is half-hearted and lazy in its service to God. Such a church compromises with worldly standards and behaviors and soon resembles its surrounding society more than it does Gods kingdom. The people of the Laodicean church claimed to be committed Christians, yet in reality they were in a spiritually wretched and pitiful condition (vv.17-18). 2.) Christ severely warns the church about his judgement against spiritual lukewarmness (vv.15-17). 3.) Christ calls to the church to repent--to turn from their own way, surrender to Gods way and accept his forgiveness. Then they could be restored to a right relationship with him (vv.18-19). 4.) Christ knocks on the door of a lukewarm church (v. 20), desiring to come in and restore his companionship and blessing with the people. To those who remain devoted and strong in their faith and are over-comers in the midst of a lukewarm church, Christ promises that they will share in his authority and ultimately reign with him (v. 21). Is there any coincidence that the persecuted church in other areas of the world are praying for the American church? Could this letter be a prophecy of the American church today? I dont know. I pray not. I also pray that The Lord never finds me lukewarm in my relationship with Him. I pray I am found to be on fire for Him by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, sincerely loving Jesus and all those around me, and not sitting still on His Word and call to all of His people, but am actively sharing this Good News to all.
Posted on: Tue, 26 Aug 2014 13:29:07 +0000
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