-Karl

I am studying the essence of the message of the cross and tying it back to Gen 1:1. What I have discovered is that most preachers today are so far from God’s original message.

The apostle John wrote to seven churches in the Book of Revelation. The last church he addressed was the assembly in the city of Laodicea.

Rev 3:14 ¶ “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:
Rev 3:15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
Rev 3:17 “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ –and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked–
Rev 3:18 “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
Rev 3:19 “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
Rev 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
Rev 3:21 “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
Rev 3:22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”‘”

This church had grown full of its own self-importance. It felt that it could get along fine without God and His Holy commands. As they went this direction, the Lord through John informed them that they were no longer on fire for Him, but neither were they completely dead. However, they were headed in that direction.

The church had grown lukewarm! This is where many so-called fundamental, evangelical churches are today. They are not on fire for God, but neither are they completely dead. God stated that He wished they were one of the other for to be in the middle makes Him sick!

So, the term “Laodicean” church refers to that which is not where God wants it to be, is not following His Holy commands, is more desirous to be of the world than to be found in and of Christ, and chooses to please self instead of pleasing God.

The Desert Pastor

Thanks.

Lukewarm. No light. Lots of leaven.

Much like the church in Laodicea America today.