1. Jesus Christ – to the
lukewarm
Church
Laodicea
(Revelation 3:14-22)

2. Excavation of a family home in Laodicea

3. Jesus and the lukewarm Christian

4. Bitter leaf greens

5. 1. His insight into the church
His assessment was true
V 14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation”
His assessment was unexpected
Vs “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. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked”

6. Our Christianity is flabby and anaemic. We appear
“Perhaps none of the seven letters is more appropriate to the 20th C church than this.
It describes vividly the respectable, sentimental, nominal, skin-deep religiosity which is so widespread among us today.
Our Christianity is flabby
and anaemic. We appear
to have taken a lukewarm bath of religion”
John Stott

8. What does lukewarm mean?
(not boiling hot – not committed – apathetic – no passion
Complacency is repugnant to Jesus.
At Services
Our money
Our time
Our Priorities
Our passion

9. If Jesus was as committed to you as you are to Him, would He have been willing to die in agony & shame on a cross for you?

10. 2. His instruction to the church
He called them to renew their values
Verse 18 “buy from Me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich”
He called them to renew their virtues
Vs “... white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness”
He called them to renew their vision
“... salve to put on your eyes, so you can see”
He called them to repent
V 19 “Those whom I love I rebuke and
discipline. So be earnest and repent”

11. 3. His invitation to the church
“If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with Me”

12. His invitation for you to respond personally ...
"that Christ may dwell (be at home) in your hearts by faith” (Eph 3)
You are Lord of your heart – until you allow the rightful King to rule there

14. Are you on fire for Jesus?