One of the churches specifically spoken of by Jesus in the book of Revelation was the church of Laodicea. The people in this church had acquired much wealth, and because of that wealth they somehow became less interested in the things of the Lord. He called them “lukewarm” saying He wished they were either “hot or cold.” Frankly, they just didn’t feel like they needed Him, or to be faithful to Him in study, prayer or deed. Often I think many churches in the modern day United States are guilty of this same sin. I find it quite interesting that Jesus finishes by telling them of a different kind of currency–not the kind they had, but the kind He uses. A pastor friend of mine put it this way. “The currency of heaven is disciplined repentance, not disciplined work.” The point being that we actually can and do gain when we turn from our sins and agree with God; but not when we think He owes us something because we’ve earned it.
“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one of 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. I counsel you to BUY FROM ME gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.” Revelation 4:15-18
In Christ,
PastorJimKilby @Kilbin8er Jim@JamesKilby.com
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