Dear Church, Pt. 8, The Church in Laodicea... Lukewarm Living

David Uth
September 28, 2008

Revelation 3:14-20

Passion - we don't know what it looks like but we know when it isn't there.

Laodicea was a wealthy city. It refused Rome's money after an earthquake caused serious damage. There was a huge textile industry there due to a rare black wool sheep that was found there. There was a medical school there that specialized in treatments for eye problems. The one major problem in the city was a lack of water. It was a city settle on a trade route and not a water source. Three cities, including Laodicea, partnered together to trade water. One city had cool water, one had hot. By the time it arrived at Laodicea it was lukewarm.

Accusation of the Church
Lukewarm living, mediocrity, lack of passion.
Cold water is refreshing., Hot water has a purpose, lukewarm water has not purpose.
He is describing a church that has lost its passion. Imagine what the hymns would be like:

• Oh, how I like Jesus...

• I surrender some...

It breaks the Lord's heart some much that He said he spit us out of his mouth in disgust.

13,000 people were surveyed by the Gallup Organization and were asked what it would take for them to return to church? What would it take to come back? The majority of people said leaders and members with passion. What is scene as despicable by God is also seen that way by the lost world.

At FBCO, the Student Ministry is soaring! 217 baptisms so far this year.

What causes lukewarm living?
Pride in wealth - but they were all poor
Spiritual blindness means when you don't need God, you rely on you instead of God.

The Cure
1. Buy from Jesus Revelation 3:18
He not only points out your needs but he provides for it. The only place you will find the cure is in Jesus. We get Eternal dividends and doesn't cost anything! The things they relied on, Jesus said he will give them to us.

John 9:39 - the reason he came to us was to show us our needs and open our eyes

2. Be Zealous and Repent Revelation 3:19
The Lord will discipline you in hopes you will repent so he can fill your life with blessings. Repent (turn and go the other way) is referenced as a moment in time. Zealous is referenced as a continual process or on other words, be passionate for Christ everyday!

3. Open the Door Revelation 3:20
Stand at the door and 3 things happen:
A. Jesus wants back in the church, back in our life
B. You have to open the door, Jesus could open it but wants you to want him
C. KJV "Sup" with you, come and eat with you, hang out with you, share your life with you
The passion will return

The Promise
To sit on the throne with Jesus. Receive the honor of being faithful to be with him on the throne.