Lukewarm!

Lukewarm is a word Jesus used to address the Laodicean church in Revelation 3:16, where He says, "So because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth." These words from Jesus were not a compliment, and yes, this was Jesus speaking to the church in Laodicea! 

Some might say: Would Jesus really talk to His church that way? or Why would Jesus say such a mean thing? In reality, it is no meaner than the father who tells his son, "If you do that again you are going to get punished." The father teaches his child life lessons to help him grow up and be ready for life. In Hebrews 12:6, we are told, "The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son." I am so glad the Lord disciplines me when I need it, and believe me, I have needed it! 

Unfortunately, today we accept the lukewarm church as the normal church and often don't want the Lord's discipline. That is truly sad! It means we are missing out on God's best and walking in disobedience and rebellion to God's plans and purposes for His people and His church. God's plan for His church is beautiful and powerful and meant to display His glory and His message to the world, not the glory or message of a man or woman. It is supposed to be His Church, not ours! 

We like it HOT! Isn't it strange that most of us won't accept lukewarm food at a restaurant - and we don't want our soup, coffee, or tea lukewarm? Yet, for some reason, many are willing to accept the lukewarm church of today as an example of New Testament Christianity, and some even imitate and applaud its so-called success in a world that rejects the Truth as Jesus spoke it. I can understand the world not receiving the words of Jesus, but how can we - the church - reject His words? Isn't it Jesus' Church? It is foolish and ungodly to use Bible verses to make them fit our lukewarm lifestyles and to affirm our rebellion against God. Jesus warns us in Revelation 3:2 to "Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God." He warns us because He loves us! 

I want to encourage you to read Revelation 3 and pay close attention to the Church at Philadelphia described in verses 7 to 13. The church in Philadelphia is the church we should model the modern church after. Here are the words Jesus spoke to that church and to all those who seek to follow Him. 

Revelation 3:10-11 "Since you have kept My command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have so that no one will take your crown." THINK ABOUT IT! 

PS - What part of the unreached world should we take out of the Great Commission so that we can sustain the selfish appetites of the lukewarm church? God's answer would be none!

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