Andyindauk
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- Oct 22, 2019
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We're used to getting performance reports, as individuals, organisations and even governments. But imagine getting a performance report from Jesus! Well, that's what seven churches in a district called Asia Minor received. Oh can you imagine how they were received when their report dropped through their letterbox? Oh to be a fly on the wall at the hurriedly arranged extraordinary general meeting.
We can read the reports in chapters 2 and 3 of the book of Revelation, the last book in the Bible.
Very brief bulletpoints as follows -
Smyrna
Pergamos
Thyatira
Sardis
Philadelphia
I want to hone in on the final letter, to the church in Laodicea -
“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: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 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— 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. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 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. 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. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ” Revelation 3:14-22 NKJV
Read it carefully and tell us what messages jump out at you? This church was -
Financially secure and members enjoyed a good lifestyle which had led them to feelings ofself-sufficiencyy rather than dependency upon God.
They were rich in terms of possessions yet totally destitute in terms of Heavenly treasure (Matthew 6:19-21).
Note that the Laodiceans weren't doing anything badly wrong, such as immorality, association with idol worship or false prophecy that beset a number of the other churches, but they were doing nothing right either. Lukewarm is the description used.
But note also the really uplifting exhortations and encouragement to turn this thing around. God has written this church off.
Are there any lessons here for your church? The temptation is to read castigating passages with blinkers on; "oh this passage was so written for 'n' down the road. Wrong, it was written for you and for your church.
* we don't know anything about the Nicolaitans, who or what they are or what it was that Jesus so disapproved of, but what we do know is, He did.
We can read the reports in chapters 2 and 3 of the book of Revelation, the last book in the Bible.
Very brief bulletpoints as follows -
- Ephesus - patience, hates evil, booted false prophets, tireless work, anti-Nicolaitans*, but lost some of their love for Jesus.
Smyrna
- Financial poverty. Persecution to come.
Pergamos
- Rough area, 'Satan's throne'. Persecuted and martyrdom but allowed a Baalam type sect to remain that promoted eating idol foods and immorality. Another bad lot called Nicolaitans* were also tolerated..
Thyatira
- Love, service, faith and patience. Improving but a member of the congregation was seducing others into depraved sex acts likened to the Old Testament Queen Jezebel (1 Kings 18 to 22) Idol food was also an issue.
Sardis
- A few members are ok. Church reputation is good but undeserved.
Philadelphia
- Kept the word and remained faithful. Lots of blessings to follow.
I want to hone in on the final letter, to the church in Laodicea -
“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: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 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— 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. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 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. 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. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ” Revelation 3:14-22 NKJV
Read it carefully and tell us what messages jump out at you? This church was -
Financially secure and members enjoyed a good lifestyle which had led them to feelings ofself-sufficiencyy rather than dependency upon God.
They were rich in terms of possessions yet totally destitute in terms of Heavenly treasure (Matthew 6:19-21).
Note that the Laodiceans weren't doing anything badly wrong, such as immorality, association with idol worship or false prophecy that beset a number of the other churches, but they were doing nothing right either. Lukewarm is the description used.
But note also the really uplifting exhortations and encouragement to turn this thing around. God has written this church off.
Are there any lessons here for your church? The temptation is to read castigating passages with blinkers on; "oh this passage was so written for 'n' down the road. Wrong, it was written for you and for your church.
* we don't know anything about the Nicolaitans, who or what they are or what it was that Jesus so disapproved of, but what we do know is, He did.
