The last of the 7 churches that Jesus writes to in Revelation is Laodicea, the lukewarm church. Sounds like many churches in America. We just show up on Sunday, sing some songs listen to a sermon and go home. We don’t pray for others’ needs or help them in their need because we don’t know anyone in our church to know what they are. Prayer requests often consist of someone with physical ailments or travel mercies. Spiritual needs are more important yet the least talked about or prayed about. When we do sing, how excited are we? Are we celebrating God’s wonderful gift of salvation and praising our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ or are we going through the motions? Worship should not be a chore. And, worship is much more than singing and going to church on Sundays. What are our priorities throughout the week? Is God first? Are we too busy to do what God calls us to do? Our lives should reflect the light of Jesus all the time. 1 John says we know we are saved by how we live our lives, obeying God, loving others.
Rev 3:14-22
“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.”
Continuing on with the letters to the churches, Jesus turns to Sardis, the dead church. So many churches have programs and good things going on to help others or to bring people into their church. Perhaps He wants the works of the church to be about Him, not just to bring people into the church, but to bring them to Jesus Christ. We need to be mindful of why we are doing things. It should always be for the glory of Christ. It is not to gain favor for ourselves or even the church we are a part of. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” and in verse 24, Paul says, “Let no one seek his own, but each other’s wellbeing.” Whatever we do, whether work or play, at home, at work or at church, in a ministry or mission, or just in our daily lives, everything should be for His glory. God loves the humble.
The next church in Revelation is Thyatira, a church that does a lot of good works and shows love to others. But Jesus also has harsh words for it, because the people allow themselves to be swayed by false teachings and give in to their flesh, their sexual desires. By His words it sounds like the church as a whole and the leadership allowed this and did not dissuade those living in sin. The other thing is that He addresses idols again as in the previous church in Pergamos Let us not allow the world around us to influence those of us who are of the faith. Satan has many ways to influence us and let us be strong and use the weapons that God gives us (see Ephesians 6). 1Corinthians 15:33 says, “evil company corrupts good habits.” and 2 Thessalonians 3 tells us to not keep company with a believer who is living in disobedience. Let us be completely obedient to God and be accountable to each other. Let us not be a stumbling block to others.
The third church that Christ sends a letter to is the church of Pergamos. This church is described as “the compromising church.” It is a warning that we are not to compromise God’s word and our love and loyalty to Him. Some of the people gave in to the teaching of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, which allowed for sacrifice to idols and sexual immorality. Many churches in America, in my opinion, have given to one form of idol or another…putting ‘things’ ahead of God. It may or may not be the common practice, but it is more and more allowed. That should not be. Sexual immorality, whether it be homosexuality or sex outside of marriage is prevalent in today’s society and I think many churches have looked the other way and some have allowed it, even in their own leadership! This ought not be! Turn back to what God’s word says and live by it. Don’t let this infiltrate your church. Let us all turn to God and ask Him to purify our lives. Dear God, please cleanse me of all unrighteousness and may I be faithful only to you. Thank you for saving me and making a sacrifice for me. I pray for the church in America that we would stand by God’s truth; every word of it. I pray that this country would once again be ‘one nation under God’ and allow Him back into our schools, our lives our country before it’s too late.
My Daily Scriptures 