Following Jesus 117

Blog #2015-60  

Following Jesus: What kind of church are we? 

“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation.

“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so 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 eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered 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 ESV)

The lukewarm church needs Jesus Christ. Vs. 14. What does the lukewarm need from He is called the Amen, the faithful and true witness and the Creator? The lukewarm church needs Jesus Christ’ correction, vs. 15-17.

However, the lukewarm church also needs Jesus’ counsel. Vs. 18. It is here that Jesus uses figures of speech to describe the spiritual riches He possesses. The first is gold refined by fire. This means riches which are pure and not contaminated by any sin or impurities. This is the true source of wealth.  

The second image is of white garments. White also refers to purity and radiance. The clothing covers the unholy and sinful nakedness of the redeemed. 

The third image is one of clear vision. Jesus provides spiritual ointment for the eyes of understanding so people can see their sin, and their Savior, with clear vision or understanding. 

Jesus’ correction and counsel are not all the lukewarm church needs. Finally, it needs a challenge from the Savior. What is this challenge? 

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