In my daily reading through the New Testament, I have hit the book of Revelation. Ironically, I will finish a series of preaching on Revelation during the months of July and August. I’m not bragging. I started it in January of 2023. Yes, you read that right. 2023! 🙂 I interrupted it a lot but decided I need to finish it. Anyway…I read chapters 2 & 3 yesterday and today. If I had a guess I would say those two chapters may be the most preached-on section of Revelation.
Those two chapters contain the letters to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Here is a short synopsis:
- All have a pastor- “The the angel of church…”
- All but one (Laodicea) have something good said about them.
- Two have good but no wrong said about them (Smyrna and Philadelphia)
- All are fighting false teachers/teachings except Sardis and Laodicea.
I would suspect Laodicea hits us the hardest in our day and age. “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other. But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” Rev. 3:15-16 (NLT)
When I cycle, I carry two insulated bottles on my bike. One is filled with water; the other is filled with some type of electrolyte drink. I freeze them ahead of time so I have a cold drink on the ride. Every once in a while I will misjudge the water thawing. The electrolyte replacement drink gets consumed first, then comes the water. But occasionally, the water has lost its ice and is lukewarm. I tell myself, “At least its wet,” but it is blah and so unsatisfying I can’t wait to finish and get a real drink of cold, fresh water.
The letter to the church at Ephesus was not a compliment, it was a judgment. But with the judgment comes a reminder: “Get with the program. Stop faking it. Stop riding the fence. I’m knocking asking you to let me in. If you do, and set your heart on me, I’ll be glad to have you join Me at a meal.”
To sit with Him at a meal, to chat with Him; to discuss life with Him, sounds really good! I think I’ll take Him up on His offer to catch fire.
Lord, let me be on fire for You!
This is a great message for all of us, Bill. Blessings!
Thanks for the encouraging words Martha. I’m glad they were meaningful
In my own personal journey from leaving the Catholic church to coming to Christ, the difference maker in my life to change my relationship with the Lord, was all in reading and studying the Bible, and getting involved in Bible study. Growing up Catholic, we never studied God’s word, if you do not understand who God is, and how to live for God, you are are lost and think you are ok. You cannot get that in a one hour church visit a week. Once I started really learning about God, and who He is, all I wanted to do was to learn more. As paul says, I no longer live but Christ lives in me, the only way I want to live now. I wish I could go back and change all of my luke warm years.
Your different perspective is important to hear Gail. We who grew up in the church are often found wanting in the Bible study department. I’m glad you found Jesus and also found a deeper and more stable faith comes from spending time in the Word. Sadly, we can’t go back. I know I would if I could.