Church at Laodicea: Promise, Prophetic, Application
"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." (Revelation 3:21,22 - King James Version)
In verses twenty one and twenty two, we have the promise of a rich reward if we become Christ's disciples. We will rule with Him in His 1000 year reign. We will receive crowns and rewards.
Some believe that this letter prophetically describes modern Christianity. Among those who call themselves Christian in our Western society, being lukewarm is common. Christianity in the west has become a middle class religion. Too often we judge success by the world's standards: social position, an expensive home and car, a big bank account, a high paying job. This is what Christians want.
Sacrifice, servanthood, taking up the cross: these terms are no longer in fashion. Preaching the Gospel has been replaced by social programs and environmental issues. Sending Missionaries to plant churches has been replaced by feeding the hungry, building schools, hospitals and factories. People attending church services develop a social conscience, a love for nature, compassion for the third world and then die without Christ and face judgment without hope.
Looking at the outside Christianity has become rich, fashionable, acceptable. Inside Christians there is no hope, no Gospel and no obedience to God.
Christians today need to obey the command of Jesus in verse eighteen. Spiritual wealth, clothing and healing come from Jesus. These spiritual riches are available to everyone. The reason why so few Christians today own these riches is they are not willing to pay the price. Jesus should be your Saviour and your Lord. We should trust Him not just for our eternity but for each day. Salvation is not an eternal insurance policy, but a reality that is to be lived out every moment.
Even if being lukewarm is generally true of those who claim to be followers of Christ. This does not mean that it must describe you. You can rise above the mediocre level of the typical Christian today. Give your life to God and serve Him no matter what the cost.
In verses twenty one and twenty two, we have the promise of a rich reward if we become Christ's disciples. We will rule with Him in His 1000 year reign. We will receive crowns and rewards.
Some believe that this letter prophetically describes modern Christianity. Among those who call themselves Christian in our Western society, being lukewarm is common. Christianity in the west has become a middle class religion. Too often we judge success by the world's standards: social position, an expensive home and car, a big bank account, a high paying job. This is what Christians want.
Sacrifice, servanthood, taking up the cross: these terms are no longer in fashion. Preaching the Gospel has been replaced by social programs and environmental issues. Sending Missionaries to plant churches has been replaced by feeding the hungry, building schools, hospitals and factories. People attending church services develop a social conscience, a love for nature, compassion for the third world and then die without Christ and face judgment without hope.
Looking at the outside Christianity has become rich, fashionable, acceptable. Inside Christians there is no hope, no Gospel and no obedience to God.
Christians today need to obey the command of Jesus in verse eighteen. Spiritual wealth, clothing and healing come from Jesus. These spiritual riches are available to everyone. The reason why so few Christians today own these riches is they are not willing to pay the price. Jesus should be your Saviour and your Lord. We should trust Him not just for our eternity but for each day. Salvation is not an eternal insurance policy, but a reality that is to be lived out every moment.
Even if being lukewarm is generally true of those who claim to be followers of Christ. This does not mean that it must describe you. You can rise above the mediocre level of the typical Christian today. Give your life to God and serve Him no matter what the cost.
posted by David Frank Wilson | 5:19 PM
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