Revelation churches - part 7

The church at Laodicea is giving Jesus an upset stomach!

"And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 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." (Rev 3:14-22)kjv

Some translations say "spit" instead of "spue" as above. The original actually says something closer to regurgitate (vomit). Consider this church from Jesus' perspective...

They are satisfied with life as it is, thinking that because they have plenty, there is no longer any need to try to better themselves. Jesus warns them that they have NOTHING that is of any value! Because they are content with their lives, thinking that they are rich, they cannot even see that they are miserably poor in spirit, blind to truth, and naked before God. Jesus counsels them to rid themselves of their attitude, and obtain from Him that which really matters.

He even explains why He is telling them this. He loves them enough that He treats them as a loving parent would an erring child. But He also lets them know He will NOT force them! He says, in effect, "Look! Here I am at your door, knocking, asking to be let in. If you will only listen to My words, and let me back in, we can be friends and have dinner together, again."

Get past the temptation to stagnate. Don't ever be satisfied to remain as you are!

Are your ears still working? Then listen!

Revelation churches - part 6

Next, we see the message to the church of Philadelphia. This city was built by, and named after, a king with the same name. It was demolished by the same earthquake that hit Sardis, but had vineyards, and probably a wine-making industry to keep it going.

"To the angel of the assembly in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, he who is true, he who has the key of David, he who opens and no one can shut, and that shuts and no one opens, says these things: I know your works (behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut), that you have a little power, and kept my word, and didn't deny my name. Behold, I give of the synagogue of Satan, of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but lie. Behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. Because you kept the word of my patience, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that which is to come on the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. I come quickly. Hold firmly that which you have, so that no one takes your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will go out from there no more. I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God, and my own new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies." (Rev 3:7-13)web

Jesus makes them a promise here that blows peoples' minds. He tells them they will be kept out of the hour of testing that is to come! In other words, when the Tribulation begins, these people will be safe from the harsh times that will come upon all who live on the earth! This refers to the coming Rapture. Jesus makes it plain that those who are truly Christian will escape this horrible time.

Notice that Jesus warns them to "Hold firmly that which you have, so that no one takes your crown." Do not go soft, and assume your work is done!

Be a pillar in God's temple. Wear His name proudly!

And... Keep those ears working!