Hearing alone does nothingit is those who do the will of God that can actually say they hear the Word of God and do them. We talk a lot about the rest of the world going to hell, but maybe we should ask if some of us are. Often, I prefer to do other things but the problem with that can be results in sadness and hopelessness. I know not what Christ will say to you in the great day I fear there are many hearing me who may know well that they are not Christians because they do not love to give. Do more of what we are doing that has proven ineffective. As Charles Spurgeon said, without the Spirit of God we can do nothing. I wish you were either one or the other! Or, secondly, seek a "magic bullet" program, emphasis . ]Revelation 3:14. Those around them can be fooled as well. This loss of the first love for God is clearly shown by their lack of interest and commitment to the things of God. If you have become a lukewarm believer, you need to repent of your lukewarmness or lukewarm condition before the Lord spews you out of His mouth (Revelations 3:15,16). Away from me, you evildoers! (Matthew 7:21-23). Encourage both. The church is very sick. A genuine Christian will lean on Gods wisdom even when it requires them to go against the grain. Instead of standing for righteousness, lukewarm Christianity encourages the body of Christ to remain neutral. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Rather, this Christian, perhaps the bishop, is self-satisfied with what he has, and evidently is unwilling to extend himself on behalf of Christ. Prioritize choices that protect and honor your relationship with Jesus. Order your copy of, How to Pray for the 10/40 Window and Spiritual Leadership Conference Asia. They might attend church, but theyre content in their own ways and rarely apply what they learn. The church at Laodicea survived Domitian's reign. They might do charitable deeds but only after weighing how it will benefit them. Subject to Import Tax. In this vision, Jesus goes on to explain that each of the seven lampstands represents a specific church. 63 Godly Wisdom Quotes (That Will Make You Wiser Today. When Jesus addresses the Laodicean church, He doesnt have much good to say about it. This person is constantly ostracized by his/her peers. Laodicea ( Revelation 3:14-22 ): Don't become lukewarm about God's way of life. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. When God disciplines, He never disciplines in anger. In the Parable of the Sower, only the seed that have ears to hear and then wills to act actually believe in Jesus and grow and thrive. - Am I trying to please God or other people? We preach about the first a lot, but what about the latter? Because they believe they have no need for Him, they remain neutral when they should be standing for Him. In fact, God makes a strong statement about those who go down this path in the Old Testament book of Isaiah. The lukewarm churchianity was consumed by living faith in the consuming God of the Bible. I could wish you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth (Rev 3:15-16). Copyright 2010-2023 Telling Ministries LLC. Taking up your cross for Christs sake simply means that you sacrificially give up all aspects of your life for him and be willing to bear the inconveniences that come with it even if your natural flesh doesnt feel like it. Laodicea church has nothing good for Jesus to commend. They must repent and turn back to their first love and do the kind of works they did when they were first saved. One of the details in these parables that has always gripped me is how, in the parable of the talents, Jesus called the one who buried his talent wicked. Thats a harsh word for someone who just played it safe. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. You can say you believe in Jesus, but if you dont do what He commands, is that really belief? Must Read:11 Clear Signs That Show If One Is A Fake Christian (+ Powerful Sermon). Hope Church: From Toleration to CelebrationPart 2. While young in my faith, I didnt really understand the consequences of being lukewarm. The same thing can happen to churches and it happens without them even knowing it. Listening doesnt guarantee doing, but hearing is different; when we hear, we act (at least we should). And we end up with a compromised form of Christianity. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. Chapters 2 and 3 present all seven missals, the last one to the Laodicean church. But when it came to pouring themselves out for the crushed people of God, they werent engaged at all. Your choices are a reflection of what you love. This is deadly serious. building a relationship with Jesus in this article. Must Read:75 Poowerful Christian Faith Quotes (To Strengthen You In The Lord.). And we must keep active, whether in our daily Christian disciplines like Bible study and fellowship, or in going out and doing good works in Jesus name. If you are such a person, RevelationS 21:8 warns you that you will have your part in the lake of fire which burns with fire and brimstone prepared for the devil and his angels. 9. Her book, Bow Down: The Heart of a True Worshipper is a practical, 30-day devotional about worship based on the writings of King David. There are many signs that will show if someone becomes a lukewarm Christian when they lose their first love and fervent zeal they once had for God. Hot water heals, cold water refreshes, but lukewarm water is useless for either purpose. In his book, Crazy Love, Francis Chan gives a profile of the lukewarm Christian, which you could say comes straight from these parables. Which brings us to the next question. But lukewarm water carries no similar . Hot mineral springs were located at Hierapolis, six miles from Laodicea. Of course, adults are more reverent and reliable, and they are usually better readers. 1. No wonder Jesus Christ said in Luke 6:32 that there is no reward in loving others who only love you back as sinners do that as well. What does it mean to be a lukewarm Christian? In a nearby city, Hieropolis, there was a hot springs that was often used for medicinal purposes. LaodiceaThe Lukewarm Church (Revelation 3:14-22) The Lord directed some of the harshest words recorded in the Bible at the church in Laodicea. Privilege because they were invited by God to become co-creators with Him in the task of perpetuating . Make sure you get all futureGrowth Pointsvideos by subscribing to theSpiritual Leadership Podcast. 54 Christian Life Quotes (To Help You Live Wisely.). They expect Gods grace to uphold them even when they oppose Him with their choices. In fact, Jesus expressed direct concern over this tendency in Revelation 3 as He addressed the Laodicean church. Philadelphia ( Revelation 3:7-13 ): Persevere and walk through the doors God opens. 11 Clear Signs That Show If One Is A Fake Christian (+ Powerful Sermon). Why is it better to be cold than lukewarm? They were even patient people who were eager to grow. Remain zealous and pure in conduct. A lot of lukewarm Christians that are in lukewarm churches today have completely compromised and have forsaken a life of holiness and reverted to the life of sin which is sad indeed. A lukewarm believer can have all sorts of spiritual/religious activities in his/her life. In light of this, we can see that both "hot" and "cold" were considered to be good, while the dirty lukewarm of Laodicea was of no benefit. 75 Poowerful Christian Faith Quotes (To Strengthen You In The Lord. someone who is still trying to figure out how to get the best of both worlds. Laodicea. The fear of man has hindered many people from living vibrant and victorious fruitful Christian lives that bring glory to the Lord as most are even ashamed to be even be called a Christian. Not an indicator of poor health, but the symptoms should be addressed promptly. 3:7-12) and others that purposed to commit their lives to obeying and following the Lord's commandments. We learn what the Bible says about being a lukewarm Christian in Revelation chapter 3. They give of their leftover of money, time, and fellowship. Being in a lukewarm church that doesn't teach the sound doctrines of the bible is also among the major cause of spiritual lukewarmness among many lukewarm believers today. Watch out! Another sign that will show that you are a lukewarm Christian is that you will be unwilling to bear the Cross of Jesus Christ as it will be simply too heavy for you to carry. And you could be one of such people as you are reading this. One of the major characteristics of false disciples who claim to be of Christ but not in their actions is that they are extremely religious and practice empty religion void of Jesus Christ. - Do I accept all of Gods Word, or just parts of it? I can believe in seatbelts, but if I dont put them on, Im not listening to the authorities who command us to wear them. Have you offered your life and your talents, no matter your age, as an investment in the kingdom? Instead of standing for righteousness, they compromise. In addition, we relinquish power and authority to those who wish to change the standards of righteousness to fit their own agendas.A lukewarm church aids the agenda of the enemy without even knowing it. Being In A Lukewarm Church. If you are a lukewarm believer, you wont be willing to endure the sound doctrine of the bible. - Do I talk about Christ to others during the week? Tagged as: 7 Major Causes Of Lukewarmness In Believers [+Sermon]. Next on the agenda is building a relationship with Him. 11 Clear Signs God Is Answering Your Prayers [For Sure], Does God Answer Prayers For Money All The Time? Jesus also stated the consequences for believers who are, or who become, lukewarm: Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. I wish you were either cold or hot. Lack Of Commitment. Who is a lukewarm person? Superficial Love. Instead, their discipleship was unremarkable. So, my goal is to find joy in reading god's word so I can get to know Him more to have a better relationship with Him. FAKE Christians care more about what their friends, parents, teachers and coaches think rather that what Jesus thinks. Just as that father was eager to welcome his son back into his arms, God is eager to welcome the repentant Christian back into His arms. Have you personally engaged in the mission of God, offering your time, talent, and treasures as a blank check to him? They became indifferent to the call God had put on their lives by neglecting doing good works, picking and choosing which of Gods commands to obey, and becoming complacent and self-directed. 5 Trustworthy Reasons, God Knew Us Before We Were Born: Why Jeremiah 1:5 Brings Us Peace. Below are the 13 signs of lukewarm Christians that will help you know if you have become a lukewarm Christian needing revival in your life or if you are dealing with lukewarm believers. He said the church made Him ill (Revelation 3:16). The goats (Matthew 25:31-46) are surprised to be rejected by Jesus, who they thought they were faithfully serving. They live a different life on Sunday than they do for the rest of the week. The book of Revelation opens with seven letters. The loss of the strong faith in God is another sign that will indicate that someone is or has become a lukewarm Christian and there are many such people today who have fallen away from the Christian faith they once treasured with all their hearts. This person can commonly be characterized as a walking contradiction, both sexy and awkward. As Francis Chan states in the best of lukewarm Christian quotes, Lukewarm Christians dont really want to be saved from their sins; they want to be saved from the consequences of their sins. Francis Chan. Resources. 1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! Being "lukewarm" is often tied to the thought that we've not done enough, so these reminders are timely. Romans 10:9. They care only for themselves and their possessions. Lukewarm Christians are not willing to endure the sound doctrines of the bible concerning holiness and sin due to the itching ears they have developed for the truth. God's twofold command to Adam and Eve to (1) be fruitful and increase, and (2) to subdue the earth and have dominion over it, indicates the great privilege and authority with which God endowed the first human pair. When we have nothing we still have Him. You become a lukewarm church when your reverence for God fades. A person practising lukewarm Christianity can be a regular Sunday churchgoer but their lives dont reflect that of Christ. Used by permission. If so, stop. He stating in chapter one and verse four, "Grace be unto you, and peace, from him . Would your calendar back up what your words say when you declare, Jesus is Lord? Would love to share the graphic on 7 steps to not be a lukewarm Christian, but is there one posted somewhere that says Step 2 instead of Step 22? We know that God is more interested in the spiritual health of a church than its numeric growth. Little else matters to them, and thats why theyre so lukewarm. 5 Signs of Being a Lukewarm Christian. January 4, 2023. }, How To Pray For An Evil Person [Whos Hurt You Badly? For example, if you were glad to be in the house of the Lord and serve Him in different capacities of His ministry like singing, this will no longer be the case as the things of the Lord will no longer be appealing to you anymore. 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