To the Church in Sardis
3:1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.
“‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. 4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
To the Church in Philadelphia
7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.
8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet and they will learn that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. 12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and 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 from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
To the Church in Laodicea
14 “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.
15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 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. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 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. 21 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. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (ESV)
Revelation is awesome! I love hearing straight from Jesus and want to have the ears to hear so I actually do what he says!
Wow! Can you imagine if Jesus said our church was dead? Or lukewarm? What a sobering reality that a whole church can be missing true Christianity. I have been to many different church and even worked at a few, and I am extremely thankful for Compass Bible Church. I am also thankful for all of you at True North. My prayer is that we will be like the church at Philadelphia. May we keep Christ’s word! May we not deny his name! May he open a door for us so that many can be saved!
I am pray for Easter at the Bren and that we will be out there as the Street Team! If you talk to someone about about Jesus leave a comment here and let us know: http://www.churchforhighschoolers.com/sermons/defenders-of-the-faith
Also, don’t miss Double-It-Up Evangelism Night after True North this Saturday!
I will ask my parents if I can go.
2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God
No good works can come from me if I don’t have the Holy Spirit. Sometimes I feel like our church doesn’t talk about the Holy Spirit enough but it is soooooo important! He’s apart of the trinity and is God(calling Holy Spirit “He”). He dwells within those that are saved…and He is awesome! He guides me when I’m at school, home, or Town Center! Wherever I go, He will be there. May the Holy Spirit use me everyday as I go out and tell others about Easter at the Bren and about the Gospel!
Now if I was one of those churches, I’d want to be apart of the church of Philadelphia! I need to be checking my heart constantly and make sure it is in the right place…Holy Spirit, may you convict me of every sin I commit! MARANATHA!
Hey Bethany! Pastor Mike is preaching about the Holy Spirit this weekend! Don’t miss it!
When I got to Jesus’s message to this church, I was compelled to tears with a broken heart. Being saved is all-consuming. There is no piece of me that can be left unturned. It is my FERVENT prayer that we who claim Christ be on heightened alert–vigilant, prepared, malleable for the Holy Spirit to do with as He pleases, ready for action and willing to be used for eternity’s sake, no matter the cost. This is an incredibly lofty commitment. One to not be taken lightly. One that takes discipline, consistency, a Leader issuing commands, an obedient heart, fortitude of mind and physical strength, determination grounded in perseverance, a death to self and a dismissal and rebuke of anything that comes from within ourselves, that is not in accordance with God’s Word and will for our lives. It’s a LIFELONG commitment. Let’s hold fast and strong, and encourage one another to fulfill the works that our Father has called us to, to completion, that our Jesus might claim us before our Father.
8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut.
This first part of verse 8 struck me, because it talks about how our salvation is sercure. Jesus is telling the people at the church of Philadelphia to keep up their endurance. He gives them hope by telling them that He has set an open door before them, being the open door to heaven. Even in hard times, the Christian will always have the hope of heaven. I especially like how no one is able to shut this door. Once I have been saved, no one can separate me from the love of Christ (Romans 8:31-39); no one can shut the door that Christ has set before me. Because of God’s grace and the gospel of Christ, I have eternal life, and no one snatch me from Christ’s hand (John 10:28). I need to live all out for Jesus Christ and be bold in light of this fact. Because I will always have Him, and because no one can take away the hope of heaven from me, I need to be fearlessly evangelizing and living a holy life for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
This verse touched me! Once we accept Christ into our lives God has an open door that no one can ever shut allowing us to enter into his kindgdom. This second part of this verse is also amazing! Through our lives we should stay into Gods word, and remember that he is our God and praise him always! I need to work on staying into Gods word its very hard for me to do sometime but I should always be able to find time in my day for my Heavenly Father.
More Love!!!
Good Morning!
I love these Revelation passages. They are so full of Jesus’ words that I can never really just choose one verse. Great reading though!
8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.”
WOW. Revelations is so powerful in general, and the fact that we’re hearing straight from Christ is pretty amazing. I love a *ton* of verses from this chapter in particular, but verse 8 really stood out out of all of them. The first part of it reminds me of HOW powerful God is and HOW weak we are. He has opened a door for us that ‘no one is able to shut’. I think that’s pretty cool. God has made sure that our pathway to Him is impossible to cut off. The last part of verse 8 once again talks about how weak we are, but specifically how, we have such little power, and yet God asks us to keep his word and not deny his name, because he is with us and we can do all things through Christ.
I LOVE REVELATIONS!
4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.
I desire to be like the few in Sardis who remained pure and loyal despite the fruitless faith of the believers around them. From Jesus’ words in verses 1-3 it is clear that many of the members of the church in Sardis have dead works. Jesus likens their state to being in a spiritual coma! I do not want that for myself. If I continue to seek God daily through reading and meditating on His Word and praying I will be able to clearly see the good works I need to do. Then I must do them! Even if it requires me waking up early, sacrificing hobbies and relaxation, or even facing mockery and persecution. Any discomfort I experience on earth for obeying God will be made up for in heaven. I love how this verse says that those who remain loyal and pure will be clothed in white garments, never have their names blotted out of the Book of Life, and have their name confessed by Christ before God and angels. That is motivation to keep doing the good God calls me to do. Who’s with me?
I’M with you, Beth! I’m grateful for your availability to hold me accountable, and I am privileged and blessed to do the same for YOU, as SISTERS! Let us hold fast to spurring one another on and having each other’s backs, as we purpose to live for Jesus Christ and invite others to receive His love, as well!!!
Reading through Revelations is so awesome!!!! And interesting. It is cool to see all the different churches Jesus talked to. Not only did they benefit from his teachings but know I am able to read about them and benefit also!!! I love that I have God’s word in front of me every moment of everyday. That I can read it whenever I want!!!!
Maranatha
Well, I really liked how Katie Melrose did her comment yesterday so I will follow in suit.
After reading this chapter to three more churches, Jesus had something to say to all the churches and from that we can learn the will of God.
-Jesus wants to stay awake spiritually. As Romans 12:11 states, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” I need to have this mentality at all times being spiritually enthusiastic for doing the Lord’s work. When I see myself decline, I must repent and grow through the grace of God.
-As a christian, I must be keeping the Word of God on the tip of my lips at all time; as the forefront. If I endure through my tribulations and trials I know that God will be just and one day I may be glorified with God and live with Him in the New Jerusalem
-Last, I feel that Jesus uses his last rebuke to the Laodicean Church. I need God. I cannot be lukewarm for God. With God there is black and white, no gray. I must choose either to be completely for God or completely against Him. I choose to be on His side.
“ 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.”
I heard a sermon Pastor Bobby gave on this subject, about being a thief in the night. It was awesome and really true. It’s hard to remember that any second the second coming could happen, you know? We just always have to be prepared.
“10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. 12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and 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 from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.”
All I can say is, I am so stoked for this.
“19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 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.”
Lately I’ve been going through a LOT of trials, but I’m becoming more and more thankful for them even though they are really hard. They let me know that I am loved and that I’m on the right path, which is awesome!
I remember that sermon about the thief in the night! That was the first one we heard!
That’s when I started reading the Bible everyday 
Thank the Lord for pastor Bobby’s message!
You are loved and are on the right path
))) I’m here for you always!!
19″…so be zealous and repent” I really am pumped up now to get serious and hard core. Hit some punching bags of fleshly desires and the devil and just seek
God because of His grace!!!
17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 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.
I love these of Jesus’s words to the Laodicean church. We have to keep our hearts humble. The Christian life is one that must be balanced and kept in high check. A popularly known natural human cycle is as follows:
“From bondage to spiritual faith;
From spiritual faith to great courage;
From courage to liberty;
From liberty to abundance;
From abundance to complacency;
From complacency to apathy;
From apathy to dependence;
From dependence back into bondage.”
The cycle identifies eight stages of a process which demonstrates exactly how history tends to repeat itself. PRAISE GOD for our Savior, Who BROKE the chains of this cycle, and Whose Spirit lives within us when we are baptized into Him spiritually, so that we don’t have to continue in such a self-destructive (and self-revolving/prideful) pattern. He freed us from this bondage that mankind is naturally inclined to. And at EVERY stage, Christ avails Himself so that anyone who repents and puts their lives and trust in Him, and testifies by his or her actions as spilled over from the overflow of his or her heart, might have eternal life.
Hmmm really interesting Stacy. I love the “Human cycle,” Ive never seen that before, i thing its really awesome! Thanks for the comment!
17 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 think we live in a community that often thinks exactly this…we ARE rich, even in this economy (compared to the rest of the world) and people tend to feel self-sufficient. Feeling self-sufficient is dangerous. We need to remember that every good gift comes from God. Without Him we are separated from God, slaves to sin, destined for Hell…wretched, pitiable, and poor, as Jesus says here. Those of us who are Christians know that we could never be self-sufficient, but that God is more than sufficient for our needs today and eternally.
5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels
It is so great to know that once our name is in the book of life, it cannot be removed. This gives me confidence in what i do, but also reminds me that i need to keep my ways pure, because we still need to strive after Him.
15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
This verse among others in the Bible that one can not be half way with Jesus. There is no middle ground. We are either for him or against him. We are on one side or the other. I am praying for opportunites to share this truth with others as we approach Easter. I also need to purge, attack, and remove anything that would cause me to become lukewarm.
15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
I love that we cannot half-way ourselves into Jesus’ heart and that he has standards. We cant be lukewarm, we either have to live all out for Him, or just “dump” Him.
17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
The Church of Laodicea is like us. We are both rich, we live in a rich area like they. Jesus, He cares all about your heart. The church thinks they are fine, they are Christians and rich. Jesus doesn’t like they are lukewarm and says they are blind and poor. (talking spiritually)
8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
I really like this verse. It reminds me of how secure my salvation is in the Lord. It remind me of John 10:28. The devil can never take away our salvation. The Lord will always be stronger. All we have to do is repent, keep the Lords commandments and keep faith in Him and we will receive eternal life. No one can take tat away from me, which means that I should have nothing to fear. The only thing I should trying to be doing is evangelizing and bringing more people to Jesus Christ, having no fear motivates e to do this.
11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.
Hold fast my friends!! This verse was such a good reminder to stay strong in the faith!! I need to show others that I have that genuine hope in Christ’s returning through more evangelism (evangelism night sounds like a perfect opportunity)!! We have a future in heaven, but do the other kids around us at school know the truth as well?? Therefore, we need to focus on the present in a way that glorifies God here on this earth but at the same time, focus on the future in looking forward to Christ’s return!! MARANATHA!!
17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
Revelation 3 is such an intense chapter!! I liked verse 17 because it is something I always need to be checking. I always need to be on guard of my actions. I don’t want to come across as arrogant to God, because I’m only hurting myself. I am a sinner who owes everything to God. I need to be prepared for Christ’s return, and always be on guard for it!!
Maranatha!
5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.
It is such a wonderful thing know that we can never lose our salvation. Through Christ, we will conquer and overcome the world and be united with Christ forever in Heaven. Even when we stumble and sometimes fall, our names will never be erased from the book of life, and that is an amazing thing!
Thank goodness for that! If that was the case, I could only imagine how many times God would of erased my name! God’s patience is truly amazing!!!
Although this kind of goes into Revelation 2, I really like how Jesus ends the letters to the churches with “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Jesus is basically saying to the people of each church that they should listen and take in what Jesus is telling them to do and not to just put His word to the side or forget about it but to do it.
I also liked these verses because it made me think how sometimes we can be doing the opposite of this. We have access to God’s word everywhere and at times, we don’t really listen or take in everything from it. I pray that I would read this and the rest of the Bible thinking about this verse, hearing what God has to say to me through the Holy Spirit (which is God).
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
I know what you mean… we have an opportunity to be listening to God ALL the time, especially since we live in America and can totally worship God whenever we feel like it, but we don’t really do that. It’s almost like we take this for granted.
I honestly don’t even know if this has much to do with what you posted, but that’s just what it reminded me of (:
Great reminder, T Moore!
“You have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon.”
If we are Christians then we are free from the wrath of God! Not just after death, but in the last years as well. We will never have to endure the punishment described in revelation, but instead will be caught up in heaven.
Mmmmm. I hope that happens. d:- )
16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
This is a solid verse. This verse is so easy to relate to because i see it happen so much. Most people say, “Im a christian; just not like hard core.” If your a christian your name should be “The Jesus Freak.” Its a compliment! With being a christian its either you are on Gods team or not. Like the verse says theirs no lukewarm. It also goes along with being 100% for God. Not 98% or 99.9%. God deserves nothing less than 100%. Hypocrite christians are usually not 100% for God, maybe 50% or 65% but they still partly live for themselves. But there is so much more to christianity than just believing in God. Today a couple kids in my math class said christianity and catholics are like the same. I was not scared to defend my faith, because sure we both believe in the same God, but there is so much more that they put before Him. Some examples are like Mary, and also pray to saints!!! I mean Hello!? Theirs a HUGE difference. And what good is it if we call ourselves christians but cant even defend our faith!!! And who cares what man thinks; care only what God thinks!!!
AH! AMEN! great comment Emily! I totally agree!
Amen sista!
8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut.
this is an very encouraging verse to know that god has an open door for us which no body can shut, he know all of our works and every single little thign we do
“3 Remember, then, what you received and heard” – What we learn from reading the Bible and what we learn at church we need to remember and apply it to our lives. We need to take the commandments from the Bible and perform them. Not read the commandments in the Bible, then go to school and sin all day, completely forgetting what we read earlier. We need to stop committing sins, and shine God’s light. When we do this, non-Christians can see how God has dramatically changed our lives. And who knows, they might follow our example and become Christians too!!
15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
As Christians there is no in between living for God and living for yourself. This is such an important thing to know because it says God would rather us be not aChristian at all or on fire for him than somewhere in the middle. I need to make sure that i am on fire for christ each and every day!
17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
Lots of people have heard about the “lukewarm” church, but why was this church so lukewarm? Verse 17 helps us understand that the church at Laodicea was spiritually proud. They thought they had everything they needed.
On the other hand, Jesus calls his people to be “poor in spirit.” I need to be someone that realizes that I have nothing without Christ! Nothing will make me more spiritually “hot” that realizing that I have nothing but Christ has given me everything!
15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
It’s pretty clear here how God feels about people who are only “halfway” or “casual” Christians. He says he will spit them out of his mouth – wow! Not much acceptance there for people who go around preaching the Gospel of good feelings, that you can be casual with God and still get in alright. Sin and commitment to the Lord are a big deal. I think I really need to work on applying this to my life, especially my commitment level to spiritual matters, and not having one foot in this world and one foot in the next. Hope to see everyone at Double it Up Evangelism!! Looking forward to it!!
8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut.
i liked this verse and how god has a open door for us
1 I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.
I remember when Christ showed me that this described my life!! I was a hypocrite: having a reputation of being a Christian when I was actually living for myself and not for God. True North helped me wake up and see that my works were not what God called evidence of life in Him. I see this everywhere: people who have the reputation of being a Christian when in reality, they have never truly given God their entire life, all of their control. I want to be able to warn others of this danger that I fell into, and be thankful everyday that God saved me from it!
I read…
Verse 10… “Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.”
In this verse, God says that whoever keeps His commands and endures the world will not have to suffer as the non-Christians have to. I am so thankful that God will withhold His judgment from me because of Christ. I praise God for what He has done.
We ALL deserve Hell, but Jesus took all the pain and judgement that we deserve and poured it on Himself! Good comment:)
16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
Spit you out of his mouth? YIKES! That’s a scary thought right there. Being lukewarm is a very dangerous thing. You know the truth yet decide to live in it only half way, and the other half is still living for yourself. God wants nothing to do with those people. Im praying that God gives me boldness to confront lukewarm people in my life that need to be told truth! You’re either in or out, there’s no other way!
Mmmmmmm this is a great chapter (: Especially at the end!!
“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
This is a very scary thing! To think that Jesus Christ, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, the holder of the keys to Hades, and the Son of the Living God is threatening to spit these people out of his mouth! People that arent 100% ALL in for Jesus Christ , Jesus wants to vomit them out of his mouth! This shows that those people who are lukewarm are not Christians. Christ would not spit his own people (Christians) out of his mouth. I agree with Jasmine!! You cant live like a “kinda-Christian”. You have to be either for Christ, or not! I thank Christ that he saved me and I am all in for Jesus Christ!!
Hmmm good stuff! Preach it Mady.
19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
This is so true those who repent and who God loves he will discipline. If God didn’t love us he wudnt discipline us
Yay! Awesome to see you on! <333
First off the main points i got from this were as follows:
- If we are not right with GOd at any time its really important that we reoent it and move on. We will never know when He comes so I need to constnatly check my heart and end strong.
- We need to stay strong in God and persevere on and not become discouraged because God has the BEST reward ever!
- When we go through trials in our life we need to not give into temptations because God is testing us and if we obey Him then we will become that much closer to Him.
- And a very importantant: We need to check and see if we are all in or all out, if we claim to be a christian yet there is no fruit then perhaps we are not a christian. Therefore we are lukwarm (which is the same thing as being a non-Christian) and this is the time to get right with God!!!
Now is the time to conquer our sin! I pray that God will make known clearly the parts in my life that I need to change.
Katie! yay to see you on here! Great prayer, I will be praying for you too!
“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
My friend David and I always talk about this quote. Since we go to private school, we are used to people being lukewarm. They know who Jesus is and believe that he exists, but they don’t really do anything to follow him. That’s the worst thing about it because Jesus does not want us lukewarm! We need to be either all in or all out (perferably all in!!). In my mind, it’s almost harder to evangelize to people who are in a private school because they think they already are saved when they really aren’t and then they get all defensive.
I asked one of my friends if he wanted to come to a Bible study that we have on Wednesdays during lunch and he got offended that I even asked because he thought I was implying that he wasn’t saved etc. It really depressed me because it’s almost awkward to bring it up because everyone gets so defensive! Oh well though… I have to keep trying!!
Also, a lot of the times when life is going exactly the way we want it to, we feel like we don’t need to talk to God as much or rely on him. That is so totally FALSE! We NEED God ALL OF THE TIME! Not just in the bad times and not just in the good. We should be forever praising his name because of his greatness!!!
“‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.
This is a great verse. This is what we do not want to be like. Some “christians” do a lot of good works, but have no faith in CHRIST. They look good on the outside, but to GOD, they are dead. True CHRISTIANS do good and have faith.
13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
God says that anyone who has an ear, which is everyone, has heard the word of God. The promblem is, is how we respond to it. Most all people, the wide path, choose to go against what they have heard. This is crazy, but true. We as Christians know the amazing power of God, but others dont. When we see that people are going against Gods word, but claim to know Him, we must tell them of their wrong doing. Its differant for the people who have never heard the true gospel. Today I had a convo in art with two girls I sit next to about heaven and our life after death. I got to share what I believed, but what one of them believed was that we can never have true trust in any faith or belief. Obviously, this person has not heard the true gospel. Its so important for me to be telling everyone the true light, or else they may never hear it anywhere else. We cant force faith upon anyone, but they will be judged on what they knew. God has given everyone what we supposed to be doing, but we have to respond in the correct way.
2 …for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.
This verse reminded me of how my works may be good, but not complete – as he says. I can do so much more than I do. I need to work to do that extra umph!
4 …people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.
I want to be one of those people!!
8. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
I looove this verse! I have a friend who was being persecuted for her faith and this reminds me of that. He will reward her for not losing her faith and this reminds me that even though I am a little person, I can have an impact on peoples’ lives.
15. “So because you are lukewarm, and nither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”
I am so excited to say that a few years ago, I remember reading this verse and not being sure of whether or not I was hot. I praise the Lord for the fact that he has brought me closer to him! Thank you Lord for a great sweet 16
D
ELLO… I read
I like verse 6,”He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
I like this verse because it talks about whoever can hear let him hear. I like this because it isn’t saying only the jews listen or only the CHRISTians listen it is saying everyone listen. This means that the word of GOD should not only be preached to those of our choosing I am supposed to preach it to everyone I see. I need to make sure that I don’t hold back GOD’s word from anyone.
CYA
Tanner i really had a hard time understanding this verse until I read what you posted. It totally made sense to me! You are completly right about not holding back on Gods word!
Every time I read this chapter I am extremely convicted. Christ commands us directly to “be zealous and repent.” Our Lord is so straightforward. He knows our hearts so well, that every time I read these letters to the churches I feel as though it addresses me directly; as if it says, “Kelly, don’t be lukewarm!” I never want my love for Christ to cool down..!
19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
As with chapter 2, this chapter reminds us that God is a just God and that He does judge, reward, and punish. We are all accountable for our actions. And even though discipline is never pleasant, it is good to know that God disciplines us out of love and a desire for us to repent and seek Him. I want to live a holy life that pleases God, but when I fall short and God disciplines me (as I know He will) I want to quickly recognize it and “be zealous and repent.”
Am i a lukewarm Christian? I hope not! I need to be an extraordinary christian who is zealous and on fire for the Lord ALWAYS! I can be zealous, but not always. Everyone has those days, but that is still no excuse! Rejoice in everything(:
20 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.
God is giving everyone an opportunity for salvation and a chance be with Him in heaven! He stands at the door and knocks, waiting for us! I am so glad that i am saved and i am a child of God!! Now, my job is to share the news of that opportunity so more people can be saved through Christ! I mean who doesn’t want to be in Heaven? I know i do!(: MARANATHA!
MMM rejoice in everything! that is a good one (:
Pertaining to the first part of your comment: Christians tend to seperate us by saying that there are “Christians” and “Hardcore Christians”…..but like Bobby said in past sermons, and I quote, “There is only one type of Christian and those are the hardcore Christians!”….stay hardcore Allie! Great post!
“‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.
I loved this quote becuase it is beyond true! It does not matter about how many works you do, as Christians it should come naturally to us to do good works. If you have a good reputation at school or in the public and are not showing good examples of being a Christians than people will not take us seriously!
3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.
To me this is just showing how we always need to be ready. That anytime, anywhere we need to be ready for the Lord’s return. MARANATHA!
19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
This church needed to be saved! They weren’t even Christians! They needed new clothes and salve to open their eyes to see. These are metaphors that are often used for non-Christians. They needed to repent of their sins. But then Jesus throws in this verse. Just because you repent doesn’t mean you are done with God. Quite the opposite! When you repent then God starts you on the process of sanctification and He disciplines you when you sin. God has disciplined me in my life and it is not fun but it is always good.
15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
Wow… to think this is where some of us were at before Salvation. To think Christ looked at us this way, frankly it’s frightening. But what’s more frightening is that I know people like this and no matter how many opportunities for evangelism I take, I let countless more slip away, knowing that God sees those people this way. I’ve been doing better, but Lord, just give me Boldness in Your Name.
11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.
I love this Jesus says he’s coming soon. What a great hope we can hold onto!
We need to hold fast our faith, and not give into the temptations of this world. The christian life is not a steady path there will be ups and down but if we endure and hold tight to our faith then in the end we will receive the crown of life that has been promised.
This is such a good chapter . Christ is writing to churches so those that claim to be Christians are warned. There are only two out of the seven churches that were sound and all the other churches needed to repent. This chaper shows us how important it is to have good works because with out good works our faith is dead. We need to never loose our first love and strive to be holy as Christ was holy
Amen!
8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
Philadelphia, one of the churches that is told they are actually doing well, is commended because of their obedience. They are actively reaching out to others and not denying the name of the Lord. I definitely want to receive the praises that the Philadephian church received rather than being told I was lukewarm. The change that is taking place in the church in Philadephia is evident as the people are growing in obedience. I pray that my life is also characterized by the same obedience and that I would be known for my committment to God’s Word!
It continues to amaze me that i have the book that tells the future right in my hands! sorry i say that a lot, i am just excited (: I am also stoked that the Lord says, “11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.” I am in love with my Jesus, and am so excited for him to return. And here it says in the Bible that he is coming so that i can have full confidence in him! I need to hold fast to all of the thing He has given me, and continue to grow here on this earth. While i am here living for Christ, i need to make sure that i am giving Him my ALL. Because he is my everything, and i need to serve him wholeheartedly. It says in verse 16 that “because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” This verse is so encouraging, and intense. It encourages me never to lose my first love, and to always stay on fire for the Lord. I mean, i have every reason to stay on fire. God sent his son to be killed for my sins, so that i can have a relationship with him! This is all i need and more to be excited to live my life for Jesus.
Sheesh! You hit like every point in this comment! SUPER encouraging, I totally agree!
19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
20 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
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19)That God loves me so therefore he punishes me and teaches me a lesson.
20) That God stands at the door to our hearts and he’s there waiting knocking, waiting for us to open the door If we hear his voice and we open the door for him to come in, he will be with us forever more.
Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent
I am praying for those in the SC small group tonight that we will have the zealousnacity to confess and repent of our sins when we sin and to be bold for Jesus Christ at our schools or wherever we might be. We will accomplish this goal by starting off the morning reading God’s word so are minds will be focused on God’s will not our own will.
16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
Wow, that’s intense.
God will throw me up if I am a lukewarm Christian??
Um, no thanks. I’d rather not be vomit at all, especially not God’s!
Talk about BURN!
I need to be safe to not go astray onto the path of the lukewarm and to always, in everything I do, be on fire for Christ.
I’m SO thankful I am one of God’s children, I just need to always remember to be praising His name always and never going off to do things my own way.
Lord, I pray for wisdom to know that I really don’t have all the answers and most definitely can’t take care of things myself, but that I need You in all I do so that I may please You in all I do.
Lord help me to continue to be a shining beacon for Your holy name!
Not my will, but Yours be done Lord.
15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!
19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
In each of his messages to the churches, Jesus starts out by saying “I know your works.” He is watching His churches, and He knows what they are doing, good or bad.
I’m not *exactly* sure what He means with the temperatures, but it seems pretty clear that He does not like the lukewarm, the people who are on the fence, as opposed to being on one side or the other. In reality, there are only two sides anyway. I don’t want to fall into the “middle” ground of lukewarmness; I want to be on the side of Jesus Christ, hot, fully trusting in Him (rather than myself) every single day!
17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
It seems that another sin this church had fallen into was pride. Apparently they thought that they were OK on their own strength, righteousness, or whatever (something incredibly easy to do). But Jesus clearly exposes this problem, and although He’s addressing a specific church of that day, the same can be applied to me right now! God, please don’t let me fall into the mindset of thinking that I’m fine on my, that I’m “good enough” just because I’m “better” than other people; please don’t let me be large in my own eyes, but instead show me the reality of my sinful, weak, pathetic self every day, and let me have a humble heart before You.
11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.
The imminent return of Christ is so clear in these letters. Talking about taking the cross personally tonight at small groups got me so excited and thankful for what Christ has done. At the same time it has spurred me to be bold in my conversations, especially in light of God’s return. Also in the verse before this, it talks about patient endurance. I want to rest in Christ and focus on developing a patient endurance, holding fast to the truth of the cross of Christ.
11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.
Jesus is coming soon and I pray that we are all ready. I pray that we all anticipate the Lords coming like its tomorrow and that we all evangelize and stay in the word as much as possible. I also pray that we all would stand firm in our faith and not be conformed to the world but make war against it. There is a light at the end of the dark tunnel and we need to reach it.
I like how this chapter really hits home for all of us. Making us fear everyday that Jesus can return anytime. It doesn’t matter what day it is even if we are having a bad day. I remember during the summer at small groups when Pastor Bobby was preaching on being lukewarm. I know now and then that I have to be all in for Jesus. Going half way isn’t going to cut it. I have to be working hard eachday. I know it is going to be a tough battle, but I know I can do it. Though the past days have been lacking a little so it’s my job to stay ontop of things. Hope all the small groups go well tonite. Can’t wait for Eater at the Bren Wwwooo!!!
15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
convicting much?? WOW! I don’t think the Lord can make it any more obvious, you are either all in for the Lord, or your not. He would rather you not be a Christian than to have you be lukewarm about Him. This shows me that I really need to make sure that I am all in for Jesus’s team!!! I need to know how much I care about Him and make Him my first priority in life because of all he has done for me!
15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
It is so sad to see how so many people are trying to live walking a tight rope between God and the world. People recognize the fact that undeniably there is a God. They think that it would be good to have what he has to offer, eternal life. So they may “pray the prayer” or declare trust in Christ, but they are still clinging to this world. They feel that they can check the box of making sure of their eternity and they can now return to living how they would like. The Bible clearly states the opposite many times! Jesus speaks of how one cannot serve two different masters. He is either faithful to one and rejects the other, or he rejects the one and is faithful to the other. There is no middle ground between Christ and the world. You are either all in or not at all.
I need to live my life showing this, that I am not seeking after the world, but solely after Christ! In him I have eternal life; by his blood I have been saved. I can’t call myself a Christian, yet try to live in the world. Though in my sin, I once was of the world, I have been rescued and brought into the light! There should be nothing of me turning back to the very sin from which I have been rescued. As a Christian, I need to live a life showing that I am all in for Christ! There is nothing holding me back, but instead I am all about seeking after him and obeying the commands he has set for me. I can’t try to stay lukewarm, but instead I must live radically on fire for Christ!
“ 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.”
This verse really motivates me to live a Holy life!!! Just knowing that the return of our Lord could come at any second is just really really inspiring to me to not sin!! Just think how aweful that would be if right when Jesus came back we were sinning!! Like right when he came back we were gossiping or making fun of someone or cussing!! That to me is the worst thing that could ever happen to us Christians!!
Preach it! Totally agree…that would be bad.
16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
tee-hee….my name is in this verse.
Ok. This verse should obviously not be taken literal. Basically it’s talking about the Christians who claim to live for Christ, but are only 50% into it. They dont serve with all they have. This verse should totally scare those of us who are living the mediocre lifestyle in serving God. It definitely motivates me personally. I DO NOT want to be vomited out of God’s mouth! I want to be with Him and Him with me, so I will serve Him.
19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 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.
I love how Christ is loving and just, and because he loves us, he acts justly…meaning he reproves us. It is so important to keep our Christian peers accountable because that way we can practice loving one another by helping one another. The second verse here makes me think of that original picture of Jesus standing at a door and knocking, waiting to be let into someone’s heart. I am so thankful that I have let Christ in my heart because he’s changed my life. To eat with Christ as mentioned in this verse also reminds me of how one day we’ll get to eat with him in Heaven..that is one of the greatest things that excites me! To see him face to face and be able to eat at the same table as him as if I’m worthy to be near him even though I ‘m not…wow. I will be praying that this Easter people will open the doors of their hearts to Christ and dream of living with him in Heaven.
18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich…
The Bible cannot overemphasize the importance of doing the right things with the right attitude. When all of our thoughts and actions are called into account on the day of Judgement, all of our hypocrisy and hidden motives will be burned away, leaving only what is pure and done for the Lord. This is a motivation to me to keep my heart far away from being lukewarm like the Laodicean church! If I am evaluating all my actions and making sure that I am really living to serve and glorify Jesus Christ, then my love for Him and desire to serve Him and worship Him will also grow, leading to a lifestyle of constantly increasing desire to be in the Word and preaching the Gospel!
12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and 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 from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.
Now, I don’t know about you, but I want that pillar! Before this verse (verses 9-11), Jesus almost gives a motivational speech to “hold fast!” and to “be faithful in the endurance of obedience”. Basically, in the words of Bobby Blakey, to Keep Standing for Jesus Christ.
Now, back in the day (when the Don’t Stop Standing series was going on), Bobby correctly illustrated a standard of what it meant to be standing. In many ways he wasn’t telling us just to keep slumping, or leaning, or slouching in place, but he said “keep Standing”. Simply said, excelling in order to present your self blameless, without fault and righteous in an unrighteous world.
The standard is two-fold: 1.) the World’s standard (very easy to get by on minimum effort), or 2.) God’s standard (absolute holiness; impossible to achieve without Christ; muy dificil)
Now, I myself am making a pursuit of holiness, a goal to get that pillar of specialness, and that crown of life, and not just to win the race, but to dominate, because God is worthy. God deserves my all. He is my Lord.
Amen! God is good! Maranatha!
19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 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.
When I go through hard times or struggles in my walk with the Lord, many would say that I should just give up hope in God and assume He doesn’t exist. But it seems like so much more sense that there is a God! Because through these struggles and temptations and trials comes perseverance and endurance and strength! God loves me, a SINNER, enough to send Christ to die for me. He continues this love by refining me into maturity so that I can serve Christ better. That means I should be zealous for trials, because that means that God truly loves me! (sounds weird to some, but makes sense if you think about it
) Also, Jesus says that He is just waiting at the door, knocking for me to open up to Him. He died and suffered a horrible painful death so that I could live again, and then waited for me to finally realize that and thank Him for it. Praise God I’ve opened the door, and for anyone who hasn’t I implore you to follow the One that died and suffered so that you could have peace.
4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.
These verses are using “garment” as a picture for their life or character. The Christian’s life reflects God’s holiness and purity! I definitely desire to be like these few in Sardis who even though most everyone around them is living polluted, compromised lives, stays faithful and lives for the Lord. This kind of life doesn’t just happen. A Christian must be devoted to God’s Word, focused on obeying him and pursuing personal holiness!
At Women’s Bible Study today Jennifer Morris taught about Ephesians 5:15-16 which says “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” I thought of that right away when reading this chapter because I the days are so evil and I know that Jesus is coming soon! I must take hold of every opportunity to live for him and do his will here on this earth! One way I am convicted that I need to make changes is in how I spend my time. This morning she challenged us each to take a time assessment chart and see how effectively we are honestly living for the Lord-maximizing every opportunity–or are we using a lot of those seconds for ourselves. I started it today and will continue to fill it out this week to evaluate where I need to make changes so I can be found worthy, walking in the holiness and purity that God has called me to as his child.
16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
Before I became a Christian, this was me. However, now that I am a part of God’s team, this brings two things to mind. First, I know many “christians” who could probably fall under this category. This is a tragic thing- I don’t want people I know to be spit out of God’s mouth! This encourages me to really talk to the people around me that seem to be lukewarm, and encourage them to really make sure they are 100% on God’s team. Secondly, I want to make sure I am not doing things and sinning in ways that relate to being lukewarm. Though i am saved, and that will never be able to be taken away from me, i will still sin. I want to make that happen as little as possible, as when I sin, I am putting other things, like my worldly desires over my desire to serve God and do what he has in store for me. This is exactly what people in this “lukewarm” category are doing.. and I musn’t indulge in this. I will sin here and there, but I need to make sure my life is one that is God centered, and I act in a Godlike character, all inspired by a desire for God that is unwavering.
15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
This verse encourages me not to let things slip, not to let the fire die down a bit. It is offensive to Jesus for me to have only one foot in the door; I can’t live on both sides! I need to be “hot”, and stay hot by continually adding heat…never letting the wonder and joy leave, and always striving to follow in Jesus’ footsteps every day! I don’t want Jesus to “spit [me] out of [his] mouth”…scary!