"And to the angel of the church in Laodicea 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 because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art the wretched one and miserable and poor and blind and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold refined by fire, that thou mayest become rich; and white garments, that thou mayest clothe thyself, and that the shame of thy nakedness be not made manifest; and eyesalve to anoint thine eyes, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I reprove 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. He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with me in my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. "– Rev 3:14-22 (KJV)

"As many as I love, I reprove and chasten" – this is a statement we need to be constantly mindful of. Rebukes from a Father are extremely painful to the tender spirit of a child, but they are for our benefit. We focus on the rebuke – it stings so much more when we know it is true! – overlooking the great love that stands behind it. Looking at ourselves and hating the rebuke, instead of looking at Him and seeing the benefits and privileges He is waiting to give us, once we mend our ways. The Love of God surpasses all understanding, and nowhere is it more apparent than in this letter to Laodicea
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THE REPORT CARD OFLAODICEA
First called Diosopolis, after Zeus, it subsequently became Rheas, and finally received its name from Antiochus II., in honor of his wife, Laodice. It was a wealthy city, its trade consisting chiefly in the preparation of woolen materials, and in particular, a raven black wool. This is not the first time we are encountering a reference to this congregation in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul's letter to the Colossians was intended for this church as well (Col 4:13, Col 4:16), and there is a pointed command from him to Archippus (who may have been the pastor/bishop) – "Say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it." – Col 4:17.

A. ISSUING AUTHORITY
From the One who is Truth. In the Gospels Christ is often quoted as saying, "Verily, Verily" (KJV) or "Truly, Truly" (Newer Translations) – the actual words there are Amen, Amen. Amen has a Hebrew origin meaning firm, trustworthy, sure(ly). John Gill observes that the word Amen, numerically (gematria) answers to the two Names "Jehovah, Adonai". This is emphasized by Christ saying He is the faithful and true witness, and lastly underscored by the pointing back to the fact, that as the One who created all things from the beginning, He is the only one who CAN know the Truth of all things. Some (Unitarians) have pointed to this verse as evidence that Christ was Himself created (even if He was First - Rev 1), however, the greek here can equally be interpreted to mean that He was with/and was God when all things were created. In Prov 8:30 Wisdom says about Creation, "Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; " – and it is very interesting to note that the term 'one brought up with him' – is the term Amone in Hebrew! Here is evidence that we cannot base doctrine on just one verse alone, but need to look at its harmony with all of Scripture!

B. WHATS GOING WELL
Nothing! - This church is possibly the one with the sternest rebuke, as there is not ONE feature here that is worthy of commendation! Even Sardis, being dead, had a few works, and some that had not soiled their garments, but apparently, ALL of Laodicea is sick... Ouch – that really hurts. What is wrong here?

C. WHATS NOT GOING WELL
The charge against them is lukewarmness, or to use a modern expression – their approach to Christianity is "Meh!" That however, is just the external symptom. The true problem is self-deception! They are under the impression that everything is going just fine! "I am rich, and I have gotten riches." Do you see the problem? It's all about "I"... to put this in a current context, stop and think.

Have you been saved by the Grace of God, and given Eternal Life? "Yes!" Has God abundantly blessed you with health and favor (and maybe even material blessings)? "Yes!" Are you enjoying an active Christian fellowship? "Yes!" Are you free from persecution and able to worship in comfort and peace? "Yes!" Are you actively serving the poor, the sick, those in prison, and supporting the ministry of the gospel through active discipleship? "Hummuna Hummuna Hummuna............." Have you become lukewarm in your daily pursuit of prayer, reading the word, and loving your neighbor? "How dare you judge me... that's between me and God!"

It would be funny, if it wasn't so sad.

This is a church that is very happy with the status quo in their own life and is oblivious to the greater mission that God requires of His people - that they be witnesses of His Love, lights that shine in the world, cities that beam forth hope from the mountain tops, salt that heightens the enjoyment of all that is in this world! They are lulled into a false sense of security, and are completely unaware that they are blind, naked, and wretched when viewed from His perspective.

The true Christian is ever conscious of his wretchedness, his dependence on the daily grace of God, and burns with a passion to be of service to His King. The Apostle Paul is a prime example. "Wretched man that I am..." : Rom 7:24. The Pharisee going up to pray in the temple was proud that he was not like the Publican who would not even approach the temple, but beat his breast from afar and begged for mercy from God for his sin. Unfortunately, it was the Publican that went home justified, and not the Pharisee. (Luke 18:10-14)

Christ does not desire His people to be lukewarm and self-serving, so He tells them, I am very close to spitting you out from my mouth! (The word will is not the best rendering of the greek in the KJV).

D. RECOMMENDATIONS AND NEXT STEPS
Be Zealous and Repent (Change!). Recognize your poverty and apply daily to the fountain of grace for Faith (Gold), Cleansing from unrighteousness (Clothes), and Discernment from the Spirit (Salve). Pray that your spiritual condition be revealed to you, and ask Him for the strength and wisdom to carry out His will in your life, and in the lives of those around you (Buy from Him....)!

E. BENEFITS/CONSEQUENCES OF FOLLOWING THE RECOMMENDATIONS
Here is Love even to those engrossed in self. Christ calls, and knocks. Two activities – calling with His voice, and knocking on your life through His divine Providence. In the Song of Solomon, He even puts His hand through the door, and lifts open the latch – so much does He Love you! If you heed His voice, He comes in and breaks bread with you. Divine communion, whenever you want it! Not only that, He makes you to sit with Him in the highest of places – His throne! His disciples were told that they would sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel (Mat 19:28), but to His church the promise is to share His throne! These rewards are the province of servants that are faithful to their Master!

This Christmas, amongst all the frantic shopping for our loved ones, let us spare a thought for children starving in Yemen, those still hurting in Texas and Puerto Rico, persecuted churches, underfunded missionaries, those in prison, the homeless, and pastors who could do with encouragement and support from you parishioners. Don't give to those who give back to you in return, but bless those who will never see you and your benevolence, through responsible charities (Samaritans Purse is one example). If we all resolved to spare $50 a month to support one child, there would be at least 1200 children (judging from historical post likes and Amens on this page) that could be fed and clothed. That would be a start....Don't get us wrong, we appreciate the likes, comments, and amen's on here –it is very encouraging - but we would rather that you put your faith into action by making a difference in the life of others.