Revelation 3:14-22
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
“These words are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15I know your deeds, that you are neither cold or hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16So, because you are lukewarmneither hot nor coldI am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
19 “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
21 “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (NIV)
Fulton Ousler’s “The Greatest Story Ever Told,” really fits with Revelation Chapter Three. Here we have a vivid reminder of the salvation which Christ desires to give every person in the world. What a picture of the greatest story in the history of humankind!
GOD ALWAYS MAKES THE FIRST MOVE: Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
1. The Bible is about God’s seeking for humankind.
2. The picture of a seeking Savior goes against much of our
culture and training .
“Christianity is nothing more nor less than accepting God’s acceptance.” Paul Tillich
GOD HAS INCREDIBLE PATIENCE II Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Accusations Against a Lukewarm Church. Revelation 3
1. Neither hot or cold. v.16
2. Arrogant and conceited. v.17
3. Wretched, poor and blind. v.17
4. Spiritually dull. v.18
GOD’S GREATEST DESIRE IS TO SAVE US: Revelation 3:20
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”
1. The only reason Christ enters our lives is to make us
better .
2. Accepting Christ into our lives requires a commitment to friendship.
GOD LEAVES THE ETERNAL CHOICE OF SALVATION TO US:
