THE BEGINNING OF SORROWS AND SIGNS OF THE END

 

THE BEGINNING OF SORROWS
AND SIGNS OF THE END

 

The Disciples were so excited about the glory of the Temple as they departed it with Jesus.  They were boasting of all the goodly stones and gifts that it was adorned with. Jesus didn’t seem as excited as they were when He proclaimed there would not be left one stone upon another that shall not be thrown down.  (Mark 13:2)

Others were nearby and heard Jesus’ words. The Disciples knew people were upset (remember, those words were brought as witness against Jesus to have Him crucified) so they waited until they were alone on the Mount of Olives before asking Him privately,

Tell us, when shall these things be?
And what shall be the signs of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?

Matthew 24:3

 

The word translated as ‘world’ means = an age, specially a messianic period (G165)

We know that things are winding up rapidly for the coming of Jesus. We have been in the Messianic period and are seeing the signs showing the evidence that we are in the Last Days.  So, what signs are we seeing and what are we to continue to look for? 

 

Jesus began to expound to them what signs to look for as the end grew nearer.  To get a complete and better understanding of the signs Jesus said to watch for, we are going to compare the 3 Gospels which give accounts of Jesus’ words…. Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.

 

First thing He warned against was deception… Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.  (Mt 24:4 + Mk 13:5 + Lk 21:8)

We think “how could anyone fall for that?” Unfortunately, there have been many who have fallen prey to that spirit of deception…

There was a man in Florida named Jose’ Luis de Jesus Miranda who claimed to be Jesus Christ reincarnated and also the antichrist at the same time.  Surprisingly, he had a large Hispanic following.  He was born in Puerto Rico, was a former heroin addict and convict, a divorced father of 4, who moved to Florida and remarried. Yet, many fell for his deception and lavished him with expensive gifts.  I’m not sure exactly when he began to proclaim himself as messiah, but he died in 2013.

In 1979, while Alvaro Theiss was fasting in Brazil, he began to believe he was the reincarnation of Jesus Christ.  He garnered a small following of mostly women who pushed him around on a rolling cart with a throne on top.  

There are many more surprising numbers of reports of self-proclaimed messiah’s rising and garnering followers. Jesus warned DO NOT BE DECEIVED!

That’s the first sign.  Then, He said…

And ye shall hear of wars (fighting) and rumors of wars: (fighting) see that ye be not troubled: for all these things MUST come to pass, BUT the end is not yet. Mt 24:6 + Mk 13:7

But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, (instability, disorder – g181) be not terrified: for these things MUST first come to pass: BUT the end is not by and by. Lk 21:9

These things have been happening off and on over the past 100 years. 
The end is not yet…. Jesus said: ***BUT DON’T BE TERRIFIED***
Jesus does not want this to make us afraid, but rather spiritually aware.

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. Mt 24:7

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles:   Mk 13:8

Then said He unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. Lk 21:10-11

We have been seeing these things take place off and on for several years. And we will begin seeing it on a greater scale as the coming of Christ draws nearer and nearer.

He warned:
* nation (meaning: race, tribe or people – g1484) will rise against nation (race) 
* and kingdom (realm) against kingdom (realm)
* Famines (we may see famine on a greater scale after 2020’s mass slaughter of pigs and cows and farmland slowly disappearing.)
* Pestilences (plagues, diseases …. we are seeing them grow and increase in number and frequency in occurrence)
* Earthquakes in various places (they are increasing as the earth groans and travails in pain together waiting for our redemption that is drawing nigh. Rom 8:21-23)
* Troubles – this means disturbance of water or of a mob (g5016)  We have seen both over the past several years and especially last year…. Flood after flood, hurricane after hurricane, mobs and riots.  These all show us Jesus is coming soon!  Be ready!
* Fearful sights – Frightening things! I think we can all think of many happenings that fit this description
* Great signs from heaven…
             - We can see and think of many
             - Lightning struck the Washington Monument on Aug 15, 2021.  The damage was so extensive that it is taking longer to repair than first estimated.  That same monument was struck on June 7, 2020 as well.  Think God is trying to get people’s attention?
            - Tornadoes and hurricanes are increasing in occurrences
            - People have been reporting strange lights in the sky for decades.

Jesus said: All these are THE BEGINNING OF SORROWS.

We can see from these descriptions that we have been in the beginning of sorrows for a while, yet so many were unaware.

THEN….  (Mt 24:9 + Mk 13:9 + Lk 21:12)

·        They’re going to afflict Christians (afflict means to put pressure on)

·        Some will be taken to court (been seeing that happening for several years)

·        Some will be beaten within the Church (church shootings?)

·        Some will be cast into prison (China but even in the US & Canada last year)

·        Some will be brought before rulers and kings for the Name of Jesus

Many shall be OFFENDED and BETRAY one another and shall HATE ONE ANOTHER

·        We have seen a lot of people getting offended and hating one another over this last year over piddly differences concerning to mask or not to mask/ or vax or not to vax / or shut the church doors tight or don’t. There is a difference between expressing your views and being hateful toward someone because that person is not doing things their way.

·        People have been betraying friends and neighbors over this past year by reporting Churches for gathering and holding Church, or families having ‘too big of a gathering’ while it’s ok in their eyes to gather in masses at other events and stores.  

·        Christians in foreign countries have endured their friends and family reporting them to the government for years because they are Christians.

·        The list goes on.  I felt to post and issue a warning last year concerning the spirit of division that was running rampant in our world and sadly even within the Church body as a whole. It’s not of God.  Jesus was warning us so we could watch and guard our hearts not to fall prey to this divisive spirit

·        You can see how easily it will be for Scripture to be fulfilled: brother shall betray brother to death, and the father the son; and the children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. 

·        When that spirit of strong delusion gets hold of a person, it breeds hate in a heart that grows until they hate even their own family members. 

·        I just saw a news report of a teacher who was fired after her first day of school because she was teaching hate to the students and trying to get them to hate their parents.  She was ranting to the students that they needed to realize how ‘stupid’ their parents were.  And how her parents were so stupid.  She told them they are all smarter than their parents.  That spirit of division and hate is growing and spreading.

·        BECAUSE iniquity (sin) shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.  People no longer love or care about others as we used to see.

 

But he that shall endure (persevere) to the end, the same shall be saved! (Mk 13:13)

 

AND MANY FALSE PROPHETS SHALL RISE AND SHALL DECEIVE MANY

Matthew records Jesus warning against False prophets and false Christs THREE times in this Gospel (Mt 24:5, 11, 23-25) 

 

Not ‘There will be’ but there IS a strong spirit of delusion that IS running rampant in this endtime hour.  Many and even some backsliders are being deceived by it.

 

That spirit of deception is so strong that Jesus warned in Mt 24:24 - False Christs and false prophets will show great signs (miracles) and wonders (omens); insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

      Elect means chosen (g1588)

      This word is used to address ALL born again Christians, whether they are Jew or Gentile.  Rom 8:33, 16:13 + Col 3:12 + 1 Tim 5:21

 

This is why it is imperative to be prayed up and full of the Holy Ghost, walking in the Spirit and not after the flesh so we can rightly discern what spirit a person is of. 

 

Just because they seem to be working miracles and maybe even reading your mail does NOT mean they are of God.  DISCERN THE SPIRITS so you won’t be deceived!

 

Then Jesus said…

Mt 24:14 - And this Gospel of the Kingdom SHALL be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations ….

            We are seeing this happening.  There are underground missionaries preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus in these dangerous countries thought to be closed – That’s what happened in Afghanistan. 

           Internet also makes it possible to reach those who were formerly thought to be unreachable because of government restrictions.

 

AND THEN SHALL THE END COME

          Meaning: after all that is the start of the end. 
                            There are things that still have to transpire according to Jesus.

          NOTICE:  There is no mention of the Church being raptured out or gone yet.  The Church / Christians will endure everything mentioned to this point. 

 

Jesus warned:

When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the Holy Place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Mt 24:15 + Mk 13:14 Cross reference: Daniel 9:27

And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Lk 21:20

 

Jesus warned: when you see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.   (Lk 21:20)

 

We have been seeing everything else up to this point fulfilled.  Now, we are to watch and keep our eyes on what is happening in Jerusalem.  In the meantime, these other signs will continue to occur and become more frequent.   

 

Those who are in Jerusalem and the surrounding areas of Judaea are warned to flee to the mountains, not looking back once they see the armies beginning to invade Jerusalem.  This will begin a time of GREAT TRIBULATION such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

 

This may be when the time of persecution warned of in Revelation 13 occurs – wherein the beast makes war with the saints to overcome them.  And he will put to death those who will not worship the image of the beast.

 

It is the same TIME OF TROUBLE that Daniel foretold in Daniel 12:1-2…..

And at that time shall Michael stand up,
the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people:
and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation
[even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered,
every one that shall be found written in the book.
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake,
some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt.

 

It’s going to be a time of GREAT TRIBULATION and TROUBLE.  So much so that Jesus said He would shorten those days or else no flesh would be saved.  But for the elect’s sake, THOSE DAYS SHALL BE SHORTENED.  (Mt 24:22)

 

Jesus again warned of signs in the heavens…

But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. Mk 13:24-25

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. Luke 21:25-26

Luke 21:27 continues…..

AND THEN shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

AND WHEN these things (everything mentioned in the previous verses – when you see these things) begin to come to pass, THEN LOOK UP, and LIFT UP YOUR HEADS; FOR YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH!

THIS GENERATION SHALL NOT PASS….

What did Jesus mean by generation?  Many ‘generations’ have passed since those words were spoken.  We have to look at the Strong’s to see what the original meaning of the word was.  The word translated as ‘generation’ actually meant ‘age/period of time’.

So this period of time (the Messianic age) shall not pass until all these things are fulfilled.

 

THEN THE TRUMPET IS GOING TO SOUND…..

He’s going to send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of Heaven to the other! (Mt 24:31)

 

Jesus compared the signs of the End to that of a fig tree…. You can tell that summer is coming when the tree begins to put forth leaves.  In the same way, you can look at these signs and know that Jesus’ coming is near, even at the door!  (Mt 24:32-33)

 

We may not know the day or the hour, but we can see the signs that it’s near.

 

Unfortunately, the world and sadly even some within the Church who will be unaware that the Day is near and won’t be ready as the 5 foolish virgins were not ready.

 

Matthew 24

37 - But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

38 - For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

39 – And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

 

People are going to be going about life as usual, unaware of the signs of the times.  Just as it happening even now….even with the Church, those who are supposed to be part of the Bride of Christ. 

 

Jesus warned in Luke 21….

34 - And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting (to desire something no more = not desire Jesus or Church as they should or used to?), and drunkenness (intoxicated = people are drunk on entertainment and desiring to hear or watch what makes them feel good), and cares (distractions) of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

35 – For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

 

36 – WATCH ye therefore, and PRAY ALWAYS, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

That is not referring to being raptured out before the Tribulation as some believe.  Jesus is saying: If you stay prayed up and watching, walking in the Spirit and not distracted by the cares of this life or drunk on entertainment, He will keep you from the Hour of Temptation that is coming upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the earth (His Spirit will keep you from falling into sin just as He did for the Church in Philadelphia – Rev 3:7-13)

It’s going to take us being FULL of the Holy Ghost to get us through these last days!

 

TWO SHALL BE IN THE FIELD….

 

What did Jesus mean by this?  “Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.  Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.”  (Mathew 24:40-41)

 

Some take this to support a pre-tribulation rapture view.  So, is that what this means?

1.      Notice this is verses 40 & 41 which are AFTER the verses of Jesus’ return mentioned in verses 29 -31.

2.     The word ‘taken’ means ‘received, to receive near’ (g3880)

3.     The word ‘left’ means ‘send away, forsake’

 

This is AFTER Jesus’ return when He’s going to cast all those who worshipped the image of the beast and took his mark into the Lake of Fire.  Some will be received because they were accounted worthy.  Others will be rejected and sent away because they loved the world more than they loved Jesus.

 

Jesus again warns in Matthew 24:42

      WATCH therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

       Watch means keep awake, be vigilant!  This is no time to be lukewarm or cold in our prayer life!

 

A couple weeks ago, as we were recording, I heard the computer shut down. 
I had plugged it in, thought the power was flowing, but the surge protector was not turned on.
We come to Church sometimes and appear to be plugged in – hands are raised, eyes closed, mouth singing along with the music,

BUT is the power flowing?  Or are we just going through the motions?

If we’re not feeling the current of the Holy Ghost moving through us, we need to push through until we do. 

We have got to stay FULL of the Holy Ghost!  We’re too close to the end!

 

Don’t let Him find us sleeping when He comes!

 

Verse 44 – Therefore, be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh!

 

WE NEED TO BE READY! Whether we meet Jesus in death or in the air….we never know when that time may be.  We just need to be READY!

Letters To the 7 Churches in Revelation - Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea

 

Letters To the 7 Churches in Revelation

Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea

 

Review:
The Book of Revelation was written by John while imprisoned on the Isle of Patmos.  He was placed on the Isle for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jesus instructed John to write letters unto the 7 Churches of Asia. 

The first letter was written to THE CHURCH OF EPHESUS. 

They were reprimanded for leaving their first love. 

They were told to REPENT and DO THE FIRST WORKS.

The second letter was to THE CHURCH OF SMYRNA….

Christians in Smyrna were persecuted for their faith. Laws in Smyrna required people to worship the Emperor.  When Christ followers refused to worship a man, they were in danger of being executed if found out.

Jesus saw everything the Christians in Smyrna were going through and instructed John to write them a letter to encourage and strengthen them.

This Church did not receive any rebuke from the Lord. 

The 3^rd letter was to THE CHURCH IN PERGAMOS

The city of Pergamos was an evil, wicked place and Jesus said they were dwelling where satan’s seat was.  He commended them for continuing to stand for Jesus despite intense persecution and the death of their friend, Antipas.

However, they were rebuked for allowing those with false doctrines and doctrines of devils to intermingle in the Church, masquerading as ‘Christians’ who ‘just saw things a little differently’.  He reprimanded them for tolerating these false Christians within the Church in the name of ‘love’ and ‘tolerance’ but these false Christians were spreading abominable doctrines such the false teachings of the Nicolaitans (compromise) and that of Balaam (who taught Balac to teach the Israelites to commit fornication and sin before God).

He warned them to REPENT!!! OR ELSE He will come quickly and will fight against them with the Sword of His Mouth.

The 4^th letter was written to the CHURCH OF THYATIRA

They were commended for being loving, working for the Lord, serving others, full of faith, and having patience.  And He commends their works twice, the last being more than the first. 

Yet, they were rebuked for tolerating and allowing a false prophetess who had the spirit of Jezebel to teach and seduce God’s people to sin.  She used her influence to seduce and draw others into committing fornication and partaking in idolatrous ways.  The Jezebel spirit is a dominating spirit that does not want anyone to tell them what to do and will not receive instruction or correction.

Not everyone in that Church followed her yet they tolerated her and her false teachings. Jesus admonished them to not let down or give in to that deceptive, preacher killing spirit despite the pressure, despite how someone will try to reason and excuse the behavior away.  HOLD FAST until Jesus comes!  There’s a reward for those who do.

 

The 5^th letter was written to the CHURCH OF SARDIS

(Information taken from Word Aflame SS Curriculum Spring 2021)……………..
The City of Sardis had a history of not watching as carefully as it should for the enemy.  Enemies spied on the city of Sardis 2 times during its history – once in 546 BC and again in 214BC.  The spies both times noticed the guards of the city were not watching carefully so they climbed up a crevice I the cliffs below the city, crashed through the gates, and conquered the people.

Many years later, they were warned again by the letter from John to WATCH!
(end exerpt)

Jesus told John to write unto Sardis….

Rev 3:1 – And unto the angel (pastor) of the church in Sardis write; these things saith He that that hath the 7 Spirits of God, and the 7 stars.....

*We know that the 7 stars represent the 7 angels (which are the pastors) of the 7 churches in Asia (Rev 1:16,20)  When you look at Strong’s Concordance, we see the word ‘angels’ means ‘messenger or pastor’ (G32).

 

What are the 7 Spirits of God?

Without realizing this is what this weeks lesson was about, I happened upon Bro Dave Robbins’ recent lesson at Endtime Ministries concerning what the meaning of the 7 Spirits of God may possibly be.

We know that God is a Spirit and there is only ONE GOD (Deut 6:4).
Revelation 4:2 reveals there is a throne set in Heaven and ONE sat upon the Throne.

Revelation 4:5 – And out of the Throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were SEVEN LAMPS of FIRE burning before the Throne, which are the SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD.

These are synonymous with the SEVEN HORNS and SEVEN EYES of God which run to and fro through the whole earth (Zech 4:10 + Rev 5:6).

When you look up the meaning of the word “Spirit” you find that it means “current of air or breath” (G4151) so they are what God breaths out.

So, what does the Bible mean when it talks about the 7 Spirits of God?

Isaiah 11:2 talks about the Spirit of the Lord….. 
                     1.  The spirit of wisdom and understanding
                     2.  The spirit of counsel and might
                     3.  The spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord
                     4.  The Spirit of Truth - John 14:17
                     5.  The spirit of Faith - 2 Cor 4:13
                     6.  The Spirit of Holiness - Rom 1:4
                     7.  The Spirit of Prophecy - Rev 19:10

These are what could possibly be what the Scripture is referring to. 

Let’s continue looking at the letter to Sardis….

Rev 3:1 – I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

          They claimed to be alive yet inside they were dead spiritually.

Therefore, they were warned…..

Vs 2 – BE WATCHFUL and STRENGTHEN THE THINGS WHICH REMAIN, THAT ARE READY TO DIE: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

Little by little, worldliness was creeping in and choking out the things of God.  They appeared to have life and to have the Spirit moving, yet this was only on the surface.

Just as a tree that appears to be healthy and flourishing on the outside but inside it rotten and decaying.  (Jude 1:12) 

They were becoming like the 5 foolish virgins – the oil was getting low in their lamps and they were unaware.  Jesus was warning them to WATCH, WAKE UP, Be aware of what’s happening inside spiritually before it’s too late! 

He warned them they’re about to die spiritually!  Wake up, pray more, fast more, read their Bible more to STRENGTHEN the things that remain!

He reminded them…

Vs 3 – Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and HOLD FAST, and REPENT. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

But Jesus found some good….

Vs 4 – Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy.

There were some in Sardis that were praying, fasting, reading their Bible, and doing what they should.  They were found worthy!  I want to be found worthy, don’t you?

Then He concluded with….

Vs 5 – He that overcometh the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name before my Father, and before His angels.

I do not want my name to be blotted out.  We need to hear what the Spirit is saying to the Churches….

Vs 6 – He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

 

The 6^th letter was written to the CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA

*From WAP Spring 2021 SS curriculum: The members of this Church had faced economic and social disaster, along with many difficult circumstances, including earthquakes.  In the midst of the fear and chaos, they kept their eyes on Jesus and endeavored to please Him. *

Rev 3:7 – and unto the angel (pastor) of the Church in Philadelphia write; these things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth and no man shutteth; and shutteth and no man openeth.

*Jesus is saying to the Church (to us) that He can open doors that no man can shut, and He can shut doors that no man can open - no matter how hard they try.  He holds the keys!

Vs 8 – I know thy works: behold I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My Word, and hast no denied My name.

*He’s saying to the Church because they had kept His Word and not denied His name He has opened a door for them to walk through that no man can shut.  They may be weary, but keep pressing forward.  Don’t give up! 

Vs 9 – Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

*Reminder: This is the same issue as was addressed in the letter to Smyrna. 
These are the ones who claimed to be Jews, claimed to love and serve God,
yet they did not know who He was nor were they doing the Lord’s work by
persecuting the Christians.  They did not discern what spirit they were of.

Vs 10 – Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from THE HOUR OF TEMPTATION, which shall come upon ALL the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

*Some use this to support a pre-tribulation Rapture.  We’re not going to delve into that right now because it would take too much time.  You have to look at several other Scriptures and compare Scripture to Scripture.

*What Jesus is saying to this Church is that He will guard and protect them during the Hour of Temptation that is coming to try the whole earth.

Luke 21:36 – Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Vs 11 – Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

*When Jesus said He’s coming quickly, we need to keep in mind that His time is not our time.  For with the Lord, a day is as a thousand years and a thousand years are as a day.  So, to the Lord, only a few days have passed since Jesus warned of the things to come.  (2 Peter 3:8)

Vs 12 – Him that overcometh will I make a pillar (a support) in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the Name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from My God: and I will write upon him My new name.

Vs 13 – He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches.

There’s a new name written down in Glory and it’s mine, oh yes, it’s mine!
What a Promise!

 

The 7^th and Final Letter was written to THE CHURCH OF LAODICEA

Rev 3:14 – And unto the angel (pastor) of the Church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen (meaning the One who is Firm and Sure), the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the Creation of God;

Vs 15 – I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

Vs 16 – so then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth.

*Jesus is warning the Church not to just go through the motions….. they wanted to serve God, but they were more-so a Sunday Christian. They came to Church to ease their conscious but the rest of the week was choked out by the cares of life….thinking about God at times but not truly spending time with Him until they arrived back at Church again. 

*They thought they were fine, but you can’t be half-hearted in living for God.  Jesus said He would spue these lukewarm Christians out of His mouth like you would something that tastes disgusting.  He hates lukewarmness!

Vs 17 – 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:

*Laodicea was known for their wool and eye salve by which its inhabitants became very rich.   The members of this Church saw themselves as prosperous and thriving, but God was trying to show them that although they may have been financially, they were spiritually destitute. 

They didn’t realize there was just a small flame of the Holy Ghost flickering within them that was ready to die out.  They were like the 5 Foolish virgins whose oil was running out yet they were unaware because there was a little flame there.

Vs 18 – I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that hou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

*Jesus compared this lukewarmness to being naked.  They were spiritually naked and did not realize it. They were going spiritually blind yet they were unaware of their condition…thus the reference to anointing their eyes with eye salve so they could see. 

He admonished them to buy of Him gold tried in the Fire.  To get on fire for God, it’s going to cost you something….it doesn’t come cheap or easy!  You’re going to go through a refining fire, you’re going to face incomparable trials and tribulations that you never faced when just going through the motions of patty caking with Jesus.

Jesus said “Take up your cross and follow Me”.  He didn’t promise a rose bed of peace and prosperity that some seem to think signifies the blessings of God.  No, the way of Jesus is a way of sacrifice, suffering, and tribulation.  Are you willing to pay the price to buy of Him gold tried in the Fire?

Vs 19 – as many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

**This church did not receive any compliments.  But Jesus let them know it was BECAUSE He loved them that He was issuing this warning of correction. 
THAT’S true love!

Vs 20 – 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.

*Jesus is knocking and calling to us.  Will we hear what He has to say?  Will we listen? Will we open the door?  Or harden our heart and try to excuse and reason away the things that God is warning and admonishing us against?

If we listen and obey and open the door to our hearts, He said He will come and sup with us and we will sup with Him.  He’ll feed us with spiritual manna.

Jesus is knocking on our hearts door….will we listen? and obey? 

Human nature craves to receive praise, affirmation, and adoration from others and God….that’s why social media is plagued with people posting selfies and other posts trying to get likes and become popular.  It’s not pleasant to receive criticism.

But if we receive a rebuke from Jesus while there is still life and breath in our body, we can be assured it is BECAUSE of His great love and mercy toward us.  We do well to listen and heed what the Spirit is saying to us as a Church and individually. 

I’ve received rebukes from the Lord – it’s not pleasant – but I thank God for them because it was His mercy trying to lead and guide me back on the straight and narrow path.  If He’s rebuking and chastening us, it’s because He loves us!

 

Vs 21 – 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.

Vs 22 – He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

 

Our goal is to make heaven our home.  Obviously, Jesus wants that for us as well and the reason WHY He had John write these letters to the Churches (which are still applicable to us today). 

There are many lessons, both positive and negative, contained within these 7 letters that we are to learn from.  Will we hear what the Spirit is saying to the Churches?