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Actual towns and churches

Church of Ephesus was the catalyst

Church literal grew along a postal route

30 churches of Christ existed at this time

Laodicea last one on the route

Of the 7 churches mentioned 5 are so disappointing they are threatened with Judgement

Ephesus: Sound in doctrine but left 1st love

Pergamos: Did not deny the Faith but tolerated sin

Thyatira: Entered into a full-blown compromise with evil

Sardis was virtually dead, but did have a few genuine Christians left

The Church at Laodicea

Dubious distinction of be the most well known - but for the worst reasons

One can say they are the “unsaved” church composed of non-believers. Christ said nothing good about anyone.

No redeeming feature at all

The City

Banking (wealth)

Black wool industry

Medical School - eye salves highly value

Wealthy self-sufficient town

AD 60 earthquake (Taxidus)

These attitudes found it way into the church

The Author

Revelation 3:14 ESV

“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.

The God of the “Amen” A validation to what has been said is true. An affirmation to the certainty of the Word

Christ is the validation of God’s Word

2 Corinthians 1:20 ESV

For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.

John 3:31–33 ESV

He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true.

The Church (Christ’s View)

Revelation 3:15–16 ESV

“ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.

Hot springs of nearby Hierapolis - famous for their healing properties - Still in use today

In near by Colossae they had cold refreshing clear waters

Soak in hot tub with epson salt

Cool refreshing ice water after working in the hot sun.

Aquaduct system in Laodicea (made people sick)

This church made God sick

Churches today: Wrong view of Christ, Wrong view of salvation, Wrong view what conversion means; wrong view of Heaven

They is always hope if there’s a remnant (believers)

The Church (Member’s View)

Revelation 3:17 ESV

For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

Jesus Call to Repentance

Revelation 3:18 ESV

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.

Their material wealth had no eternal benefit,

so Jesus commands them to come to Him for true, spiritual riches

Isaiah 55:1–2 ESV

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.

Only Christ can supply an everlasting inheritance, clothe us in righteousness, and heal our spiritual blindness.

Jesus’ Concern and Love of the Church

Revelation 3:19 ESV

Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.

Jesus Promise

Revelation 3:20–22 ESV

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. 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. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ”