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Revelation Study Series 8 - God's Mysterious Plan Fulfilled Series
Contributed by Clayton Beck on Feb 17, 2023 (message contributor)
Summary: Jesus is alive! Jesus is coming back! Jesus wants you ready for His return!
Revelation Study Series 8 - God's Mysterious Plan Fulfilled
12.05.21
Message…
14 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the One who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation:
15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other!
16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth!
17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.
18 So I advise you to buy gold from Me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from Me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see.
19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.
21 Those who are victorious will sit with Me on My throne, just as I was victorious and sat with My Father on His throne.
22 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what He is saying to the churches.”
Over the past few weeks we have looked at six churches the apostle John wrote letters to. The Lord told John exactly what to write and exactly to whom they were to be delivered.
Some of these letters had great things to say. The Lord praised some for their faithfulness, their labor, their love for one another. Some were praised for their sacrifice and dedication.
And, to some He gave rebuke, correction and warning. Some had forgotten Whom they were serving. Some had forgotten their purpose in existing all together. Others were more concerned with following religion rather than relationship with the Lord.
Today, we have the church in Laodicea.
Interesting Note: In 367 AD...a council of men...scholars/authorities met in Laodicea. They discussed what should be accepted as the Bible and what shouldn’t. They decided that the book of Revelation should not be read, studied, or accepted as from God.
Not surprising given what it says...what the Lord says...it goes to show you that man only wants to hear what man wants to hear...and do what man wants to do.
Laodicea was a very wealthy city. It was located about 40 miles east of Ephesus.
One of the main trades Laodicea was known for was its black wool. They would make garments and sell them all over. They were dressed well.
They were also known for their medical school and treatments. People would come from all over with various ailments. They were especially known for their eye salve. They would take a powder and mix it with oil making a paste/clay and then apply that to a patient’s eyes.
Northwest of Laodicea was a place called, “Hierapolis”. It was known for its hot springs. People would go there to soak in pools of hot mineral water baths.
To the southeast, nestled in the mountains 5-6 miles away, was a place called, “Colossae”. It's cold mountain stream provided cool, crisp, refreshing water.
Laodicea’s water supply came from Hierapolis. They piped this hot water through a man made underground aqueduct.
They were wealthy, dressed well/looked good, they had the whole Ann Arbor medical center thing going, and they were well watered! Smart, savvy, independent. They didn’t need anyone’s help.
A proud city. So proud in fact that after an earthquake leveled the city in 60 A.D., they refused assistance from the Roman Empire. They would rebuild themselves, they would pay for it themselves…they needed no one!
And to them the Lord provided His strongest words. There were no words of praise, only rebuke.
Not only did the Lord have nothing good to say to them. But, as we will soon see, He would call their independent indifference (casual Christianity) sickening!
14 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the One who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation:
“The One who is the Amen” “Amen” - means “so be it”
We pray, “in Jesus name, Amen” - in Jesus name, so be it!
20 For all of God's promises have been fulfilled in Him. That is why we say "Amen" when we give glory to God through Christ.
He is the “faithful and true witness” in which, and by which all things were created!
