Worldly Christians who are blending into American culture will be sifted in 2020 and the years ahead. God will use persecution and economic stress to expose their true spiritual condition. Throughout history, times of crisis have always exposed and brought to light things that are hidden in the lives of professing lukewarm Christians.
There is a large segment of the body of Christ that is lukewarm like the church of Laodicea. These people love the world and the things that are in the world.
“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Rev. 3:15-16, NKJV).
The church of Laodicea was lukewarm, neither hot nor cold. This has often been interpreted as if hot meant godly enthusiasm and cold meant ungodly antagonism, but there is another explanation that better suits the historical and geographical context.
Laodicea was situated between two other important cities, Colossae and Hieropolis. Colossae, wedged into a narrow valley in the shadow of towering mountains, was watered by icy streams which tumbled down from the heights. In contrast, Hieropolis was famous for its hot mineral springs which flowed out of the city and across a high plain until it cascaded down a cliff that faced Laodicea. By the time the water reached the valley floor, it was lukewarm, putrid and nauseating.
At Colossae, therefore, one could be refreshed with clear, cold, invigorating drinking water. At Hieropolis, one could be healed by bathing in its hot, mineral-laden pools. But at Laodicea, the waters were neither hot (for health) nor cold (for drinking).
In other words, the basic accusation against the church of Laodicea is that it was ineffectual and good for nothing. The Laodicean church brings neither a cure for illness nor a drink to soothe dry lips and parched throats. The sort of Christianity represented by the Laodicean church is worthless. The church did not provide refreshment for the dry and thirsty nor healing for the sick and was consequently distasteful to the Lord. Thus, the church is not being called to task for its spiritual temperature but for the barrenness of its works.
This explains Christ’s statement “I wish that you were cold or hot.” He is not saying that outright apostasy is preferable to middle-of-the-roadism. Rather He is wishing that the Laodicean Christians have an influence upon their society.
Anything that cools our consecration and dedication to God is considered worldliness. James rebuked worldly Christians:
“You adulterers and adulteresses, do you not know that the friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4, MEV).
As I stated in my last article, in the original Greek, the word “adulterers” is not present in this verse. The Greek is simply, “adulteresses,” because he is emphasizing that we are to live as the bride preparing to meet the groom.
James is accusing some of being in a love affair with the world and being unfaithful to the Lord by being faithful to the world system and culture and loving it.
Here is a Spirit-inspired word that will minister repentance and sobriety to many who are caught in the web of the love of this world.
Finally, here is an authentic last-days oracle that will cause a consecrated remnant to arise and thrive in the tumultuous 2020s.
Prepare and position yourself now for what is to come.
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