Podcasts about Laodicea

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Ezekiel 4–7; Revelation 3 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! On this August 29th episode, Hunter guides us through Ezekiel 4–7 and Revelation 3. In Ezekiel, we encounter vivid and sobering signs of the judgment coming upon Jerusalem. Ezekiel acts out the siege of the city, revealing the consequences of violence, idolatry, injustice, and a people who have placed their confidence in something other than God. The warnings are difficult, but they call God's people to wake up and see the truth about the path they have chosen. Then, in Revelation 3, Jesus speaks to the churches in Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. He calls the sleeping to awaken, encourages the faithful to persevere, and confronts those who have become comfortable and self-sufficient. The church in Laodicea believes it is rich and needs nothing, yet Jesus tells them that they cannot see their true condition. Still, Jesus does not abandon them. He stands outside the door and knocks, inviting them to open their lives to him and share a meal as friends. Today's devotion asks us to consider whether success, comfort, possessions, or self-reliance have quietly pushed Jesus to the margins of our lives. His knocking is not the sound of condemnation. It is the persistent invitation of love, calling us back into communion and the true riches of his presence. TODAY'S DEVOTION: He stands at the door and knocks. In the vision given to John, we meet Jesus outside the door of the church in Laodicea. The door has been closed from the inside by people who have become content with their own wealth and self-sufficiency. They say, "I am rich. I have everything I want. I don't need a thing." They believe they are thriving. They imagine that their success and resources are evidence that everything is well. But Jesus sees what they cannot see. They are poor. They are blind. They are exposed. Their wealth has blinded them to their need. Success and comfort have taken the place of communion with Christ. They have become so confident in what they possess that they no longer recognize the One standing outside the door. It is a sobering picture. This is not only a warning for churches. It is a warning for each one of us. The seduction of self-reliance can quietly push Jesus away from the center of our lives. We begin to trust our own resources, abilities, achievements, intelligence, or reputation. We may even confuse outward success with inward health. We imagine that we are living fully, while slowly exchanging the life of Christ for something far smaller. But the beautiful thing in this passage is the persistence of Jesus. He does not abandon the church. He does not walk away in disgust. He does not stop loving those who have pushed him outside. He stands at the door and knocks. Jesus continues to invite them into fellowship. He says that if anyone hears his voice and opens the door, he will come in and share a meal with that person as friends. This is not the voice of rejection. It is the voice of love. Jesus wants to open our eyes. He wants us to see the depth of our need and the greatness of his grace. He wants to free us from the illusion that we can create life for ourselves. The true riches are not found in what we possess. The true riches are found in him. In Christ, we are invited into communion, friendship, belonging, and the fullness of the life he shares with the Father and the Spirit. Maybe there is a door in your life that has been closed to Jesus. Maybe there is an ambition, fear, resentment, possession, relationship, or sense of self-sufficiency that has taken his place at the center. Listen today. He is still knocking. His knocking is not an angry demand. It is a gracious invitation to return, to open the door, and to receive the life that only he can give. Let him in. Sit with him. Receive the true riches of his presence. That's the prayer I have for my own soul. That's the prayer I have for my family, for my wife, my daughters, and my son. And that's the prayer I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Of all the letters, the one to Laodicea contains the sharpest rebuke from Christ. The church has nothing good to say about it, and yet, while there is a warning if they don't repent, there is also an amazing invitation into relationship and intimacy with Jesus Christ. In this study, we examine Revelation 3:15-22 and explore Jesus' statements about lukewarm living, what that likely meant and why Laodicea was considered lukewarm, as well as Jesus' invitation back to relationship through repentance. Of all the messages to the seven churches, this is one you don't want to miss.------------» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Nathan, Eric, Leslie, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more at: https://ellerslie.com/be-discipled/» Receive our free “Five Keys to Walking Through Difficulty” PDF by going to: https://ellerslie.com/subscribe/» For more information about Daily Thunder and the ministry of Ellerslie Mission Society, please visit: https://ellerslie.com/daily» If you have been blessed by Ellerslie, consider partnering with the ministry by donating at: https://ellerslie.com/donate/» Discover more Christ-centered teaching and resources from Nathan Johnson that will help you grow spiritually by checking out his website at: https://deeperchristian.com/

In our modern day, the most well-known of the seven letters is the one to Laodicea. Yet, while we know many of Jesus' statements to that church, we don't understand the background, the city itself, and how Jesus introduces Himself (and why that is important). That is the focus of this study from Revelation 3:14. ------------» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Nathan, Eric, Leslie, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more at: https://ellerslie.com/be-discipled/» Receive our free “Five Keys to Walking Through Difficulty” PDF by going to: https://ellerslie.com/subscribe/» For more information about Daily Thunder and the ministry of Ellerslie Mission Society, please visit: https://ellerslie.com/daily» If you have been blessed by Ellerslie, consider partnering with the ministry by donating at: https://ellerslie.com/donate/» Discover more Christ-centered teaching and resources from Nathan Johnson that will help you grow spiritually by checking out his website at: https://deeperchristian.com/

Matt Smethurst preaches Revelation 3:14–22 at River City Baptist Church, a new congregation in Richmond, Virginia. For more information or to get in touch, visit https://rivercityrichmond.org.

Episode #220 – Stop Being Foolish!Response to the Sermon on the Mount – Part 2 (Matthew 7:24–27)How does a believer move from hearing Christ's words to faithfully living them?Episode #220 of the Way of the Bible podcast continues our study of Jesus' illustration of the Wise and Foolish Builders by issuing a direct challenge to believers: Stop being foolish. Rather than focusing primarily on the unbelieving world, this episode examines Christ's warnings to His own church and calls every follower of Jesus to renewed faithfulness. The message begins by revisiting Jesus' conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:24–27, where two builders hear the same words but respond differently. One builds upon the rock through obedient faith, while the other builds upon sand by refusing to put Christ's teaching into practice. This contrast provides the framework for the episode's central question: What does spiritual foolishness look like in the life of a believer? To answer that question, the discussion turns to Revelation 3 and Christ's letter to the church in Laodicea. Jesus describes believers who have become spiritually lukewarm—neither fully committed nor openly opposed to Him. They believe themselves to be rich and self-sufficient, yet Christ sees them as spiritually poor, blind, and in need of repentance. His rebuke is not intended to condemn but to restore those whom He loves. The episode also places this warning within the broader story of Scripture. From Genesis, where humanity's rebellion brought sin and death into the world, to Revelation, where God restores creation and dwells with His redeemed people, the Bible consistently calls God's people to trust Him, reject deception, and persevere in faithful obedience. The Christian life is not merely about entering heaven but about growing into the likeness of Christ through the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 3, listeners are reminded that believers will one day give an account for how they have built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. Paul urges Christians not to deceive themselves by adopting the wisdom of this world but to pursue the wisdom that comes from God. Spiritual maturity is measured not by knowledge alone but by lives increasingly marked by humility, holiness, and faithful service. The episode concludes with Christ's gracious invitation: "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent." His desire is not merely that believers avoid judgment but that they experience restored fellowship with Him, live as children of light, and prepare faithfully for His return. Ultimately, Episode #220 reminds us that the call to "stop being foolish" is not a message of despair but of hope. Jesus continues to seek, correct, restore, and strengthen those who belong to Him. The question before every believer is both simple and searching:Will we continue building on the shifting sands of self-reliance, or will we once again build our lives upon the Rock who is Jesus Christ?

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In this message, Samuel Goulet challenges the church to measure spiritual health by faithfulness rather than comfort, success, or financial security. Looking at the churches of Smyrna and Laodicea, he contrasts a people who are materially poor yet spiritually rich with a people who appear prosperous but have grown lukewarm and complacent. Samuel encourages listeners to remain steadfast through suffering, allow trials to deepen trust in God, and remember that true richness comes from intimacy with Jesus, repentance, purity, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.

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Title: Comfortably Numb: Waking Up from Lukewarm ChristianitySpeaker: Pastor Ben SmithDate: 14th January 2026Location: Vancouver, Canada Summary "We don't want to be a people who are comfortably numb." A Pink Floyd lyric turns up in an unlikely place here, and it lands. The subject is lukewarm Christianity, approached through two passages: Jesus warning that love would grow cold as lawlessness increased, and his blunt verdict on the church at Laodicea, a fellowship so comfortable it had decided it was doing just fine. The name Laodicea means power of the people, and that is offered as the clue to what went wrong. A group can end up led by the mood of the room rather than by God's word and still feel entirely settled about it. The answer sits in the next verse: the one who endures to the end will be saved. Endurance does not earn salvation, but it is what faithfulness looks like stretched over years, and it is thin on the ground in a throwaway culture where marriages and commitments get dropped faster than they get repaired. Hebrews adds the practical edge: give earnest heed, so that what you have heard does not quietly slip away. That turns into a question worth asking often. Am I more zealous than I used to be, or less? Zeal and repentance are where revival has always started, ground also covered in Enduring to the end. Key Points Jesus listed increasing lawlessness and love growing cold among the signs that would mark the time before his return. The church at Laodicea was judged lukewarm, and comfort was the likely cause. A settled socioeconomic climate led them to conclude they were fine when they were not. Laodicea means power of the people, a fellowship steered by the general mood rather than by God's word. Endurance does not earn salvation. If it did, salvation could be worked for. Endurance is what faithfulness looks like over the long haul. Commitment is getting harder in a throwaway culture, and people walk away from marriages and fellowships rather than resolve what needs resolving. The warnings against slackening off were written into the early letters, which suggests the concern was live even then. Letting things slip is discouraging well beyond the person it happens to, and holding steady has the opposite effect. Repentance and zeal are the conditions revival has always come out of, and comfort is what dulls both. Reference Scriptures Matthew 24:12-13 Revelation 3:14-22 John 14:15 John 13:34-35 Hebrews 2:1-3 Hebrews 10:25-26 1 Corinthians 10:12 Hebrews 12:1 Listen to the entire Podcast Revival library by visiting https://podcastrevival.com The Revival Fellowship is a Bible-directed, Spirit-filled Church and we welcome visitors to our meetings at any of our locations worldwide. To find your nearest venue visit https://therevivalfellowship.com © 2026 The Revival Fellowship. All Rights Reserved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul wrote these verses from a Roman prison, chained to a guard, 800 miles and ten years removed from the church he was thanking God for. Philippians 1:3-8 is one long sentence in the Greek, and it holds four reasons his joy never moved: the praise of joy, the partnership of joy, the promise of joy, and the passion of joy. The message walks back through Acts 16 - the riverside prayer meeting, the slave girl set free, the beating, and the jailer who washed the wounds he had helped inflict - because those are the memories behind "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." A long look at lukewarm Laodicea and its salty aqueduct draws the line between a believer who refreshes the people around him and one who makes them sick. If your joy rises and falls with your circumstances, this points somewhere steadier: the people God has joined to you in the gospel, and the God who began a good work in you and will carry it through to the day of Jesus Christ. It closes with four things to do about it - give thanks, give yourself, give God the glory, and give Him your heart.

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Pastor Drew Zylstra preaches from Revelation 3:14-22, “The Tragedy of Lukewarm Faith.” —————————— More from Oostburg CRC Sermons: https://www.firstcrcoostburg.org/sermons Bible Study Resources: https://www.firstcrcoostburg.org/resources Original Music: https://open.spotify.com/album/4P7JbJlHzabPNW8GpdxKcB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJSouYxM1rwWZ4cYAvTIqVA

By Luis A Marrero - This message reflects on Christ's warning to the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3, emphasizing the danger of spiritual self-deception and complacency. Although Laodicea believed it was rich, secure, and in need of nothing, Christ revealed that it was spiritually poor, blind, and naked. The message

Jesus dictated letters to seven real churches, and the words He chose for Philadelphia and Laodicea — one faithful with an open door, the other so lukewarm He said He would spit it out — raise an uncomfortable question worth asking today: what exactly does Jesus think of your church?

In Part 6 of our Seven Letters series, we explore Jesus' message to the church in Laodicea and His warning against spiritual apathy. Discover what it means to be "lukewarm," why self-sufficiency can be dangerous for our faith, and how Jesus lovingly calls us back to intimacy with Him. This powerful message will challenge you to check your pulse and find your fire again. Key Scripture: Revelation 3:14-22 (ESV)

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Pastor Dom brings our series on Colossians to a close. He teaches us that it really is, all about Jesus. Colossians 4:2-182 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. 7 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, 9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here. 10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. 15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house. 16 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” 18 This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.Philippians 4:19 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.Colossians 1:2626 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.Colossians 1:27 27 …which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.1 Peter 2:22-2422 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.1 Corinthians 11:23-2523 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

‘Letters to Lampstands' - Series message 7Text: Revelation 3:14-22Jesus rebukes those in Laodicea for being lukewarm and self-sufficient; blind to their own spiritual poverty. Jesus called on them to repent and seek true riches and healing from Christ. He promised they would sit with Him on His throne, just as He sat with His Father on His throne. 8 2 26 Lukewarm Faith: Answering the Knock at the Door Colin Seager

The letter to the church at Laodicea in Revelation 3 delivers one of Scripture's most direct challenges: a church that had grown comfortable, self-sufficient, and spiritually useless. Using the well-known local problem of lukewarm water, Jesus was not simply criticizing a lack of enthusiasm. He was calling out a community that had stopped serving any purpose at all. Like the city's water supply, which arrived neither refreshingly cold nor therapeutically hot, the church had nothing meaningful to offer the people around them. Material wealth had replaced dependence on God, and Jesus found Himself on the outside of His own congregation, knocking to be let back in. Everything God pours into us is meant to flow through us, and when we hoard His blessings instead of sharing them, the living water stagnates. The call is clear: open every room of your life to Jesus, let the Holy Spirit flow outward, and carry the name of God with purpose.  

Partial obedience is disobedience. And Jesus would rather you be cold than where you are right now.In the final message of the Seven Letters series, we land on the most confrontational letter in Revelation—written to a church that had everything and needed nothing. Or so they thought. The letter to Laodicea delivers a gut-check that cuts through every kind of self-deception: lukewarm is not a safe middle ground. It's the most dangerous place to be.Whether you've been following Jesus for years but feel like something is missing, or you've been letting Him into some parts of your life while keeping the door firmly closed on others—this message is for you.In this message you'll discover:— Why Jesus finds lukewarm faith more repulsive than outright rejection— How you can look like you're winning at life while actually wasting it— What true zeal looks like — and why there is no revival without repentance— Why Jesus doesn't kick doors down, and what it means to finally open all of yoursKey Scriptures: Revelation 3:14-22, Hebrews 12:11

Sunday, August 2, 2026Ears to Hear: Listening for the Voice of Christ "Laodicea: A Lukewarm Church" - Tyler TankersleySermon based on Revelation 3:14-22(reading by Jess Tankersley)

What does it really mean to be "lukewarm"? In Jesus' letter to the church in Laodicea, He confronts spiritual apathy, calls His people to repentance, and offers an invitation to experience a deeper relationship with Him. The greatest danger isn't always walking away from God—it may be believing you're closer to Him than you really are. But what if Jesus is standing at the door of your heart, waiting for you to let Him in?▶SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/SouthernHillsLV▶Do you know Jesus as your Savior? https://www.southernhillslv.com/the-gospel▶ DONATE: https://pushpay.com/g/southernhills?src=hpp&r=monthly▶ Visit Southern Hills: https://www.southernhillslv.com/▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southernhillslv▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernhillslv/

In this lecture, Ian reflects on a visit to Yellowstone and the geyser Old Faithful as an image of how people can become strangely unimpressed by what is remarkable. He uses the response of a child who called it “medium” to introduce the theme of spiritual apathy.He explains that the message is based on Revelation 3:14–22 and is addressed to the church in Laodicea. The church appears comfortable, wealthy, and secure, but Jesus says they are actually poor, blind, naked, and lukewarm. Ian contrasts their self-assessment with Jesus' evaluation, which focuses on the condition of their affection for him.The lecture develops three main causes of apathy. First is the myopia of success, where comfort, abundance, and busyness cause people to lose sight of their dependence on God. Second is derailment by disruption, where interruptions to spiritual habits such as prayer and Bible reading make it harder to return to them. Third is undervaluing what is most important, which leads people to take God for granted and give him leftovers rather than their best.Ian says Jesus' words are both corrective and loving. The call is to be zealous and repent, not to remain indifferent. He emphasizes that Jesus still stands at the door and knocks, inviting renewed fellowship and a shared meal. The lecture ends with an appeal to respond to that invitation and seek prayer.

Part 7 of our series, Jesus Revealed: Letters to the Church. Thanks for listening to this message from New Life Church. In this message, Pastor Tina Davis concludes our journey through the seven letters to the churches in Revelation. As Jesus addresses the church in Laodicea, we discover His call to move beyond spiritual complacency, pursue wholehearted devotion, and respond to His invitation to renewed fellowship with Him. This message was recorded at New Life Church | Kempsville in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

The church in Laodicea was condemned for being “lukewarm.” They thought they were in “need of nothing,” but they were not spiritually healthy. They needed to “be zealous and repent.” At times, we may be like the Laodiceans – not what we should be, but not completely unfaithful either; not zealously serving God, but not willfully rejecting Him; instead, we are in a state of spiritual mediocrity. What does this look like? How can we change it?

Laodicea: The Danger of Deception Revelation 3:14-22 Dr. Weston Brown covenantshreveport.org

In Revelation 3:14–22, Jesus confronts the church of Laodicea about its comfortable, self-sufficient, and lukewarm faith. This urgent message challenges us to examine the true condition of our hearts, respond to Christ's loving call to repentance, and move from spiritual complacency into a vibrant life of obedience. Discover how to remain close to Jesus, build holy habits, serve with your God-given gifts, and keep the fire of devotion burning for the road ahead. https://www.bravehearted413.com/

Lack of appetite can result from sickness or from being filled with the wrong foods. Perhaps both contributed to the spiritual condition in first-century Laodicea, causing the Christians there to lose their hunger and thirst for righteousness. The Lord's warnings to this church were serious, and they echo across the centuries to modern churches that struggle with the same dilemma.This sermon will examine this church and explain how paying close attention to the Lord's powerful Sermon on the Mount can keep us from being filled with the wrong things, helping us maintain the spiritual health that produces faithful service rather than complacency.Recorded on July 19, 2026

In Revelation 3:14–22, Jesus delivers a powerful wake-up call to the church in Laodicea—a wealthy and self-sufficient community that appeared successful on the outside but had become spiritually poor, blind, and lukewarm. Using the city's unpleasant water supply as a vivid picture of its spiritual condition, Jesus warns against a faith that is comfortable, indifferent, and unwilling to surrender completely to Him.This episode invites listeners to take an honest “temperature check” of their relationship with Christ. Are we actively following Jesus, or are we merely going through the motions? Have comfort, pride, possessions, distractions, or religious activity caused us to overlook our daily need for God? Jesus' correction is serious, but it is also rooted in love. He stands at the door and knocks, offering forgiveness, restored fellowship, spiritual sight, and new life to everyone who hears His voice and responds.The message moves beyond the initial call to repentance and explores what it means to remain spiritually awake. Listeners will discover the importance of abiding in Christ, welcoming the Father's pruning, developing consistent habits of prayer and Scripture reading, obeying God's Word, using their spiritual gifts, staying connected to faithful believers, serving others, and persevering when emotions change or difficulties arise.This is more than a warning against lukewarm Christianity—it is an invitation to leave spiritual complacency behind, open every area of life to Jesus, and walk with Him in lasting devotion. Christ is still calling. The question is: Will you remain asleep, or will you wake up, open the door, and live?

Pastor Kyle HowardPastor Kyle Howard continues our Revelation series by exploring Jesus' message to the church in Laodicea and what it reveals about our own hearts today. What does it mean to be "lukewarm"? Was Jesus simply calling for more passion, or was He pointing to something much deeper? Pastor Kyle examines the historical setting of Laodicea and how a culture of self-sufficiency had slowly led the church away from daily dependence on Christ.

Wednesday Evening

Armored Against Demon Invasion (audio) David Eells – 7/15/26 Bundle of Serpents Attacks  John David Feagin - 10/31/2011 (David's notes in red) In the brief dream I had, there was a bundle, like the old-fashioned bundle of wheat that was being passed down from two others in line to me, only this bundle was a bundle of serpents. I could tell that they were very venomous serpents, like sea snakes, cobras, mambas, or coral snakes. They tried to bite my arm and, naturally, I did not like this. I did remember that we are immune to the bites of serpents if we are covered in the Blood of Jesus, so this is where I put my trust. I was no longer so concerned and set them aside. At the time I awoke, this was puzzling to me, but now, after some thought, I believe I understand it more fully. The snakes involved have neurotoxins, which attack the brain, that is, our thoughts. We are strictly warned to take captive our every thought (that is, against the knowledge of God's Word) and this now means much more to me than it ever has before. I am certainly no expert with such things or spiritual warfare, but I do know that demons associated with pornography, bitterness, criticism, faction, etc., are very powerful and deadly. I also know that demons can be transferred by men, and inadvertently opening doors, even with the best of intentions, can invite personal attack. I personally believe this was a warning to be very careful, but it may also be a general warning to others as well, and may be applied to all sorts of demonic or thought influence. If the enemy can truly read our thoughts and insert them, as has been shown in a previous UBM study, then this is particularly devious. It is difficult to reject such thoughts if you think they are your own.  Then, this morning, as a sort of confirmation, I saw the UBM update about the bug detector and casting such thoughts to hell immediately in the name of Jesus. I also noticed that when I was praying, in the Word, and seeking wisdom in such matters, my thoughts were clear, but when my guard was down, my own thoughts and emotions in the matter, no matter how well-intended, were somewhat intoxicating. So, forewarned is forearmed. God bless always in His service.  Be careful of slander and criticism for the purpose of making disciples. It comes only from demons, and those they can use, and it comes for only one reason -- to impart demons and poison minds against someone the devil hates. Demons impersonating aliens to turn the world to the mark of the beast to destroy Christianity. The Word for “heresies” or “parties” in Galatians 5:20 means “a self-willed opinion leading to division”. The word for factions among these works of the flesh means separating followers through selfish ambition. Demons impersonate righteous indignation but are actually criticism or new revelation. {Jas.3:14} But if ye have bitter jealousy and faction in your heart, glory not and lie not against the truth. {15} This wisdom is not [a wisdom] that cometh down from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. {16} For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed.   Bluffing Demons & Spiritual Authority  Sandy Shaw 11/09/2011 (David's notes in red) The way this dream starts is that I'm walking into this room, and I'm watching a group of men (some I know, some I don't know) who are turning around and leaving the room. I ask the ladies there, “Where are the men going?” (These men are the chosen.)  The women who are there tell me not to worry because they need to go -- they have to go. The Lord wants them to go. When this happens, I feel like all the women are in unity that the men needed to go. (The spiritual catching up to the throne anointing of those who will return as the Man-child reformer ministry.) I then grab Tina's hand and ask, “Don't you feel the winds of change?” She answers, “What?” Then I say, “The change. The winds of change. Don't you feel the winds of change?” (From this point on, everything will change both positively for those who love God and are called according to His purpose and negatively for the wicked; a separation of the wheat from the tares. Tina ended up going factious, the opposite of Sandy.)  Then I go from there to an ancient-looking town square or plaza. People are walking all around. There are archways all around the square leading into different hallways, buildings, or rooms. It looks and feels like it's an ancient city. (Archways were made famous by the ancient Romans, who were the first to apply the technique to a wide range of structures. We are seeing a revival of the iron and clay of Daniel's end-time vision of the 10 toes of the world beast kingdom. There is no dispute that the iron is the seed of the Roman Empire.) As I'm walking slowly through this square, I'm praying. I'm praying continuously because I can feel the presence of evil so strongly there. (Great darkness is about to descend as the principality of the old Roman Empire prepares to take charge and make the covenant with many, as spoken of in Daniel 9:26,27.) As I'm looking at some of the people, they look human, but for a brief moment, I can see certain demons that are controlling them. (As we watch this progressive revelation, the people who belong to the body of the beast become less and less human and more and more demon, just as those who belong to the body of Christ become less and less human and more and more sons of God. Those from among the people of God who do not forsake their evil will go with the wicked. {Rev.22:11} He that is unrighteous, let him do unrighteousness still: and he that is filthy, let him be made filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him do righteousness still: and he that is holy, let him be made holy still. In the days before the coming of the Lord, at the end of the tribulation, Jesus will come in and then with His saints. {2Th.1:7} and to you that are afflicted rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire, {8} rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus: {9} who shall suffer punishment, [even] eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might, {10} when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day.) As I'm praying, some man grabs my arm and pulls me into one of the hallways. As he is pulling me into the hallway, I hear someone in the square saying, “We gotta find her. We gotta find her. We have to stop her. Her prayers are reaching the throne of Heaven!” (These voices are the demons speaking through men). (Our prayers do reach the throne when sent by faith, and the demons' plans are thwarted. {Psa.10:17} Jehovah, thou hast heard the desire of the meek: Thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear. {Rom.10:13} for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. {Jer.33:3} Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and will show thee great things, and difficult, which thou knowest not.) So the man pulls me into this room, and there are mostly men and a few women there. This room is full of uniforms of all different kinds. The people are trying to figure out which uniform to put on. Some of the uniforms are military. As they are excited about finding the right uniform to wear, they are trying them on. I know in the dream that these people are Christians. (The “Christians” will be worried about how to appear to the world in this dangerous time and what lifestyle to put on besides Christ's. A military uniform indicates a militant lifestyle in dealing with this beast system, which will be disastrous since “they who take the sword will die by the sword”. We must put on the uniform of the new man, who is in the image of Jesus and His actions, according to the knowledge of the Word. {Col.3:9} lie not one to another; seeing that ye have put off the old man with his doings, {10} and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him.)  I tell them that they have it wrong and that the full armor that they need to put on is the full armor of God, not one of these physical uniforms made by man. The people just look at me, not receiving anything I'm saying (as apostate patriotic Christians). A man asks me to sit down and take a look at this uniform. Then this man puts on some kind of uniform with a jacket. The jacket and uniform cover his legs, feet, and everything. There is a hood to the jacket that covers his whole head with a face-covering mask. The material of the jacket is a material I've never felt before. They then pour chemicals over it, resulting in no damage. Then they turn a blowtorch on it, and the torch doesn't burn or damage it. (As a volunteer fireman for Exxon, they gave us shirts that had metal woven into them to reflect heat.  Our government is allying with alien impersonating demons like the galactic federation or alliance in hopes of profiting from their “higher technology.” But these hate Christians and will help to bring about the mark of the beast to be rid of them.) They are really excited about the uniform/jacket and are picking it to be the one they will use. (There is no safety outside of God's will. He sent the curse, and no man can defend from it. {Jer.17:5} Thus saith Jehovah: Cursed is the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from Jehovah. ... {7} Blessed is the man that trusteth in Jehovah, and whose trust Jehovah is. {8} For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, that spreadeth out its roots by the river, and shall not fear when heat cometh, but its leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.) I tell them again, “No, you have it wrong; it's the full armor of God that you need to put on. There is nothing manmade that will help you. You only need the full armor of God”. I then get up and walk out of there into the long hallway. As I walk down the hallway, it is full of men lining up to put on the uniform they think is going to help them in the battle ahead. {Psa.33:16} There is no king saved by the multitude of a host: A mighty man is not delivered by great strength. {17} A horse is a vain thing for safety; Neither doth he deliver any by his great power. {18} Behold, the eye of Jehovah is upon them that fear him, Upon them that hope in his lovingkindness; {19} To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine. {20} Our soul hath waited for Jehovah: He is our help and our shield. ... {Psa.34:7} The angel of Jehovah encampeth round about them that fear him, And delivereth them. {8} Oh taste and see that Jehovah is good: Blessed is the man that taketh refuge in him.) After leaving the “Christians” in their false confidence, I kept walking and went back to the square. The ground in the square has changed: it's all dirt now, and I could see through the dirt. I see under the dirt different piles of bones all over the place. No one knows that those bones are there, and no one sees them either. I'm not quite sure why I'm seeing them. (The hidden bones represent those who are martyred behind the scenes because they are not prepared for the battle by putting on the Lord Jesus Christ, as in Romans 13:12-14. Notice that putting on Jesus IS putting on God's armor or protection. Notice that it is always called the “armor of God” because it is God Himself. {Eph.6:11} Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. {12} For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places]. {13} Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.  {14} Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, {15} and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; {16} withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil [one]. {17} And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: {18} with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. Notice that putting on all of these attributes: truth, righteousness, the Gospel, and salvation are manifestations of the Word, Who is Jesus. Putting on Jesus is putting on God. It is the armor of GOD Himself.) I'm walking through the square again, and I'm praying because I need to get to the other side of the square. (Contrary to popular opinion, we will all have to pass through this time of the revived Roman beast with America at the head.) As I'm walking and praying, the people that I saw with demons controlling them, I now see as full-blown demons, but to the natural eye, they still looked human. (The worldly people will be totally possessed, though they appear to each other as normal, and we are seeing more of this happening now. The D.S. can only be picked out by their leftist demon doctrines.) There was one demon that would walk really fast. So fast that it seemed as if he was flying. This demon went right in front of my face, standing right in front of me but he could not see me. He was really angry and talking with authority, telling the other demons, “We have to find these people who are praying! NOW! NOW, I say! Find them! (Prayer by those who believe in its power will be both destructive to Satan's kingdom and defensive to those who walk in the Lord's Kingdom. {Jas.5:16} Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working. {17} Elijah was a man of like passions with us, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain; and it rained not on the earth for three years and six months. {18} And he prayed again; and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.)  I was standing right in front of him, praying, and the demon had no clue that I was there. (In other words, I was hidden in Christ.) So, I keep walking and when I get to the right-hand corner of the square, I look. I stop, turn around, and I'm looking! I'm watching these people. And the room is not really a room. The way that it feels is completely off, like when you walk into a room, and you can see the light, yet you can see shadows behind things. This was now completely reversed. There was light where shadows would normally be. There were bits and pieces of light. It was completely off, completely out of order. It just didn't feel or look right. (When the light is dark, and the dark is light, it is when good is called evil and evil is called good. This is where demon-possessed society is and has been going. {Isa.5:20} Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! We see this with demon-possessed people now.) After I walked through there, I saw what looked like some kind of old train depot-type thing. I know it's some kind of old transportation system. I'm in this room where there are two big fences with gates -- a cement-type fence. There is a gate, and people are going in and out of the gate. And then there is like a middle part where a lot of people are walking -- a lot of traffic. (To get where they want to go, Christians can't walk where the masses do in their bondage, spiritually speaking. {Mat.7:13} Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. {14} For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it. We must be conformed by the Word within.) On the other end is the same kind of gate that people are entering this place from somewhere else. When I go there, I'm waiting for Tina, Sam, and my mom. I feel like Tina and Sam went to get my mom wherever she was to bring her here. I knew that it hadn't been very long since I had seen Tina and Sam, but that I hadn't seen my mom in a while. Tina and Sam were getting ready to go through the gate that's on the other side to go to the middle. My mom stopped them and said, “No, we can't go that way. We have to go the other way”. (Sandy said that she felt that if they had gone into the middle, they would have died. This warning was not taken seriously by them and they spiritually died. They did not listen. This is where the people of God need to go from the worldly to the spiritual; there cannot be ‘a halfway', ‘a lukewarm'. This would mean spiritual death to them in this time and a spewing out of the body of Christ. {Rev.3:15} I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. {16} So because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth.) If you walked all the way around to the end, there was another part that was covered by the fence. They did not walk in the middle part. They had to walk all the way around to where I was. (The path of least resistance, or the shortcut, is the wrong way. The worldly church offers many of these. Just listen to them, and they will show you the quick and easy way to get saved and fly away, but the end is death.) They were almost down to that part, and there was another little gate to walk to the middle. My mom stopped and turned around and told Tina, “Grab Sam. He cannot walk in the middle. There is no middle; he can't walk in the middle”. (None of those who are lukewarm, middle-of-the-road walkers will spiritually survive.) As Sam goes toward the middle, Tina grabs him and they walk all the way around to where I was. I greet them and hug them. (This awakening was temporary.) Then I tell them, “Things are not what they seem to be”. My mom then says, “It's okay, it's okay, because everything that is happening is according to God's will. We just need to stay in constant prayer. {Pro.14:12} There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; But the end thereof are the ways of death. We just need to stay in constant prayer”. (In the days of strong delusion and deception, there's much advanced technology now using AI, CGI, and programming through drugs, mind control and manipulation, etc., we cannot walk according to our carnal mind or senses, or we will stumble. Prayer without ceasing is our command.) So, I'm walking ahead of them. Tina is walking on one side, my mom on the other side, both holding Sam's hand. Sam was not as old as he is now. He looked to be eight or nine years old. (We will have to help guide those Christians who are not yet mature in discernment. God will hear their prayers, too. Samuel is Hebrew for “God heard” or “God's name”. Shem is a variant of Sam, meaning “name”. Shem was the father of the people of the name, as Christians are now. Shem was the father of the Israelites.) Sam was trying not to act afraid when there was the presence of evil all around us. Even amongst all the evil, we knew we were under the protection of the Lord. There was no safe place other than the arms of God. I bent down to talk to Sam in his ear, saying, “It's okay to be afraid; you just fear the Lord. Don't fear anyone else or anything else. Nothing can harm you because they have to go through the Father first. Don't be afraid”. (Fear permits faith to be robbed and the enemies to take advantage of us. It is faith in reverse. {Psa.23:4} Yea, thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; Thy rod [of correction] and thy staff [of direction], they comfort me. {5} Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup runneth over. (With this anointing of the Holy Spirit, we should give the good confession.) {6} Surely goodness and lovingkindness shall follow me all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of Jehovah for ever.) Then we started walking back to the square. The dirt has changed again. The dirt now seems like it's a mud-like consistency. But to the natural eye, it looks just like dirt. I still see the piles of bones now with the mud going between the fingers, toes, etc. But now I also see something like a circle; it's a tunnel and I can see it at weird angles and kind of far. The things that I'm seeing in these tunnels are body parts with the flesh. I'm seeing arms cut off, legs, face, head, all different kinds of body parts. They look to be freshly cut off from the body because I can still see the blood. The blood is still wet. I can see the nerves on some of these parts still shaking and moving. (The ‘powers that be' have made many underground tunnels connecting cities, where the military and special forces have found remains of countless people who were murdered by satanists. According to other dreams and prophecies I have seen, it is in these tunnels that the saints will be expected to renounce Jesus or die. It behooves us to walk carefully so we fill out both our days and our ministry.)  I'm getting ready to step, and I stop. I put my hand out to stop my mom, Tina, and Sam as I watch the details of the body parts freshly cut off. It was gross. I then asked them if they saw those parts. Tina and my mom saw it; Sam closed his eyes. He didn't want to see it. I then asked, “But it's not there?” My mom said, “Oh, but it is there under the dirt”. We stopped then and there, and we started praying. We were praying in tongues. While we were praying, I told Tina to take my mom and Sam to the outer part of the square, find a place, and begin praying and interceding. And that's what they did. (As with the Nazi persecutions in the death camps of World War 2, many will deny for the sake of soothing their own conscience that these persecutions are happening, but they will be out of sight and out of mind, “under the dirt”.) I was taking very small steps as the Lord was guiding me and telling me to. (Every step in these days will need to be according to the Father's will because of the dangers. {Eph.5:15} Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; {16} redeeming the time, because the days are evil.) And I was just praying and praying and praying. As I was starting to pray, I saw the people in the square now completely as demons. I no longer saw them as humans. (The righteous will be able to see in the spirit realm those who have been displaced by demons.) As I was walking, I felt as if they were trying to find me, and they were bumping into me, but didn't know they were hitting me. I kept praying more and more. I prayed out loud, and they could hear me but couldn't see me. (Invisibility in the spirit realm makes for peace from the flesh realm.)  That big demon I saw earlier that walked really fast was now there, and there were more demons of his stature and size. They were frantic, upset and mad. One of them said, “Now there are more praying. Do you hear them praying? We have to find them NOW! I'm telling you, their prayers are reaching the throne room of Heaven. Things are going to change. Find them NOW!” There was such an urgency to find us. I walked all the way to the end of the square and I turned around and asked, “Okay, Lord. What is it that You want me to do?” (Truly, “things are going to change.” Walking to the end of the square represents that the saints will go through this beast tribulation and bring the Gospel to the whole world. Watch volume one of Hidden Manna for the End Times.) I don't know where the Lord took the men whom I saw at the beginning of the dream or what had happened, but I just knew that they were coming back. The demons were still looking really hard for the people who were praying. Not just us, but they were looking to stop everyone everywhere from praying. The Lord told me to step a foot back in the square, and I did. When I stepped back in the square, I was speaking the Word out loud. Everything that the Lord was saying to me, I was speaking out loud. The demons could now see me and were in my face, trying to intimidate or scare me. I knew that they could not touch me. They were telling me to shut up, be quiet, that my prayers were dead, and I was doing no good. “Don't you know we can kill you? We can take you out! You are nothing!” Many of them kept saying those things to me over and over. (Demons are full of threats to discourage the prayers and works of God, but most Christians don't recognize them as coming from demons, but feel they are their own thoughts and are defeated. The knowledge of God's Word will enable them to defeat the deceivers. {2Co.10:3} For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh {4} (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds), {5} casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.) I said to them, “I am nothing, but through Christ Jesus He is everything. He is my all and all. Everything that I need, God is. God is the source. God is the strength. God is the great I AM! One of the demons was so close to my face that I could smell his stench. So close that he was almost touching me. I told him, “You are nothing! You can't do anything other than what my God allows. You are nothing! (God is sovereign over all, but He will allow many things that we allow because He has delegated authority over all the power of the enemies. {Mat.18:18} Verily I say unto you, what things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. {19} Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven. ... {Luk.10:19} Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you. {20} Nevertheless in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. I heard a noise behind me, and I turned around and saw all the men who had gone out, and there were more with them coming, and with what looked like Christ in the middle. Everyone was dressed in white. When Christ and all those men came on the scene, some of those demons became smaller and smaller. The ones that were already small were trying to run, but they couldn't go anywhere, as you have seen in cartoons, only this was not a cartoon; they were liquefying before me into a puddle on the floor, and then they were gone. I was backing up as the men were going forward. I went with Tina, Sam, and my mom to this place where I saw a lot more people who were praying and interceding. Then I woke up. (Who are these men whom the demons fear? The Lord is in the Man-child ministry to raise up many in the image of the Lord. These are coming to wreak havoc on the spiritual hosts of wickedness. Hallelujah!)  After I woke up from the dream, I heard the Lord say, “Write this down: “You have all power and authority in the name of Jesus Christ. Understand and know the power of His blood. For you are adopted, therefore you are entitled to everything. Hear Me! Understand Me! Know Me! For then the enemy cannot deceive you for what's ahead.”   The Men Whom the Demons Fear Seven spiritual shepherds who are sent by the Man-child to minister to the seven Churches, which is mentioned in Hidden Manna for the End Times. First, Jesus is coming to be manifested in the Man-child ministry. (Mic.5:2) But thou, Beth-lehem Ephrathah, which art little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall one come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting. Obviously, this is Jesus. (3) Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she who travaileth hath brought forth (the man-child body): then the residue of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. Jesus left because of rebellion and will return in the Man-child who is born of the travailing woman in Revelation 12. As Jesus fed the former rain woman in a body of flesh, so He will feed the latter rain woman in a corporate body of flesh. (Mic.5:4) And He shall stand, and shall feed [His flock] in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God: and they shall abide; for now shall He be great unto the ends of the earth. The Jesus of the former rain was revered by the disciples and feared by His enemies, but because of apostasy, this has not been true for many centuries since because they have had “another Jesus.” The Man-child body and those disciples who follow in His/their steps will restore this, and He shall be “great unto the ends of the earth”. The Man-child's teaching will bring peace to the seven churches that are at war with the beast and harlot. (5) And this [man] shall be [our] peace, When the Assyrian shall come into our land, and shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds and eight principal (Hebrew: “princes among”) men. The corporate body of the Man-child is “this man” who brings peace to the corporate woman with his teachings, which enable her to resist the beast invasion. He brings peace because the “Prince of peace” is in his heart. Spiritually speaking, we are the “land” with the “palaces” that the corporate beast is trying to invade. (1Co.3:9) For we are God's fellow-workers: ye are God's husbandry (Greek: “tilled land”), God's building (“palaces”). As we shall see, the beast is a corporate spirit from the abyss (Rev.17:8) that inhabits the body of the wicked (3) and seeks to inhabit the righteous and mark them. Notice that the “Assyrians” are called “him” which shows that they are seen as the corporate body of the beast. Since the Assyrian beast kingdom passed away over 600 years before Christ, they could not have been connected with Jesus or the Man-child. Therefore, God, as usual, was using the beast of that day to represent a particular aspect of the end time beast. As the Assyrian beast did not conquer Jerusalem, so the end time beast will not conquer those spiritually abiding in the New Jerusalem. (Mic.5:5) ...Then shall we raise against him seven shepherds and eight principal (Hebrew: “princes among”) men. The Man-child Jesus raised up twelve apostolic shepherds primarily to restore those of the “twelve-tribes of Israel” who would listen (Mat.10:5; Act.26:7; Jas.1:1; 1Pet.1:1). In exact parallel, the corporate Man-child will raise up “seven” corporate apostolic “shepherds” primarily to restore the “seven churches”. The Man-child's primary job is to feed the unleavened bread of the Word to disciples in order to manifest Christ in them. These will be the new leadership for the seven churches in the last 3 1/2 years. These “seven shepherds” are not sectarian religious leaders but one man in Christ and are inhabited by one “prince of peace”, Jesus, hence “eight princes among men”. In the next chapter of Micah, we will see that even after the Man-child Jesus' 3 ½-year ministry, He promised to be with the shepherds in spirit “unto the consummation of the age,” (Greek: Mat.28:20) hence “eight princes among men”. These princes are sons of the King and have authority over His realm of the seven churches. The seven churches of Revelation are a type of seven different types of Christians in the Church. (Isa.4:1) And seven women (the Church) shall take hold of one man in that day. The “one man” here is Jesus manifested in the Man-child. Then He will be manifested in the seven shepherds and then in the true Church. One of God's solutions to the apostasy in the Church is new leadership. (Isa.1:26) And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counselors as at the beginning. The same type of counselors in the former rain will be given in the latter rain. Here is another confirmation of the Man-child giving His revelation to seven shepherds, who passed it on to the seven churches. When the Man-child Jesus sent His shepherds out, He called them “apostles”, meaning “one sent forth”. In other words, the shepherds were the Man-child's messengers to the churches. As a type of the Man-child, John on the Isle of Patmos was “a partaker with you in the tribulation” (Rev.1:9) when he was caught up to the throne of God and given a revelation of the coming tribulation to give to the seven churches. (4:1) After these things I saw, and behold, a door opened in heaven, and the first voice that I heard, [a voice] as of a trumpet speaking with me, one saying, Come up hither, and I will show thee the things which must come to pass hereafter. (2) Straightway I was in the Spirit: and behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and one sitting upon the throne. Like Jesus, he was given a revelation of the apostasy in the Church and told to send it to the seven churches by the hand of seven angels. (1:11) ...What thou seest, write in a book and send [it] to the seven churches.... (Rev.2:1,8,12,18; 3:1,7,14) To the angel of the church in Ephesus (and so with Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea) write.... “Angel” in these cases is the Greek word angelos meaning “messengers” and is also used of ministers in the New Testament (Example: Luk.4:24,27; 9:52). The equivalent Hebrew word in the Old Testament is translated “messenger” when speaking of priests (Mal.2:7), John the Baptist, and Jesus (Luk.3:1). Since it doesn't make sense that John sent the revelation by angels, he must have sent it by seven minister messengers to the seven churches. This is exactly what Jesus did as Man-child. He shared His revelation with minister messengers, who shared it with the seven churches.

In Russia, you can now rent a barbecue companion for $15 to $65 a day — jokes and anecdotes included, no lasting friendship expected. Brian From opens with that story as a window into something both funny and genuinely heartbreaking about the loneliness epidemic. Then a personal story: getting pulled over late at night with his son in the car, expired plates, and the surprisingly rich spiritual parallel — what happens when those lights come on behind you, and do you repent or make excuses? Former congressman Ben Sass is walking his terminal cancer diagnosis publicly and with remarkable faith, and Brian reflects on what it means to display your theology when the stakes are as high as they get. A pointed look at the lukewarm church of Laodicea in Revelation 3 — hot or cold, not somewhere in between — and what it means for a congregation to be spiritually comfortable, wealthy, and quietly dying. A meditation on what faith looks like when God feels silent, drawing on the stories of the bleeding woman and Jairus's daughter in Mark 5, and the startling private letters of Mother Teresa, who spent decades feeling God's complete absence while continuing to serve the poorest of the poor. The paradox of faith, Brian concludes, is that it often shines brightest not in clarity but in darkness — and what feels like absence will in time reveal itself as a deeper presence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does Jesus really mean when He says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit"?In a culture that celebrates self-reliance, success, and independence, Jesus opens the Sermon on the Mount with a statement that seems completely upside down. In this episode, we explore one of the most foundational teachings of Christianity and discover why recognizing our need for God is actually the beginning of true blessing.Through the Beatitudes, the church at Laodicea, and practical everyday examples, you'll learn why spiritual poverty isn't weakness—it's the posture that allows us to experience the fullness of God's grace. Whether you're walking through a difficult season or feeling comfortable in your faith, this message is an invitation to trade self-sufficiency for complete dependence on Christ.In this episode, you'll discover:What it truly means to be "poor in spirit"Why Jesus redefines both poverty and blessingHow pride quietly distances us from GodThe danger of self-sufficiency in the Christian lifeWhy humility is the starting point for spiritual transformationPractical ways to cultivate a posture of dependence on Jesus every dayIf you've ever wondered how to deepen your relationship with Christ or why the Beatitudes begin where they do, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to embrace the posture that unlocks the Kingdom of Heaven.

It's easy to become comfortable in our faith without realizing we've stopped depending on God.This week, Bobby and Jen continue the conversation from Sunday's message on the church in Laodicea, exploring the danger of self-sufficiency, the call to wholehearted faith, and what it looks like to truly rely on Christ in everyday life.

It's easy to think everything is fine when life is going well—but comfort can quietly become one of the greatest obstacles to a thriving faith.In this message, Pastor Bobby explores Jesus' letter to the church in Laodicea, revealing how self-sufficiency can slowly replace dependence on God. Discover why Jesus' words to one of the wealthiest churches in Revelation remain just as relevant for us today.

It's easy to think everything is fine when life is going well—but comfort can quietly become one of the greatest obstacles to a thriving faith.In this message, Pastor Bobby explores Jesus' letter to the church in Laodicea, revealing how self-sufficiency can slowly replace dependence on God. Discover why Jesus' words to one of the wealthiest churches in Revelation remain just as relevant for us today.

The churches in the cities of Thyatira and Laodicea fostered an environment of compromise that Jesus spoke strongly against. Though each church had fallen for different reasons, the message to both is resoundingly clear and redemptive – Come back to Me, and I will fellowship with you! Nestled within His corrections to the people of these ancient churches, Jesus mercy can still be found. He still stands at the door and knocks...ready to fellowship with those who have the courage to open the door and repent.

What if the waiting room is exactly where God wants to grow your faith? In this message from Revelation 3, we look at the church in Laodicea and how comfort, convenience, and constant consumption can slowly lead us to rely on ourselves instead of Jesus. Discover why waiting matters, how to invest in what lasts, and how God uses waiting to deepen our dependence on Him.

It's possible to be surrounded by church activities and still leave Jesus standing outside the door. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus isn't speaking to unbelievers—He's speaking to His own church. His invitation isn't simply to attend a service, but to enjoy a close, personal relationship with Him.The church in Laodicea believed they were rich and had everything they needed, but Jesus revealed their true spiritual condition. They had become comfortable, self-sufficient, and spiritually lukewarm. Their greatest need wasn't more possessions or greater success—it was more of Christ.The same challenge applies to us today. It's easy to become distracted by careers, finances, schedules, and even ministry responsibilities while neglecting the One who gives life to it all. Jesus desires more than our attendance; He desires our hearts. He wants a seat at the table of our daily lives.When we invite Christ into every area of our lives, our priorities begin to change. We discover that true wealth isn't found in what we own but in knowing Him. We also begin to see the church as more than a building—it becomes a community where believers encourage, pray for, and strengthen one another throughout the week.Today, take time to open the door. Slow down, listen for His voice, and welcome Him into your conversations, decisions, and relationships. The greatest blessing isn't what Jesus can give you—it's His presence with you.

Join us for this week's sermon!Whether you're seeking hope, direction, or a deeper connection with God, this message is for you. Each week, we open God's Word together to find truth, encouragement, and strength for the journey.

Colossians 2:1-10 ESV 1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. 6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.   • • • 1. We are called to be grounded   • • • Colossians 2:6-7 ESV 6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.   • • • Psalm 1:1-3 ESV 1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.   • • • 2. We are called to be growing   • • • John 15:5 ESV 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.   • • • John 15:8 ESV 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.   • • • 2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV 5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!   • • • Colossians 1:21-23 ESV 21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.   • • • 3. We are called to be grateful   • • • 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.   • • • 4. We are called to be on guard   • • • Colossians 2:4 ESV 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.   • • • Colossians 2:8 ESV 8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.   • • • Ephesians 4:14 NLT 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.   • • • 1 Timothy 4:1-2 NLT 1 Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 2 These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.   • • • 1 Timothy 4:16 NLT 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.   • • • Application: As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him!

As our Behold: The Revelation of Jesus Christ series continues, Pastor Krissy Miles explores Jesus' letters to the churches in Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea in Revelation 3. Preached over Fourth of July weekend, this message reflects on America's 250th anniversary while challenging believers to examine their spiritual condition through Christ's perspective.The church in Sardis had a reputation for being alive but had grown spiritually complacent, reminding us that faith requires more than past success—it calls for present obedience. Philadelphia remained faithful through persecution and received Christ's promise of an open door, demonstrating that the Church can thrive regardless of opposition. Laodicea serves as a warning against spiritual lukewarmness, self-sufficiency, and comfort that can blind us to our need for Christ.Throughout the message, Pastor Krissy reminds us that these letters are not simply instructions for self-improvement, but a revelation of Jesus Christ that calls us to live by grace through faith. The sermon concludes with a personal challenge to remain spiritually awake, resist compromise, stand firm in the truth, and faithfully advance the gospel until Christ returns.Key Themes:Revelation 3: Christ's Message to the ChurchLiving by Grace, Not Self-EffortThe Danger of Spiritual ComplacencyFaithfulness Through OppositionAvoiding Lukewarm ChristianityLaw vs. GraceAmerica's Christian Heritage & ResponsibilityStaying Spiritually AwakeAdvancing the Gospel Until Christ ReturnsPersonal Faith & OvercomingTimestamps:0:40 — Welcome & Fourth of July Reflections8:27 — Introduction to Revelation 3 17:50 — Understanding the Seven Churches: Christ's Perspective 27:36 — Sardis: A Reputation Without Life 31:44 — Moses at the Red Sea: Faith Requires Action 35:48 — Philadelphia: The Faithful Church 39:32 — The Keys of David & Christ's Authority 44:22 — "I Will Keep You from the Hour of Trial" 47:39 — Laodicea: The Danger of Lukewarm Faith 50:47 — Law vs. Grace 1:01:03 — A Personal Call to Every Believer 1:02:28 — Communion & Closing Prayer

As our Behold: The Revelation of Jesus Christ series continues, Pastor Krissy Miles explores Jesus' letters to the churches in Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea in Revelation 3. Preached over Fourth of July weekend, this message reflects on America's 250th anniversary while challenging believers to examine their spiritual condition through Christ's perspective.The church in Sardis had a reputation for being alive but had grown spiritually complacent, reminding us that faith requires more than past success—it calls for present obedience. Philadelphia remained faithful through persecution and received Christ's promise of an open door, demonstrating that the Church can thrive regardless of opposition. Laodicea serves as a warning against spiritual lukewarmness, self-sufficiency, and comfort that can blind us to our need for Christ.Throughout the message, Pastor Krissy reminds us that these letters are not simply instructions for self-improvement, but a revelation of Jesus Christ that calls us to live by grace through faith. The sermon concludes with a personal challenge to remain spiritually awake, resist compromise, stand firm in the truth, and faithfully advance the gospel until Christ returns.Key Themes:Revelation 3: Christ's Message to the ChurchLiving by Grace, Not Self-EffortThe Danger of Spiritual ComplacencyFaithfulness Through OppositionAvoiding Lukewarm ChristianityLaw vs. GraceAmerica's Christian Heritage & ResponsibilityStaying Spiritually AwakeAdvancing the Gospel Until Christ ReturnsPersonal Faith & OvercomingTimestamps:0:40 — Welcome & Fourth of July Reflections8:27 — Introduction to Revelation 3 17:50 — Understanding the Seven Churches: Christ's Perspective 27:36 — Sardis: A Reputation Without Life 31:44 — Moses at the Red Sea: Faith Requires Action 35:48 — Philadelphia: The Faithful Church 39:32 — The Keys of David & Christ's Authority 44:22 — "I Will Keep You from the Hour of Trial" 47:39 — Laodicea: The Danger of Lukewarm Faith 50:47 — Law vs. Grace 1:01:03 — A Personal Call to Every Believer 1:02:28 — Communion & Closing Prayer

From our series titled Revelation: Loyalty to the Lamb in the Land of Idols. In this series, we will look at the first five chapters of Revelation and learn what whole-hearted allegiance to the way of the Lamb looks like. Scripture reading: Revelation 3:14-22Additional readings: Isaiah 65:13-16Isaiah 43:8-19Hosea 12:7-9Hosea 2:1-8Malachi 3:2-3Learn more about Redeemer Church at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠redeemerclt.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Feeling restless, bothered, irritated, or like something is off in your life? You may not be broken. You may be in the disruption phase of spiritual growth. In this episode, Tim Holloway breaks down why God often disrupts a man before He transforms him. When numbing stops working, when success feels empty, when your marriage, health, business, emotions, or spiritual life start exposing pressure points, it may be God knocking beneath the noise. This message is for Christian men who feel stuck, spiritually dry, emotionally tired, or successful on the outside but unsettled on the inside. You'll learn why discomfort can be mercy, why old patterns have to fail, and why God uses disruption to wake men up from cluelessness, numbness, self-sufficiency, and false peace. Using Revelation 3, Saul on the road to Damascus, Cain, Moses, and real-life examples of marriage crisis, health scares, business pressure, and emotional heaviness, this episode shows how God interrupts survival patterns so men can finally see clearly, embrace formation, and step into deeper transformation. You'll learn why disruption is not always punishment, but often God's mercy interrupting patterns that no longer work. You'll see how numbing, addiction, busyness, achievement, and self-sufficiency can keep men spiritually blind until God allows pressure to expose the truth. You'll understand how biblical examples like Saul, Cain, Moses, and the church in Laodicea reveal the way God uses questions, crisis, and discomfort to awaken awareness. You'll be challenged to examine where your wife's pain, your children's distance, your business pressure, your body, your emotions, and your spiritual dryness may be trying to get your attention. 00:00 Phase Three: Being Disrupted02:15 When Numbing Stops Working04:32 Successful Outside, Unsettled Inside06:38 Revelation 3: Jesus Knocking at the Door09:37 Truth That Bothers You11:21 When God Shakes Your Patterns13:30 God Awakens Awareness15:12 Why Feel-Good Messages Don't Transform16:06 Saul Before the Disruption18:37 Why Are You Persecuting Me?20:35 God Uses Questions to Wake Men Up22:13 When Certainty Gets Shattered25:32 Blindness, Formation, and Real Sight28:54 When Your Framework Stops Working30:41 Crisis as a Fork in the Road32:45 System Failure and Spiritual Awakening35:31 Stop Blaming Everything Outside You38:34 Pressure Reveals What You've Been Using41:25 The Dark Night of the Soul43:39 The Temptation to Go Back to Numbing47:39 Cain, Anger, and Awareness Before Destruction49:34 Moses and the Burning Bush51:01 Where Is God Disrupting Your Life?52:29 Disruption Is an Invitation #ChristianMen#SpiritualGrowth#MensMinistry#Transformation#FaithJourney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Church Planter Podcast, Peyton Jones sits down with Dr. Michael Cooper to talk about his new book, Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New Movement.Building on his work in Ephesiology, Michael explores how archaeology helps us better understand the early church, the spread of the gospel, and the world Paul and the first Christians inhabited. From Ephesus to Laodicea, they discuss house churches, public gathering spaces, Christograms, the Hall of Tyrannus, and the evidence of Christian movement in the first centuries.The conversation also challenges church planters to think beyond simple church growth formulas and recover the kind of patient, contextual, culturally engaged mission we see in the New Testament. The early church adapted to real places, engaged real people, and took the time to make disciples who could carry the gospel into new spaces.If you want to understand first-century mission, think more deeply about church planting, and learn how history and archaeology can sharpen disciple-making today, this episode is for you.Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:Gods, Emperors, Philosophers, and a New MovementNewBreed TrainingThanks for listening to the Church Planter Podcast. We're here to help you go where no one else is going and do what no one else is doing to reach people no one else is reaching.Make sure to review and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast service to help us connect with more church planters.

Every single thing Jesus has to say to the church of Laodicea is scathingly negative. The city of Laodicea was a medical center—there was a famous medical school there, and they produced a lot of medicines. Jesus essentially says the church in Laodicea is spiritually sick, and that he has the medicine for them. And whenever we see Scripture diagnosing a spiritual condition, we must always ask, “Is this true of me?” Let's look at this spiritual condition under three headings: 1) the symptom, 2) the underlying disease, and 3) the medicines and remedies. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on August 17, 2008. Series: Revelation: Jesus' Letters to the Church. Scripture: Revelation 3:14-22. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

“Lukewarm” isn’t really a desirable trait in, well, just about anything. After all, is there anyone who actually looks forward to a lukewarm cup of coffee in the morning? But when Jesus uses this word, what he has in mind is something far worse. In this message from Revelation 3, Pastor J.D. takes us through John’s last three letters to the churches. Though Jesus doesn’t have anything negative to say to the church at Philadelphia, he has plenty to say to the congregation of Laodicea, and it begins with his visceral reaction to their halfhearted Christianity. We, of course, have to be careful not to fall into the same trap: claiming the name of Jesus with our lips but living lives that are in no way distinct from the world.