Podcasts about Laodicea

Revelation 3:14-22 - Speaker: Briley Hughes - Our study through Jesus' seven letters to His church comes to a close with a surprising mix of severity and grace. By their own measure, the church in Laodicea thought they were thriving, and so they assumed Jesus would be pleased with them. Instead, He brings one of the most jarring assessments in all the letters. He says He is so disgusted that He wants to spit them out. But, Jesus doesn't expose them to shame them. He does it to offer them something incredible. As we study this text together, we'll find Jesus dismantling a comfortable church's confidence so He can give them what they truly need and can only find in Him. May the Lord use this passage to show us where we've grown self-sufficient, and may we receive from Him what only He can give.

Revelation 3:14-22 - Speaker: Jon Kopp - Our study through Jesus' seven letters to His church comes to a close with a surprising mix of severity and grace. By their own measure, the church in Laodicea thought they were thriving, and so they assumed Jesus would be pleased with them. Instead, He brings one of the most jarring assessments in all the letters. He says He is so disgusted that He wants to spit them out. But, Jesus doesn't expose them to shame them. He does it to offer them something incredible. As we study this text together, we'll find Jesus dismantling a comfortable church's confidence so He can give them what they truly need and can only find in Him. May the Lord use this passage to show us where we've grown self-sufficient, and may we receive from Him what only He can give.

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.

You've heard the word "lukewarm" your whole Christian life — but what if most people have completely misunderstood what Jesus actually meant? In this episode of Fuel for the Harvest, Nathan sits down with co-host Charlie to dig into one of the most well-known — and most misinterpreted — passages in all of Scripture: Revelation 3 and the letter to the church at Laodicea.Spoiler: Jesus wasn't saying he'd rather you be lost than mediocre. The real meaning is far more convicting — and far more hopeful — than that.In this episode, Nathan and Charlie unpack:Why the common interpretation of "hot or cold" is probably wrongThe fascinating historical and geographical context behind Laodicea's water supplyWhy lukewarmness is really about being useless to God's purposes — not being spiritually "in the middle"How pride and comfort combine to create dangerous spiritual blindnessWhat it means that Jesus is standing at the door knocking — from the outsideThe difference between being a bucket and being a conduit of God's graceThe powerful promise Jesus makes to anyone who will open the door and repentCharlie is a Forge speaker and a featured voice across the first 200 episodes of Fuel for the Harvest. Find more from Charlie on the Forge YouTube channel or invite him to speak at your event.

“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.

Rev. Patrick Donohue

The last three of these seven letters, found in Revelation 3, are written to churches that are all in very different places. Sardis might have looked the part from an outsider's perspective but it's reality was very different, Philadelphia may not have been the most impressive looking church but was persevering in an admirable way, and Laodicea was a church that needed to rediscover its passion and zeal!

Join Pastor Marco to study the letter writen to Laodicea from the book of Revelation.You can connect with Moriel in more locations than just YouTube!Check out all our official links on the About page: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorielTVministries/about.The U.S. Copyright Office protects this video and its contents under section 107 of the Fair Use Copyright Act 1976 which can be found here: can be found here:https://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#107.While we do encourage comments, all are held for review before posting. We ask that you please focus your posts on the video and it's topic. Keep it relevant to the message; and of course showering us with love is always welcome. We do appreciate you and thank you for caring enough to speak up and speak out.Please note: Posts that are longer than a short paragraph, contains hate, or disrespectful comments, or links to websites or other videos will be deleted. Comments determined to be inappropriate, obscene, disrespectful or with links to pornographic material, will get you banned.All decisions on comments are at our discretion.

Jesus is the First and the Last—the One who was there at the beginning, and the One who holds the final word. What feels unfinished, broken, or uncertain in our lives is not beyond His reach. In Him, every chapter finds its meaning, and every ending is held in hope. This Sunday, we're leaning into the truth that Jesus completes the story. Not with fear, but with victory. Not with despair, but with redemption. Come and be reminded: what stands against us will not outlast the One who stands for us. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================ This Week's Scripture: // Revelation 1:9-20 (NIV) // John's vision of Christ I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: ‘Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.' I turned round to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash round his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. ‘Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

What does it mean to truly hear God's voice in a world drowning in noise? Apostle Dr. Dana Carson unpacked the profound parable of the sower, revealing that the Kingdom of God isn't about territory or prosperity—it's fundamentally a conversation. Beginning with Adam and Eve in the garden, Dr. Carson showed how hearing impacts vision, vision shapes behavior, and behavior determines outcomes. When our first parents stopped hearing God and started listening to Satan, their perspective shifted, leading to devastating consequences that echo through generations. Dr. Carson warned that we live in the era of Laodicea, where Jesus stands at the door knocking, seeking those who can still hear His voice above culture's clamor. He identified four types of hearts: wayside ground (hard and knowing), stony ground (emotional but shallow), thorny ground (alive but unfruitful), and good soil (consistently productive). The sobering reality? Our spiritual productivity reveals the condition of our hearts. Those who truly hear don't just receive the word—they yield crops of thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold. The kingdom demands our complete attention because hearing loss leads to spiritual dementia, isolation, and dangerous vulnerability. This isn't a game—it's a serious kingdom where your ability to discern God's voice determines your eternal destiny and present fruitfulness. Stop playing with partial hearing. Tune your heart to heaven's frequency now.

The modern Christian church has not merely drifted, it has fallen. It has not simply updated its methods, it's abandoned its message. The church that once stood on the street corner and thundered, “Jesus Christ Is The Answer!” has now become a religious focus group asking the world, “What's the question?” That is not progress, that's apostasy. The Bible says there would be a falling away before the time of the end, and we are watching it unfold in real time with pastors leading prayer over a golden statue of Donald Trump.“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first,” 2 Thessalonians 2:3 (KJB)“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:19,20 (KJB)On this episode of the Prophecy News Podcast, Paul did not warn that the last days would be marked by empty church buildings only. He warned of something far more deceptive: churches full of people, full of activity, full of money, full of programs, full of branding, full of music, full of “community,” and yet void of Bible truth. That is the true horror of Laodicea. It doesn't look dead to the world, it looks successful. The Laodicean Church in Revelation 3 is not poor in money, it's poor in truth. It is not naked in fashion, it's naked in righteousness. It is not blind in technology, it's blind in doctrine. It doesn't lack confidence, it lacks Christ, JESUS Christ. The last days church has no need of the King James Bible because it has a hundred modern, and differing, translations. It has no need of preaching because it has TED Talk sermonettes. It has no need of hymns because it has worship bands and fog machines. It has no need of repentance because it has therapy. It has no need of doctrine because it has “conversation”, “sharing your feelings” and “coping classes”. It has no need of biblical separation because it wants cultural relevance. It has no need of prophecy because it has purpose-driven optimism. We need more negative preaching. It has no need of the old paths because it has market research. But worst of all, it has no need of Jesus Christ standing in the midst, because it has built a church system where He is outside the door, knocking to get back in. Today you show you, in no uncertain terms, the unimaginable depth of the falling away, and the chaotic condition of the last days and lukewarm Laodicean Church.

In the first century AD, the church at Laodicea seemed to have it all. They had some measure of acceptance in their city, some influence, some worldly wealth. Yet they were not pleasing to their Lord. Their Christianity was respectable in the eyes of the world, but it was disgusting to Jesus. Listen as Pastor Ethan Brown preaches on Revelation 3:14–22, calling our attention to three problems (bad worship, bad riches, bad witness) and one answer: the love of Christ. Part of a series on the book of Revelation. From Sunday Worship, May 10, 2026. ------------------------------- allsoulspca.org All Souls (Urbana, IL) is a part of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), a Christian, Reformed denomination with historic and theological roots in the Protestant Reformation.

Exposición de Apocalipsis 1:9–20. Yo, Juan, hermano de ustedes y compañero en el sufrimiento, en el reino y en la perseverancia que tenemos en Jesús, estaba en la isla de Patmos por causa de la palabra de Dios y del testimonio de Jesús. 10 En el día del Señor vino sobre mí el Espíritu y oí detrás de mí una voz fuerte, como de trompeta, 11 que decía: «Escribe en un libro lo que veas y envíalo a las siete iglesias: a Éfeso, Esmirna, Pérgamo, Tiatira, Sardis, Filadelfia y Laodicea».12 Me volví para ver de quién era la voz que me hablaba y al volverme vi siete candelabros de oro. 13 En medio de los candelabros estaba alguien «con aspecto de un hijo de hombre»,[a] vestido con una túnica que le llegaba hasta los pies y ceñido con una banda de oro a la altura del pecho. 14 Su cabellera lucía como la lana blanca, como la nieve; y sus ojos resplandecían como llama de fuego. 15 Sus pies parecían bronce al rojo vivo en un horno y su voz era tan fuerte como el estruendo de muchas aguas. 16 En su mano derecha tenía siete estrellas y de su boca salía una aguda espada de dos filos. Su rostro era como el sol cuando brilla en todo su esplendor.17 Al verlo, caí a sus pies como muerto; pero él, poniendo su mano derecha sobre mí, me dijo: «No tengas miedo. Yo soy el Primero y el Último. 18 Yo soy el que vive. Estuve muerto, pero ahora vivo por los siglos de los siglos y tengo las llaves de la muerte y sus dominios.[b]19 »Escribe, pues, lo que has visto, lo que sucede ahora y lo que sucederá después. 20 Esta es la explicación del misterio de las siete estrellas que viste en mi mano derecha y de los siete candelabros de oro: las siete estrellas son los ángeles[c] de las siete iglesias y los siete candelabros son las siete iglesias.

Audio Recording Gospel People Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 4:7-18 (ESV)7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.Sermon OutlineThe good news draws you in to the life of Christ where ordinary people are transformed by the extraordinary grace of Christ.1. Gospel Messagev12 …struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 2. Gospel Workersv10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabasv14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 3. Gospel Peoplev16 … also read the letter from Laodicea.vv7-9 Tychicus… that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your heartsvv12 Epaphras… a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you…v9 …with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother; v18 remember my chainsPrayer of ConfessionAlmighty God, full of glory and abounding with grace: thank you that you are so patient and merciful with us. We continue to try to make you more like us, yet resist your work to make us more like you. We are slow to believe and understand. Forgive us for not treating others consistently with the grace we have received. Forgive us for when we have strayed from faithfulness because we dreaded hardship or have been lured by what seemed instantly rewarding. We have lacked the humility and wisdom to embrace the call to be servants of Christ. Forgive every sin. Please continue the work of sanctification by the grace of Jesus Christ until we are brought to maturity and completion. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat value could there be in a book of the Bible ending with greetings between people we know little about? Why is that part of the Bible?If part of the work of the early Christians was to show how God's will is made known in Jesus, what are we supposed to know? How does our understanding of life expand as we look to Jesus? What are some implications of our need to mature in Christ? What expectations or understandings follow from it?What value is there that the book of Colossians was written by someone who was in prison? What does it tell us about the one writing and the world in which he lives? How can we understand that Paul, John Mark and Barnabas had a strong disagreement even though they were leaders in the church? What are reasonable expectations for church leaders?What is the difference between the letters Paul wrote which became part of the New Testament and other letters he wrote (which we don't have access to)?What value is there in Paul referring to himself and Tychicus as servants (slaves) of Christ? Why does Paul call Tychicus a fellow servant, Aristarchus a fellow prisoner, and Onesimus a beloved brother?Why is it important to see that the story of Jesus is not just about a man born in poverty who faced hardship and yet attained to being a king, but that he was a prince who willingly gave up everything and became a servant before these things? What does this imply about the identity, attitude and expectations of those who answer the call to follow him?

Audio Recording Gospel People Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 4:7-18 (ESV)7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.Sermon OutlineThe good news draws you in to the life of Christ where ordinary people are transformed by the extraordinary grace of Christ.1. Gospel Messagev12 …struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 2. Gospel Workersv10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabasv14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 3. Gospel Peoplev16 … also read the letter from Laodicea.vv7-9 Tychicus… that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your heartsvv12 Epaphras… a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you…v9 …with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother; v18 remember my chainsPrayer of ConfessionAlmighty God, full of glory and abounding with grace: thank you that you are so patient and merciful with us. We continue to try to make you more like us, yet resist your work to make us more like you. We are slow to believe and understand. Forgive us for not treating others consistently with the grace we have received. Forgive us for when we have strayed from faithfulness because we dreaded hardship or have been lured by what seemed instantly rewarding. We have lacked the humility and wisdom to embrace the call to be servants of Christ. Forgive every sin. Please continue the work of sanctification by the grace of Jesus Christ until we are brought to maturity and completion. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat value could there be in a book of the Bible ending with greetings between people we know little about? Why is that part of the Bible?If part of the work of the early Christians was to show how God's will is made known in Jesus, what are we supposed to know? How does our understanding of life expand as we look to Jesus? What are some implications of our need to mature in Christ? What expectations or understandings follow from it?What value is there that the book of Colossians was written by someone who was in prison? What does it tell us about the one writing and the world in which he lives? How can we understand that Paul, John Mark and Barnabas had a strong disagreement even though they were leaders in the church? What are reasonable expectations for church leaders?What is the difference between the letters Paul wrote which became part of the New Testament and other letters he wrote (which we don't have access to)?What value is there in Paul referring to himself and Tychicus as servants (slaves) of Christ? Why does Paul call Tychicus a fellow servant, Aristarchus a fellow prisoner, and Onesimus a beloved brother?Why is it important to see that the story of Jesus is not just about a man born in poverty who faced hardship and yet attained to being a king, but that he was a prince who willingly gave up everything and became a servant before these things? What does this imply about the identity, attitude and expectations of those who answer the call to follow him?

A sermon from Revelation 3:14-22Speaker: Nathan Workman

Today, we look at the cause of all of Israel's problems in the Book of Judges. Though, at first glance it doesn't appear that way due to the victory they had on the mountain! But that's the essence of Laodicea: we can be so caught up on our victories that we miss where it counts the most - in the valley.

Revelation 1:9–20 9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

In a world experiencing an identity crisis, believers have the incredible privilege of knowing exactly who they are through Christ. According to Colossians 2:6-15, our true identity must be deeply rooted in what Jesus says about us, not what the world tells us. The enemy actively works to deceive us with lies about our past, performance, and worth, but God declares we are new creations, intrinsically valuable as image-bearers, and beloved children in His family. This identity comes with amazing benefits: authority over spiritual forces, consecration for God's purposes, freedom from sin's bondage, and a completely clean slate. Living out this identity requires accepting Jesus' truth about us, rejecting the accuser's lies, and leaving our past behind to embrace the abundant life Christ provides. ------------------ 'Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.' Colossians 1:24-29 ------------------ '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, 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, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 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. ' Colossians 2:1-5

May 3, 2026 AM - That Church: Laodicea - "I'm Fine"Pastor Amanda Crabb

In our 33rd episode of “Men Who Understood the Times,” we study Revelation 3:14-22 – The modern Church wants to be nice: 1. The importance of Laodicea; 2. The Amen and true witness; 3. Lukewarm Christianity that desires to be nice; 4. Buy gold, white garments, and salve; 5. Take this seriously and repent; 6. Jesus is standing at the door and knocking; 7. Sitting with Jesus on his throne. “Look, I stand at the door and I am knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will go in with him and dine with him, and he with me. To the one who is victorious I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Continue the conversation with comments or questions: pastor@lordoflords.org 

Following Jesus requires a willingness to pay a price that goes beyond earthly transactions. Paul reveals in Colossians that while Christ's sacrifice was complete, the gospel continues to advance through the sufferings of believers. We are called to join Christ in His afflictions, not in our own strength, but through His power working within us. This includes struggling in prayer for others and being willing to sacrifice comfort for the sake of the kingdom. The treasure of salvation isn't hidden in secret knowledge but is found plainly in Christ, who lives within believers as their hope of glory. -------------------- 'Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.' Colossians 1:24-29 -------------------- '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, 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, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 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. ' Colossians 2:1-5

Cartas a la Iglesia: Laodicea | Joel Maceiras by ICONO

A STATUE of the goddess Athena has been discovered among the ruins of Laodicea—the site of the church Jesus said he would vomit out of his mouth. This is a fitting symbol for the world today. Athena is one manifestation of the ancient Sumerian goddess Inanna, a gender-fluid entity of sex and violence. If you've paid attention to the news over the last decade, you can see why we believe Inanna is the spirit of the age. Further, her descriptions in Sumerian texts are consistent with that of the woman in scarlet called Babylon the Great in Revelation 17. Although there has been pushback against the woke gender agenda by the Trump administration and a few other places around the world, Donald Trump won't be president forever. It's our mission to use this reprieve to share the gospel while we can.  We also discuss the ever-increasing calls for “disclosure” of government UFO files and the tragic death of paranormal writer and broadcaster David Wilcock this week at the age of 53. Here's the video we referred to of the legendary Charles Laughton reciting the story of Shadrach, Meshech, and Abednego from the third chapter of Daniel on The Ed Sullivan Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmIcQTA1iu0 Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, is fighting stage 4 bowel cancer, and the medical bills are piling up. If you are led to help, please go to GilbertHouse.org/hopeforsarah. Follow us! X (formerly Twitter): @pidradio | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert | @gilberthouse_tvTelegram: t.me/gilberthouse | t.me/sharonsroom | t.me/viewfromthebunkerSubstack: gilberthouse.substack.comYouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelationFacebook.com/pidradio JOIN US IN ISRAEL! We will tour the Holy Land October 11–23, 2026 with an optional three-day extension to Jordan. For more information, log on to GilbertHouse.org/travel. Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! Our 1,200 square foot pole barn has a new HVAC system, epoxy floor, 100-amp electric service, new windows, insulation, lights, and ceiling fans! If you are so led, you can help out by clicking here: gilberthouse.org/donate. Get our free app! It connects you to this podcast, our weekly Bible studies, and our weekly video programs Unraveling Revelation and A View from the Bunker. The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Links to the app stores are at pidradio.com/app. Video on demand of our best teachings! Stream presentations and teachings based on our research at our new video on demand site: gilberthouse.org/video! Think better, feel better! Our partners at Simply Clean Foods offer freeze-dried, 100% GMO-free food and delicious, vacuum-packed fair trade coffee from Honduras. Find out more at GilbertHouse.org/store/.

Send us a message! (or visit outloudbible.com/contact to start a conversation)We slow down in Revelation 2 and 3 and let the letters from Jesus read us instead of us just reading them. We ask what repentance looks like when the problem isn't loud rebellion but quiet comfort, subtle compromise, and spiritual autopilot. • why the seven letters are for us today, not just ancient churches • the common structure of each letter: who Jesus is, what he praises, what he confronts, what he promises • Ephesus and leaving your first love, the “sweatpants Christian” warning, doing the deeds you did at first • Smyrna and the uncomfortable question of whether we fear suffering • Pergamum and the danger of “almost true” teaching, testing every message against Scripture • Thyatira and why tolerance is not the same as love, refusing to normalize sin • Laodicea, lukewarm usefulness, and the threat of self-sufficiency • Jesus knocking at the door, responding with openness, conviction, and repentance  At outloudbible.com, you can find free resources to help you study the Bible. And while you're there, send us a message to say hi, or start a conversation about having us at your church or event. If Outloud Bible has been a valuable part of your understanding of the Bible, please consider supporting the ministry by visiting outloudbible.com.Support the showCheck out outloudbible.com for helpful study resources, and to discover how to bring the public reading of God's word to your church, conference, retreat, or other event.

Do you ever feel ordinary? Like you're just not the kind of person God uses for big things? In this episode, Brian From digs into one of the most overlooked verses in the New Testament — James's reminder that Elijah was "just a human being, like us" — and unpacks what it means that God chooses to do extraordinary things through completely ordinary people. From there, Brian turns to one of Scripture's most sobering passages: Jesus's letter to the church in Laodicea. Wealthy, self-sufficient, and spiritually lukewarm — sound familiar? Brian draws a pointed parallel to the American church today and asks the uncomfortable question: are we the church in Laodicea? Along the way, Brian also explores Russell Moore's provocative idea of the "casinofication" of the church, a striking new study on the rise of "no contact" relationships in America, a genuinely murky ethical question about a family using an AI clone to shield an elderly mother from the death of her son, and why a Relevant Magazine piece about new Christians and microphones might be the most important thing the church needs to hear right now. And he closes with a surprising strategy for finishing well as a Christian — one you probably won't see coming.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a message! (or visit outloudbible.com/contact to start a conversation)Contact me and let me know: (1) how has OBP helped you in your relationship with God?(2) what you'd like to see in the next season of the podcast(3) questions about the Bible We start the Book of Revelation and set our hearts on its main purpose: revealing Jesus Christ as the risen King who will win the final victory over sin and death. We read Revelation 1 to 3 aloud and let Jesus' letters to the seven churches search our lives with both warning and hope. • inviting listener feedback as we near the end of the first Bible read through • how the podcast has helped your relationship with God and sharing testimonies • what to expect in Revelation as prophecy and as a revelation of Jesus • John's exile on Patmos and why Revelation is written • the blessing of reading prophecy aloud and hearing and obeying it • Jesus walking among the lampstands and knowing His churches • the repeating pattern in the seven letters: praise, correction, call to repent, promise to conquer • personal reflection prompts from Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea  At outloudbible.com, you can find free resources to help you study the Bible. And while you're there, send us a message to say hi, or start a conversation about having us at your church or event. If Outloud Bible has been a valuable part of your understanding of the Bible, please consider supporting the ministry by visiting outloudbible.com.Support the showCheck out outloudbible.com for helpful study resources, and to discover how to bring the public reading of God's word to your church, conference, retreat, or other event.

At the time of Diocletian's persecutions, he was a very old man, having served as a reader for sixteen years, then a deacon for twenty-eight years, and finally as a priest for thirty years, for a total of seventy-four years. The pagan judge put him in the Temple of Aesculapius, where large snakes were kept and worshiped as gods. Though the judge meant for Artemon to be attacked by the snakes, the holy priest immobilized them with the sign of the Cross, brought them out of the temple and, in front of the pagan priests, breathed on the snakes, which died instantly. The chief priest, Vitalis, fell to his knees and cried 'Great is the Christian God!' Artemon baptised him along with several of his friends.   The unrepentant judge then condemned Artemon to be thrown into burning pitch, but the judge himself was thrown off his horse into the pitch and died. After this, Artemon went free for a time and spent his time teaching the Faith to his people ("accompanied always by two tame deer," says St Nikolia Velimirovic!). But he was arrested again and beheaded in the year 303.

**Through the Resurrection all who trust in Jesus can live Victoriously.** Seven churches in Asia minor were each given a letter with encouragements, corrections and promises to those who overcome. How do we overcome and live victoriously? It is by faith alone, through grace alone. Jesus' victory is ours through faith in His work on our behalf. All Praise, Honor, and Glory to Jesus, the Living One who was dead and is alive for ever and ever!!**A Note on the book of Revelation:**Revelation is a letter of prophecy written to seven churches in Asia minor. There are differing perspectives among Biblical scholars as to how Revelation is to be read and understood. This is true of not yet fulfilled prophecy in all of scripture, both Old and New Testament alike. We need not be afraid of reading this portion of scripture because of all the controversy. As with every text of God's word – Jesus is both the One revealed and the One who is doing the revealing. Jesus makes Himself known to us and as long as we keep our eyes focused on magnifying Jesus and resting in His consistent character we can allow room for mystery and our own limitations without losing heart or getting off track.Our sermon series will focus on each individual church's letter found in chapters 1-3. These first-century churches in the Roman province of Asia (currently western Turkey) are mentioned; Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. We'll begin with the Apostle John exiled on the island of Patmos where he sees Jesus in all His glory. John does his best to record what he has seen and heard within the limitations of human language. (Chapter 1)To help us maintain our focus over the next eight weeks, we invite you to memorize Revelation 12:11: “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”To help you begin, take time to write the memory verse on notecards and place in an ideal location for your daily review.Additionally, as you prepare for this week's teaching, read Revelation 1:1-20 and your study Bible's introduction (if applicable, or Click here for the ESV Global Study Bible's Introduction to Revelation)

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary conclude their series on Jesus' words to the seven Churches in the Book of Revelation. Today, they look at His direct and yet hopeful words to the Church in Laodicea. To watch the presentation given by Fr. John this past November entitled, “Priesthood: The Unspoken Crisis, Why Praying for Priests Matters", click here. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [mission@actsxxix.org](mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our Streaming Channels Web: https://watch.actsxxix.org/browse YouTube: @actsxxix (https://youtube.com/actsxxix)

In his teaching on the biblical message to the church of Laodicea, Andrew explains that Jesus acts as a faithful friend by offering a necessary, though uncomfortable, correction to a congregation that has become apathetic. Using the city's historical water aqueduct system as a metaphor, the talk illustrates how the church had become "lukewarm"—arriving neither hot and healing nor cold and refreshing, but rather spiritually ineffective and lacking in zeal. The root cause of this condition was the church's prideful self-sufficiency; influenced by their city's vast wealth, advanced medical school, and lucrative fashion industry, they believed they needed nothing, remaining blind to their actual spiritual poverty. This historical reality mirrors modern cultural temptations to build a successful life independently from God, a mindset that subtly pushes Jesus out of the center of one's life. Despite this posture, Jesus is depicted as standing at the door of His own church knocking, offering a gracious and relational invitation to return to Him. To overcome this lukewarmness, believers are challenged to repent, renounce their independence, and intentionally invite Jesus back into every "room" of their lives through practices like daily surrender, the Prayer of Examen, confession, fasting, Sabbath keeping, and generosity.

NOTAS DE ELENAMaterial complementario de la escuela Sabática para adultosNarrado por: Patty CuyanDesde: California, USAUna cortesía de DR'Ministries y Canaan Seventh-Day Adventist ChurchLUNES, 30 DE MARZOAMONESTACIÓN, ARREPENTIMIENTO Y RECOMPENSAEl sello del Dios viviente solo será colocado sobre los que son semejantes a Cristo en carácter... La cera recibe la impresión del sello, y así también el alma debe recibir la impresión del Espíritu de Dios y conservar la imagen de Cristo... Muchos no recibirán el sello de Dios porque no guardan sus mandamientos ni dan los frutos de justicia... La gran masa de llamados cristianos sufrirá un amargo desengaño en el día de Dios. No tienen sobre sus frentes el sello del Dios viviente. Tibios e irresolutos, deshonran a Dios mucho más que los incrédulos declarados. Van a tientas en las tinieblas, cuando podrían estar caminando en la luz meridiana de la Palabra bajo la conducción de Aquel que nunca yerra... Aquellos a quienes el Cordero guiará a las fuentes de aguas vivas y de cuyos ojos borre toda lágrima, serán los que ahora reciban el conocimiento y la comprensión que se revelan en la Biblia, la Palabra de Dios... No debemos imitar a ningún ser humano. No hay ningún ser humano suficientemente sabio para ser nuestro modelo. Debemos contemplar al Hombre Cristo Jesús, que es completo en la perfección de justicia y santidad. Él es el Autor y Consumador de nuestra fe. Es el Hombre modelo. Su vida es la medida de la vida que debemos alcanzar. Su carácter es nuestro modelo. Por lo tanto, despejemos nuestra mente de perplejidades y de las dificultades de esta vida y fijémosla en él, para que contemplándolo podamos ser cambiados a su semejanza. Podemos contemplar a Cristo con un buen propósito. Podemos estar seguros mirándolo porque es omnisapiente. Al contemplarlo y al pensar en él, él se formará en nuestro interior, la esperanza de gloria. Esforcémonos con todo el poder que Dios nos ha dado para estar entre los ciento cuarenta y cuatro mil... Solo los que reciban el sello del Dios viviente tendrán el pasaporte para pasar por los portales de la santa ciudad (Maranata: el Señor viene, 21 de agosto, p. 248). Los cristianos a medias son peores que los infieles, porque sus palabras engañosas y su posición indecisa hacen que muchos se descarríen. El infiel muestra sus colores. El cristiano tibio engaña a las dos partes. No es un buen mundano, ni tampoco un buen cristiano. Satanás lo emplea para realizar una obra que nadie puede hacer. El amor a sí mismo excluye el amor de Cristo. Los que viven para sí son colocados bajo el título de la iglesia de Laodicea la cual es tibia, no es fría ni caliente. El ardor del primer amor se ha transformado en egoísmo. El amor de Cristo que está en el corazón se expresa en las acciones. Si el amor por Cristo es apagado, el amor por aquellos por quienes Cristo ha muerto será degenerado. Puede haber una admirable apariencia de celo y ceremonias, pero esta es la sustancia de su religión llena del yo. Cristo habla de ellos como si causaran náuseas a su gusto. Agradezcamos al Señor que mientras que esta clase es tan numerosa, todavía queda tiempo para el arrepentimiento (Nuestra elevada vocación, 8 de diciembre, p. 350). 

NOTAS DE ELENAMaterial complementario de la escuela Sabática para adultosNarrado por: Patty CuyanDesde: California, USAUna cortesía de DR'Ministries y Canaan Seventh-Day Adventist ChurchDOMINGO, 29 DE MARZONUESTRA CONDICIÓNComo los judíos de los días de Cristo, muchos hoy escuchan y creen, pero no están dispuestos a subir a la plataforma de la obediencia y aceptar la verdad tal como es en Jesús. Temen perder ciertas ventajas mundanales. Mentalmente están de acuerdo con la verdad, pero la obediencia implica llevar la cruz de la abnegación y el sacrificio, y dejar de confiar en el hombre y poner carne por su brazo; por eso se apartan de la cruz. Podrían sentarse a los pies de Jesús para aprender diariamente de él y saber exactamente qué es la vida eterna, pero no están dispuestos a hacerlo. Toda persona salvada debe someter sus propios planes, sus proyectos ambiciosos, que implican glorificación propia, y debe seguir la dirección de Cristo. Se debe someter la mente a Cristo para que él la limpie, la purifique y la refine. Esto ocurrirá cada vez que se acepten debidamente las enseñanzas del Señor Jesús. Es difícil que el yo muera cada día, aunque la admirable historia de la gracia de Dios se presente con toda la riqueza de su amor, que él revela a las almas necesitadas. ¡Oh, cuánto necesitamos conocer más íntimamente al Señor Jesús! Necesitamos comprender su voluntad y llevar a cabo su propósito, diciendo de todo corazón: "Señor, ¿qué quieres que haga?" ¡Cuánto deseo ver nuestras iglesias en una condición diferente de la de ahora, es decir, que agravian al Espíritu Santo cada día con su tibia vida religiosa, que no es ni fría ni caliente! Cristo dice: "¡Ojalá fueses frío o caliente! Pero por cuanto eres tibio, y no frío ni caliente, te vomitaré de mi boca" (Apocalipsis 3:15, 16). ¡Oh, cuánto sería honrado y glorificado Cristo ante los hombres y mujeres irreligiosos y mundanos si sus seguidores fueran lo que pretenden ser, es a saber, verdaderos cristianos a quienes el amor de Cristo los constriña a darlo a conocer ante un mundo idólatra, poniendo de manifiesto el marcado contraste que existe entre los que sirven a Dios y los que no lo sirven!... Tenemos que hablar a otros del amor de Cristo, y para hacerlo debemos saber por experiencia qué significa tener ese amor en el corazón. Todos encontrarían abundantes oportunidades para trabajar, si quisieran aprovechar las oportunidades que se les presentan (Cada día con Dios, 25 de febrero, p. 62). La condición de muchos de aquellos que pretenden ser hijos de Dios está representada con exactitud por el mensaje dado a la iglesia de Laodicea. Ante aquellos que sirven a Dios se han presentado verdades de valor inestimable, las cuales, si se llevan a la vida práctica, demuestran la diferencia entre aquellos que sirven a Dios y los que no le sirven... La Biblia es el almacén de las riquezas inescrutables de Dios. Pero aquellos que poseen un conocimiento de la verdad no la comprenden tan plenamente como deberían. No llevan al corazón ni a la vida el amor de Cristo. El estudiante de la Palabra se encuentra inclinado sobre una fuente de agua viva. La iglesia necesita beber profundamente de la espiritualidad de la Palabra. Su servicio a Dios debe ser muy diferente de la experiencia religiosa insípida, sin vida, y sin emoción, que da lugar a que existan muchos creyentes, pero muy poco diferentes de aquellos que no creen (Nuestra elevada vocación, 8 de diciembre, p. 350). 

9:12 - Prayer for Mom's health. / 12:04 - Does God cause people's death (outside of judgement)? / 17:35 - Colossians 4:16, What was the epistle from Laodicea? / 24:28 - Is NYC the New Babylon? / 43:44 - Help recovering from a divorce my pastor says is my fault. / 50:49 - What do you think of the Baha'i religion?

Estudio Sistemático de la Biblia LECCIÓN 13__Permanecer en toda la voluntad de Dios Tema de hoy, Un mensaje para Laodicea. Si Dios ha puesto en ti el deseo de apoyar este ministerio, y ofrecer tu patrocinio de acuerdo a tus posibilidades, puedes contactarnos de manera directa vía WhatsApp o mensaje de texto a: +1 484-838-8989. Ese número es de hecho el contacto para cualquier transacción dentro o fuera de Estados Unidos (Zelle, Western Union, o PayPal), más estos datos:: Omar Patricio Medina Grullon Ciudad: Madison Estado: Wisconsin. ¡Hay paz! Omar Medina Ministerio Audios de Bendición «El oído es el camino al corazón»

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====================================================SUSCRIBETEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNpffyr-7_zP1x1lS89ByaQ?sub_confirmation=1==================================================== LECCIÓN DE ESCUELA SABÁTICA         I TRIMESTRE DEL 2026Narrado por: Eddie RodriguezDesde: Guatemala, GuatemalaUna cortesía de DR'Ministries y Canaan Seventh-Day Adventist ChurchMIÉRCOLES 25 DE MARZOVIVIR EN EL MUNDO SIN PERTENECER AL MUNDO Lee Colosenses 4:14, 15 y 2 Timoteo 4:10, 11. ¿En qué se distinguía Lucas de Demas y por qué? El apóstol Juan nos dice: “No amen al mundo, ni lo que hay en el mundo. Si alguno ama al mundo, el amor del Padre no está en él” (1 Juan 2:15). El amor de Lucas por Jesús y su reino lo llevó a permanecer junto a Pablo hasta el final sin importar lo que ocurriera, mientras que Demas amaba más este mundo que el venidero. Lee los siguientes pasajes. ¿Qué consejo se da a los que esperan la Segunda Venida? Marcos 13:32–37 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________­­­­­­­­­_________ Tito 2:11–14 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  2 Pedro 3:10–14 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Apocalipsis 3:17–21 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Jesús y los apóstoles nos advierten con frecuencia que “velemos”, que estemos alerta y preparados en todo momento para que la venida del Maestro no nos tome por sorpresa. Lamentablemente, al igual que los discípulos que no hicieron caso al mandato de Jesús de “velar y orar” (Mar. 14:38), muchos no harán los preparativos necesarios. Todo se reduce a quién o qué es dueño de nuestro corazón, ya que no podemos servir a dos señores. En el mensaje a Laodicea, Jesús nos da una receta clara. Primero, debemos arrepentirnos de nuestros pecados. Segundo, debemos abrir nuestros corazones a Jesús y dejar que él tome el control. Tercero, como resultado de lo anterior, recibir el “oro” de la fe y el amor, probados y victoriosos sobre la tentación. ¿De qué cosas específicas podría estar pidiéndote Jesús que te arrepientas? ¿Qué parte de su triple receta necesitas más? 

====================================================SUSCRIBETEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNpffyr-7_zP1x1lS89ByaQ?sub_confirmation=1==================================================== LECCIÓN DE ESCUELA SABÁTICA         I TRIMESTRE DEL 2026Narrado por: Eddie RodriguezDesde: Guatemala, GuatemalaUna cortesía de DR'Ministries y Canaan Seventh-Day Adventist ChurchMARTES 24 DE MARZOPERFECTOS Y COMPLETOS Numerosos libros han sido escritos acerca de la vida con propósito y la iglesia con propósito. Aunque la expresión “impulsada por un propósito” no sea del todo correcta, un claro “enfoque en el propósito” es vital para llevar a cabo cualquier empresa significativa. La vida y el ministerio de Pablo, así como el de sus colaboradores y los demás apóstoles, son un ejemplo de este enfoque (ver Fil. 3:13, 14). Los resultados hablan por sí mismos: el evangelio se extendió rápidamente por todo el Imperio Romano y más allá (Col. 1:23). El mismo enfoque es necesario hoy. Lee Colosenses 4:12, 13. ¿Qué propósito es presentado aquí y cómo es posible lograrlo? Como fue mencionado en una lección anterior, Epafras probablemente contribuyó a la difusión del evangelio en Colosas y en las ciudades cercanas de Hierápolis y Laodicea (ver la lección 1). Sus saludos y sus oraciones por estas iglesias fueron sin duda de gran aliento para los creyentes. Las oraciones de Epafras tenían un objetivo claro: que los colosenses se mantuvieran “firmes, perfectos y completos en todo lo que Dios quiere” (Col. 4:12). Consideremos más detenidamente los importantes componentes de esta oración. Mantenerse firmes. La palabra así traducida significa permanecer inconmovibles, lo cual solo es posible estando “fundados y firmes” en la fe y seguros de la verdad del evangelio (Col. 1:23). Pablo emplea la misma palabra varias veces en referencia a la batalla contra “las artimañas del diablo” (Efe. 6:11) y a la necesidad de resistir a las fuerzas de las tinieblas mediante el poder divino, vistiendo “toda la armadura de Dios” (Efe. 6:10-18; comparar con 2 Tim. 2:19). Perfectos. La palabra se refiere a la perfección de carácter que encuentra su máxima expresión en el amor abnegado (Mat. 5:44, 48) de quienes nunca afirmarán haberlo ya “alcanzado” (Fil. 3:12-15). Completos. Esta poderosa palabra significa satisfacer plenamente o hacer que algo alcance su medida precisa, como cuando Abraham estuvo “plenamente convencido” de que Dios haría lo que había prometido, aunque ello fuera humanamente imposible (Rom. 4:21), y cuando Pablo fue fortalecido por el Señor para que “se cumpliera la predicación” por medio de él (2 Tim. 4:17). Todo lo que Dios quiere. La palabra “todo” es amplia. El propio Pablo oró para que los colosenses se llenaran del conocimiento de la voluntad de Dios, “para que anden como es digno del Señor, a fin de agradarlo en todo” (Col. 1:9, 10) mediante “la potencia de su gloria” (Col. 1:11). 

The last book of the Bible opens with a vision. It's not a vision of judgment meant for explaining at a prophecy conference. It's a vision of the Sovereign Savior meant for sustaining churches, ordinary local churches like Ephesus, Thyatira, Pergamum, Laodicea, and even Heritage Bible Church. After an opening greeting of grace, a colossal vision of a cosmic Christ comes at us in Revelation 1. And that is no accident. More than anything else, we must see Jesus. In Revelation 1:8–20, God provides a surprising vision to sustain us in our work and witness. Here is a vision of Christ to sustain the work for Christ. Listen to this sermon by Brad Baugham, lead pastor at Emmanuel Bible Church in Mauldin.

In this series, we are focusing on the first three chapters of Revelation, looking at the seven letters to seven churches. In the messages Pastor Eric Robertson teaches from the letter to Laodicea. HistorySam Storms: "Laodicea was a wealthy city, perhaps the wealthiest in all of Phrygia... Tacitus wrote: 'Laodicea arose from the ruins by the strength of her own resources...' It was known not only for its wealth (a banking center), but also for its linen and wool industry (especially black sheep) and its medical school. Its most famous product was an eye ointment..."Rev 3:14In a church of unquestionable wealth and worldly success, Jesus reminds them that He is the source of all life.Rev 3:15–16"Hot" and "cold" don't mean "on fire" or spiritually dead—that wouldn't make sense.Laodicea was six miles from Hierapolis (hot springs) and eleven miles from Colossae (cold, fresh water).Hot = medicinal.Cold = refreshing.Lukewarm = worthless.Rev 3:17"No doubt part of her problem was the inability to distinguish between material and spiritual prosperity." — G. E. LaddRev 3:18–22Sitting beside Jesus is the real status symbol—not a car or a title.What Timeless Truths Can We Take from the Laodiceans1. Don't Confuse Comfort with CallingOur culture teaches that human flourishing is the removal of pain and discomfort. In pursuing comfort, many of us—including myself—miss spiritual growth and opportunity.Culture: Money / Security / Success = ComfortKingdom: Discomfort (pruning) = GrowthYou can be comfortable, or you can grow.Rev 3:19 — "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent."John 15:2The more I have, the less I pray.The Kingdom doesn't call us to be comfortable—it calls us to be faithful.2. Don't Confuse Activity with TransformationEven the world knows busyness ≠ productivity. We assume spiritual growth comes with church attendance—but it doesn't.The Laodiceans likely had great facilities and busy schedules, yet Jesus calls them "wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked."Transformation happens when we humble ourselves and rely on God's power.3. Don't Confuse Blessing with OwnershipThe Laodiceans were likely the most financially stable church in Asia Minor, but they tied success to their own ability. They hoarded instead of helping.Why was nearby Philadelphia the poorest church?We are stewards, not owners.A church doesn't rise to the level of its branding; it falls to the level of its generosity.Christians don't accumulate blessing—we circulate it.How Do We Respond?Invest in spiritual commodities, not just natural ones.Gold, white clothes, eye salve—the very things they thought they had. They were investing in the wrong economy.The Kingdom is an economy of generosity: feeding the poor, preaching the Gospel, healing the sick, and setting captives free.You can be rich in everything that fades and bankrupt in everything that lasts.Are we building our castle—or God's Kingdom?

If the church isn't different than the city, we are doing something wrong. Allen Frans | Youth and Family Pastor

By Aaron Creech - In part seven of the sermon series on the seven churches, we will read the letter to the church of Laodicea. They are known as the lukewarm church, neither cold nor hot, with no special properties or uses. We can learn the importance of examining ourselves, zealously turning back to God, and

He was born of pious and noble parents in Rome in the time of the Emperor Honorius. His parents, Euphemianus and Agalais, set a high standard of godly living: his father, though wealthy, sat down to dine only once a day, at sunset. By his parents' arrangement Alexis was married at a young age. However, without ever living with his new wife, he fled to Edessa in Mesopotamia, where he lived in asceticism for eighteen years, presenting himself as a beggar in order to avoid the praise of men. When, despite his efforts, he began to be known as a holy man, he fled the city and took ship for Laodicea. By divine providence, the ship was blown off course and forced to land in Rome. Taking this as a sign, Alexis, still disguised as a beggar, returned to his parents' house, where he sat at the gates, unrecognized by any of his family. His father, not knowing who he was, allowed him to live in a hut in his courtyard. There Alexis spent another seventeen years, living only on bread and water. He died clutching a piece of paper on which he had revealed his true identity. At the time of his death, the pope of Rome heard a voice saying "Look for the Man of God," and revealing where he should look. It is said that the Emperor Honorius, the Pope and a large retinue came to the house, where they found Alexis dead in his tiny hut, his face shining like the sun. His parents and wife were at first overcome with grief to learn that their son and husband had been secretly living near them, but they were comforted when they saw that his body healed the sick and exuded a fragrant myrrh. Thus they knew that God had glorified him. His head is preserved at the Church of St Laurus on the Peloponnese.

To get a copy of our new book "Embracing the Truth" or to have TS Wright speak at your event or conference or if you simply want spiritual or life coaching or just a consultation visit:www.tswrightspeaks.comVisit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation.www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept. In this conversation, TS Wright delves into the message to the church of Laodicea from Revelation, emphasizing the significance of Jesus as the Amen and true witness. He discusses the church's self-deception, the importance of repentance, and the process of spiritual growth. The conversation highlights the need for truth, purity, and a genuine relationship with Christ, culminating in the promise of eternal reward for those who overcome. TakeawaysWe are living in the final age of the church.Jesus is the originator of God's creation.The church of Laodicea represents a lukewarm faith.Self-reliance can blind us to our spiritual needs.Repentance is a necessary process for reconnection with God.Truth and purity are essential for spiritual growth.Discipline from God is a sign of His love.Fellowship with Christ leads to spiritual fulfillment.The promise of reward is for those who persevere.This life is temporary, but our relationship with Christ is eternal.

Welcome to Day 2806 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – Exegesis vs. Eisegesis: How We Read the Bible Matters. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2806 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2806 of our Trek.   The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled  Exegesis vs. Eisegesis: How We Read the Bible Matters. When we read the Bible, we never approach it as a blank slate. We bring assumptions, cultural filters, personal experiences, and expectations. Scripture, however, demands that we lay those things down. The way we approach the Bible determines whether we are hearing God's voice or simply amplifying our own. This is where the distinction between exegesis and eisegesis becomes critical. Exegesis is the process of drawing meaning out of a biblical passage based on its context, grammar, historical background, and literary structure. The term comes from a Greek word meaning “to lead out.” It asks what the author intended to communicate to the original audience and what God is saying through that text. Eisegesis, on the other hand, means “to lead into.” It involves importing one's own ideas or assumptions into the text, whether consciously or not. While it may sound harmless, eisegesis can distort theology, promote error, and mislead sincere readers. The first segment is: Laodicea and the Lukewarm Church. Revelation three verse sixteen says, “So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” A common interpretation suggests that Jesus prefers people to be either fully committed or openly rebellious rather than half-hearted. But this understanding contradicts the consistent call in Scripture for repentance and faith. Laodicea's geography explains the metaphor. The city sat between Colossae, known for cold, refreshing water, and Hierapolis, famous for its hot springs. By the time water reached Laodicea through aqueducts, it was lukewarm, mineral-heavy, and unpleasant. Jesus is not comparing spiritual passion and apathy. He is saying the church had become spiritually useless, offering neither refreshment nor healing. Exegesis brings this context to light. Eisegesis misreads the metaphor entirely and turns the passage into a strange statement about God's preferences. The second segment is: Two or Three Gathered. Matthew 18:20 is frequently quoted to affirm the power of small group prayer: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” While it sounds encouraging, the verse does not refer to prayer meetings or informal worship. In context, it concludes a section on church discipline. Jesus is assuring His followers that when they faithfully carry out difficult acts of correction or accountability within the church, His authority is present in their decisions. Used out of context, the verse suggests that Jesus is only present when...