Podcasts about laodiceans

Noisy Doors, Leaky Roofs, and the Mark of the Beast Last week's newsletter was written to be very simple. This week...not simple. We're tying together our lessons on the Salt Covenant, The Scarlet Harlot, and the basic menorah pattern of Workbook One. So no, it's not simple, but it's not too difficult, either! Try printing it off and studying it over two Shabbats, referencing the suggested videos or workbooks as you go.   ***   So what do noisy doors, leaky roofs, and the mark of the beast have in common?    Excellent question! I'm glad you asked.   In order to see the connection, we have to know a little something about each of them. If you want a refresher on the Beast, consider signing up for the Creation Gospel Workbook Four class coming up with Kisha Gallagher (scroll down for info) or watching the Scarlet Harlot series on YouTube. You can also refresh your memory on the meaning of the mezuzah with our "More Than" YouTube videos. We'll cover a few basics here to tie it together.   “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me…”   Yeshua standing at the door knocking is a huge hint, especially on the heels of John's sobering prophecies of the mark of the beast in Revelation. If we can't see the link to the world commercial system as “Babylon” in Revelation, we're not trying very hard. Revelation begins with memos to the seven assemblies emphasizing their need to “overcome” the tribulations John is about to describe,   • “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Re 3:14-21)   We can conclude that how to overcome is described in Revelation, but we can also conclude that an ignorance of the Torah will make our understanding only partial. Revelation is written as an incredibly intricate re-telling of the Torah portions. Without an understanding of those Torah portions, it will be difficult to be identified as one of those who overcome when they “keep the testimony of Yeshua and the commandments of God.”   If Yeshua knocks on the door of one of these potential overcomers, he knocks on a door that is marked by a mezuzah, which contains summaries of the commandments. To pull in the themes of our Salt Covenant study over the last several weeks, a mezuzah is a sign that those inside the house know to be salty within, tenderly and joyfully salting their commandment-keeping. Because they are pliable to the work of the Ruach HaKodesh within the house, they are ready to meet the challenges of the Beast outside the house.   The mezuzah is their reminder that they've committed their coming and going, especially their work and business dealings, to preserving their covenant with the Father with salt, for savory salt is our faith, the tenderness we have toward His Word. It is our desire to draw close to Him through our sacrifices, not begrudgingly or to be admired by others, but to give glory to the Father. Yeshua reminds us that he also wants to draw near to our salty selves, so he stands at the door and knocks.   Just imagine that the mezuzah on your door was Yeshua standing there each day inquiring if he may accompany you in your coming and going.   Because he is. The custom is to touch one's fingers to the mezuzah and kiss the fingers. It demonstrates affection and tenderness toward the Shma and other scriptures in the mezuzah, which remind us in our coming and going Who the only Source of wealth is. The name Shaddai is inscribed on mezuzot, which is the name describing His attribute of nourishment and supply.   By touching the mezuzah, we also are reminded like the Israelites in Deuteronomy Eight: “Otherwise, you may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.' But you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers...”   The mezuzah on the door marks the boundary between what happens when we go into the world and how we are inside our homes. If we are at war inside our homes, then how will we war against the principalities and powers outside our homes? The shin on the tefillin reminds the person Who opens the Heavenly windows to drip down zuzim, or coins, transactions, in our lives. Zuz is found in the word mezuzah, but the letter shin is found on both the mezuzah and the prayer tefillin.   Because they are worn in prayer, it helps one to adjust those trade prayers according to Yeshua's model…daily bread…forgiveness…holiness…His will and glory on earth…protection from temptation to sin. Ever notice how many famous actors, musicians, and sports stars end up unhappy, addicted, disconnected from the real world, and just plain weird? We are not spiritually wired to receive the glory of Heaven, only to reflect the glory of Heaven outward with salt. Of course they get weird and depressed!   Our labor and business dealings outside the home must be salted and lit from within first. We must extend ourselves from within, or it will eventually be evident to the world that we did not exert ourselves according to our wealth of salvation and light.nIt is thought that the marks of tzaraat (leprosy) that appeared in a home were a result of greed and stinginess. When the priests removed everything inside to the outside to quarantine and scrape the stones, everyone would see the wealth concealed inside, especially if they'd pretended not to have enough to help the needy brother. The “best third” is where the mezuzah is placed on a door, the upper third, like an upper room. The mezuzah marks the right hand frame of the door about 2/3 of the way up: “Mezuzah guards the Covenant, and so observing the mitzvah of mezuzah leads a person to truth and faith, the faith which is absolutely necessary when conducting business.”    “And I will bring the third part through the fire, Refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are My people,' And they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.'” (Zec 13:9)   Yeshua invokes this prophecy in Zechariah when he warns the Laodiceans in Revelation Three that he is standing at the door knocking: “Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich…”   This is where we see another connection to the mezuzah. Zechariah prophesies of the “third part.” This is thought to be the remnant that will come through the tribulation refined by fire instead of destroyed by it. They have not succumbed to the Beast's commercial activity, buying and selling excessively or on Shabbat (see CG Workbook Four or Workbook Two). Traditionally, the mezuzah is affixed at a pointing on the right side of the door 2/3 of the way up the door. To relate the thirds, the mezuzah is like the principle of the “upper room” we've studied over the last several weeks.    Ancient Israelite houses typically had two levels, a ground level where beasts were stabled and practical household work such as cooking and weaving took place, but the family quarters were on the second floor. An extra upper room had to be built either on the second floor or atop the family quarters, making it an upper third. More simply, an upper room was where the family made space for visitors, a space that wasn't there, yet they created the space through hospitality.   Those upper rooms in Scripture were places associated with hospitality toward the righteous visitor as well as resurrection from the dead, like the stories of Elijah, Elisha, Dorcas, and Eutychus. A mezuzah reminds us not to neglect making those spaces of hospitality for the righteous visitor, who represents hospitality toward Yeshua and the Living Word. Yeshua's noisy knocking on the door is a daily reminder that when we make an “upper room” of hospitality, then we are actually tapping into the Garden of Eden. The resurrections in the upper rooms of Scripture show us this.    On the mezuzah is either the Name Shaddai, or it is in the shorthand of the first Hebrew letter shin. Not so coincidentally, the tefillin that are placed on an Israelite male's forehead and arm are also marked with a shin (see above). The mezuzah and tefillin remind each day:   • Hear, O Israel! The LORD our God, the LORD is one! And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Dt 6:4-9)    Deuteronomy 8:11-19 reminds Israel not to be deceived when they become comfortable and prosperous in the Land, for their wealth will deceive them into thinking they earned it with their own hand. Remember the gumballs?   The tefillin on the hand and arm are a reminder that it is YHVH alone who gives the power to acquire wealth. Likewise, the mezuzah is marked with a shin for Shaddai, the One who provides sustenance, nourishment to Israel. Strangely, the shin is made of three Hebrew letters vav joined at the bottom. The gematria value of vav is six. 666.    Whaaaaat? Yes, it's the mark of the beast. But that's not the whole story. The mezuzah and tefillin are NOT the mark of the beast. The mark of the beast is when you get very close to being a salt covenant household or person, yet you have something lacking. Salt. Your daily work is not to acquire the wealth of the Kingdom to the glory of the Father, which can only be done through the power of the Ruach HaKodesh moving through the Word in you. The mark of the beast is when our daily work is to acquire the object of desire for our own sake. We can hear the disingenuous, unsalty believer when he says, “If God will just let me win the lottery, I'll build orphanages and feed the poor all over the world.”   And he probably will. But he will do it only in order to feed his own desires first. He's not really seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. He's pursuing his own kingdom, offering God a deal that the Kingdom of Heaven will benefit from the scraps. Such a person will not give commensurately with his newfound wealth, for he is stingy at heart. Unsavory salt. Tepid. Lukewarm. Blechhhh!   The secret of the 666 is that it is only the letter of the Torah without the Ruach. The shin is like a menorah when the backlight of the Ruach shines through it (again, see Workbooks 2 & 4). Remember last week's lesson on the gumball machine? It was what you couldn't see that had to occur before what you could see. The Ruach precedes the letter of the Torah. Together, with the spiritual backlight through the literal three vavs, it yields seven, the seven- branched menorah. One tefillin has three vavs, but its mate has four! 3 + 4 = 7. Compare to the above: To be unsalty is 666. To be salty is to shine the seven spirits of Adonai described in Isaiah and Revelation:     •  wisdom   •  understanding   •  counsel   •  Spirit of Adonai   •  power   •  knowledge   •  reverence    Yeshua, the Living Word, is the doorkeeper of the overcoming household. We never want to reduce him to someone there to reward us with wealth. The word mezuzah comes from a Hebrew word meaning movement, going back and forth. The historical zuz was a coin, about a day's sustenance for one adult:   • Weight: About 4.26 grams (0.137 troy ounces) of silver. • Value: Historically equivalent to a day's wage or a portion of food/clothing, (e.g., 200 zuz was a year's support).  • Modern value would be about $20.   "Give us today our daily bread." Not the lottery.   Not so coincidentally, a mezuzah means more than movement. It is rooted as well in the movement of a beast: What starts out as a beautiful creation of spirit (upper room), soul and body (lower rooms), can degenerate into the mark of the beast. Instead of letting the Ruach drip into our lower rooms of work and family, the upper room is sealed off because of our stinginess and greed. Esau and Jacob had very different motives in asking for blessings. We can become unsavory, relentless hunters like Esau, the Red One, nicknamed Edom because he was red and hairy all over like a beast, a man of the field who loved hunting. We don't want to become marked by the Red One, never satisfied, even on Shabbat.   “…and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.” (Re 13:17)   Nehemiah's struggles with those returning to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple, especially in their continued buying and selling on Shabbat, are the reference point. He eventually had to order the gates of Jerusalem shut and locked to prevent the vendors from coming in with their goods. How glorious will it be when the gates no longer need to be shut, for no one will even entertain the idea of disobeying the King of King's command to rest and be with Him in Jerusalem on Shabbat.   Knock, knock.   In short, the mark of the beast is on one who buys and sells on Shabbat. Because there is no trust in Adonai to provide the many things we crave, we continue to work on His holy day. Someone who believes in God may have salt, but it is not savory. One who believes in God enough to do what He says is savory salt. Salt allows us to draw near the upper room of the Garden. I'm sure Yeshua is having wonderful conversations with the righteous souls of those who just didn't understand Shabbat, but they were faithful in what they knew. They are learning while they wait, not rebelling.   Ezekiel describes what went wrong in the “upper room” of the Garden of Eden, a hospitable place for those who want to draw near to the voice of Elohim, but a place from which rebels are purged. The “trader” was cast out of the heavenly fiery stones and tossed into the lower realms of strange, profane fire, that is, fire used by those estranged from the upper room fires of the Ruach above:   You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes Was prepared for you on the day you were created. You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you. By the abundance of your trading You became filled with violence within, and you sinned; Therefore I cast you as a profane thing out of the mountain of God; And I destroyed you, O covering cherub, from the midst of the fiery stones. (Eze 28:13-16; 18)   Ezekiel 28 drops a hint to where we should be vigilant: “By the abundance of your trading [H7404 rekula] you became filled with violence within, and you sinned...”   ????? rawkal' [H7402] to travel for trading   Our trade is part of work for our living, yet, the abundance is the danger zone. If our inner fire craves more wealth than we are willing to give back to Heaven commensurately, our going back and forth, zuzing about, to trade our time and effort for goods, power, and esteem becomes idolatry. In Hebrew, moving back and forth is zuz [zuz is also a coin], the root of mezuzah. The mezuzah marks the door where we travel back and forth each day to obtain our portion of wealth.   When our pursuit of wages and wealth pushes the testimony of Yeshua and the commandments of God beneath our feet instead of allowing them to drip daily from the upper room of the resurrection Ruach that raised Messiah from the dead, we sin. Our house's upper room should be designed to drip to lower floors of daily living, or we become unsavory salt.   We trade our precious lives, our time, our effort, to accumulate an abundance of things, not necessarily money, but what money will purchase: entertainment, security, comfort, esteem, power, knowledge, appeasement, etc. These things deceive us into believing they will bring joy and peace, but we know it's a lie because they never do. They are simply offered to the strange, consuming fire of the soul, but are not refinement of the spirit, which is everlasting peace and joy. It brings savory salt, light, and contentment from within.    The ancient investment advice is:   • Invest 1/3 of your income in tangible property such as real estate, durable goods, secure long-term investments  • Invest 1/3 in your daily labor, your paycheck, investments that provide a faster return, a little riskier, easily liquidated • Invest 1/3 above the mezuzah in the Kingdom of Heaven by lending to the poor, giving to needy, investing time in spiritual causes along with Torah study, prayer, service, discussing Scripture with others, etc. Even kindness is an investment!   We should not become “stingy” with Heavenly principles in the world of work, which would reflect a home's lower rooms sealed off from the upper room. The upper room should drip the testimony of Yeshua and the noisy commandments of God through the power of the resurrection Ruach. It leaks into the lower rooms of family and work!   The leaky roof is what we need to carry into the world of work and business as well as our relationships. An outwardly successful business producing wealth that can only be spent before the resurrection of the dead is not successful at all.    Preparation in the home under the disciplines of the Ruach HaKodesh will be evident in the place of business, not as a pile of 666 cash, but as peace in drawing near the Father, salt. The physical work is simply a means of building the Kingdom instead of demanding that the Father bless our work to build our own kingdoms of security, esteem, attention, comfort, intellectual stimulation, etc. Whether we have little or many zuzim, all we need to remember is that we must give commensurately with the wealth the Father drips down upon us.    If we can be responsible even with earthly money, which has no righteousness within itself, then we can be responsible with Heavenly riches.   If we can't be trusted to give commensurately with our wealth when there is no Temple service, and much freedom is granted in when and how much we give, then how can the Father trust us with His riches when the Temple on “the mountain of God” descends? The Temple services and the Land of Israel are places of extreme exactness in managing work and wealth.   Manage earthly zuzim faithfully, and we will inherit the Heavenly riches to manage.    One of my favorite movies is about a Quaker family, from the book Friendly Persuasion. One of the funniest lines is, “Friend, thee's got a squeaky door upstairs.”    Friend, thee's got a squeaky door downstairs, too. Yeshua is knocking, reminding, inquiring, requesting if we will open to his voice. It is the same voice of Elohim that walked and talked in the Garden, an upper room.   When we open our doors to him, we release the water of the Word from our upper rooms and let it fill our homes, workplaces, and relationships. If we move about, may we zuz for the glory of the Father.    Please SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to get new teachings.

(This podcast was previously published on January 30, 2021)   Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...    We had no New Testament church until after Jesus was crucified.   Then the blood of Jesus became the sacrifice for our sins.   And after Jesus arose from the dead and was taken into heaven, then Jesus set up HIS church from heaven, calling and naming HIS ministers from heaven.   The apostle Paul was an example of this calling of a minister by Jesus from heaven.   Acts 26, Paul says to king Agrippa:   I heard a voice (from heaven) speaking to me in the Hebrew tongue.  15 I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;   Jesus, from heaven, sets HIS ministers into the New Testament church today just as HE did from heaven in the case of the apostle Paul.   After Jesus arose into heaven, HE (Jesus) gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  For the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  (Ephesians 4:10-11)   And the New Testament Bible was given to the church from heaven as apostles were inspired by God to speak and write the books of the New Testament.   II Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:   The early church had no New Testament Bible.  The apostles wrote on "parchments" and sent these letters to the churches in various cities and countries.  These letters became the "epistles" in the New Testament Bible as the instructions from God came to them.  They sent these epistles to be circulated among the various churches in their areas.   Colossians 4:16  And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.   So they passed these epistles, which we know today in the New Testament Bible, from church to church.   These writings were inspired by God just as God inspires us today to write the blog and to record the words presented on Podcasts.   Man does not appoint himself as a minister to the church.   All ministers (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) are called by Jesus from heaven and are lead by the Spirit of God in that which they speak to the church.   *****   In my life, the call of God came to me as God chose to transport me into heaven in the night as I was sleeping.   (This happened twice on two different nights as I slept)   I was "transported" into heaven in approximately 1975.   I was with God and Christ and the Holy Spirit.  (I saw no physical images.  It was a spiritual experience)  At that time I was "merged" into the body of Jesus, made one with the Word of God as God and the Holy Spirit witnessed.   The second time this happened was about two days after the first.   I didn't know what this meant.  I thought it happened to all persons who were born again.  Later I came to realize it did not happen to every member of the body of Christ.   I believe it was at this time, I was set into the ministry in the two offices appointed by Jesus:  apostle & prophet   For the next 4 years God taught me spiritual things from the Bible by HIS Spirit.   I was born again in 1975.  God put me on radio to exhort the church starting in January, 1980.    In between these years of 1975 and January, 1980, God was teaching me from the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, by HIS Spirit.   On the night of January 10, 1980, I was asleep in the night.  A very loud trumpet like voice spoke 3 words in my ear:  "Hartford, Seattle, KWJS"   KWJS was a radio station.   God told me to call the station manager.  I sent audition tape and was broadcasting exhortation to the church within 5 days.   By the end of the next year, I was on radio from "Hartford" to "Seattle".   Ministers are called by Jesus from heaven and set in the church today to do the work of the ministry.   Jesus communicates with me directly by the following:  thoughts brought by HIS Spirit, dreams, scriptures,   I Corinthians 12:4-6  Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.   And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.  And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.   God calls HIS ministers and teaches them in various ways, but there is always a "call of God" on the life of that minister who is appointed by Jesus for the NT church.   But some ministers put themselves into the ministry by going to Bible college without having the call of God and these are "false teachers."   II Peter 2   1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.   2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.   3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.   ***   Jude   3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.   4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.   They deny Jesus Christ by denying certain scriptures and by setting up another Jesus, another doctrine in the churches.   12-13  These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;   13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.   16  These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.   17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;   18 How that they told you there should be mockers (imitators/copiers) in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.   19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. ***   Jesus says:   Matthew 24   4 Take heed that no man deceive you.   5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.  

Welcome to the Grace Coach Podcast! Mike and Kevin share their insights from the Book of Colossians as they dive into Chapter 4.  Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. 7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant[a] in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our[b] circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. 10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews[c] among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.  

Title: The Church in LaodiceaSpeaker: Jacob RiggsDate: 28th September 2025Location: Adelaide, Australia This episode explores the message to the church at Laodicea in Revelation 3:14–22, drawing out the significance of the throne of God and the call to overcome. The study begins with vivid scriptural descriptions of God’s throne—holy, eternal, and surrounded by angels and spiritual hosts. It paints a picture of awe and majesty, reminding us of the promise that those who overcome will be welcomed into that throne room. The message then turns practical, reflecting on the Laodiceans’ misplaced confidence in wealth and comfort. Instead of relying on riches, Jesus urged them to seek true treasure—faith refined in trials, white garments washed in His blood, and spiritual vision through the Spirit. The challenge is clear: to overcome as Christ overcame, not compromising with the world, but keeping our treasure in heaven and enduring through tribulation with faith in God’s promises. 3 Key Takeaways The throne of God is eternal, holy, and filled with glory—yet Jesus invites His people to share in it. The Laodicean church serves as a warning against spiritual compromise and reliance on material wealth. True riches come from faith tested in trials, righteousness through Christ, and vision guided by the Holy Spirit. 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 © 2025 The Revival Fellowship. All Rights Reserved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morning Service led by: Rev. Mitch PersaudScripture Reading: Revelation 3:14-22Sermon: Lukewarm Laodiceans1. THE CONDEMNATION2. THE CHALLENGES3. THE COMFORTSLink to Our Website: https://www.adorationurc.ca/Follow Us Via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AdorationURC), and consider subscribing to "Adoration URC" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts.

We hear about the Laodiceans first in the book of Colossians! We all know the account so well about the lukewarmness of the Laodiceans, but let this message sink in, and ask the Lord to do a work in your heart as you listen.

The sermon addresses the Laodicean church, characterized by apathy and self-deception, highlighting a spiritual condition where believers are neither fervent nor rebellious, but lukewarm. Drawing from Revelation 3, the message emphasizes Christ's love and concern for this Church, offering a path to restoration through repentance and a renewed commitment to Him as Lord. The sermon underscores the importance of spiritual hunger, recognizing Christ as the "Amen," the faithful witness, and the source of true riches, urging listeners to open the door of their hearts and allow Him to sup with them, promising a place of honor alongside Him in His Father's throne.

Where does God stand in relation to your life? - Rev. John Morrow The sermon explores the biblical account of the Laodiceans, emphasizing God's persistent invitation for individuals to open their hearts and embrace salvation. It highlights the danger of spiritual complacency and self-deception, contrasting the Laodiceans' perceived riches with their true spiritual poverty. Drawing from Revelation 3, the message underscores God's unwavering presence and compassionate knocking, urging listeners to recognize their need for Christ and to respond with faith, promising a transformative relationship and eternal life for those who do.

Revelation 3:14 -1614 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither [k]cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

Colossians 4:7-18 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 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.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), 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. 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. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 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. And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Colossians 4:7-187 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.”

Colossians 4:7-187 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.”

When our relationship with God shifts from love to obligation, we risk becoming like the Ephesian church - doing all the right things but abandoning our first love. Jesus addressed this in Revelation, warning both the Ephesians who maintained sound doctrine but lost their passion, and the Laodiceans who became self-sufficient and lukewarm. The danger is real - even churches founded by apostles could lose their fervor within a generation. To rekindle our first love, we must remember where we've fallen from, repent of lukewarm attitudes, and return Christ to the center of our lives rather than treating Him as merely a component of our existence.

This evening, Hunter Stanch brings us a message from Genesis 19 about Lot and his family not wanting to leave Sodom. We can see they were just like the Laodiceans. Please tune in to this much needed message.

Today's Passage: Colossians 4:15-18Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 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. And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.Today's Prayer: Lord, as we conclude the book of Colossians, plant these truths deeply in our hearts as we go out to love and serve the world. Amen.NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer StudyInformation about the Men's Summer StudyReach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

n this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony dive into the final verses of Colossians 4, reflecting on Paul's closing words and the rich theological and practical insights they offer. The discussion begins by addressing the significance of these often-overlooked sections of scripture, emphasizing their God-breathed purpose and the enduring lessons they provide for the church today. Paul's ministry partners, including Tychicus, Onesimus, and Luke, take center stage as Jesse and Tony explore how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes in His kingdom. The conversation also highlights the theme of reconciliation, particularly through Onesimus' story, as Paul sends him back to Colossae, urging the church to embody the gospel by welcoming him with grace. This practical application of theology reminds listeners that the gospel transforms relationships and calls believers to live out Christlike love in their communities. Jesse and Tony also unpack the broader implications of Paul's instruction to share the letter with the Laodiceans, underscoring the importance of scripture's universal application across time and culture. As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the unity and encouragement found in Paul's words, reminding listeners of the value of every member of the body of Christ. They also prepare for their upcoming exploration of Philemon, which continues the story of Onesimus and offers further insight into living out faith in real-world situations. This episode is a rich blend of theology, practical wisdom, and encouragement for believers seeking to grow in their understanding of scripture and community. Key Points: The Significance of Paul's Final Words: Paul's closing remarks in Colossians 4, though seemingly mundane, reveal God's interest in the details of ministry and the importance of community within the church. God Uses Ordinary People: The episode highlights Paul's ministry partners, showing how God works through ordinary individuals like Tychicus, Onesimus, and Luke to advance His kingdom. Reconciliation in Action: The story of Onesimus demonstrates the transformative power of the gospel, as Paul encourages the Colossian church to welcome him back with grace and forgiveness. Universal Relevance of Scripture: Paul's instruction to share the letter with the Laodiceans emphasizes the broader application of scripture beyond its immediate audience, affirming its value for all believers. Practical Theology and Community: Jesse and Tony discuss the importance of living out theological truths in everyday life, particularly in fostering unity and encouragement within the church. Questions for Reflection: How does Paul's inclusion of specific names and details in his letters inspire you to see God's work in the “ordinary” aspects of ministry? What lessons can we learn from Onesimus' story about reconciliation and living out the gospel in challenging situations? How can we as believers ensure that our churches reflect the unity and diversity seen in Paul's ministry team? Why is it important to view scripture as universally applicable, and how does this perspective affect how we read and apply the Bible today? In what ways can you, like Paul's ministry partners, support and encourage others in your church or community?

“Tychicus will tell you all the news about me.  He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.  I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.  He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you.  They will tell you everything that is happening here.  My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas.  (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)  Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends his greetings.  These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they proved a comfort to me.  Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Jesus Christ, sends greetings.  He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.  I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.  Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.  Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.  After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.  Tell Archippus:  ‘See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.'  I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.  Remember my chains, Grace be with you.”Colossians 4:7-18“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.  For we are all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body-whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free-and we were all given the on Spirit to drink.  Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many…Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27Theme #1 It's ALL about PEOPLETheme #2  It's intensely PERSONAL

Send us a textIn the letter penned to the Laodiceans, as found in Revelation 3:14-22, Jesus urges the church in Laodicea to repent of their complacency. Despite their riches and wealth, they lacked true spiritual wealth. The Lord warns them of their spiritual temperature and warns them that if they do not repent, He will expel them from His mouth! The letter concludes with an encouraging invitation to turn and seek the Lord. The Lord promises that whoever looks will find Him knocking at the door, waiting to enter.We also would like to invite anyone who lives in the Philadelphia area to worship and study God's word with us at our in-person meeting that takes place every-other Monday night at 7:30pm. Visit phillyyoungadults.com for additional information about our ministry.Feel free to message us on instagram (@phillyyoungadultscc) with any feedback, questions, or topics you want to hear about on the podcast or you can shoot an email to ya@ccphilly.org

This week, Kristen taught from the letter Jesus wrote to the church in Laodicea. Jesus wants us to have effective faith full of passion, purpose and zeal. His challenge to the Laodiceans was that they compromised and diminished their faith while being self-reliant. They are spiritually sick and the only remedy for that is Jesus himself. He's waiting for us to let Him into every aspect of our lives.

Revelation 3:20 illustrates Jesus' patient desire for a personal relationship, standing outside and waiting to be invited in. The Laodiceans, complacent in their lukewarm faith, represent many who overlook this invitation. The call is timeless, urging individuals to open their hearts and share life's journey with Him daily.

In the closing verses of Luke 11, Jesus was dealing withthe hypocrisy of the religious leader, but now in opening verses of Luke 12, Hewarns His disciples of a greater danger, and that is the hypocrisy of His followers. Remember what a hypocrite is. The word hypocrite comes froma Greek word that means "an actor," "one who plays a part."There are hypocrites in every walk of life, people who try to impress others inorder to hide their real selves. In the Christian life, a hypocrite is somebodywho tries to appear more spiritual than he or she really is. These people knowthat they are pretending, and they hope they will not be found out. TheirChristian life is only a shallow masquerade.  Maybe one of the reasons that Jesus turned His attention toHis disciples in the midst of all this commotion, with an “innumerablemultitude of people” gathered around them, is that the Lord knew that theymight be tempted to either gain popularity by pleasing the crowds, or to avoidtrouble by pleasing the scribes and Pharisees. All of us want people to likeus, and it seems such an easy thing to "act the part" that otherswant to see. Jesus compared hypocrisy to leaven (yeast), something thatevery Jew would associate with evil. (See Ex. 12:15-20). Paul also used leavento symbolize sin. (See 1 Cor. 5:6-8; Gal. 5:9.) Like yeast, hypocrisy beginsvery small but grows quickly and quietly. As it grows, it infects the wholeperson. Hypocrisy does to the ego what yeast does to bread dough: it puffs itup (see 1 Cor. 4:6, 18-19; 5:2). Soon pride takes over and the person'scharacter deteriorates rapidly. Hypocrites are people who are trying to cover up something intheir life. I have found that most hypocrites are also bitter people or guiltypeople trying to cover up their sin. They are people who have “failed thegrace of God.” In other words, God gave them grace to deal with their hurtthat caused their bitterness. Or their sin that has caused their guilt.  We are instructed in Hebrews 12:14-15 to: “Pursue peacewith all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: lookingcarefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root ofbitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled”. Hypocritesare trying to cover up their sin and bitterness and are troublemakers. And theadded tragedy is that it spreads and “defiles” those around them. The greatest obstacle between a sinner and the Savior is usuallya hypocrite, a Christian who has one foot in the church and one in the world.That is why Jesus gave this warning to the Laodicean church in Revelation3:15-17: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wishyou were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold norhot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, 'I am rich, have becomewealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched,miserable, poor, blind, and naked”.  Jesus would rather that we not even claim to be a Christian,“cold”, or be on fire as one, “hot”,  thanto be a “lukewarm” one, in the middle. Like the Laodiceans, hypocrites becomedeceived, thinking they are rich, wealthy, and have no needs. That is why lostpeople often say, “I would go to church, but there are too many hypocritesthere”. And the sad thing is that in most cases they are right. In verses 2-3, Jesus goes on to say that hypocrisy isfoolish and futile. Why? Because nothing can really be hidden. This is anotherway of saying, “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23). Thesin of hypocrisy will one day be uncovered. Hypocrites with be exposed sooneror later. The real person will come to the surface. This is not good news forpoliticians, religious hypocrites, and others who prey on people by their pretending. May the Lord help us humble ourselves, confess our sins,find forgiveness, give forgiveness, and be real! God bless!

Welcome to Day 2556 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – Paul's Lost Letters – I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2556 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2556 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. Today is the 41st lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor the late Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church. The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God's redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it's also a book that seems strange to us. While God's Word was written for us, it wasn't written to us. Today's lesson is: “Paul's Lost Letters.” Unless you've been on an extended vacation from popular culture over the last couple of years, you know there's been a lot of recent discussion about how we got the New Testament. Dan Brown's blockbuster novel The Da Vinci Code based its conspiratorial plot in part on the notion that other gospels had been eradicated by spiteful church authorities and an emperor openly partial to orthodoxy. The success of the novel prompted many churchgoers to ask whether or not all the books that should be included in the New Testament actually were. To be sure, Dan Brown took a lot of liberties with facts in his story. But what if we're not dealing with fiction? The New Testament itself tells us that there were books written by apostles that didn't make it into in the Bible. Surprised? Let's take a look. 1 Corinthians 5:9 In 1 Corinthians, Paul himself mentions an earlier letter he wrote to this same church: “I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people” (1 Cor 5:9). While some interpreters have argued that Paul was referring to the letter he was currently writing (1 Corinthians), most acknowledge that this explanation is weak. Taken at face value, 1 Corinthians 5:9 tells us that Paul had written to this church before—but that letter has not survived and thus is not part of the New Testament. Colossians 4:16 In Paul's letter to the church at Collosae, he says, “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” (Col 4:16). What was this letter from Laodicea? What happened to it? The phrase “letter from Laodicea” is a literal translation of the Greek and suggests that the letter came from Laodicea. This is a bit misleading, though. The phrase does not necessarily mean that this letter was written by someone in Laodicea to Paul or to the Colossians. Colossians 4:16 tells us that letters to churches were circulated, and so it may be that this Laodicean letter was written by Paul and sent to the Christians at Colossae—like the Colossian letter was to be sent to the believers in Laodicea. Some scholars have speculated that this letter isn't actually missing. The region of Laodicea was also identified with the city of Ephesus, indicating that the letter from Laodicea may actually be the epistle to the...

In this special, in between seasons, compilation, we mash together our previous four episodes about the last book of the New Testament. The finest final chapter. The most metal maelstrom of mayhem and madness. The epilogue to end all epilogues. The volume of vengeful violence that is, the Book of Revelation! Volume 1 contains the previously released episodes,Book of Revelation 00 Prologue of the EpilogueBook of Revelation 01 First Chapter of the Final ChapterBook of Revelation 02 Where Satan DwellsBook of Revelation 03 I Will Come In To Him Many apologists, theologians, academics, historians and scholars have pondered the inclusion of this Lovecraftian hallucination in the final draft of the Chri$tian Bible. We will look at the various theories as they come up.  The prologue includes cameo appearances from, The Bible, the Rapture, John of Patmos, Roman Emperors Domitian, Vespasian, Titus, Nero and Caligula. We'll also meet Epaphroditus, Eusebius, Josephus and D.H. Lawrence. Did you know you are blessed just to read it or hear it read? Did you now this book is a cornerstone of conspiracy theories like Flat Earth Theory and the Holy Trinity? Does it allude to the Holy Ghost or the Archangels? What's the deal with John and the number seven? Will we see the saviour coming in the clouds? Will he or won't he have a two edged sword in his mouth? Will he sound like a fart or diarrhoea? Did you know it gives you a description including but not limited to Christ's breasts? And why does John mansplain away his poetic metaphors? I chapter two, John will explain to the church of Ephesus just how much the ultimate creator god of the entire universe is upset about a wife swapping cult of Nicolaitanes. John explains quantum physics to the church in Smyrna and proves once and for all Jesus is Schrodinger's Cat.John doxes Satan's home in Pergamon.And among the church in Thyatira, we finally meet, Jezebel! And she does not disappoint. She repented not!Is this book prophecy of a future still to come?Is this book a coded message of rebellion for the early Chri$tian freedom fighters in their struggle with the Roman Empire?Is this book xenophobic propaganda to stop Hellenising?Who cares? It's got Hell, Armageddon, Antipas, the brazen bull, Zeus, Balaam, Balac, the children of Israel, Canaanites, angels, a talking donkey, fornication, Motorhead, Lemmy, Frankenfurter, Sardis, playstation, Christmas, Philadelphia, David, Cheech, Chong, Cheech and Chong, Billy Graham, Richard Nixon, Ron DeSantis, Disney World, robux, Laodiceans, Donald Trump, Mordor and the Roman Empire  #666 #SketchComedy #Sketch #Comedy #Sketch Comedy #Atheist #Science #History #Atheism #Antitheist #ConspiracyTheory #Conspiracy #Conspiracies #Sceptical #Scepticism #Mythology #Religion #Devil #Satan #Bible #Skeptic #Debunk #SatanIsMySuperhero #Podcast #funny #sketch #skit #comedy #comedyshow #comedyskits #HeavyMetal #weird #RomanEmpire #Rome #AncientRome #Romans #RomanEmperor 

4:7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: 4:8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; 4:9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. 4:10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) 4:11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me. 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 4:13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. 4:14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. 4:15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. 4:16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. 4:17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. 4:18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

Have fun with the PowerPoint slides...You might as well thrown in 18th, 19th, & 20th Century Philosophers into the mix. Recognize it or not, these philosophies and their sub-groups have permeated us and helped make us the Laodiceans that we are today. Here, we look at how they grew to popularity.

Revelation, Session Seven Christ the Savior, Anderson SC Chapters Two and Three – the letters to the seven churches Sources: The translation of the Apocalypse is from the Orthodox Study Bible. Lawrence R. Farley, The Apocalypse of St. John: A Revelation of Love and Power, The Orthodox Bible Study Companion (Chesterton, IN: Ancient Faith Publishing, 2011), Bishop Averky, The Epistles and the Apocalypse (Commentary on the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament, Volume III. (Holy Trinity Seminary Press, 2018). Andrew of Caesarea, Commentary on the Apocalypse, ed. David G. Hunter, trans. Eugenia Scarvelis Constantinou, vol. 123, The Fathers of the Church (Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Press, 2011). Jack Norman Sparks, The Orthodox Study Bible: Notes (Thomas Nelson, 2008), 1712. Venerable Bede, The Explanation of the Apocalypse, trans. Edward Marshall (Oxford: James Parker and Co., 1878). William C. Weinrich, ed., Revelation, Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2005).       Andrew of Caesarea, Commentary on the Apocalypse, ed. David G. Hunter, trans. Eugenia Scarvelis Constantinou, vol. 123, The Fathers of the Church (Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Press, 2011), 63–80. The Things Declared to the Angel of the Church in Pergamum 2:12–13a. 12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: “Thus says the one who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13a I know your works and where you dwell, where the throne of Satan is. This city was full of idols…  2:13b. And you keep my name. You did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, that all-faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. … 2:14–15. 14 But I have a few things against you: that you have there keeping the teaching of Balaam, who in Balaam taught [30] Balak to put a stumbling-block before the sons of Israel, to eat meat sacrificed to idols, and to practice fornication. 15 Thus you also have those who keep the teaching of the Nicolaitans, which I likewise hate. So it seems this city had possessed two difficulties: First, the majority was Greek, and second, among those who were called believers, the shameful Nicolaitans had sown evil “tares among the wheat.”8 … 2:16. Repent. If not, I will come to you soon, and I will war against them by the sword of my mouth. Love for humankind is also in the threat. For he does not say, “against you,” but I will war against them, those who are incurably “diseased.” 2:17. The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches: To the one who is victorious I will give to him to eat from the hidden manna, [31] and I will give to him a small white stone, and a new name written upon the stone, which no one knows except the one receiving it.” The “Bread of Life” is the hidden manna, the One who descended from heaven for us and has become edible. …   Things Declared to the Angel of the Church in Thyatira 2:18. And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: “Thus says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire and whose feet are like glowing brass. [32] … [T]his union, ignited by means of the divine Spirit, cannot be grasped by human reasoning. 2:19–20. 19 I know your works and your love and faith and service and your patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. 20 But I have this very much against you, that you allow the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet, to teach and to lead my servants astray to practice immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. … 2:21. I gave her time to repent of her immorality. The evil a choice, he says, since, having received time to repent rightly, she did not use it. 2:22–23a. 22 Behold, I will throw her on a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. 23a And I will strike her children dead. … 2:23b–25. 23b And all the churches shall know that I am he who searches reins and hearts, and I will give to each of you according to your works. 24 And I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, any who have not learned the deep things of Satan, as they say: I do not lay upon you any other burden; 25 only hold fast to that which you have until I come. These things are to the deceived heretics and those deceiving others. [34] To the more simple he says: “Since you, through your simple manner, are not able to endure the cunning and quick-witted men, inasmuch as you do not know the deep things of Satan, as you say, I do not request that you do battle through words but that you safeguard the teaching which you have received, until I will take you from there.” 2:26–28a. 26 And he who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, I will give him authority over the nations, 27 and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as earthen vessels they will be shattered, 28a just as I myself have received from my Father. To him who does my works,” he says, I will give authority “over five or ten cities,” as the Gospel said. … 2:28b–29. 28b And I will give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Morning star, or, it says, the one about whom Isaiah was saying, “How did he fall from heaven, the bright rising morning star?” whom he promised he will hand over to be “crushed under the feet of the saints.”22 Or the One who brings light, as has been said by the blessed Peter, [35] “dawning in the hearts” of the faithful, the well-known illumination of Christ. …. It is not surprising that we have taken this as referring to two things totally contradictory to each other. For we learn from the divine Scriptures that the lion of Judah the Christ,30 and from Bashan the Antichrist. According to what is meant, it is this or the other. It also implies both the dawn of the future day, by which the darkness of the present life will be covered, and also its “messenger” bringing the good news of this .32…   The Things Declared to the Angel of the Church in Sardis 3:1. And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: “Thus says the one who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: I know your works, that in name you live, and you are dead. … 3:2. Wake up and strengthen those things which remain and which were about to die; for I have not found your works being fulfilled in the sight of God. “Shake off the sleep of laziness,” he says, “and strengthen your members, who are about to die completely through unbelief.” For it is not the beginning of good works that crowns the worker, but the completion. 3:3a. Remember, therefore, what you received and heard, and keep [that], and repent. [37] “Keep the tradition which you received from the apostles, and repent of laziness.” 3:3b. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come upon you. Naturally. … 3:4. You have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. “You possess this good,” he says, “that some people, those who have not soiled the garment of the flesh by filthy deeds, will be with me in the rebirth brilliantly attired because they have kept ‘the garment of incorruption'5 spotless.” 3:5–6. 5 He who conquers shall be wrapped about in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life, and I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” He who is victorious in the above-mentioned victory will shine like the sun in the clothing of his own virtues, and his name will remain indelible in the book of the living. [38] “He will be confessed before my Father and the holy powers,” even as triumphant martyrs, just as he says in the Gospel, “the righteous will shine as the sun.”7   The Things Declared to the Angel of the Church in Philadelphia 3:7. And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: “Thus says the Holy One, the True One, who has the key of David, who opens and no one shuts, who shuts and no one opens. His kingdom is called the key of David, for it is the symbol of authority. The key is also the Holy Spirit, of both the book of Psalms and every prophecy, through which the “treasures of knowledge” are opened … 3:8. I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut; that you have little [39] power, and you kept my word and did not deny my name. …  “I opened before you a door of instructive preaching, which cannot be closed by temptations. I am satisfied with the attitude, and I do not demand things beyond strength.” 3:9. Behold, I will give those of the synagogue of Satan—who say that they are Jews and are not, but they lie. I will make them so that they come and bow down before your feet, and they will know that I have loved you. “As a reward for the confession of my name,” he says, “you will have the return and repentance of the Jews, who will kneel before your feet, asking to approach me for the illumination which comes from me, remaining Judaizers secretly in their hearts, not in appearance.” 3:10–11. 10 Because you have kept the word of my patience, I will keep you from the hour of trial which is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell upon the earth. I am coming soon. 11 Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. [40] …  He rightly says, I come quickly, for “after the affliction of those days immediately” the Lord will come, as he says. For this reason he suddenly commands to keep the treasure of the faith inviolate, so that no one loses the crown of patience. 3:12a. He who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God; he will never go out of it, Naturally. The victor over the opposing powers is established a pillar and a foundation of the truth, having in it the immovable base according to the Apostle. 12b. And I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which descends out of heaven from my God, and my new name. [41] “Upon the heart of such a pillar,” he says, “I will engrave the knowledge of the divine name and of the heavenly Jerusalem, so that he will see in her the beautiful things through the eyes of the Spirit, and also my new name which will be known by the saints in the future.” … 3:13. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Let us pray that we ourselves possess such a little ear.   Things Declared to the Angel of the Church of the Laodiceans 3:14a. And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: “Thus says The Amen, the faithful and true witness, … 3:14b. the beginning of God's creation: …  For the beginning of creation is the primary and uncreated cause. 3:15–16a. 15 I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you be cold or hot! 16a Thus it is that you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, Gregory the Theologian says, “We must live exactly hot or exactly cold.” … [I]in faith, the middle way and the lukewarm are worthless. 3:16b–17. 16b I intend to vomit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, ‘I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing,' and you do not know that you are miserable and wretched and poor and blind and naked. “Just as lukewarm water causes people who receive it to vomit,” he says, “hence I too, through a word of my mouth, will vomit you like detested food into eternal punishment, for you mingled the thorns of riches with the seed of the divine word and you are unaware of your own poverty in spiritual matters and the blindness of your spiritual eyes and the nakedness of good deeds.” 3:18. I advise you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you will become rich, and that you may put on white garments, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed, and salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see. … 3:19. If I love someone, I reproach and correct . Therefore, be zealous and repent. Oh, the love for humanity! How much goodness the reproach holds! 3:20. Behold, I stand at the door and I knock; if one will hear my voice and will open the door, I will come in to him, and I will dine with him, and he with me. “My presence is not forced,” he says. … 3:21. He who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I myself have conquered and taken my seat with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” [45] The Kingdom and the repose of the future age are indicated by the throne.  …  Therefore, having made the cloud a vehicle for the rise heavenward in his Ascension,25 he also says through the Apostle that the saints will be “caught up in the clouds to meet him,” and he will come Judge, as Creator and Master of creation, handing over to the saints to judge those who opposed the truly divine and blessed slavery, as the Apostle says, “Do you not know that we will judge angels?” that is, the “rulers of darkness.”28 …  

The famous “Lukewarm Laodiceans” of the Book of Revelation. It's the last of the 7 letters of Jesus to the 7 churches — and the most powerful message for Catholics in the West.

What is the epistle/letter to the Laodiceans mentioned in Colossians 4:16? Why is the epistle to the church in Laodicea missing?

Chaplain Don Moldstad was preacher for this service. Revelation 3:14-22: “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. … As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Order of Service: - Prelude - Announcement - Prayer for Monday Morning, p. 168 - Hymn 521 - How Firm a Foundation, You Saints of the Lord - Revelation 3:14-22: “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. … As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” - Devotion - Prayer - Hymn 519 - What God Ordains is Always Good - Blessing - Postlude Service Participants: Chaplain Don Moldstad (Preacher), Hannah Caauwe (Organist)

Order of Service: - Prelude - Announcement - Prayer for Monday Morning, p. 168 - Hymn 521 - How Firm a Foundation, You Saints of the Lord - Revelation 3:14-22: “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. … As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” - Devotion - Prayer - Hymn 519 - What God Ordains is Always Good - Blessing - Postlude Service Participants: Chaplain Don Moldstad (Preacher), Hannah Caauwe (Organist)

Order of Service: - Prelude - Announcement - Prayer for Monday Morning, p. 168 - Hymn 521 - How Firm a Foundation, You Saints of the Lord - Revelation 3:14-22: “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. … As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” - Devotion - Prayer - Hymn 519 - What God Ordains is Always Good - Blessing - Postlude Service Participants: Chaplain Don Moldstad (Preacher), Hannah Caauwe (Organist)

Are you spiritually drifting or stuck in a comfortable routine? In today's powerful episode, Pastor Ken Senchal uncovers the urgent message Jesus shared with the church in Laodicea from Revelation 3:14-22. The Laodiceans were wealthy in worldly possessions, but Jesus called them out for being spiritually lukewarm—self-satisfied, complacent, and unaware of their true need for God. In this message, Pastor Ken warns us against the dangers of spiritual complacency and shows how easy it is to slip into a routine that lacks true passion for Jesus. He dives deep into how material success and comfort can blind us to our real spiritual condition and how we, too, can become lukewarm if we're not intentional about pursuing God every day. In this episode, you'll discover: Why Jesus was so harsh with the Laodiceans and how His message to them still speaks to us today. How to break free from spiritual apathy and reignite your relationship with Jesus. Practical steps to move from complacency to commitment and rediscover a passionate faith. The critical role of daily spiritual disciplines like prayer and Scripture reading in keeping your heart on fire for God. If you've ever felt like your spiritual life was stuck or lacking energy, this episode is for you. Jesus doesn't want lukewarm followers—He wants us to live with passion, commitment, and focus on His Kingdom. Tune in to hear this life-changing message and be challenged to never settle for complacency!

Established In The Faith · The Church Of The Last Days Revelation 3:14-17 (KJV) 14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

The famous “Lukewarm Laodiceans” of the Book of Revelation. It's the last of the 7 letters of Jesus to the 7 churches — and the most powerful message for Catholics in the West.

The Laodiceans were strong. They had significance in the city where they lived. They had resources. They had right beliefs. But they had grown complacent. They had their comforts and their distractions, and they really liked not needing anyone else. Sometimes they liked not needing a savior. But Jesus was having none of that.

On this weekly episode of FACTS, Stephen will discuss Paul's statement in Colossians 4:16 about "the letter from Laodicea." Is this a missing letter that we no longer have access to? Could this actually be the canonical letter to the Ephesians? Or could it be possible we do have this letter but it has been preserved in Latin? Tune-in and find out! If you're interested in partnering with FACTS and would like to be a part of the bi-monthly newsletters, here's the link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7

When Jesus addressed the church in Laodicea, He gave no commendation. Upon assessing their deeds He rendered them lukewarm and warned that they would be spit out of His mouth. Their earthly prosperity had inoculated them to a dire spiritual condition. While they were wealthy on the outside, they were bankrupt on the inside. Like many today, the Laodiceans were blind to the pending judgment upon them. By His grace, Jesus beckoned to them to answer His knocking at their door and be truly clothed and enriched by His power alone. Is Jesus knocking on your life now?

When Jesus addressed the church in Laodicea, He gave no commendation. Upon assessing their deeds He rendered them lukewarm and warned that they would be spit out of His mouth. Their earthly prosperity had inoculated them to a dire spiritual condition. While they were wealthy on the outside, they were bankrupt on the inside. Like many today, the Laodiceans were blind to the pending judgment upon them. By His grace, Jesus beckoned to them to answer His knocking at their door and be truly clothed and enriched by His power alone. Is Jesus knocking on your life now?

In this episode we once again, pick up the Book of Revelation at chapter three and continue calling out early Christian churches in Asia Minor for not being Christian enough. For not hating enough. For not paying enough. We have already done three episodes on this book which you can easily find in the feed. But for those of you who have not studied for this exam, here's a quick recap. John of Patmos is sitting all alone in a cave like a totally normal person, writing a letter to seven churches in modern day Turkey. Back in chapter two, he started to pretend he was Jesus. So far John pretending to be Jesus has called out the church of Ephesus for not loving Jesus hard enough. But praised them for hating a cult of wife swappers. He's warned the church of Smyrna the devil is coming to town to incarcerate them all. He's called out the church of Pergamon for eating barbeque and fornicating. Then he told Pergamon Jesus was coming with a sword in his mouth to fight them all. John has singled out a member of the church of Thyatira called Jezebel. For also eating barbeque and fornicating. What on earth has chapter three got in install for us?Special guest appearances by Frankenfurter, Sardis, playstation, Christmas, Philadelphia, David, Cheech, Chong, Cheech and Chong, Billy Graham, Richard Nixon, Ron DeSantis, Disney World, robux, Laodiceans, Donald Trump, Mordor and the Roman Empire   #666 #SketchComedy #Sketch #Comedy #Sketch Comedy #Atheist #Science #History #Atheism #Antitheist #ConspiracyTheory #Conspiracy #Conspiracies #Sceptical #Scepticism #Mythology #Religion #Devil #Satan #Bible #Skeptic #Debunk #SatanIsMySuperhero #Podcast #funny #sketch #skit #comedy #comedyshow #comedyskits #HeavyMetal #weird #RomanEmpire #Rome #AncientRome #Romans #RomanEmperor 

Across my last five or so episodes I've put enormous weight on human agency in understanding a biblical theology. This cast O' the pod, following Reformed vs. Arminian constructions and the priority of prevenient grace, emphasizes both the 'that' and the 'why' of God's revelation (the Gospel) being the premise of salvation. We cannot save ourselves; cannot be compassionate enough; cannot be intelligent enough; cannot make ourselves live forever; cannot resurrect ourselves. God—alone—is the premise, the life giver, the source of salvation. In the show's opening I work through Jesus' warning to the Laodiceans: the hot water they had piped-in from some 6 miles way was now tepid, just like them. They were pretending to be Christian. What is a possible contemporary parallel? Come laugh and think with me.

In Revelation 3:14-22, Jesus turns his fiery gaze upon the lukewarm Laodiceans to urge them to repent of their unbelief and believe in him for salvation. The post Revelation Episode 4: Letters to the Churches- Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, Part 3 appeared first on Two Journeys.

Revelation 3:14-22 / April 1-3, 2024 Self-sustained in their wealth and independent spirit, the Laodiceans are severely rebuked by the One who knew them all too well. From the Series: Revelation—Unveiling the End, Act 1 read more

Revelation 3:14-22 / April 1-3, 2024 Self-sustained in their wealth and independent spirit, the Laodiceans are severely rebuked by the One who knew them all too well. From the Series: Revelation—Unveiling the End, Act 1 read more

Revelation 3:14-22 / April 1-3, 2024 Self-sustained in their wealth and independent spirit, the Laodiceans are severely rebuked by the One who knew them all too well. From the Series: Revelation—Unveiling the End, Act 1 read more

Revelation 3:14-22 / April 1-3, 2024 Self-sustained in their wealth and independent spirit, the Laodiceans are severely rebuked by the One who knew them all too well. From the Series: Revelation—Unveiling the End, Act 1 read more