A Bible Prophecy Study on todays Church

   Many Bible schools, churches, preachers, evangelists, ministries, and missionaries seem to believe that the church age we are currently living in is the best ever. The Gospel is going out to the world through television, regular and shortwave radio, missionaries, and by other means. The Gospel has been published in most languages of the world. Yet, the Bible proclaims clearly that this is the worst church there has ever been. But then God’s Word also tells us that the wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked church of today does not know these things. In other words, the churches of today believe they are just the opposite of their true condition. They believe they are the best, yet are in reality the worst. Some churches and ministries are sometimes proclaiming they have won tens of thousands, or even millions of people to Christ. However, when the people they claim to have won are examined by their fruits, there is no evidence that the person truly repented. There is no evidence that Jesus is their Lord and Saviour. There is no evidence they are obeying God’s Word or are following the Jesus of the Bible. Both their conversation and actions are centered on this world, not on Jesus and the world to come.
    For the most part, the salvation message of this generation is to simply say a prayer. Once that prayer is said, then the person is eternally saved no matter what they may or may not do. The message of true repentance, true trust in Jesus Christ, forsaking everything, persecutions, God’s wrath, hell and the lake of fire, sin, the Revelation and Daniel, Bible prophecy, and good sound Bible doctrine is seldom heard in today’s churches. Most of today’s churches are storytelling, fun- filled, prosperity-seeking institutions that hear of God’s love, but despise and get angry when biblical correction comes forth. It is a church age that claims that they know God, but in both fruits and works, they deny Him. The lukewarm, Laodicean church is the one that will be spit out. It is the church that will be left behind when the Rapture comes. As very few were saved in the days of Noah, in like manner, very few are truly saved today. When the Rapture comes, only a few will be taken.
   Regarding America and the more developed countries, it is a church age where men may sit in church on Sunday and then go home and click on the internet searching for pornography. It is a church age in which people claim they are saved, but have a cigarette or drugs in one hand and a beer in another. They are full of anger, they hate people, and seldom read their Bibles or pray. They are a people that claim to be Christian, but have no understanding of God’s truth. They do not or cannot examine themselves truthfully by God’s Word to see if they are truly in the faith-ref 2 Cor 13:5.
   The question needs to be asked—are you one of them?

    Laodicea means "human rights" or "the rights of the people." Thus, this was a church governed by the will of the people, rather than the will of God.
   Laodicea was located on a trade route, about forty miles southeast of Philadelphia in the country known, today, as Turkey. Supposedly, it was named after Laodice, the wife of the Seleucid monarch, Antiochus II. It was a large, fortified city, constructed during the middle of the third century B.C. Laodicea produced a fine black wool from the local sheep. It boasted a medical school, which produced a well-known eye medicine, called "Phrygian powder." (Laodicea was the capital of Phrygia.) Water was brought in by a special, approximately six mile long aqueduct system from nearby cities. Sunlight heated the water to lukewarm. The city was reportedly destroyed by an earthquake, about 34 years prior to John writing this letter but was rebuilt. It had become a Christian city. Paul was very concerned over this church; as it is written, Col 2:1-FOR I WOULD THAT YE KNEW WHAT GREAT CONFLICT I HAVE…FOR THEM AT LAODICEA. It may be said that Paul was very concerned about their spiritual condition.
   The city was later destroyed by the Moslems, during the Middle Ages, and abandoned; its desolate ruins remain today. These ruins apparently reveal a wealthy financial and commercial center with temples and theaters. Luxury and pride would seem to go hand in hand with such things.

    There are eleven bad things and no good things mentioned of the Laodicean church in Rev 3:14-22. It seems this church has forgotten that Jesus is the ultimate Authority, He is true, and He is the true Judge. They have forgotten that He is faithful, He is God Almighty, and He created all things.
   It is the most heavily rebuked and deceived church in the history of the church age; however, it sees itself as "the best." It is the only church of the seven in which the entire church will be spit out (rejected).
   This church is described as lukewarm, indifferent, not concerned with right and wrong, or with good and evil. They take a neutral position: one of "live and let live; don’t rock the boat; and don’t cause waves." They are trying to serve two masters—God and self (or the world). They are positive they are right. At best, their understanding of God’s Word, obedience, sin, repentance, and the fruits of the Spirit, is only lukewarm.
   It is the worst of all the seven churches, yet the most confident. They claim they are rich, increased with goods, and have need of nothing; however, God judges them to be wretched, which is the result of having no faith or faith like a wave. It comes from a lack of truth, sound doctrine, and understanding. They are miserable, tossed about with all kinds of incorrect doctrines, which come in like the wind from every direction. They are poor in wisdom, in knowledge, in faith, and in the Word of God. They are not zealous for the truth, but are blind to their true condition and to Satan’s schemes. They think their condition is just the opposite of what it really is. They gather around themselves teachers that say what their selfishness, emotions, and deceived hearts want to hear. They are shamefully naked. They do not have on the white garments of righteousness, but are clothed with the black wool of deceit, which is no clothing at all. This church is shown to be naked, but they do not know these things. They are positive they are saved, but are positively wrong. THE FOOL RAGETH, AND IS CONFIDENT-Pv 14:16. One of the most appalling aspects of this church is, they are totally ignorant of all these things. They are unaware of their true spiritual condition. They are, sometimes, willingly ignorant. They are sometimes so deceived and blind that they do not even recognize that the letter to the church of the Laodiceans is actually a letter to them. As a result, they do not seek to change or repent. It may be said, these are people that go to church, sing spiritual songs, pray to God, and then Monday through Saturday live as if Jesus does not exist. They behave as if they will never have to face the judgment.
   Laodiceans are told to buy of Jesus gold that is refined by the fire. They are told to anoint their eyes with ointment, so they can see their true spiritual condition as God sees it. The Lord appears to be admonishing them to be zealous for the things of God—wisdom, knowledge, and truth—and to hate every evil way. He is telling them to repent.
   Jesus is shown outside the door of this church, not inside. He is depicted as knocking on the door of the church and on the individual’s heart, but the Laodiceans do not want to let Him in. They do not want to be shown they are wrong and will perish. They do not want to see their true blind and wretched condition. They do not want correction or truth. Often, ministers, churches, and ministries focus more on getting money and more people, rather than on humbleness, brokenness, and good sound doctrine.
   This is a description of the last church—the worst of all, in which the entire church is described as being spit out (or perishing). This is a description of the most confident church of them all, yet it is the most deceived church that has ever existed; however, they do not know or understand it. This is the description of today’s church. The verses on the Laodicean church are in perfect harmony with many other verses that tell how the times would be, leading up to the Tribulation.
   We would all do well to heed the words of Jesus: HE THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES-Rev 3:22.

    This is the church age from which the Antichrist will emerge. It is the church age Paul talked about that would not endure sound doctrine, but would gather around them teachers that would say what their ITCHING EARS wanted and desired to hear-ref 2 Tim 4:3. Jesus was asked about the sign of His coming. The first thing He said was, TAKE HEED THAT NO MAN DECEIVE YOU-Mt 24:4; ref Mk 13:5; Lk 21:8. Before Jesus warned about wars and rumors of wars; before He related about famines, earthquakes, and diseases; before He told about the Gospel being published among all nations, He warned about the age of religious deception that would come. This is that church age. In the history of the seven churches, there has never been a church age so filled with deceptive doctrines and ideas, yet so totally ignorant of its true condition. In the church of Sardis (the "dead" church), there were a FEW NAMES that had not defiled their garments-ref Rev 3:4. However, in the Laodicean church age, there does not appear to be even a "few" that are not blind and naked.
   This is very much in harmony with the Scriptures relating to the coming of the Lord being as in the days of Noah, wherein FEW souls were saved. Despite the overwhelming witness of God’s Word, regarding this church, they are in total ignorance of the truth, often preaching just the opposite.
   Today’s church is full of deception; it will perish. However, there are well-known Bible teachers who think that more than fifty percent of Americans are born-again.
   It is a church where people are entertained and made to feel good, instead of falling upon their knees in godly sorrow for sin. It is a church age for laughing rather than for crying. It is a church age of saying a sinner’s prayer and believing a person is saved, even though afterward there is absolutely no evidence of repentance, the fruits of the Spirit, doing the will of God, or the fruits of the works of God. In some cases, the preachers know these things, but will not tell their congregations the truth. Some are afraid that people might leave their church and go elsewhere. They love the praise of men more than the praise of God. Having lots of unsaved or lukewarm people means more to them than having a few hot, spiritual people.
   It is a church that finds time to do all manner of things, but does not find time to humbly dwell in and study God’s Word as if their life depended on it.
   It is the church age when thousands of Christian preachers may preside daily over funerals declaring that the deceased person is now in heaven—when, in reality, he is screaming, tormented in the flames of hell. When have you ever heard a preacher say at a funeral that the deceased person went to hell? The Bible clearly shows that only a few are truly saved by the grace of God; however, if one would listen to the preachers at funerals, it would seem that everyone goes to heaven.
   The preaching, in many of today’s churches, consists of foolishness, jokes, storytelling, and teaching what pleases people, rather than God’s pure Word. They do not usually preach that THE THOUGHT OF FOOLISHNESS IS SIN-Pv 24:9. Some of America’s best comedians are behind the pulpits. Should a preacher, who gets the congregation laughing with jokes, then expect people to fall on their faces before God with conviction for sin and with tears of repentance? Is this the way Jesus preached? Did Jesus try to comfort those that came to hear Him with jokes, foolishness, or other antics to cause them to laugh?
   The preaching, in many of today’s churches, consists of reading a few Bible verses; then the preacher talks about himself, his family, and other incidents that relate to the verses. The people learn very little about Jesus. They learn very little of the WORD OF GOD and of comparing the Word with the Word. On the other hand, they learn a great deal about the preacher, his children, his wife, his friends, things he has done, and so on. What a blind church age, when we teach what other people and other books say, but we ignore what God says in His Word! The milk of the Word is diluted with lots of water. They preach watered-down milk. A baby that receives only one part of milk, mixed with ten parts of water, will eventually die. The born-again Christian needs and desires the PURE SPIRITUAL MILK-1 Pe 2:2 NIV, that is not watered-down with other things. It is not man, but the Holy Spirit that opens a person’s heart to understand. So few seem to realize this. It is a church age where God’s Word is proclaiming, PREACH THE WORD-2 Tim 4:2. Jesus (the Word) is outside the church knocking, yet who has ears to hear?
   What a blind church age it is! Jesus is about to return; many biblical signs testify to this fact. Nevertheless, many churches will not teach Bible prophecy. Even though much of the Bible pertains to prophecy, it is often ignored. Many churches teach on love, but exhibit no love toward other born-again people outside of their own local church. Many churches think they can see how blind other churches are, but fail to see how blind they themselves are.
   Many Bible schools and churches teach this way; afterward, they wipe their mouth and say, "I have done no wrong." In their blindness, they fulfill the Laodicean prophecies.
   It is very common, in America, to find church members that say they follow Christ, but are involved in every sort of sin imaginable. Many of these same people hold positions of authority. They may oversee the church’s business affairs, including the hiring and dismissing of pastors, yet they, themselves, are spiritually dead and ignorant of God’s Word. The church has been infected with leaven (false doctrine), which has grown like a cancer, reaching to the very core. The entire church is infected and sick, but does not know it.
   In today’s church, some missionaries think that many in Africa shall be raptured; it is estimated that eighty percent of the African couples that are living together are not even married, when viewed in light of God’s Word. Some just move in together. Others may pay part of a dowry, or say they will pay it, and then set up housekeeping and have children. They live in fornication, yet believe they are married. (Marriage customs vary somewhat from nation to nation, or from tribe to tribe.) Many of these are professing Christian preachers. Many other "so-called" Christian preachers have several wives. In addition, many of the churches are divided against each other; bickering has led to further splits and even hatred.
   In India, the woman or parents of the woman may pay for her husband, which is very contrary to the Bible. This practice instills a concept completely foreign to God’s Word. It was Jesus Who gave His life for His bride. We love Him, because He first loved us. He gave His life for us. Often in India, when payment is not made, the husband may beat or kill his wife. Many Christian pastors in India and Africa are afraid to take a stand for what is right in the eyes of God’s Word, as they would be going against the traditions of the people. By doing this, they might suffer further persecutions. Many American missionaries that go to these places are either ignorant of these things, or they choose to ignore them. In addition, some American missionaries bring false doctrines and deceptions of the Laodicean age with them to the mission field and further deceive the people. It is wrong for Christians to partake of traditions that oppose the Word of God. It is also wrong for Christian pastors to permit these practices among the flock of which they have the oversight. To do so is sin and only serves to perpetuate the "leaven."
   Murder, stealing, drugs, fornication, adultery, homosexuality, abortions, greed, materialism, swearing, hatred, and every manner of sin conceivable exists in America. Nevertheless, many of the unrepentant people that do these things attend church on Sunday as if they have done no wrong. At church, however, they seldom hear preaching against sin; they seldom hear the word "repent."
   In many of the churches throughout the world, people sing, and sing, and sing, but know little of what God’s Word has to say. They know the words to many songs, but know little about Bible doctrine. It is very common, in some countries, to find pastors that may pray for hours a day, but spend only a few minutes reading God’s Word. They pray to a God they know very little about. Around the world, the church is in great blindness and is not aware of it. This is part of what Jesus prophesied would happen; it has come to pass. As birth pangs of a woman, it will continue to get worse until, finally, the trumpet sounds and Jesus calls those few faithful, fruit-bearing Christians home. The Laodicean Christians of this generation will be rejected (spit out) and left behind: most will continually refuse to believe this until it is too late.
   The truth of much of God’s Word (Jesus) has been abandoned and rejected by this church age. As Jesus is seen standing outside of His church knocking on the door, so the Laodiceans will be left out of heaven, except they repent. Can you clearly see these things? Very few can. Consider EPAPHRAS...A SERVANT OF CHRIST...HE HATH A GREAT ZEAL FOR YOU, AND THEM THAT ARE IN LAODICEA-Col 4:12,13.

    As we carefully study the seven churches, we note that Satan has tried bringing great persecutions in the past; these did not destroy the church.
   Satan has tried using less persecutions and more false doctrine mixed with the truth; this worked more effectively.
   Satan is using prosperity, selfishness, false doctrine, and lukewarm preaching mixed with the truth; this has almost destroyed the church. This is the Laodicean church.
   It needs to be repeated that there is not one good thing mentioned about the Laodicean church from the words of Jesus.

3:14. AND UNTO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH OF THE LAODICEANS WRITE. Once again, John is told to write.
THESE THINGS SAITH (or are the words of). Next the subject turns to Jesus. The verse addresses Him as,

    1. THE AMEN.
   2. THE FAITHFUL AND TRUE WITNESS.
   3. THE BEGINNING OF THE CREATION OF GOD.
   As with the other six churches, the descriptions of Jesus tell something about this particular church age. These descriptions often convey a message to the church of things that may be lacking or have been forgotten. The "AMEN" means, "so be it, it is true." This is reminding the church that Jesus is sovereign, He is true, He is everything. Jesus is the final Word, the true Judge, and the ultimate Authority. He is God Almighty. This "truth" has been largely rejected in the Laodicean church age.
   Jesus is the "FAITHFUL AND TRUE WITNESS." LET GOD BE TRUE, BUT EVERY MAN A LIAR-Ro 3:4. The church is being reminded that Jesus is faithful. Jesus is the true Witness. His Word is true. The church of the Laodiceans have forgotten this. Jesus presents Himself in this manner, as what He is about to say will conflict with the opinions that they have of themselves. Jesus is showing that what He will say is true, and what they say and think is wrong. This "truth" has also been largely rejected by the Laodicean church age.
   The church is being reminded that Jesus is the "BEGINNING OF THE CREATION OF GOD"-Rev 3:14. Some forget the words, FOR BY HIM WERE ALL THINGS CREATED-Col 1:16; GOD, WHO CREATED ALL THINGS BY JESUS CHRIST-Eph 3:9. Satan’s deceptive theory of evolution is now widely accepted as truth, and the truth that God created all things has been laid aside, rejected by much of the Laodicean church age.

3:15. This verse begins with a series of words that are repeated in each of the churches—I KNOW THY WORKS (or deeds). This is addressed to the church, in general, as well as the individual. God knows the works of His people, things done both in the open and in secret. If this would be counted as a good point, then one good point would be listed for this church; however, the description of the works of this church are all unacceptable. Jesus is showing, clearly, no good or acceptable works come forth from this church.

1. THAT THOU ART NEITHER COLD NOR HOT. Then Jesus makes a comment,
I WOULD THOU WERT COLD OR HOT (I wish you were either one or the other!-NIV). If a person is cold, he can sometimes be reached for Jesus. On the other hand, Jesus would prefer that His servants were "hot."

   3:16.
   2. SO THEN BECAUSE THOU ART LUKEWARM, AND NEITHER COLD NOR HOT. Consider the nature of something lukewarm. A cup of cold water can be very satisfying-ref Mt 10:42. A cup of hot tea or some other beverage can also be very satisfying and taste delicious. But a cup of lukewarm water or lukewarm tea can be very unappealing; it may taste so bad, a person may want to spit it out. This describes the Laodicean church age.
   It was the cold, spiritual atmosphere of the church in England that motivated John Wesley to begin his own meetings. It was the coldness of the Methodist Church that caused William Booth to become "on fire" for the Lord. God wants His people to be "hot" in knowledge and in zeal for Him. However, if this is not the case, then He would prefer them to be cold. When one is cold, it is clear-cut; this distinction can eventually lead some to want to be hot. However, the lukewarm often do not recognize their condition or seek to change as the cold do. They are deceived, but confident they will not perish and are usually comfortable in the world.
   Many of today’s churches, in America, are a type of social club. They have committees, lots of programs, recreation areas, entertainment, paid singers, and comedians. There are many things to lure a person in and to please the carnal nature and flesh. Soulwinning is like a business. There are many types of crusades and "revivals"; however, few generate true conviction for sin, where people are driven to their knees, confessing their sins, denying themselves, and crying out in brokenness over their wickedness. Revivals, in this lukewarm generation, seldom spark desire within one to be so hungry for Jesus that he turns off the TV and sets aside other activities to spend hours a day studying God’s Word and humbly seeking Him in prayer. And if one does come to Jesus, he may be quickly "cooled off," as he is surrounded by his friends, relatives, local churches, radio and television preachers, who may bring forth a lukewarm message of compromise, deceit, and truth intermixed. The, perhaps, "one out of a thousand preachers" that he might hear, who brings forth sound doctrine, is often quickly discredited by everyone around him. Thus, lukewarm becomes the accepted way of truth, and sound doctrine is viewed as the way of deceit in the seventh and last church age. Whether it is the large cathedral, or the small church with a grass roof, or the hidden house church—lukewarm is the church of this generation. Many have pride in the fact that they have a new building, or more people, or more children. Others have pride that they have gotten many to say a sinner’s prayer, even though, afterwards, not one may have shown any evidence of denying himself, taking up his CROSS DAILY, and following Jesus-ref Lk 9:23.
   Today’s church seems to think that more finances and things to attract the carnal nature will convert the world. True conversion comes through the work of the Holy Spirit. The Laodicean church is centered on "self" rather than on Jesus. It lures with promises of miracles, healings, prosperity, good times, fellowship, and friends.
   The Laodicean church seldom tells people that if they decide to follow Jesus, the biblical way, they can expect problems, persecutions, the loss of their friends, ridicule, false accusations, their name dragged through the mud, and their families to forsake them. They are not told that they may get very sick, enduring much pain and anguish. They are not informed how Satan will tempt them, or that they could lose everything they possess. They are unaware that many of the traditions that they are following—of their church, country, tribe, etc.—are an abomination to God. They are seldom told, by any preacher, how blind and wretched this Laodicean church age is.
   Of the few, true Christians that do exist, no matter what they go through, Jesus will be with them.
   Jesus described the Laodicean church as lukewarm. The lukewarm are confident they are correct and righteous. Their confidence is so deeply rooted that it is nearly impossible to reach them with the truth. Lukewarmness comes from mixing both hot and cold. They are not cold toward the things of God, but neither are they hot. They are content, apathetic, indifferent. They are not truly concerned with what is right and wrong or what is good and evil. Within the Laodicean church is the prevailing attitude of "live and let live; don’t rock the boat; don’t cause waves; it will all turn out O.K." They are taking a neutral position. They are trying to serve God, but are also trying to please men. They are serving two masters and justify their position. They are serving God, and they are serving "self." They are serving God, and they are serving the world. This is totally unacceptable with God. Remember, the name "Laodicea" means "the rights of the people." Their knowledge and understanding of God, His Word, and of these things is, at best, only lukewarm. Their obedience, love, fruits of the Spirit, and works are, at best, only lukewarm. Their daily conversation may be centered on both the things of the world and the things of God. They are like a wave. They are carnal and have not denied themselves. They are not fully following Jesus, though they are usually sure they are. Jesus is in their life, but He is not the center of their life. Their life revolves around things of the world and worldly circumstances; Jesus is only a part. They have need of milk (basic doctrines) and not meat (perfection). They are not ready for the doctrine of perfection and holiness. Their thoughts are divided between Jesus and the things of the world. Laodiceans want to maintain a level of control over their lives; they will trust Jesus only to a point. They do not have the understanding that Jesus is in control when very difficult situations come against them; their knowledge is lukewarm.
   At best, their understanding of who is saved, by the grace of God, and who is not saved is only lukewarm. It may be said, they do not fully comprehend the strait gate and narrow way.
   Their teaching may consist of some sound doctrine mixed with confusion, false doctrine, deceit, doctrines of men and denominations, new fads, or other distortions of Scripture that come along.
   They may have a great church complex, a magnificent choir, large attendance, much money coming in, a vast radio and television ministry, an extensive mailing list reaching multitudes with a monthly magazine, and many letters and telephone calls coming in. They may be claiming to have won many souls, but if the message being proclaimed is only lukewarm, then that is all they are.
   The following should be considered. Sound doctrine is disappearing; most people will not tolerate it. One might ask, "What would happen if sound doctrine was being taught?" The answer is found in the Scriptures. In the days of the apostles, sound doctrine was being taught in Laodicea; however, it was rejected. The Laodicean church was only lukewarm; this is unacceptable to God.
   For those who may wonder if lukewarm is really so bad, Jesus gives the following warning.

1. I WILL SPEW (or spit)
THEE OUT OF MY MOUTH. The entire Laodicean church will be spit out and perish. There will be such a small number from this church that will repent, not even the word "few" is used as it was in the "dead" church of Sardis. The lukewarm will not be taken when the Rapture comes.

   3:17.
   3. BECAUSE THOU SAYEST (or because you say),
   I AM RICH. Laodicea was prosperous, and the church had taken the same attitude. This church considered itself rich and increased with goods. Indeed, throughout much of the world today, there are large, beautiful church buildings. Even in poorer countries that do not have these nice facilities, many believe the success of their ministry depends upon getting financial help from abroad, rather than trusting in Jesus and waiting upon Him. Jesus is showing the focus of this church and what they are saying is wrong.
   4. The church also is saying, I AM…INCREASED WITH GOODS (or I have acquired wealth). So much emphasis is placed upon prosperity.
   5. AND HAVE NEED OF NOTHING. They are centered on "self." They are satisfied. They are content.
   Laodicea is a proud church that sees itself as a good and spiritually sound institution with no needs. In many countries, the Laodicean churches seemingly prosper in their organization, in material assets, in university degrees, in attendance, in offerings, in paid staff, and in volunteer workers. Never in church history has there been so many Bible schools and universities. Never has the church owned so much property; spent so much money; had so many books, programs, guest speakers, radio and television ministries; broadcasted on short-wave radio around the entire world; had so much material wealth, yet been so spiritually bankrupt. In Rev 3:20, the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself, stands outside knocking at the door.
   This is today’s church, the most deceived of all seven. It is filled with all sorts of half truths and distorted doctrines. It sees itself totally different than what it really is. It is so blind and deceived, it does not even understand that these passages, in Rev 3:14-22, are written directly to them. These passages are for all of us, right now.
   6. AND KNOWEST NOT THAT THOU ART (or you do not realize) (or you don’t know that you are the one who is-JNT¹²¹). Jesus is showing this church believes what they are saying, yet there are things they do not know. Jesus is showing that they are not in the light as they think they are, but are in darkness, unable to see their true condition. This church is portrayed as having a terminal illness, yet are unaware of it. They do not understand they are going to die and perish. They are completely deceived. Jesus continues by revealing what the true condition of this church is. It is,
   7. WRETCHED
   8. AND MISERABLE (or pitiful)
   9. AND POOR
   10. AND BLIND
   11. AND NAKED
   Jesus is showing that this is the worst church, yet they are the most confident. The condition of this church is a reflection of the Bible schools, and what is being preached from the pulpits, and what is being taught by the missionaries, and what is in the people’s hearts.
   They are "wretched," but they do not know it. Being wretched comes from no faith, lukewarm faith, or faith like a wave. It comes from a lack of truth and understanding. It comes from being taught a form of the milk of God’s Word, which is so diluted by other things mixed in with it, that people are no longer standing upon the Rock of truth. People are standing upon truth and deceit mixed together. This is a church that hears lukewarm preaching and comes away empty and unfulfilled, yet is in such darkness that it is content; it does not even know it is wretched. This word appears only one other time in the New Testament. It is in Ro 7:24, where Paul describes himself, by saying, "O WRETCHED MAN THAT I AM." Unlike Paul, the Laodicean church cannot recognize its condition.
   They are "miserable" (or pitiful), but do not know it. This is the result of being wretched—they are tossed about with all kinds of doctrines that come in like the wind from all directions. The truth has been set aside to please people’s flesh. The popularity or charisma of the preacher often replaces the appeal of Jesus, which is the Word of God.
   They are "poor," but do not know it. They are poor in wisdom, in knowledge, in faith, and in understanding the Word of God. They are not zealous for the truth.
   They are "blind," but they do not know it. They are blind regarding God’s Word, in salvation, in repentance, in discerning fruit, in who is saved, in understanding what Satan is doing, and in recognizing the falling away that is happening and has already happened. Many preach revival is coming, which is just the opposite of falling. Their guard against the schemes of the devil is down, when it should be up. They think they can stamp Satan under their feet, when, in reality, Satan is stamping them under his feet, and they do not know it. They are trying to see the great moves of God and are not understanding the moves of the adversary. They call deceit, truth and truth, deceit. In these things they are blind, which means they do not see or understand these things. Yet they are positive their condition is rich and increased with goods—they think they need nothing. Many preachers also think they are rich in knowledge, as they proudly display their college degrees on the wall of their office and have shelves filled with hundreds of books "about" the Bible. Their large church, or the many churches that are under their control, or their vast ministry seems to testify that they are spiritually in the light. Yet God’s Word said that this church is blind. They teach the gifts of the Spirit, but do not teach or demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit. God’s Word teaches water baptism by full immersion (ref Ro 6:4; Col 2:12), and Jesus’ disciples spent much time baptizing people; yet some of today’s churches teach against water baptism. Others argue that sprinkling baptism is the right way, and some baptize in the name of Jesus only. However, Jesus taught, clearly, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST: TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE (or obey) ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER I HAVE COMMANDED YOU-Mt 28:19,20. Many do not even teach that we are to obey God’s Word and keep His commandments. They teach about the love of God, but do not teach that the evidence of a person’s love for God is demonstrated by, IF YE LOVE "ME," KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS-Jn 14:15.
   They are "naked" and do not know it. Nakedness reveals a person’s condition. They are exposed. They have no clothing on. Their condition is shameful. They think they are covered by grace but are not. Spiritual nakedness denotes no covering. It illustrates that they are not covered with God’s Word, with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. They are not covered with the blood of Jesus by true faith that is evidenced by what they do. As it is written, FAITH WITHOUT WORKS (or actions) IS DEAD-Ja 2:20. Their covering is deceit. They know not that they are naked and walking in lukewarmness. They know not that they shall perish.
   This church may think highly of itself, but its wretched condition is naked before God.

    3:18. I COUNSEL THEE (or My advice to you is-JNT¹²²)
   1. TO BUY OF ME GOLD TRIED (or refined)
   IN THE FIRE. The Laodicean church has gold, but it is the wrong kind. The purchase of the gold must come from Jesus. This is not regular gold but refined gold (Jesus, the Word of God). This is the righteousness that comes from faith.
   2. AND ANOINT (or rub)
   THINE EYES WITH EYESALVE. Because this church is spiritually blind, they are being admonished to use eyesalve, so their blindness might be cured. They do not have correct spiritual discernment. Their understanding of their condition is opposite of the truth. This would indicate that Satan’s deceptions in this church are great, which explains why Jesus said, TAKE HEED THAT NO MAN DECEIVE YOU-Mt 24:4. This church did not love truth.

   3:19.
   3. BE ZEALOUS (or be earnest) (or exert yourselves-JNT¹²³)
   THEREFORE,
   4. AND REPENT (or turn from your sins).
   The message is clear to this church. First, believe all of God’s Word. Believe what He is saying to this church. Then follow what Jesus said to do. Obey the Gospel. Put on eyesalve that you may see and understand. Be zealous and repent.

    3:18.
   1. THAT THOU MAYEST BE RICH. The richness here is not earthly wealth, but is the richness that comes from faith. Through faith we overcome and inherit all things. The second church, Smyrna, had much poverty in the world, but they were RICH-Rev 2:9. The Laodicean church has worldly riches but lukewarm faith. It is written, WHEN THE SON OF MAN COMETH, SHALL HE FIND FAITH ON THE EARTH?-Lk 18:8.
   2. AND WHITE RAIMENT (or white clothes to wear). The white raiment is the righteousness of the saints, which is received through faith in Jesus Christ. The Laodicean church is not clothed with white raiment. Any clothing other than this white raiment, only results in nakedness.
   3. THAT THOU MAYEST BE CLOTHED (or may be dressed).
   4. AND THAT THE SHAME OF THY NAKEDNESS DO NOT APPEAR (or so you can cover your shameful nakedness-NIV). This church is naked; it has no clothing on. It is clothed with deceit, which is no clothing at all. The nakedness of this church is clear only to a few in this generation. It is shameful.
   5. THAT THOU MAYEST SEE (or so you can see). Only through anointing the eyes with eyesalve, can one hope to see and understand one’s condition. The Bible says to examine ourselves. This is done by denying ourselves and humbly and honestly looking at ourselves in light of "all" of God’s Word.

    3:19.
   6. AS MANY AS I LOVE (or those whom I love),
   I REBUKE AND CHASTEN (or discipline). Because of Jesus’ love, He will rebuke and chasten that we might not perish. Thus, we are admonished to "be zealous therefore and repent."
   If a lukewarm Christian will not obey God’s warning, he is without hope. He shall not be taken in the Rapture. He shall perish. Only a few will heed God’s warning, for the prophecy must be fulfilled.

    3:20. The invitation that Jesus offers may apply to any person; however, here, it is an invitation given to the Laodicean church and to the individual that believes on Jesus Christ but is only lukewarm.
   1. BEHOLD, I STAND AT THE DOOR. A church is an assembly of believers. Individuals make up the church. Jesus is illustrating a very sad picture of the Laodicean church. He is standing outside of "His" church, not inside. It is the people’s church. Laodicea means "human rights" or "the rights of the people." They do not want to let Jesus (the Word) rule over them. They want to rule themselves. This church is described, outwardly, as being prosperous and having many goods, yet Jesus is on the outside, not on the inside.
   It is incredible that this church is completely ignorant of its true condition. Thousands of churches are on radio and television. They send out missionaries around the world. They preach Jesus, but He is on the outside. They do not understand this. Multitudes write books about the Bible and their own life’s experiences with God, but Jesus is still on the outside, knocking on the door, saying, "Let Me in." They do not understand. As they will not let Jesus in, neither will He let them in at the judgment.
   Churches sing and sing about Jesus and worship Him. They are involved in all sorts of Christian service. A person may ask, "How, then, can Jesus be on the outside of the church?" The answer can be summed up in this way—self and worldliness.
   Following Rev 3:22, there should be a message from God’s Word to consider on this subject.
   2. AND KNOCK (or here, I’m standing at the door, knocking-JNT¹²⁴). Jesus is knocking on the door of "His" church. The people inside are, undoubtedly, singing about Jesus; they may even be worshiping and praying to Him. Nevertheless, Jesus may not be in their hearts. God’s Word has not found a place in them to dwell and grow.
   Yet Jesus continues to knock. He knocks on the door of people’s hearts, as if to say, "Let Me in."

1. IF ANY MAN HEAR MY VOICE. Jesus is talking to the individual.
2. AND OPEN THE DOOR. To the individual that will hear the voice of Jesus and open the door of his heart, Jesus promises,

    1. I WILL COME IN TO HIM,
    2. AND WILL SUP (or eat)
        WITH HIM,
    3. AND HE (will)
   WITH ME. The door cannot be opened by Jesus, but must be opened by the one that hears His voice. He that hears and understands God’s Word must respond by opening his heart to Jesus. To this person that responds, these promises are given.

    3:21. TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH (or him who wins the victory-JNT¹²⁵). We overcome by walking in faith. To him that overcomes the lukewarmness, the "not knowing" his true condition, the riches and needing nothing, and obeys the advice of Jesus. The verse continues, to him that overcomes,
   1. WILL I GRANT (or give the right)
   TO SIT WITH ME IN MY THRONE, EVEN (or just)
   AS I ALSO OVERCAME, AND AM SET DOWN WITH MY FATHER IN HIS THRONE. Jesus is currently sitting at the right hand of God the Father. However, during the Millennium, Jesus will sit upon His own throne. We are to overcome, even as Jesus overcame; to those that do, the promise is given them to sit with Jesus in His throne.

   3:22. HE THAT HATH AN EAR (or those who have ears),
   LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH (or is saying)
   UNTO THE CHURCHES.

    Note the words of Rev 22:16:
   I JESUS HAVE SENT MINE ANGEL TO
   TESTIFY UNTO YOU
   THESE THINGS IN THE CHURCHES.
   There are many lukewarm, blind churches that will not teach these things in this Laodicean church age.

    The last church age would be neither hot or cold, but lukewarm.
    The last church age would say they are rich.
    The last church age would say they are increased with goods.
    The last church age would say they have need of nothing.
    The last church age would be wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.
    The last church age would not know they are wretched.
    The last church age would not know they are miserable.
    The last church age would not know they are poor.
    The last church age would not know they are blind.
    The last church age would not know they are naked.
    The last church age would be asleep.
    The last church age would abound with deception or false teaching.
    The last church age would have false prophets.
    The last church age would not teach sound doctrine.
    The last church age would teach what people want to hear.
    The last church age will turn away from the truth.
    The last church age would teach stories that are not in the Bible.
    The last church age, many preachers would not be following God.
    The last church age, many would not be warning about Jesus returning to rapture His people.
    The last church age, God’s ways and Word would be corrupted throughout the earth.
    The last church age would bring forth teachings of seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.
    Without any question, the condition of the church before the Rapture reflects no revival. Instead, what is portrayed is a deceived church that does not know or understand its true blind and wretched condition.

Many will come professing to be Christ.
The false Christs shall deceive many.
Many false prophets shall come.
The false prophets shall deceive many.
The false Christs and false prophets shall show great signs, wonders, and miracles.
Without any question, these Scriptures reflect no revival, but rather deception.

People would be ever learning but not able to understand the truth.
People would be willingly ignorant of the truth.
People would resist the truth.
These would be depraved, unprincipled, of corrupt minds.
People would not receive the love of the truth.
People would not endure sound doctrine.
People would turn away from God’s Word and follow things that are untrue.
People would forget that the world was destroyed by water.
People would gather around themselves teachers to say what they want to hear.
Without any question, these Scriptures reflect no revival. Instead, we see people resisting the truth, not enduring sound doctrine, and gathering around themselves preachers and teachers to say what they want to hear.

Some would forsake the faith of Jesus Christ.
Some would fall away from the faith of Jesus Christ.
Some servants of God would begin to smite their fellow servants.
Some servants of God would begin to eat and drink with the drunken.
Without any question, these Scriptures reflect no revival. Rather they reflect the opposite of revival—that of falling away from God’s Word. What is the opposite of falling away? It is revival. Could it be that Satan is concealing the truth of falling away with the lie of revival? Is it possible he has been so skillful at doing this that even some of the most respected Bible teachers have been deceived in this matter?

Some that follow Jesus would turn and follow devils.
Some would worship devils.
Some would worship the work of their hands.
Some would worship idols of gold.
Some would worship idols of silver.
Some would worship idols of brass.
Some would worship idols of stone.
Some would worship idols of wood.
Without any question, these Scriptures reflect no revival, but rather people being greatly deceived.

People would be ungodly and doing ungodly deeds.
People would be unholy.
Women would be laden with sins.
The world would be increasingly evil.
Sin shall abound and increase.
The wickedness of the people would be great.
The transgressors or people’s wickedness would come to the full.
Without any question, these Scriptures reflect no revival. These show people becoming more and more sinful. All one has to do is compare how people were 40 years ago with how they are today, and these Scriptures are proven to be very true.

People would not love God as much as pleasures.
People would have an outer form of godliness but denying Jesus.
People would be scoffers or mockers regarding the return of Jesus.
People would be questioning the promise of the coming of Jesus Christ.
Some of God’s people would say, "My Lord delayeth His coming."
Very few people would be following God’s ways and be saved.
Without any question, there is no evidence of revival here.

Clergy would be lying.
Clergy would be committing adultery.
Clergy would be strengthening those who do evil, so that they do not repent.
Clergy would be saying, "I have dreamed."
Clergy would try to cause God’s people to forget His name.
Clergy would steal or repeat each other’s words.
Without any question, these Scriptures reflect no revival. Rather they portray the clergy becoming more and more deceived, more and more sinful.

The wicked shall not understand the latter days or time of the end.
Those that do not watch will not understand the time of the end.
Many will not understand in their heart that the coming of Jesus is very close.
Without any question, these Scriptures reflect no revival. They reflect a people that do not understand that the coming of the Lord is very near.

People would have no conscience of doing wrong.
People would love themselves.
People would be covetous and lovers of money.
People would be proud.
People would despise those that do good.
People would be conceited.
People would love pleasures.
People would have pleasure in doing evil.
Women would be weak-willed in resisting sin (including sex).
Women would be involved in all kinds of evil lusts and desires.
People would be walking after their own lusts.
People would be very worldly and controlled by their natural instincts and impulses.
Many people’s love would grow colder and colder.
People’s imaginations and thoughts would be evil continually.
Without any question, these Scriptures reflect no revival. They reflect a world that is getting further and further away from the truth of God’s Word.

People would be hypocritical liars.
People would be very boastful.
People would falsely accuse one another.
People would be insulting and abusive.
People would be disobedient to their parents.
People would be unthankful and ungrateful.
People would be trucebreakers.
People would be arrogant.
People would be savage, violent, and cruel.
People would be traitors.
People would be rash, impetuous, reckless, and doing things with little thought.
People would be murmuring and grumbling.
People would be complaining and finding fault with others.
People would use flattery to gain an advantage.
People would kill the just, even when they do not resist.
People would be committing murders.
People would be stealing.
People would try to cause divisions between the saints.
People would betray one another.
People would hate each other.
Without any question, these Scriptures reflect no revival. They reflect a world that is turning away from God and His Word.

People would be homosexuals and lesbians.
Many would have sex outside of marriage.
People would be going after their own lusts.
People would follow perversion.
People would commit abominations.
Without any question, these Scriptures also reflect no revival. Rather they reflect a very deceived and perverted society.

People would be getting married, as if nothing was going to happen.
People would still be giving away their offspring to be married.
People would still be eating, as if nothing was going to happen.
People would still be getting drunk.
People would be buying things, as if nothing was going to happen.
People would be selling things, as if nothing was going to happen.
People would be planting, as if nothing was going to happen.
People would be building, as if nothing was going to happen.
Without any question, these Scriptures reflect no revival. Rather they reflect people oblivious to the fact that Jesus will soon come to rapture the few people that are still following Him.

People would be overindulging.
People would have an abundance.
People would have lots of idle time.
People would be taking drugs.
Men would enter the houses of women to seduce them.
People would be laying up wealth.
People would be laying up gold and silver.
People would be running to and fro (or going here and there).
Employers would be holding back the wages of workers.
The employers would hold back the wages by fraud.
Those cheating the laborers would be living in pleasure and leading a life of self-indulgence.
People would have filthy conversation.
People would be doing things that are wrong or unlawful.
People would be as those of Sodom and Gomorrah.
People would not be hiding their sin.
Without any question, these Scriptures also reflect no revival. These picture people becoming more and more sinful. These picture people that are so corrupt that they do not even hide their sin. These reveal that people have no understanding of right and wrong according to God’s Word.

People would not be repenting in great numbers just before the Rapture.
Many would not help the poor and needy.
Without any question, these Scriptures also reflect there will be no revival.

The earth would be corrupt.|
The earth would be filled with violence.
The earth would have more and more totally uninhibited, senseless, violent, unreasonable people committing unspeakable acts.
Witchcraft, in various forms, would increase throughout the earth
Without any question, these Scriptures also reflect there will be no great revival. There will be no great true repentance prior to the Rapture.

    From India to America, from America to Africa the voices ring out that revival is coming. From short wave radio, to the mud brick churches in third-world countries, to Christian television broadcasting, preachers are proclaiming, "Revival is coming." Several questions need to be asked:
   Is a great revival going to come before the Rapture or not?
   Is the statement that a great revival is coming before the Rapture based on Scripture, hope, or falsehood?
   Has Satan deceived people regarding a great revival coming before the Rapture in order to hide a message that God has for His people? Read on—you might get a surprise. CLICK HERE FOR—IS REVIVAL COMING?

    People would fall away from the faith of Jesus Christ. Prophecy fulfilled-beginning around the 1960's or before and getting worse and worse to this current time.
   It is written, EXCEPT THERE COME A FALLING AWAY (or apostasy) FIRST-2 Thes 2:3. It is also written, AS THE DAYS OF NOAH WERE, SO SHALL ALSO THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN BE-Mt 24:37. In Noah’s day, they also fell away. It is written, ALL FLESH HAD CORRUPTED HIS WAY UPON THE EARTH-Gen 6:12. There was no great revival in the days of Noah. It is also as in the days of Lot. It is written, LIKEWISE ALSO AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF LOT…EVEN THUS SHALL IT BE IN THE DAY WHEN THE SON OF MAN IS REVEALED-Lk 17:28,30. There was no great revival in the days of Lot. Rather, the people were corrupt and were not following God’s ways. They did not repent.
   Many in this last generation have become a part of the apostasy. Many people have already fallen. It becomes so very clear when knocking on people’s doors to witness. Multitudes tell how they once were following Jesus, but they no longer are. Satan has very cleverly clouded the minds of many born-again people and clergy, so that the falling away that has already happened is not recognized by very many. The apostasy (the falling away from Jesus) will continue to get worse and worse until that day comes when the trumpet shall blow. Then the very few saints, who have remained faithful, shall be raptured. It will be as Noah’s day was. Few were saved and escaped the flood. It will be as Lot’s day was. Few were saved and escaped the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. This prophecy is fulfilled.
   The Scripture clearly shows this is the age of deception and falling. What would be the opposite of falling? The answer is revival. If Satan would desire to hide the fact that many are falling, then the opposite can be expected to be taught. Thus, the falling away is seldom taught. In its place, the deception of a revival before the Rapture is taught. Thus, the people are looking for revival and are not on their guard against the schemes of the devil.
   Many well-known, highly esteemed evangelists and ministers are teaching this deception. "Revival coming" is what multitudes of itching ears want to hear, even though it is not true.
   The next worldwide revival will be during the Tribulation; however, many will not get saved, as they have no knowledge of these things. Those that do get saved, during that horrible time, can expect to flee for their lives. They can expect to be betrayed by people they trust, ridiculed, beaten, tortured, and beheaded for their faith in Jesus. They will be pressured to take the mark of the beast (or Antichrist) and worship the image of the beast (or Antichrist). Many can be expected to buckle under these pressures and turn away from Jesus to spare their own lives. But he that saves his life in this world, by turning from Jesus, shall lose his life for eternity.

    Rev 3:14. AND UNTO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH OF THE LAODICEANS WRITE; THESE THINGS SAITH (or are the words of) THE AMEN, THE FAITHFUL AND TRUE WITNESS, THE BEGINNING OF THE CREATION OF GOD. Ref Col 1:16; Mk 13:19; Eph 3:9.
   3:15. I KNOW THY WORKS (or deeds), THAT THOU ART NEITHER COLD NOR HOT: I WOULD THOU WERT COLD OR HOT (I wish you were either one or the other!-NIV).
   3:16. SO THEN BECAUSE THOU ART LUKEWARM, AND NEITHER COLD NOR HOT, I WILL SPEW (or spit) THEE OUT OF MY MOUTH. Ref Mt 25:5; Jere 3:10.
   3:17. BECAUSE THOU SAYEST (or because you say), I AM RICH, AND INCREASED WITH GOODS (or I have acquired wealth-NIV), AND HAVE NEED OF NOTHING; AND KNOWEST NOT THAT THOU ART (or you do not realize) (or you don’t know that you are the one who is-JNT¹²¹) WRETCHED, AND MISER-ABLE (or pitiful), AND POOR, AND BLIND, AND NAKED. Ref Pv 24:12; 2 Thes 2:3; Jere 23:1,2,16-38; 1 Tim 6:3-5; Mk 7:6-9,13; Ezek 34:1-12.
   3:18. I COUNSEL THEE (or My advice to you is-JNT¹²²) TO BUY OF ME GOLD TRIED (or refined) IN THE FIRE, THAT THOU MAYEST BE RICH; AND WHITE RAIMENT (or white clothes to wear), THAT THOU MAYEST BE CLOTHED (or may be dressed), AND THAT THE SHAME OF THY NAKEDNESS DO NOT APPEAR (or so you can cover your shameful nakedness-NIV); AND ANOINT (or rub) THINE EYES WITH EYESALVE, THAT THOU MAYEST SEE (or so you can see). Ref Rev 2:9; Mt 25:9-buy; Gen 3:10,11; 2 Cor 5:3; Rev 16:15; 21:7; Mt 24:4.
   3:19. AS MANY AS I LOVE (or those whom I love), I REBUKE (or reprove) AND CHASTEN (or discipline): BE ZEALOUS (or be earnest) (or exert yourselves-JNT¹²³) THEREFORE, AND REPENT (or turn from your sins). Ref Rev 1:5; 3:9-love.
   3:20. BEHOLD, I STAND AT THE DOOR, AND KNOCK (or here, I’m standing at the door, knocking-JNT¹²⁴): IF ANY MAN HEAR MY VOICE, AND OPEN THE DOOR, I WILL COME IN TO HIM, AND WILL SUP (or eat) WITH HIM, AND HE (will) WITH ME.
   3:21. TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH (or him who wins the victory-JNT¹²⁵) WILL I GRANT (or give the right) TO SIT WITH ME IN MY THRONE, EVEN (or just) AS I ALSO OVERCAME, AND AM SET DOWN WITH MY FATHER IN HIS THRONE. Ref Lk 13:25; Rev 21:7.
   3:22. HE THAT HATH AN EAR (or those who have ears), LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH (or is saying) UNTO THE CHURCHES. Ref Rev 22:16.
   Mt 24:4. AND JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO THEM, TAKE HEED (or watch out) THAT NO MAN DECEIVE YOU.
   Mk 13:5. AND JESUS ANSWERING THEM BEGAN TO SAY, TAKE HEED (or watch out) LEST ANY MAN DECEIVE YOU:
   Lk 21:8. AND HE SAID, TAKE HEED (or watch out) THAT YE BE NOT DECEIVED.

CLICK HERE FOR—IS REVIVAL COMING?

CLICK HERE FOR—REVELATION TO BE TAUGHT (CD)

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