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Revelation. Tailor-made messages to each church Revelation – Frightening? Complicated? Obscure? “I've read the last page of the Bible, it's all going to turn out all right ” – Billy Graham . Laodicea. Means “opinion of the people” 40 miles SE of Philadelphia
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Revelation • Tailor-made messages to each church • Revelation – • Frightening? • Complicated? • Obscure? • “I've read the last page of the Bible, it's all going to turn out all right” – Billy Graham
Laodicea • Means “opinion of the people” • 40 miles SE of Philadelphia • Founded 250 BC by Antiochus of Syria – named after his wife Laodice • Very prosperous – junction of 3 trade routes • Banking and money exchange • Linen and wool • Medicine school • Close to Colossae & Hierapolis • Mentioned in Colossians – Epaphras • House church in Nympha’s home
Revelation 3:14-22 (NIVUK) • To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: • These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. • I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.” But you do not realise that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so that you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so that you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so that you can see.
Revelation 3:7-13 (NLT) • Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. • To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Key Messages – 3 Titles for Jesus • The Amen • “so be it” (2Corinthians 1:19-20) • Jesus is the final word! • Faithful and true witness • Revelation 1:15 – “faithful witness” • Revelation 19:11 – “faithful and true” • The ruler of God’s creation • Image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15-16) • All things made by Him (John 1:3)
Key Messages – Lukewarm • Be hot or cold but not tepid • Not about salvation – Jesus is talking to the church • Hot – medicinal • Cold – refreshing • Tepid – makes you sick • Don’t compromise or become indifferent
Key Messages – Self-sufficient • “Wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked” • Deceived by wealth • Pride • Lost sight of what matters • Buy from me • Refined gold • White clothes • Healing ointment to see
Key Messages – Hope • Rebuke and Discipline • “convict; convince; bring to light” • Not punishment but correction to bring illumination • Invitation • Jesus is outside the church • “Anyone” means “if just one of you”