10.11.22 - Show 101 - FIVE Cs

Character, Condition, Counsel, Challenge, Consequence. Conclusion.

The Character of Jesus is Behind this Message: He is "the Amen." When 'Amen" is said it indicates assent or agreement; it is confirmation of something said or done. The main point of this unique title of Jesus Christ (used only here) is that what He says to this church is totally reliable. He is "the Beginning of the creation of God." Revelation 1:8 calls Him "the Beginning," which is the same as saying that He is the Originator of all things-the Creator Himself (Colossians 1:15-18; John 1:3). It is a clear statement of His pre-existence (before His birth in Bethlehem) and power.

The CONDITION of this Church Made Him Sick They were indifferent to the work of the Lord. They were insensitive to their spiritual need. They came to the tragic conclusion that they had "need of nothing." Our Lord said they "do not know" their true condition. That's how self-confidence and material prosperity can blind our eyes. We don't see our true condition before God. Material prosperity seems like a blessing, but it often becomes a curse and blinds our minds to our real spiritual needs.

His Counsel Must Be Heeded (Revelation 3:18-19)

Jesus Christ urges these Laodiceans to do three things:

(1) They must recognize their spiritual need, (

2) they must realize why He rebukes and disciplines them, and

(3) they must respond with repentance. Do we recognize our spiritual need?

These Laodiceans were "poor, blind, and naked." Now Christ urges them to acknowledge their need and to do something about it. To solve their spiritual poverty, they need to "buy" from the Lord "gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich." The Lord is urging a group of people known for their material prosperity to buy that which cannot be bought with money. Gold that is "refined in the fire" is pure; the dross has been removed.

The reference here is to a purified faith, not a mere profession that was not genuine. His Challenge to Open the Door (Revelation 3:20) Flowing out of the motive of love (Revelation 3:19) comes this beautiful picture of our Lord urging individuals to respond to His invitation.

The "door" could represent: (1) The door of the church in Laodicea, (2) the door of an unbeliever's heart, (3) the door of a believer's heart, or (4) the door through which Jesus Christ will come again. (How many more can we think of?) The wonderful promise is to all true believers. We shall one day rule and reign with Jesus Christ in His kingdom on earth.

This identification with Jesus Christ by believers is like the position and relationship which Jesus has to His Father's throne. We do not sit on that throne, the position of the sovereign God ruling the universe, but Jesus was granted that privilege to sit down with His Father on His throne when He had finished His work on the cross in dying for our sins. A Thought-Provoking Conclusion (Revelation 3:22)

There is a message to mere professing Christians, who do not really walk with the Lord - "repent," before it is too late. God's patience and love are being demonstrated by the appeals of these letters. But one day there will no longer be "an open door" for us. Now is the day of salvation; now is the time to get right with the Lord! Are we ready for the second coming of Jesus Christ?

Have we settled our personal commitment to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior? If not, why not stop reading at this point and make that decision to commit your life and future to Him?

PRAY. PREPARE. PROTECT. PROCLAIM. PERSIST. PERSEVERE. PRAY AGAIN. PASS IT ON. POWER UP. POSITION PROPERLY. PAY ATTENTION. PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

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