THE POOR LITTLE RICH CHURCH (5 OF 6)
by Jeff Strite
Scripture: Revelation 3:14-22
This content is part of a series.
The Poor Little Rich Church (5 of 6)
Series: The Jesus Diaries
Jeff Strite
Revelation 3:14-22
OPEN: I once heard of the skipper of boat that was sinking in the ocean who frantically radioed for help. Finally, the Coast Guard answered his plea.
The Coast Guard replied: "We're on our way. What is your position? Repeat, what is your position?"
The yachtsman responded: "I'm executive vice president of the 1st National Bank. Now, will you please hurry."
Apply: The yachtsman had misunderstood the question and was annoyed because, as far as he was concerned, who he was wasn't important right then. Sometimes, who you are, and what you possess aren't very important.
Once in a while I'll read a story about a person who's adrift at sea, or lost in a forest, or trapped on a mountain side somewhere. And after they've been rescued they often reflect on how unimportant all their possessions and responsibilities had seemed while they were in danger. It was only when they were in danger of losing EVERYTHING that they realized what was really important. They often explain that their possessions and their daily responsibilities had blinded and dulled their appreciation of what was most important.
I. That's what Jesus is telling the church at Laodicea
He's telling them that something has blinded them, something has dulled their senses, something has caused them to become spiritually poverty stricken.
Notice what Jesus tells them in verses 15-17: "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 realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked."
This was a church that seemed to have everything it needed. A confident congregation, a church with a security that would be envied by other believers. But, as far as Jesus is concerne ...
Series: The Jesus Diaries
Jeff Strite
Revelation 3:14-22
OPEN: I once heard of the skipper of boat that was sinking in the ocean who frantically radioed for help. Finally, the Coast Guard answered his plea.
The Coast Guard replied: "We're on our way. What is your position? Repeat, what is your position?"
The yachtsman responded: "I'm executive vice president of the 1st National Bank. Now, will you please hurry."
Apply: The yachtsman had misunderstood the question and was annoyed because, as far as he was concerned, who he was wasn't important right then. Sometimes, who you are, and what you possess aren't very important.
Once in a while I'll read a story about a person who's adrift at sea, or lost in a forest, or trapped on a mountain side somewhere. And after they've been rescued they often reflect on how unimportant all their possessions and responsibilities had seemed while they were in danger. It was only when they were in danger of losing EVERYTHING that they realized what was really important. They often explain that their possessions and their daily responsibilities had blinded and dulled their appreciation of what was most important.
I. That's what Jesus is telling the church at Laodicea
He's telling them that something has blinded them, something has dulled their senses, something has caused them to become spiritually poverty stricken.
Notice what Jesus tells them in verses 15-17: "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 realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked."
This was a church that seemed to have everything it needed. A confident congregation, a church with a security that would be envied by other believers. But, as far as Jesus is concerne ...
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