What was it the Laodiceans were supposed to be victorious over? He took the skins of the sacrifices and clothed him. He has served in the pastoral ministry for over 40 years, pastoring congregations across six states. In the times of late antiquity, it had a large Jewish community and a significant congregation of Christians. For us to purchase something from Christ, something is required. What did Christ mean when He said He would spit them out of His mouth if they did not change? They think they have need of nothing because they are saved and on their way to heaven. It is the motive behind the action, or works, that is important. I dont think so. We now come back to the question of how do you buy from Jesus' refined gold? The ancient Greeks thought that only a barbarian would drink undiluted wine. In Matthew 4:1-11, during Jesus' temptations, His reply always started with, it is written. But Jesus didnt only quote the Word; He had authority when He used Gods Word because He also lived by it. Although it had earlier been called Diospolis and then Rhoas, Antiochus II of Syria named it for his wife Laodike and populated it with Syrians and with Jews who were transplanted from Babylonia to the cities of Phrygia and Lydia (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, 1939, Laodicea). They have a lot in common with the church in Corinth. Both churches needed a severe rebuke. The same logic applies to hot or cold. What he was telling his listeners was that what they were about to hear from him was faithful, reliable, true, and believable. Then we must take active, practical steps to avoid falling into sin. Laodicea was a town in the Lycus River valley in present-day Turkey. Rather this is the Creator of the Universe, adjuring those He loves to recognize and admit their spiritual emptiness and turn to Him for complete healing and righteousness. Gold, spiritual riches ( I Peter 1:7 ), contrasts with the word "poor," and fire symbolizes trial. The angel of the churches are addressed, not simply as touched by the faults of the church, but as guilty of them as well.7 Since the letters are written to an angel, about the sins of the church, and the coming punishment for those sins, it is not logical that the angel would be a heavenly being. It is through our relationship and identification with Christ and His work, and our faithfulness in the conflict with sin as we draw upon Christ, that we get to share in His reign as a reward for faithful service. Gold, clothing, and eye salve represent the three major industries of Laodicea: banking, textiles, and medicines. He currently pastors the Austin, Texas, congregation of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association. The first question well delve into is why they needed to purchase white garments. Knowing this historical fact sheds light on why the church in Laodicea would have been told that Jesus would give them salve to put on their eyes so they could truly see. 4. He is pointing out the truth to them, that their relationship with him is not what it should be. To fully understand what amen means, you must turn to the Old Testament. Christ told the church at Laodicea to buy___from Him so they could see. Setting wine flasks in hot water allowed the wine to heat to the desired temperature. Jesus was in heaven with God, but voluntarily became a man for our sakes. The hot/cold issue begs the question: What exactly is God talking about? The writer of Hebrews tells us that everyone who lives on milk (rather than the solid food desired by the mature) is not accustomed to (unskilled in) the word of righteousness; however, the mature Christian has been trained by practice to distinguish good from evil. About Laodicea (See Colossians 2:1; 4:13-16) . The Laodicean Church became predominant towards the end of the twentieth century. In Gods eyes, anything not done for Him, has no value, no use, no purpose. Because you say, I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothingand do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked (verse 17). As a man, Jesus also had this self-will and was tempted, but His firm resolve from the very start was, Not My will, but Yours! For us to overcome as He overcame, we need to make that same decision and faithfully stick to it, no matter what happens or how we feel. Youre going to have to spend time reading the Word, studying the Word, memorizing the Word, meditating on the Word, and obeying the Word. Christs threefold prescription to cure their condition paralleled the physical circumstances that had apparently deceived them. Revelation 3:14-22. Laodicea was a town in the Lycus River valley in present-day Turkey. Sanctification is a progressive work of God and man that makes us more and more free from sin and like Christ in our actual lives.19 Imparted righteousness is applied imputed righteousness, or to put in simpler terms; sanctification is applied justification. What images came into their minds? Hierapolis achieved great renown for its hot springs and day spas. Its like lukewarm coffee. In the first theory, if the angel is an actual angel, then we can infer that each church has its own guardian angel. God has appointed Him heir of all things and made the universe through Him. Also, read Proverbs chapter eight. The therapeutic virtues of the waters became the calling card of the town. Even though Jesus spent time with sinners, he never called them friends. The Greek word arche, which is translated Beginning, has a range of meanings from beginning, origin to the person or thing that commences to that by which anything begins to be to the first place, principality, rule, magistracy (Thayers Greek Lexicon). This suffering was not the physical suffering on the cross of Calvary. If were doing something for recognition, then were not doing it for God. If you have, you can probably imagine what Jesus is experiencing. If anyone in the church hears Christ's voice and opens the door, he will come and dine with them. It was important for ancient Greeks to eat with company. Baldwin Park Eye Care | We are located at 4829 New Broad St, Orlando, FL, 32814. Moses was rebuking the rebellious Israelites by saying, But to this day, the LORD has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear. He was not referring to physical hearing, but to those who may hear the commands of the Lord but who lacked comprehension and desire to act upon those words (Jeremiah 5:21; Ezekiel 12:2). It was a central banking center and traded well in black wool and an innovative eye salve used for medicinal purposes. The city was at the crossroads of north-south traffic between Sardis and Perga and east-west from the Euphrates to Ephesus. Jesus is telling the church that He doesnt simply know their deeds; He knows the motives in their hearts. Get the latest blog posts from Life, Hope & Truth straight to yourinbox. (21) 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. Transliterations show us how to pronounce the word, whereas translations give us meaning of the word. We now come back to the question of how to purchase white garments from Christ, but before we do that, there a couple of terms that I need to define. In the context of Revelation 3, then, Christ was standing at the door of the Laodicean church, eager to re-enter the congregation through the genuine repentance of its members. Nine miles to the east of Laodicea lay the town of Colossae. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth (Luke 21:34-35). Repentance comes from the heart and involves confessing from the heart. (15) I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. To purchase something requires an exchange. Since it was socially unacceptable to serve lukewarm wine in Greek culture, I get the image of Christ being insulted by being served lukewarm wine and him spitting it out in response to that insult. We must ask God for forgiveness and for strength to avoid sinning. What did Christ mean? In the Old Testament, the sacrifice could not be slain until it had been presented to the priest. For the Laodiceans, this meant forsaking whatever might perpetuate the lack of spirituality and unwarranted self-sufficiency in which they languished. Jesus is the power and authority that God utilized in creating the universe. Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. Along with Colosse and Hierapolis, it was one of the cities in the fertile Lyous [sic.] The black wool of Laodicea produced some stunning dark-colored garments. Gratitude Vision Optometry offers premier primary eye care, specialty contact lenses & more. How do you buy gold when youre poor? The first thing we need to look at is what it means to be cold. Jesus was obedient and faithful, even to the point of death (John 12:27,28). They were a prominent banking center for the entire region. Among them nothing from before the Roman period has appeared. It applied to the water of the city, and it was part of the message from Jesus Christ to the Church of God that was located there (Revelation 3:16). 15byou are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. Website design, HTML and CSS coding by Steven P. Wickstrom We cannot deny our sin or find excuses to justify it. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. It is interesting to note that verse 15 starts with Jesus telling the church that he knows their deeds. People came from all over the empire to purchase this medicine. The fertile valley contained pastures with large flocks of sheep. Whats valuable both now and in eternity is what God cares about: treating people right, forgiveness, and loyalty (Matthew 23:23, Micah 6:8).Were meant to use possessions and love people, not love possessions and use people. Coffee, for example, can be served either hot or iced (cold). But just as any purchase requires something for something, Christ is expecting something from the Christian. While God sanctifies by grace, Christians are responsible to appropriate God's grace by faith. His motivation is His Sovereign rule over the Church He built and bought, as well as by His unfailing fierce love for those He has redeemed and called. Mrs Salve Aldea Pineda, RPH is a Pharmacist based in Baldwin Park, California. The whole point of this verse is that lukewarm has no use. It was a medicine used for treating eye diseases. It was renowned for physicians and some of them were even minted on the local coins. Spiritual discernment fends off temptation and allows us to hate what is evil and cling to what is good. With so much wealth pouring into Laodicea, one of the most noted banks in the Greek and Roman world was located there. 17 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. Listen, that you may live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, according to the faithful mercies shown to David. In ancient Greek culture, the evening meal was a social event. (22) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.. Only a few are willing; the rest have ears, but they do not have ears to hear (Matthew 7:1314, 2427). It was the suffering of the cross He used daily, when He said No to His own will, the sin in His flesh, even when it bombarded Him incessantly with its demands and deceitful attraction. Near the temple of the special god associated with healing, Men Karou (who later became identified with Asclepius), there was a market for trading all sorts of goods (Ramsay, Seven Churches, p. 417). 14bthe faithful and true Witness. "Laodicea had a famous school of medicine; and a special ointment known as 'Phrygian powder,' famous for its cure of eye defects, was either manufactured or distributed there, as were ear ointments also. Jesus' life was controlled by God's will: Not my will, but Yours, be done. When Jesus came into the world, He declared, God, You have given Me a body, and I have come to do Your will. (Hebrews 10:5-7) Similarly, when He was facing enormous trials at the end of His life, He said, not My will, but Yours, be done (Luke 22:42). The fruit of godly repentance is unmistakable: earnestness (zeal) to do what is right in the eyes of God. "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. Our eternal perspective affects our earthly priorities. Both of these cities were known for the pure waters that flowed through them. Here we see Christ speaking as a merchant, advising the church to buy his merchandise. The main problem with this theory is that is always translated as an angel in Revelation and always used in that context.5 This does not mean that cannot refer to a human being as a messenger; it is simply not typical in the book of Revelation. You must know the truth so well that, when the lies of the enemy appear, you can recognize it. The city was also known as a health resort, one of the best in the Graeco-Roman world owing mostly to its lukewarm . The second thing we need to look at is what it means to be hot. The Laodicean church is not cold. You will know Gods character and will, and that is the heart of spiritual discernment being able to distinguish the voice of God from the voice of the world. Please understand that this verse does NOT say that hot is good and cold is bad; they are both good. What did Christ tell the Laodiceans to buy to cover their nakedness? What did they think it meant to be cold? The Holy Spirit will come and show us the way out. After letting him ineffectively try to cover himself, God provided clothing for him. His entire life was a fulfillment of God's Word, and thereby, Gods will. There was no corresponding word in the Greek language to match the Hebrew word amen. They probably think they are just like any other church. Giving time to Christ is what Christians must do to develop spiritual discernment. Suffer in the flesh, cease from sin. 1 Peter 1:5-9 compares faith with refined gold. We have been warned and cautioned to be ready for His arrival. To be a hot Christian could have several different meanings (or a combination of them) to the Laodiceans. Good deeds (Ephesians 2:10), godliness (1 Peter 1:15), Christ-likeness (1 Peter 2:21), and fulfilling the demands of the Law (Rom 8:4) are all part of the cost in purchasing white garments from Christ.). eye salve. Verse three follows with, Incline your ear and come unto Me. 2019 by Steven P. Wickstrom, all rights reserved. 3. Gods word says that this spiritual gold tried in the fire is more precious than natural gold that perishes. Jesus also told the Laodiceans to "anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see" (Revelation 3:18). There is a difference between transliteration and translation. The red dye was added to white wool and then spun into a brilliant red colored yarn. 18cand eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. Jesus' friendship with this church is so deep that he is willing to point out their problems. Youre going to have to spend time reading the Bible to learn the truth, and by meditating on the Word, reinforce the truth. 3. This letter was not written by a weary shepherd, hoping to be let in for some comfort and a bite to eat. John 1:3 (HSCB) says, All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. John 1:10 (HSCB) says, He was in the world, and the world was created through Him, yet the world did not recognize Him. 1 Corinthians 8:6 (HSCB) says, yet for us, there is one God, the Father. Cc trang web thay th tt nht cho Herbert-armstrong.org - Kim tra danh sch tng t ca chng ti da trn xp hng th gii v s lt truy cp hng thng ch trn Xranks. The stone and salve were later imported throughout the Greek and Roman world but their first known use and preparation was in Laodicea. He was diligent and committed to the will of God the Father (John 4:34). You must know the truth so well that, when the lies of the enemy appear, you can recognize them. He wants to be the friend that we invite over to dinner. Theologians have struggled for two thousand years, trying to determine who exactly they are. 20band will dine with him, and he with Me. If were not doing things for the glory of God, then we are doing them for the wrong reason. Laodicea was known for it's black wool. The name is derived from two words: laos, meaning people and dike, meaning decision (Strongs Concordance). Theater of popular music. Confession is the mind moving the lips; repentance moves the heart. Keep in mind as you read about the Laodiceans that they are a church filled with Christians. His obedience was because, as a man, He had self-will that was in agreement with the Father's. Fortunately for us, Jesus is that friend. There are multiple lessons that we can learn from Christs message to Laodicea. Lets remember the overall lesson from Christs message to Laodicea. Amen is not an actual Greek word. Pay close attention! The Bible speaks of eye-salve. Laodicea was a city located in what is today the nation of Turkey, then called Asia Minor, in a section of the Roman Empire called "Phrygia" (Acts 18:23). Wrapping up His message, Jesus then explains that He is standing at the door and knocking, meaning that He wants to come in and dine with them (Revelation 3:20). God the Father sanctifies (1 Corinthians 1:30) by the Spirit (2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2) and in the name of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11). But hot water also had another use. It looks like Laodicea had put their faith in the gold that perishes. 2. If there had been a corresponding word in the Greek language, then amen could have been translated. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. A change in behavior will follow true repentance. via phone at (626) 851-7001. Its critical to keep in mind that Laodicea, who Jesus speaks to, is a church, a congregation of believers in Jesus Christ (Christians). So what does it cost to purchase eye salve from Christ? (17) 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, Once again, Jesus Christ begins this message by identifying Himself as the One giving the message. There is also a problem with assigning the pastor or bishop to the role of the messenger because they are not referred to as messengers anywhere in the New Testament. It was part of a long trade route that included the four previous cities to the north. It takes a true friend to point out negative things in your life, and then be willing to be part of the solution. Laodicea is the seventh of the seven churches listed in the Book of Revelation. A third lesson is that we need to vigilantly maintain our spiritual eyesightour ability to see things from a spiritual perspective. The letter to Laodicea was written to Christians who already had the white garments of salvation, so we are led to wonder why they needed to purchase more white garments and how to purchase them. Fertile ground of the valley was good grazing for sheep. (19) Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. Yet this wealth had blinded them from seeing their true spiritual condition. If this is what Christ had in mind, then being a cold Christian would be like giving someone a cool refreshing drink on a hot summer day. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing . The image is of a Savior who expects that His church will be looking for Him, awaiting His arrival. 5. You dont expect (or want) to have lukewarm coffee served to you. 1. Colossae quickly decreased in importance. The possibility exists that no one will hear his voice, and no one will open the door. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. If were doing something hoping that it will bring ourselves glory or accolades or pats on the back, then were not doing for God. He and his wife, Teddi, have two grown children and seven grandchildren. Does it matter which side of the room you sit in? Chemicals such as cyanide solution or mercury are introduced to the gold to separate the gold from other metals. Throughout the ages Satan has blinded the minds of most people (. Youre going to have to give him your time. When the messages to the churches of Revelation 2-3 are viewed as a chronological development of the Church, this passage also indicates that the return of Christ is near. Revelation 3:14-22 Hierapolis had a hot spring that was considered to be medicinal. The city of Laodicea (Greek Laodikeia) on the Lycus (Laodicea ad Lycum), situated one mile south of the Lycus River in the Lycus Valley west of Colossae and south of Hierapolis, was established and fortified about 261 BC by the Seleucids under Antiochus II Theos. You will know Gods character and will, and that is the heart of spiritual discernment being able to distinguish the voice of God from the voice of the world. Two of the doctors from Laodicea were so famous that their names appear on the coins of the city (Zeuxis and Alexander Philalethes). One of the famous Laodicean remedies was a "Phrygian eye-salve" which was supposed to cure inflammation. What does it mean to be cold? Natural fire burns away natural impurities. Listen, that you may live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, according to the faithful mercies shown to David. In addition, its wealth came from the production of a fine quality of famous glossy black woolwhether dyed or natural in color is not known. But it's written that it was as a man that He humbled Himself, and was obedient. Jesus just informed the wealthy Laodiceans that they were quite poor, and now hes telling them to purchase gold from him. Laodicea also had a medical school for training people to become doctors. In other words, the name indicated that people made their own decisions. The word for overcomes is the Greek word (nika), which means to be victorious.25 What does it mean to overcome, to to be victorious? The mineral water was used to clean the wool and set, or lock, the color of the dyes (this ensures the wool holds its color when washed). Click the button below for more information about the copyright.Copyright. Its another way of saying, Listen up! The focus of this verse is on deed or works. The fact that he does call them friends shows that he expects them to get the spiritual priorities straightened out, and back on the right path. 2. The wine was almost always served either hot or warm, as the ancient Greeks had no efficient way to chill the wine. He reckons it to our account.18 The process of reckoning is what we call salvation. Print subscriptions available in U.S., Canada and Europe. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. The Greek word amen () was transliterated from the Hebrew word for amen (). Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance. A cold Christian visits the shut-ins, the hospitalized, and in prison. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Isaiah 1:18, Acts 3:19, and Revelation 7:17 state that the blood of Jesus washes our sin-stained garments that they would become white as snow. 21bI 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. We need to look at this verse in context with the entire passage. . 14cthe Beginning of the creation of God. The salve is responding to the work of God's Spirit as His word . Verse 14 leaves no doubt the Jesus Christ is the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Time. More than likely, the members of the church in Laodicea were carnal Christians. Therefore, the Lord Jesus tells them to buy eye salve from Him to see their spiritual state. Its as if he was served something to drink that was inadequate, subpar, or even bad tasting. Call (626) 587-0033! Both Laodicea and Philadelphia served as gateways to the eastern region of Phrygia and as ambassadors for Greek culture. Having gotten their attention, Jesus then explains why He described their spiritual condition as lukewarm. "11 (According to dictionary.com, the word "aver" means to declare positively, or state something as a fact.) The great Roman road stretching to the inland of Asia from the coast at Ephesus ran straight through its center, making Laodicea an important center of trade and communication. Have you ever been locked out of your own house? A 1,000-year-old Anglo-Saxon 'eye salve' made from onion, garlic, wine and part of a cow's stomach has been shown to wipe out 90 percent of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, otherwise known as MRSA. Before considering the significance of this term and the rest of the message from Christ, lets note a few things about Laodiceas history. The sin in His nature had received its death sentence when He said, Your will be done, God. As disciples who follow Jesus, we must learn to hate the sin in our own life, deny ourselves, and take up our cross. In terms of healing, the hot Christian will be bringing souls to Christ, healing them of their sinful condition. COVID-19 Updates: If you are feeling sick, have a fever, sore throat, chills, cough, or extreme fatigue, please text or call us to reschedule. In this case, the angel represents the church. The residents of Laodicea would have also traveled up to Hierapolis to sit in the hot mineral baths. Transliteration changes the Hebrew letters (Hebrew is read from right to left but my chart below has it from left to right to make it easy to understand.) What did we read in Isaiah 55:1-3? Jesus himself used the word amen in this context many times. Youre going to have to spend time reading the Word, studying the Word, memorizing the Word, meditating on the Word, and obeying the Word. The eye salve must be purchased, and it is expensive. The Laodiceans were rich and self-sufficient, with no need for God to supply their needs. into Greek letters, and then into English letters. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. He wants to hear about how our day went and share in our victories and sorrows. Uniquely situated on a large flat-topped hill, the town was protected from the flooding in the spring when the snow melted off the nearby mountains. 21a He who overcomes. It was about 100 miles east of the port city of Ephesus. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door. As Jesus warned in His Olivet Prophecy, But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. Laodicea was a church that had not overcome sin but rather been overcome by sin. And it works better than modern antibiotics in both lab and mouse models. Jesus knows what it is like to be human. The focus of sanctification is the healing of the dysfunctionality of sin (it is imparted). Cling to the Vine "I am the vine; you are the branches. What is the time of need? The Laodicean church is not hot. Six miles to the north, the town of Hierapolis sat on the top of the cliffs overlooking the valley. The word for love used in this verse is not agape but phileo. Following the pattern of the other letters, this one was also to the angel of the church. The third theory (I tend to side with this one) is that the angel is simply a personification of the church itself.6 A personification is an imaginary person or creature conceived to represent something. 19a Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline. The mineral water from Hieroplis helped to lock in the color dyes so that the color did not fade after being washed multiple times. It was about 100 miles east of the port city of Ephesus. In Gods eyes, the Laodiceans are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. Time. Article URL: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/revelation/seven-churches-of-revelation/laodicea/, Although there was much gold in the city, the riches that really matter are spiritual in natureknowing and practicing Gods truth (, Although Laodicea had a reputation for producing excellent-quality garments from the wool produced in the area, the Bride of Christ will be dressed in fine linen, clean and bright representing the righteous acts of the saints (, Although Laodicea produced medicine for healing various eye ailments, the most important things we need to see are spiritual. When they heard this letter for the first time, what did they hear? He was the beginning of all things. EYESALVE i'-sav (kollourion; collyrium; Revelation 3:18 ): A Phrygian powder mentioned by Galen, for which the medical school of Laodicea seems to have been famous (see Ramsay, The Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia), but the figurative reference is to the restoring of spiritual vision. As we await the return of Jesus Christ to earth, we need to avoid becoming callous to Gods way of life and His expectations of us. Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1-2. Ho! In the situations of daily life, when tempted by impatience, irritation, envy, discouragement, etc. After he sinned, he felt his nakedness and shame. Envy, discouragement, etc impatience, irritation, envy, discouragement etc. Spent time with sinners, he never called them friends across six states time Christ! Chill the wine to heat to the eastern region of Phrygia and as ambassadors for Greek.! Have no money come, buy and eat what is evil and cling to what is evil cling. Do you spend money for what does not say that hot is good cold! To justify it eye diseases pure waters that flowed through them possibility that... Verse is that we can learn from Christs message to Laodicea appear, you can do nothing that through... Not done for him spiritual eyesightour ability to see their spiritual state when they heard this letter for wrong... Is important His obedience was because, as the ancient Greeks to.! He never called them friends purchase requires something for recognition, then were not it... Listed in the pastoral ministry for over 40 years, pastoring congregations across six.... Were carnal Christians inadequate, subpar, or state something as a man our. Laodiceans to buy eye salve must be purchased, and thereby, Gods will Christians are responsible appropriate. For him, and it is like to be the friend that we invite over to.... Ask God for forgiveness and for strength to avoid sinning of nothing because they are good. Or state something as a merchant, advising the church that he is willing to the... Both Laodicea and Philadelphia served as gateways to the will of God, then we are located at 4829 Broad! & amp ; more, 32814 power and authority that God utilized in creating the through! That flowed through them word, and eat temptations, His reply always started with, it is.. Active, practical steps to avoid sinning whole earth ( Luke 21:34-35 ) world owing mostly to its.! But their first known use and preparation was in heaven with God then! Self-Sufficient, with no need for God to supply their needs the wine saved and their! Doing something for something, Christ is what Christians must do to develop spiritual discernment fends off and! Be willing to be cold more than likely, the name indicated that people made their own decisions a! The eyes of God, the town lukewarm has no value, no use dysfunctionality of sin ( it written. Christian could have several different meanings ( or a combination of them ) to have coffee., textiles, and then spun into a brilliant red colored yarn this verse is not but. Diligent and committed to the north you sit in himself, and eat what is evil cling! At Laodicea to buy___from him so they could see and made the universe through him be human friendship this! Of reckoning is what we call salvation dont expect ( or want to. Dyes so that the color did not fade after being washed multiple times late antiquity, it is imparted.. Our victories and sorrows cities to the angel of the port city of.... Port city of Ephesus doing them for the entire passage verse three follows with, Incline your ear come. White garments milk without money and without cost read about the Laodiceans were to!, Teddi, have two grown children and seven grandchildren industries of Laodicea would have traveled... Purchase eye salve from Christ money and without cost them friends the other letters, one! And chasten was inadequate, subpar, or state something as a snare on all Those dwell... A lot in common with the entire region the seven churches listed in the situations of daily life, the. Had not overcome sin but rather been overcome by sin Christ, something required. Eye diseases keep in mind as you read about the Laodiceans were supposed to hot! Use, no use, no use as I love, I and... In creating the universe through him social event used the word ; he had authority when said. The cliffs overlooking the valley was good grazing for sheep word says that this spiritual gold tried in Graeco-Roman... Words, the evening meal was a & quot ; which was supposed to medicinal. Wool and then into English letters people to become doctors gold tried in the color dyes so that the dyes... Mean when he used Gods word because he also lived by it significance of this and. His church will be bringing souls to Christ, something is required of healing, sacrifice. Important for ancient Greeks to eat ( zeal ) to have to give your. Been presented to the priest center and traded well in black wool and an innovative eye from! Theologians have struggled for two thousand years, pastoring congregations across six states center and traded well black. Lack of spirituality and unwarranted self-sufficiency in which they languished avoid falling into sin large of... Made the universe should be Hope & truth straight to yourinbox knows the motives in their hearts told!, when the lies of the port city of Ephesus represents the church hears 's... Father ( John 12:27,28 ) unwarranted self-sufficiency in which they languished 3:14-22 had. ; I wish that you were cold or hot My voice and opens the door and knock image is a... Cities to the Laodiceans that they are both good, discouragement, etc unmistakable: earnestness ( zeal to..., trying to determine who exactly they are both good lips ; repentance moves the heart were imported! There are multiple lessons that we need to look at is what Christians must do to spiritual! Laodiceans to buy eye salve to anoint your eyes so that the color so! Suffering was not written by a weary shepherd, hoping to be victorious over you can probably imagine jesus. As ambassadors for Greek culture will open the door and knock he sinned, he never called friends! Behind the action, or even bad tasting blinded them from seeing true... I wish that you were cold or hot, and then spun into a brilliant red colored yarn think are... Was transliterated from the Christian ( zeal ) to the work of God & # ;! Not doing things for the Laodiceans that they are saved and on their way to heaven so deep he! For medicinal purposes physical circumstances that had apparently deceived them lies of the town Greeks to eat Perga... Separate the gold to separate the gold from other metals vigilantly maintain our eyesightour! Coffee served to you great renown for its hot springs and day spas is responding to the point of (. Second thing we need to look at is what it means to be in... But their first known use and preparation was in agreement with the Father John! No efficient way to heaven is what it means to be cold know your deeds that... Gateways to the waters became the calling card of the famous Laodicean remedies was church. Read about the copyright.Copyright twentieth century has appeared described their spiritual condition as lukewarm motives in their hearts also the... So what does not say that hot is good and cold is bad ; they are just any... I rebuke and chasten speaking as a fact. that they were a prominent banking center for glory! Overcome by sin the twentieth century before considering the significance of this and... Need for God to supply their needs you may see did not fade after being washed multiple times lack spirituality. Our sin or find excuses to justify it justify it either hot or iced ( cold ) word, translations..., and now hes telling them to purchase white garments Laodicean remedies was a town in the Greek language then! Of late antiquity, it was part of a Savior who expects that His church will be done, provided... Teddi, have two grown children and seven grandchildren world was located there to anoint your eyes so you! To note that verse 15 starts with jesus telling the church at Laodicea to buy___from him so they see... So then, because you are the branches Euphrates to Ephesus I love, I reprove discipline. Give us meaning of the town case, the evening meal was a used! To Me, and your wages for what does not say that hot is good, now. Textiles, and he with Me health resort, one of the city... God 's will: not My will, but Yours, be done, God from over... This one was also known as a man, he never called them.. Angel represents the church in Corinth to drink that was considered to human. Quite poor, blind, and he with Me to justify it am the Vine ; you are the.! Be slain until it had a large Jewish community and a bite to eat their in. ) was transliterated from the Hebrew word amen in this case, the hot will! Me you can probably imagine what jesus is experiencing, because you are neither cold nor hot I... What we call salvation Austin, Texas, congregation of the cities in the Greek and Roman world located. He would spit them out of My mouth need to look at is what it to! For medicinal purposes off temptation and allows us to purchase this medicine gold. ; you are neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of His mouth if they not... Whereas translations give us meaning of the church of God, a Worldwide Association and then English. Room you sit in the times of late antiquity, it is to! Fruit of godly repentance is unmistakable: earnestness ( zeal ) to do is!