The mention of Balaam referred to being spiritually unchaste, married to the world (sound like the translation of the city's name?), selling their spiritual gifts for profit and sacrificing eternal riches for temporal gain. Sounds a lot like our world today.
Look at Revelation 2:14-16. and notice what the complaint is! obviously spiritual fornication is the indictment but look at what else is often overlooked.
First notice the commendation he gives them in verse 13.
"I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth".
Now notice the rebuke.
But I have a few things against thee, (BECAUSE THOUHAST THERE "THEM" THAT HOLD THE DOCTRINE OF BALAAM,) who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
(SO HAST THOU ALSO "THEM" THAT HOLD THE DOCTRINE OF THE NICOLAITANS,) which thing I hate.
Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
The Lord is not accusing all of them for fornication, but he is condemning them for suffering it or allowing it.
You see the same thing in the Letter to Thyatira. It come across clearer.
Revelation 2:18-29.
And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee,.. (BECAUSE THOU SUFFEREST THAT WOMAN JEZEBEL).., which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Leviticus 21:13 makes it clear about the penalties for such behaviors in O.T. times. Deuteronomy 23:17 and other verses such as 1 Kings 14:24 show the cult practices involved either prostitutes or sodomites involved in worshipping of demonic gods and the associated rituals.
It has been said that such practices were also done with children and/or slaves in ancient Rome. It has also been stated that the verses about "like the time of Lot" may have referred to same sex marriages at the time.
The intentions of the heart are addressed in scriptures with sins such as adultery and violence (or thoughts of murder) against a brother. It is the mind where all sins begin. God's design is not just a physical one but spiritual as well; making two come together as one is only possible with a man and a woman; and is only approved by God by the covenant made in a marriage vow. Without such things; one becomes one flesh with someone but without the Lord having established the union; basically Satan has become the one in charge.
The whole cultural and lifestyle part of living in relationships not heterosexual is something apparently that was missing with such deviancy in ancient times. It was a sick cultural caste system sort of mentality where someone was the perpetrator and another a victim (that is the best I can put it here).
One of the most encouraging things to go is to see (especially on You Tube) the MANY testimonies of those who used to live that kind of lifestyle who have come to Christ. Becket Cook is one such example; who has interviewed others; including Rosanna Butterfield who was patiently discipled by a former Pastor of mine (Ken Smith) over 2 years time who is now married with 4 kids. There is much more to her story besides her past lifestyle-I highly recommend that you read her book "an unlikely convert" (can't recall the full title). God can and will give a close bond of friendship that is Agape love that is in no way sensual like others.
I HATE racism and prejudice of any kind. So, it saddens me to read it on this site. But Jesus died for this person, too. We all have our faults and faulty thinking. This person has faulty thinking that is not grounded in historical facts. But we can pray for him.
As to reaching lukewarm Christians, certainly our example of commitment to the Lord and our sincere love for Him may draw some into a deeper walk with Him. Engaging such in bible study can be fruitful with any believer, but with lukewarm ones, being in a very focused group in the Word may give opportunity for the Holy Spirit to move them past their middle of the road-don't upset the apple cart approach to their faith.
As far as leadership in churches, we should certainly pray regularly for them.
But in the end, it is the Lord who will set them straight because He loves them and will finish the work begun in each believer.
Have a good night, Steven. We'll meet again on here tomorrow.
We know spirit of the world is prideful and causes partiality obviously racially and also economically. "That is the world" A carnal or false Christian will hide this in their heart also. When we see a Christian slip into this, we should talk to him in a way scripture tells us to.
When we see the world do what it has been doing since the world began and will continue until Christ return, we shouldn't act surprised and use the opportunity to open scripture.
"Pergamos". Pergamum ("married") - from the Greek word pergamos, which is a combination of two Greek words: pergos and gamos. These words combine to mean either "citadel" or "united by marriage.
You will find the world has influenced Church because they joined it.
I have visited 3 different types of churches. A predominantly white church. A predominantly black church and a mixed church. I have seen the same level of partiality in all 3 Churches from a leadership position. This obviously can stunt the spiritual growth of a church.
What is sad is that don't necessarily define the lukewarm group.
That represents the Cold members, probably the false Christian. However, this group can probably be reached easier than the next group.
This is the group that don't say anything because they like the numbers, position, praise or just don't have that fight in them or don't care. these numbers, praises, and comfort cause them to say I'm in need of nothing. Therefore, this group love their Lukewarm comfortable position.
How do we witness to a world that doesn't fill they need to change, Afterall what can we tell them if we look and sound the way they do? They look for a president, ruler or Government to change the world.
We're looking for Revelation 21:1-4.
Some hold the view the millennium kingdom has already started and it up the church to prepare the way before Christ returns.
That is not a view I hold but we are not getting into that here.
Here I'm skipping alone to C H Spurgeons closing statements.
"This is my closing word, there is something for us to do in this matter. We must examine ourselves, and we must confess the fault if we have declined in grace. And then we must not talk about setting the church right, we must pray for grace each one for himself, for the text does not say, "If the church will open the door," but "If any man hear my voice and open the door." It must be done by individuals: the church will only get right by each man getting right. Oh, that we might get back into an earnest zeal for our Lord's love and service, and we shall only do so by listening to his rebukes, and then falling into his arms, clasping him once again, and saying, "My Lord and my God." That healed Thomas, did it not? Putting his fingers into the print of the nails, putting his hand into the side, that cured him. Poor, unbelieving, staggering Thomas only had to do that, and he became one of the strongest of believers, and said, "My Lord and my God." You will love your Lord till your soul is as coals of juniper if you will daily commune with him. Come close to him, and once getting close to him, never go away from him anymore. The Lord bless you, dear brethren, the Lord bless you in this thing."
I believe as brothers in Christ and to be likeminded and of one accord when we come together, and one is teaching or preaching amongst an audience, The person speaking is representing all of us in the eyes of the audience.
We shouldn't be stuck in the middle or silent if this person is in line with scripture or not.
Offer them help! They should want it and if not it's not their place to hold back truth.
In this you can't be partially picking and choosing what should be addressed or who needs to be addressed.
This is an area where we are fundamentalist in doctrine, but liberal in our walk and this is where lukewarmness is displayed without wealth playing a role.
It looks like it is a message from God to you (it also applies to all of us).
The dragon is obviously the devil.
The sword in your hands is the Word of God (see God's armour in Ephesians 6:13-17).
We fight devil not by using human arms, but with God's arms given to us. The fight is strong. Satan doesn't go away/fall down with the first blow. Jesus faced satan in the dessert in the begining of His ministry. That can be seen as a fight of Jesus against the devil. Jesus always faced his attacks only by using the Word of God, nothing else. Satan didn't quit after Jesus answered him the first time, he kept attacking Him even by using himself the Word of God and misinterpreting it. But Jesus was always fighting back using the Word of God. Finally satan left, he lost that fight. But he will come back sometime later on. And again, and again ..., such fights will keep going on until we finally reach the end of our christian course. Notice that satan came to Jesus when He felt hungry. He always comes to us when he sees that we are somehow volnurable, in some sort of need. He always tries to discourage us and make us go back to our old sinful lifes. So keep your faith (which is your shield against his attacks) and fight using the written Word of God. This means that in every challenge/trial/difficulty/temptation in your life do what God advices us to do in His Word, this is the only way to withstand satan's attacks and win.
What you should do then? Keep reading the Word of God (the Bible) to know how to act in every situation in your life and be always in prayers so that God gives you strength to withstand and fight back. ( Matthew 26:41 "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak"). Also in every matter in your life, do what David was always doing. He was asking God to guide him and tell him what to do. Nothing has changed since that time.
The New Testament lists miracles of Christ which can be close enough to likely be the same event which may have varying details revealed in one version; or a different event based on supporting evidence. That would relate to the turning of the moneychangers tables. It appears in John 2:14 and Matthew 21:12-13. The time frame clearly show that it straddled pretty much the whole ministry of Christ (was several years apart). The case in Mark would likely be right before the crucifixion as the text indicates; although for some reason some seem to think He did this 3 times.
Another time frame issue comes from the verses on the signs given to the early church on healing and tongues that apparently were widespread events at that time. No one can doubt that the scriptures prophesied such things as for instance Isaiah 53 makes clear. The controversy is what is applicable today. It is important to understand that since no one since the time of the Resurrection has escaped physical death than there is a specific application to the dispensation (or time frame) that we are in prophetically. What we can claim as promises need to be looked at with the light of scripture; for even with the case of Paul; Satan gave him a thorn in the flesh and Phillippians 2:27 where Ephaphroditus nearly died and was "sick to death". We can certainly apply a total healing to eventually involve the mind; body and soul or spirit of an individual and also say that He can expidite certain miraculous events when He chooses. We can look to verses on material blessings as well and legitimately claim certain promises; but of course as James warns us if we do it to consume upon our own lusts or are doubleminded we shouldn't expect results.
Finally; it is important to make sure we are correctly interpreting a a verse as well as connecting it with an appropriate cross reference; and good teaching stills help along with growing in wisdom/truth.
Good Afternoon Richard. I agree with what you said concerning the Dominionist and preterist viewpoints.
Although I think that Jesus was speaking of the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 specifically, I do think that He was also speaking of what will come in the end of times. So, He was giving a double prophecy, as far as I can tell.
As far as dominionistic views, I don't think we can ever "prepare the world for Christ's return by taking back dominion of the earth from Satan" (as some hold to). But I do think that we should be on guard against Satan and his works, using offense and defensive measures to sand against Him and the wickedness he brings to mankind and individuals.
That being said, I agree that we should interpret and apply Scriptures in context and according to the genre of writing that a statement is contained within, not just for prophecy, but for all matters of doctrine and faith.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on this. They are helpful and appreciated.
The application of scripture is also in regard to say various ordinances in the O.T. case specific for the nation of Israel at that time; and that in regard to the ceremonial cleanness and rules and regulations for animal sacrifices which were only a temporary fix for the sin issue which ultimately pointed to the cross at Calvary. The 10 commandments on the other hand have universal applications with the exception of the day of worship which I feel Matthew 12:8 covers. The concept of marriage; for instance is fairly universal and hence as we see with the case of John the Baptist confronting Herod ( Luke 3:19) or God causing plagues on the ruler of Egypt ( Genesis 12:17) we see that even pagans were held to a certain standard of the law. We may see this also in the case of Judges 1:7 where even a pagan realized that what was done to others now was being done to him. This takes some wisdom as well; as we are supposed to if at all possible to remain peaceable upon all men and to respect authority. (see Romans 12:18).
We should certainly take things literally that are repeated in scripture such as verses in Deuteronomy on the giants; since other scriptures elaborate on the subject (such as 1 Samuel 17). Same concept for the demons mentioned in Revelation; for example. This has an eschatological ramification as well; for scripture makes it clear that there is nothing new under the sun. ( Ecclesiastes 1:9). We can make all sorts of inferences when we see the descriptions in scripture of those who are said to be affected by demons (i.e. psychological analysis) but we shouldn't do violence to clear meanings because of a myopic viewpoint (as I stated before).
Another possible error is if a more recent archaeological site makes a previous interpretation archaic as to the time frame when or where a certain event or place with the same or similar name occurred.
The danger of Dominionists is that they think that they can rule and reign on the earth; making the world "ready" for Christ's appearance by somehow taking over a world that God Himself has allowed Satan to usurp to ultimately accomplish His purposes.
They enjoy taking verses such as Joel 2:30-31 and verses in Revelation on a countless multitude chapter 7 verse 9 and think that despite verses to the contrary on many falling away from the faith in the last days that any "revival" must be from God. Satan Himself according to the book of Jude must be properly addressed; even Michael had to show deference to the Lord when he rebuked him ( Jude 1:9). The obvious conclusion to this situation is that we should never apply a meaning to a specific passage that clearly contradicts the rest of scripture as a whole. The same problem exists for Preterists who use verses that seem to clearly indicate the Transfiguration ( Matthew 17) and somehow seem to think it can be proven that Christ physically returned in AD 70. Doctrinally speaking as I have alluded to in my earlier statements; if we for instance dogmatically state that God is finished with the nation of Israel as a whole and attribute all passages as symbolic or a description of the church today we get ourselves into trouble.
There is also the proper application of cross references. Jesus; for example laid out two concepts (loving God and your neighbor) as the SUM of the law (see Matthew 22:36-40). However; the law itself was superceded as it were with grace. That meant more STRINGENT applications as were brought up with the subject of thoughts related to adultery and hatred also brought up by Christ. (see Matthew 5:17-30). The concept of covenants in scripture is equally valid; as I see it with dispensations as there are multiple covenants (some for Israel; and the only one for the church being the New Covenant). Even that won't be totally fulfilled until the Millennium.
I had a dream that i was fighting a dragon . All along as the lord was behind me guiding me as fought this dragon. The lord instructed me to kill the dragon. As i spoke the word of God to this dragon it angered. I kept my faith and spoke the scripture. The dragon finally fell down and died. As i turned to the lord to celebrate the victory. He spoke to me and said " Be not Deceived ,he is aliar"..... i turned around to look back at the dragon and it started to rise up . This time i felt what it represented , Death and drugs . As the dragon rose up it grew bigger and meaner . As i saw my self standing there this time .i had the long beautiful bright shining sword in my hands . and it had power you see the power of it glowing of it was beautiful long and sharp it took both of my hands just to hold it . The Lord looked at me and said Son cut of his head.. i did just that and it sliced thru it its neck like nothing before i had seen cut so sharp clean cut. To my surprise the dragon head did not fall off i turn around and the Lord spoke to me again and said now speak my word to the beast .and as i did and the more i spoke scripture it it started to slide down where the clean sharp sword had sliced threw it. Fire started to sphew out the dragons mouth as it angered more and more . Faith believing not given any doubt i contuied to speak the scripture until itts head finally fell off and the dragon was slayed......
My question is what does this mean and what am i supossed to do and what am i supposed to pray . any one know please pray for me and my walk with God!
I pray all is well and the biopsy shall come out benign as we prayed for that good result.
As we are truly born-again Christians, we always hold on to the gift of hope, faith and love given by our Comforter, the Holy Spirit.
Each time I pray especially for my son, I also tried not to forget to include your sons in that prayer. I empathize with you on your worries concerning them. Muslim faith is believing in one God, but they do not believe that we are saved by Jesus dying on the cross for us, so that is where the problem lies. The other son's problem is the depression: I believe that the problem of depression is not only chemically based, but it is spiritual as well. I myself have overcome the mild symptom of depression by boosting prayer time and enriching my relationship with Jesus, therapeutic exercises, and following some kind of Mediterranean diet. I think you only have to spend more time to talk to your son.
You can reply to me my friend, as I am excused from work today.
There's a lot of misconceptions here- I'm not sure if you actually believe this or if you're just trying to incite a reaction from people. When I read the Bible I don't see skin color mentioned as much as you mention it, so why do you assume that's so important? The Bible is against discriminating against people as it says in Galatians 3:28, but here you're discriminating against people. Blaming them for how God made them? If someone claims people with one pigment are superior to others with a different pigment, that's racism. That's not exactly following the verse to love your neighbor. The Jews were God's chosen people- chosen for a special purpose- but God doesn't show favoritism Romans 2:11. The punishment and reward for good and evil are the same for "everyone" as it says in v9 and 10. God bless.
Jesus told them the only sign would be as Jonah, 3 days and 3 nights, but He confirmed the brass serpent was a foreshadowing as in John 3:14 and when He told them "When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he", John 8:28. My understanding and something to consider is it points to Matthew 27:50-54 when Jesus cried out the last time is when all these things happened.
The veil of the temple was rent, and the earthquake, and the rocks rent, and the graves were opened, and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. The Greek word egersis, translated as resurrection here, is the only place in the NT it was used.
It means waking up, as from sleep, a rousing or rising up from passing out that I am sure Jesus did several times, but this last time when He cried out just before He died, all these things happened to show they have just killed the Messiah, the Son of God as verse 54 confirms all this happened when Jesus revived and cried out.
Death could not hold Jesus because He was without sin, Acts 2:24 and when God resurrected Jesus Jesus was victorious over death and is the Firstfruits of those that slept. We were slaves/servants of sin, in captivity, Jesus broke the bounds and led the captivity of sin, Rom. 6:6, and took us captive to Himself, Eph 4:8. He freed us from that enslavement or captivity to sin and when we are resurrected, we can say 1 Cor. 15:52-57.
In John 3:13, John wrote this after Jesus ascended, we see that for what John said Jesus was in heaven when John wrote this. Also, we see what Paul wrote, David has not ascended to heaven, Acts 2:29, 34, you would think if Jesus took people to heaven, He would have taken David.
One general rule that I believe needs to be practiced is to take any scripture as literally and specifically as possible unless otherwise indicated (such as overt symbolism which is usually defined within the passage as such and the meaning intended).
John 7:38 about "rivers of living water" would be such an example. Ezekiel 47; however gives no indication of the need to make the "fresh water" and the very literal descriptions within the text as being anything but an actual event. In other words; it SHOULDN'T be a cross reference to the John 7:38 verse. We can see even currently fresh water that comes from underground sources that is infiltrating into the Dead Sea; just as we can see the desert starting to bloom as described in Isaiah 35:1. If that verse is taken literally the other should be as well.
There are other things such as 1 Peter 2:9 (cross referenced with Deut. 14:2) that are describing in context the church in the same light as God was delineating His chosen people within the nation of Israel. In both cases there is a REMNANT who are truly called and chosen. Romans 10 describes how we are grafted in and there is no longer any distinction between Jew and Gentile; however the very next chapter shows how eventually the veil is lifted and the blindness of the Jews will change ( Romans 11:25). Isaiah shows how eventually the Gentiles will be blessed; and Zechariah shows how the nation will have to be broken enough to finally recognize their Messiah. The problem in all the cases I've mentioned so far is not the validity of a parallel passage existing but the application of it.
There certainly are cases where things are referred to as cross references when they are really not. Daniel 12:4 is not really tied into any other specific scripture; but in this case the application can be exaggerated especially when other verses that sound similar are referring to another historic event. Nahum 3 is case in point.
When referring to passages that are cross referenced; there are the obvious ones such as events described in more than one Gospel; for example. The presence of such is often a nearly identical passage; but the viewpoint of the author tied in with the particular message the Spirit of God is conveying will often either bypass a point or add something to the context. Such would be the case; for instance with the subject of divorce which is in Luke and Mark (where remarriage is ALWAYS considered adultery); and in Matthew where two passages allow for the so called "escape" clause based on what is translated "fornication". Further insights on that subject are something to be covered elsewhere; although in this case I would point out that this is the only Gospel (Matthew) that discusses Joseph's desire to "divorce" his wife (who was in fact a woman espoused to him but nonetheless according to the culture had the same legal constraints as one who actually had consummated the marriage).
Sometimes something seems to pop up in unexpected places in the O.T.; Hosea 13:14 is a good example. Within that text there is talk of destruction for the Edomites and Israel's judgments in particular then this suddenly crops up in the middle of that discussion. That book itself is a very interesting tale as to God's demands of Hosea; and what may seem on the surface to God going through conflicting emotions. There are of course many prophetic texts such as what I have gone over recently about Christ found in the Psalms; many verses of which were quoted by Christ Himself read part of Isaiah 61 but stopped short of the prophetic implications in the text for the return of Christ (see Luke 4:16-17).
There are certain things which are more general than others; most prophecy does have multiple applications. This may tie into the personal applications for a Prophet and a future Messianic one. Part 2 to come...
Many a church has fallen into a condition of indifference, and when it does so it generally becomes the haunt of worldly professors, a refuge for people who want an easy religion, which enables them to enjoy the pleasures of sin and the honours of piety at the same time; where things are free and easy, where you are not expected to do much, or give much, or pray much, or to be very religious; where the minister is not so precise as the old school divines; a more liberal people, of broad views, free-thinking and free-acting, where there is full tolerance for sin, and no demand for vital godliness. Such churches applaud cleverness in a preacher; as for his doctrine, that is of small consequence, and his love to Christ and zeal for souls are very secondary. He is a clever fellow, and can speak well, and that suffices. This style of thing is all too common, yet we are expected to hold our tongue, for the people are very respectable. The Lord grant that we may be kept clear of such respectability!
We have already said that this condition of indifference is attended with perfect self-complacency. The people who ought to be mourning are rejoicing, and where they should hang out signals of distress they are flaunting the banners of triumph.
Once more, this church of Laodicea had fallen into a condition which had chased away its Lord. The text tells us that Jesus said, "I stand at the door and knock." That is not the position which our Lord occupies in reference to a truly flourishing church.
You will only be a drag upon a man's zeal and earnestness. Five thousand members of a church all lukewarm will be five thousand impediments, but a dozen earnest, passionate spirits, determined that Christ shall be glorified and souls won, must be more than conquerors; in their very weakness and fewness will reside capacities for being the more largely blessed of God. Better nothing than lukewarmness.
Alas, this state of lukewarmness is so congenial with human nature that it is hard to fetch men from it. Cold makes us shiver, and great heat causes us pain, but a tepid bath is comfort itself. Such a temperature suits human nature. The world is always at peace with a lukewarm church, and such a church is always pleased with itself. Not too worldly,- no! We have our limits! There are certain amusements which of course a Christian must give up, but we will go quite up to the line, for why are we to be miserable? We are not to be so greedy as to be called miserly, but we will give as little as we can to the cause. We will not be altogether absent from the house of God, but we will go as seldom as we can. We will not altogether forsake the poor people to whom we belong, but we will also go to the world's church, so as to get admission into better society, and find fashionable friends for our children.
How much of this there is abroad! Compromise is the order of the day. Thousands try to hold with the hare and run with the hounds, they are for God and Mammon, Christ and Belial, truth and error, and so are "neither hot nor cold." Do I speak somewhat strongly? Not so strongly as my Master, for he says, "I will spue thee out of my mouth." He is nauseated with such conduct, it sickens him, and he will not endure it. In an earnest, honest, fervent heart nausea is created when we fall in with men who dare not give up their profession, and yet will not live up to it; who cannot altogether forsake the work of God.
In this state of the church there is much self-glorification, for Laodicea said, "I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing." The members say, "Everything goes on well, what more do we want? All is right with us." This makes such a condition very hopeless, because reproofs and rebukes fall without power, where the party rebuked can reply, "We do not deserve your censures, such warnings are not meant for us." If you stand up in the pulpit and talk to sleepy churches, as I pretty frequently do, and speak very plainly, they often have the honesty to say, "There is a good deal of truth in what the man has said:" but if I speak to another church, which really is half asleep, but which thinks itself to be quite a model of diligence, then the rebuke glides oft like oil down a slab of marble, and no result comes of it. Men are less likely to repent when they are in the middle passage between hot and cold, than if they were in the worst extremes of sin. If they were like Saul of Tarsus, enemies of God, they might be converted; but if, like Gamaliel, they are neither opposed nor favouring, they will probably remain as they are till they die. The gospel converts a sincerely superstitious Luther, but Erasmus, with his pliant spirit, flippant, and full of levity, remains unmoved. THERE IS MORE HOPE OF WARNING THE COLD THAN THE LUKEWARM. When churches get into the condition of half-hearted faith, tolerating the gospel, but having a sweet tooth for error, they do far more mischief to their age than downright heretics.
It is harder a great deal to work for Jesus with a church which is lukewarm than it would be to begin without a church. Give me a dozen earnest spirits and put me down anywhere in London, and by God's good help we will soon cause the wilderness and the solitary place to rejoice; but give me the whole lot of you, half-hearted, undecided, and unconcerned, what can I do?
It makes one's flesh creep to see how sluggishly they move: I long for a knife to cut their red tape to pieces, and for a whip to lay about their shoulders to make them bestir themselves. Things are respectably done, the rich families are not offended, the sceptical party is conciliated, and the good people are not quite alienated: things are made pleasant all round. The right things are done, but as to doing them with all your might, and soul, and strength, a Laodicean church has no notion of what that means. They are not so cold as to abandon their work, or to give up their meetings for prayer, or to reject the gospel; if they did so, then they could be convinced of their error and brought to repentance; but on the other hand they are neither hot for the truth, nor hot for conversions, nor hot for holiness, they are not fiery enough to burn the stubble of sin, nor zealous enough to make Satan angry, nor fervent enough to make a living sacrifice of themselves upon the altar of their God, They are "neither cold nor hot."
This is a horrible state, because it is one which in a church wearing a good repute renders that reputation a lie. When other churches are saying, "See how they prosper! see what they do for God!" Jesus sees that the church is doing his work in a slovenly, make-believe manner, and he considers justly that it is deceiving its friends. If the world recognises such a people as being very distinctly an oldfashioned puritanic church, and yet there is unholy living among them, and careless walking, and a deficiency of real piety, prayer, liberality, and zeal, then the world itself is being deceived, and that too in the worst way, because it is led to judge falsely concerning Christianity, for it lays all these faults upon the back of religion, and cries out, "It is all a farce! The thing is a mere pretence! Christians are all hypocrites!" I fear there are churches of this sort. God grant we may not be numbered with them!
The condition described in our text is, secondly, one of mournful indifference and carelessness. They were not cold, but they were not hot; they were not infidels, yet they were not earnest believers; they did not oppose the gospel, neither did they defend it; they were not working mischief, neither were they doing any great good; they were not disreputable in moral character, but they were not distinguished for holiness; they were not irreligious, but they were not enthusiastic in piety nor eminent for zeal: they were what the world calls "Moderates," they were of the Broad-church school, they were neither bigots nor Puritans, they were prudent and avoided fanaticism, respectable and averse to excitement. Good things were maintained among them, but they did not make too much of them; they had prayer-meetings, but there were few present, for they liked quiet evenings at home: when more attended the meetings they were still very dull, for they did their praying very deliberately and were afraid of being too excited. They were content to have all things done decently and in order, but vigour and zeal they considered to be vulgar. Such churches have schools, Bible-classes, preaching rooms, and all sorts of agencies; but they might as well be without them, for no energy is displayed and no good comes of them. They have ministers who may be the angels of the churches, but if so they have their wings closely clipped, for they do not fly very far in preaching the everlasting gospel, and they certainly are not flames of fire: they may be shining lights of eloquence, but they certainly are not burning lights of grace, setting men's hearts on fire. In such communities everything is done in a half-hearted, listless, dead-and-alive way, as if it did not matter much whether it was done or not.
Verses 21-32 speaks to the adjustments that are made to those too poor to bring all of the animals or even the kinds of animals for the sacrifices. The animal sacrifices are still necessary, and the rest of the rites remain the same for the poor as well as those who are not poor But allowances are made for only one lamb instead of three and different types of birds rather than just one type. God saves all who come to Him to be forgiven. He is merciful to rich and poor and in between."
Verses 33-57 details the way to deal with a home that shows signs of "leprosy" (most likely an overgrowth of mold, mildew, or fungi). There is a three step process to this problem, if needed. If after the first inspection by the priest, "leprosy" is visibly seen on the walls, then the home is shut up for 7 days. Upon reinspection, if no "leprosy" is seen, the home is clean and can be lived in. If there is still signs of "leprosy" then the wall that it is on must be scraped, torn apart and the stones taken out. Then this wall is replaced with new stones and mortar. After another 7 days, if no signs of "leprosy" is seen on the walls, then the house in clean and can be lived in. If the "leprosy" is still there and has spread, then the whole house is to be torn down and the materials taken out of the camp for disposal. Anyone who came in contact with the home needs to clean their clothes and bathe, and then be considered ceremonially clean that evening.
After the home is declared clean (perhaps even rebuilt) the priest will take two birds, cedar, hyssop, and red wool, an earthen vessel, and clean water. There at the home, the priest will perform the offering as he would do for a former leper (described in the middle of this chapter.
An, so is summed up the law concerning skin leprosy (various diseases) and clothing and dwellings that show leprosy (mold, mildew, fungus).
It is interesting that sin, trespass and burnt offerings are made for these conditions.
Since the one being declared clean cannot yet enter the sanctuary, he must present himself to God at the door of the tabernacle.. It is there that he will lay his hand on the lambs before they are slaughtered, but the priest does the slaughtering in his place, since he is not yet ceremonially clean to do so. Before the lamb is killed, the priest presents it as a wave offering for a trespass offering with oil. Then the priest will kill the lamb, some of the blood will be collected in a bowl to be thrown against the north side of the altar, and a small portion will be collected in the priest's hand. The priest then uses this blood in his hand to anoint the former leper in the same way he was anointed to the priesthood, using his thumb to place blood on the former lepers right ear, right thumb, and right toe. Then the priest will dip his hand in the oil and sprinkle it on the man 7 times then anoint the man's ear, thumb, and to with the oil. The rest of the oil will be poured onto the former leper's head. having done this the priest has made atonement for the former leper before the LORD.
Jesus is our High Priest who cleanses us from all sin by His sacrificial death, He made atonement for us with His won blood and sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in believers as an ongoing Sanctifier.
After this, the priest shall offer another lamb for the sin offering in the same way as the trespass offering and follow that with the burnt offering with the flour and oil (meat) offering. Upon completion of these three sacrifices the former leper is determined to be ceremonially cleansed and fully atoned for. This triple offering, one right after the other reminds us of all the ways we are to be cleansed from the uncleanness of sin and all of the ways Jesus represented us, expiated our sins, and propitiated the wrath of the Father to take away our sins, cleans us from the putridness of sin, and restore us to wholeness.
Part 2.
Letters to Pergamos and Thyatira.
The mention of Balaam referred to being spiritually unchaste, married to the world (sound like the translation of the city's name?), selling their spiritual gifts for profit and sacrificing eternal riches for temporal gain. Sounds a lot like our world today.
Look at Revelation 2:14-16. and notice what the complaint is! obviously spiritual fornication is the indictment but look at what else is often overlooked.
First notice the commendation he gives them in verse 13.
"I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth".
Now notice the rebuke.
But I have a few things against thee, (BECAUSE THOUHAST THERE "THEM" THAT HOLD THE DOCTRINE OF BALAAM,) who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
(SO HAST THOU ALSO "THEM" THAT HOLD THE DOCTRINE OF THE NICOLAITANS,) which thing I hate.
Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
The Lord is not accusing all of them for fornication, but he is condemning them for suffering it or allowing it.
You see the same thing in the Letter to Thyatira. It come across clearer.
Revelation 2:18-29.
And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee,.. (BECAUSE THOU SUFFEREST THAT WOMAN JEZEBEL).., which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
See Part 3.
It has been said that such practices were also done with children and/or slaves in ancient Rome. It has also been stated that the verses about "like the time of Lot" may have referred to same sex marriages at the time.
The intentions of the heart are addressed in scriptures with sins such as adultery and violence (or thoughts of murder) against a brother. It is the mind where all sins begin. God's design is not just a physical one but spiritual as well; making two come together as one is only possible with a man and a woman; and is only approved by God by the covenant made in a marriage vow. Without such things; one becomes one flesh with someone but without the Lord having established the union; basically Satan has become the one in charge.
The whole cultural and lifestyle part of living in relationships not heterosexual is something apparently that was missing with such deviancy in ancient times. It was a sick cultural caste system sort of mentality where someone was the perpetrator and another a victim (that is the best I can put it here).
One of the most encouraging things to go is to see (especially on You Tube) the MANY testimonies of those who used to live that kind of lifestyle who have come to Christ. Becket Cook is one such example; who has interviewed others; including Rosanna Butterfield who was patiently discipled by a former Pastor of mine (Ken Smith) over 2 years time who is now married with 4 kids. There is much more to her story besides her past lifestyle-I highly recommend that you read her book "an unlikely convert" (can't recall the full title). God can and will give a close bond of friendship that is Agape love that is in no way sensual like others.
I HATE racism and prejudice of any kind. So, it saddens me to read it on this site. But Jesus died for this person, too. We all have our faults and faulty thinking. This person has faulty thinking that is not grounded in historical facts. But we can pray for him.
As to reaching lukewarm Christians, certainly our example of commitment to the Lord and our sincere love for Him may draw some into a deeper walk with Him. Engaging such in bible study can be fruitful with any believer, but with lukewarm ones, being in a very focused group in the Word may give opportunity for the Holy Spirit to move them past their middle of the road-don't upset the apple cart approach to their faith.
As far as leadership in churches, we should certainly pray regularly for them.
But in the end, it is the Lord who will set them straight because He loves them and will finish the work begun in each believer.
Have a good night, Steven. We'll meet again on here tomorrow.
Part 1.
We know spirit of the world is prideful and causes partiality obviously racially and also economically. "That is the world" A carnal or false Christian will hide this in their heart also. When we see a Christian slip into this, we should talk to him in a way scripture tells us to.
When we see the world do what it has been doing since the world began and will continue until Christ return, we shouldn't act surprised and use the opportunity to open scripture.
"Pergamos". Pergamum ("married") - from the Greek word pergamos, which is a combination of two Greek words: pergos and gamos. These words combine to mean either "citadel" or "united by marriage.
You will find the world has influenced Church because they joined it.
I have visited 3 different types of churches. A predominantly white church. A predominantly black church and a mixed church. I have seen the same level of partiality in all 3 Churches from a leadership position. This obviously can stunt the spiritual growth of a church.
What is sad is that don't necessarily define the lukewarm group.
That represents the Cold members, probably the false Christian. However, this group can probably be reached easier than the next group.
This is the group that don't say anything because they like the numbers, position, praise or just don't have that fight in them or don't care. these numbers, praises, and comfort cause them to say I'm in need of nothing. Therefore, this group love their Lukewarm comfortable position.
How do we witness to a world that doesn't fill they need to change, Afterall what can we tell them if we look and sound the way they do? They look for a president, ruler or Government to change the world.
We're looking for Revelation 21:1-4.
Some hold the view the millennium kingdom has already started and it up the church to prepare the way before Christ returns.
That is not a view I hold but we are not getting into that here.
any help or comments welcomed
see Part 2
God bless you.
LUKEWARMNESS.
Here I'm skipping alone to C H Spurgeons closing statements.
"This is my closing word, there is something for us to do in this matter. We must examine ourselves, and we must confess the fault if we have declined in grace. And then we must not talk about setting the church right, we must pray for grace each one for himself, for the text does not say, "If the church will open the door," but "If any man hear my voice and open the door." It must be done by individuals: the church will only get right by each man getting right. Oh, that we might get back into an earnest zeal for our Lord's love and service, and we shall only do so by listening to his rebukes, and then falling into his arms, clasping him once again, and saying, "My Lord and my God." That healed Thomas, did it not? Putting his fingers into the print of the nails, putting his hand into the side, that cured him. Poor, unbelieving, staggering Thomas only had to do that, and he became one of the strongest of believers, and said, "My Lord and my God." You will love your Lord till your soul is as coals of juniper if you will daily commune with him. Come close to him, and once getting close to him, never go away from him anymore. The Lord bless you, dear brethren, the Lord bless you in this thing."
I believe as brothers in Christ and to be likeminded and of one accord when we come together, and one is teaching or preaching amongst an audience, The person speaking is representing all of us in the eyes of the audience.
We shouldn't be stuck in the middle or silent if this person is in line with scripture or not.
Offer them help! They should want it and if not it's not their place to hold back truth.
In this you can't be partially picking and choosing what should be addressed or who needs to be addressed.
This is an area where we are fundamentalist in doctrine, but liberal in our walk and this is where lukewarmness is displayed without wealth playing a role.
Pergamos next-
My opinion about your dream and what it means.
It looks like it is a message from God to you (it also applies to all of us).
The dragon is obviously the devil.
The sword in your hands is the Word of God (see God's armour in Ephesians 6:13-17).
We fight devil not by using human arms, but with God's arms given to us. The fight is strong. Satan doesn't go away/fall down with the first blow. Jesus faced satan in the dessert in the begining of His ministry. That can be seen as a fight of Jesus against the devil. Jesus always faced his attacks only by using the Word of God, nothing else. Satan didn't quit after Jesus answered him the first time, he kept attacking Him even by using himself the Word of God and misinterpreting it. But Jesus was always fighting back using the Word of God. Finally satan left, he lost that fight. But he will come back sometime later on. And again, and again ..., such fights will keep going on until we finally reach the end of our christian course. Notice that satan came to Jesus when He felt hungry. He always comes to us when he sees that we are somehow volnurable, in some sort of need. He always tries to discourage us and make us go back to our old sinful lifes. So keep your faith (which is your shield against his attacks) and fight using the written Word of God. This means that in every challenge/trial/difficulty/temptation in your life do what God advices us to do in His Word, this is the only way to withstand satan's attacks and win.
What you should do then? Keep reading the Word of God (the Bible) to know how to act in every situation in your life and be always in prayers so that God gives you strength to withstand and fight back. ( Matthew 26:41 "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak"). Also in every matter in your life, do what David was always doing. He was asking God to guide him and tell him what to do. Nothing has changed since that time.
GBU
Thank you for a helpful group of postings today. Much appreciated.
The New Testament lists miracles of Christ which can be close enough to likely be the same event which may have varying details revealed in one version; or a different event based on supporting evidence. That would relate to the turning of the moneychangers tables. It appears in John 2:14 and Matthew 21:12-13. The time frame clearly show that it straddled pretty much the whole ministry of Christ (was several years apart). The case in Mark would likely be right before the crucifixion as the text indicates; although for some reason some seem to think He did this 3 times.
Another time frame issue comes from the verses on the signs given to the early church on healing and tongues that apparently were widespread events at that time. No one can doubt that the scriptures prophesied such things as for instance Isaiah 53 makes clear. The controversy is what is applicable today. It is important to understand that since no one since the time of the Resurrection has escaped physical death than there is a specific application to the dispensation (or time frame) that we are in prophetically. What we can claim as promises need to be looked at with the light of scripture; for even with the case of Paul; Satan gave him a thorn in the flesh and Phillippians 2:27 where Ephaphroditus nearly died and was "sick to death". We can certainly apply a total healing to eventually involve the mind; body and soul or spirit of an individual and also say that He can expidite certain miraculous events when He chooses. We can look to verses on material blessings as well and legitimately claim certain promises; but of course as James warns us if we do it to consume upon our own lusts or are doubleminded we shouldn't expect results.
Finally; it is important to make sure we are correctly interpreting a a verse as well as connecting it with an appropriate cross reference; and good teaching stills help along with growing in wisdom/truth.
Although I think that Jesus was speaking of the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 specifically, I do think that He was also speaking of what will come in the end of times. So, He was giving a double prophecy, as far as I can tell.
As far as dominionistic views, I don't think we can ever "prepare the world for Christ's return by taking back dominion of the earth from Satan" (as some hold to). But I do think that we should be on guard against Satan and his works, using offense and defensive measures to sand against Him and the wickedness he brings to mankind and individuals.
That being said, I agree that we should interpret and apply Scriptures in context and according to the genre of writing that a statement is contained within, not just for prophecy, but for all matters of doctrine and faith.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on this. They are helpful and appreciated.
The application of scripture is also in regard to say various ordinances in the O.T. case specific for the nation of Israel at that time; and that in regard to the ceremonial cleanness and rules and regulations for animal sacrifices which were only a temporary fix for the sin issue which ultimately pointed to the cross at Calvary. The 10 commandments on the other hand have universal applications with the exception of the day of worship which I feel Matthew 12:8 covers. The concept of marriage; for instance is fairly universal and hence as we see with the case of John the Baptist confronting Herod ( Luke 3:19) or God causing plagues on the ruler of Egypt ( Genesis 12:17) we see that even pagans were held to a certain standard of the law. We may see this also in the case of Judges 1:7 where even a pagan realized that what was done to others now was being done to him. This takes some wisdom as well; as we are supposed to if at all possible to remain peaceable upon all men and to respect authority. (see Romans 12:18).
We should certainly take things literally that are repeated in scripture such as verses in Deuteronomy on the giants; since other scriptures elaborate on the subject (such as 1 Samuel 17). Same concept for the demons mentioned in Revelation; for example. This has an eschatological ramification as well; for scripture makes it clear that there is nothing new under the sun. ( Ecclesiastes 1:9). We can make all sorts of inferences when we see the descriptions in scripture of those who are said to be affected by demons (i.e. psychological analysis) but we shouldn't do violence to clear meanings because of a myopic viewpoint (as I stated before).
Another possible error is if a more recent archaeological site makes a previous interpretation archaic as to the time frame when or where a certain event or place with the same or similar name occurred.
The danger of Dominionists is that they think that they can rule and reign on the earth; making the world "ready" for Christ's appearance by somehow taking over a world that God Himself has allowed Satan to usurp to ultimately accomplish His purposes.
They enjoy taking verses such as Joel 2:30-31 and verses in Revelation on a countless multitude chapter 7 verse 9 and think that despite verses to the contrary on many falling away from the faith in the last days that any "revival" must be from God. Satan Himself according to the book of Jude must be properly addressed; even Michael had to show deference to the Lord when he rebuked him ( Jude 1:9). The obvious conclusion to this situation is that we should never apply a meaning to a specific passage that clearly contradicts the rest of scripture as a whole. The same problem exists for Preterists who use verses that seem to clearly indicate the Transfiguration ( Matthew 17) and somehow seem to think it can be proven that Christ physically returned in AD 70. Doctrinally speaking as I have alluded to in my earlier statements; if we for instance dogmatically state that God is finished with the nation of Israel as a whole and attribute all passages as symbolic or a description of the church today we get ourselves into trouble.
There is also the proper application of cross references. Jesus; for example laid out two concepts (loving God and your neighbor) as the SUM of the law (see Matthew 22:36-40). However; the law itself was superceded as it were with grace. That meant more STRINGENT applications as were brought up with the subject of thoughts related to adultery and hatred also brought up by Christ. (see Matthew 5:17-30). The concept of covenants in scripture is equally valid; as I see it with dispensations as there are multiple covenants (some for Israel; and the only one for the church being the New Covenant). Even that won't be totally fulfilled until the Millennium.
My question is what does this mean and what am i supossed to do and what am i supposed to pray . any one know please pray for me and my walk with God!
God is omnipotent and omnipresent
He loves us so much! ( John 3:16)
How are you doing today?
I pray all is well and the biopsy shall come out benign as we prayed for that good result.
As we are truly born-again Christians, we always hold on to the gift of hope, faith and love given by our Comforter, the Holy Spirit.
Each time I pray especially for my son, I also tried not to forget to include your sons in that prayer. I empathize with you on your worries concerning them. Muslim faith is believing in one God, but they do not believe that we are saved by Jesus dying on the cross for us, so that is where the problem lies. The other son's problem is the depression: I believe that the problem of depression is not only chemically based, but it is spiritual as well. I myself have overcome the mild symptom of depression by boosting prayer time and enriching my relationship with Jesus, therapeutic exercises, and following some kind of Mediterranean diet. I think you only have to spend more time to talk to your son.
You can reply to me my friend, as I am excused from work today.
Warm regards,
May
Jesus told them the only sign would be as Jonah, 3 days and 3 nights, but He confirmed the brass serpent was a foreshadowing as in John 3:14 and when He told them "When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he", John 8:28. My understanding and something to consider is it points to Matthew 27:50-54 when Jesus cried out the last time is when all these things happened.
The veil of the temple was rent, and the earthquake, and the rocks rent, and the graves were opened, and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. The Greek word egersis, translated as resurrection here, is the only place in the NT it was used.
It means waking up, as from sleep, a rousing or rising up from passing out that I am sure Jesus did several times, but this last time when He cried out just before He died, all these things happened to show they have just killed the Messiah, the Son of God as verse 54 confirms all this happened when Jesus revived and cried out.
Death could not hold Jesus because He was without sin, Acts 2:24 and when God resurrected Jesus Jesus was victorious over death and is the Firstfruits of those that slept. We were slaves/servants of sin, in captivity, Jesus broke the bounds and led the captivity of sin, Rom. 6:6, and took us captive to Himself, Eph 4:8. He freed us from that enslavement or captivity to sin and when we are resurrected, we can say 1 Cor. 15:52-57.
In John 3:13, John wrote this after Jesus ascended, we see that for what John said Jesus was in heaven when John wrote this. Also, we see what Paul wrote, David has not ascended to heaven, Acts 2:29, 34, you would think if Jesus took people to heaven, He would have taken David.
Just some thoughts.
God bless,
RLW
One general rule that I believe needs to be practiced is to take any scripture as literally and specifically as possible unless otherwise indicated (such as overt symbolism which is usually defined within the passage as such and the meaning intended).
John 7:38 about "rivers of living water" would be such an example. Ezekiel 47; however gives no indication of the need to make the "fresh water" and the very literal descriptions within the text as being anything but an actual event. In other words; it SHOULDN'T be a cross reference to the John 7:38 verse. We can see even currently fresh water that comes from underground sources that is infiltrating into the Dead Sea; just as we can see the desert starting to bloom as described in Isaiah 35:1. If that verse is taken literally the other should be as well.
There are other things such as 1 Peter 2:9 (cross referenced with Deut. 14:2) that are describing in context the church in the same light as God was delineating His chosen people within the nation of Israel. In both cases there is a REMNANT who are truly called and chosen. Romans 10 describes how we are grafted in and there is no longer any distinction between Jew and Gentile; however the very next chapter shows how eventually the veil is lifted and the blindness of the Jews will change ( Romans 11:25). Isaiah shows how eventually the Gentiles will be blessed; and Zechariah shows how the nation will have to be broken enough to finally recognize their Messiah. The problem in all the cases I've mentioned so far is not the validity of a parallel passage existing but the application of it.
There certainly are cases where things are referred to as cross references when they are really not. Daniel 12:4 is not really tied into any other specific scripture; but in this case the application can be exaggerated especially when other verses that sound similar are referring to another historic event. Nahum 3 is case in point.
When referring to passages that are cross referenced; there are the obvious ones such as events described in more than one Gospel; for example. The presence of such is often a nearly identical passage; but the viewpoint of the author tied in with the particular message the Spirit of God is conveying will often either bypass a point or add something to the context. Such would be the case; for instance with the subject of divorce which is in Luke and Mark (where remarriage is ALWAYS considered adultery); and in Matthew where two passages allow for the so called "escape" clause based on what is translated "fornication". Further insights on that subject are something to be covered elsewhere; although in this case I would point out that this is the only Gospel (Matthew) that discusses Joseph's desire to "divorce" his wife (who was in fact a woman espoused to him but nonetheless according to the culture had the same legal constraints as one who actually had consummated the marriage).
Sometimes something seems to pop up in unexpected places in the O.T.; Hosea 13:14 is a good example. Within that text there is talk of destruction for the Edomites and Israel's judgments in particular then this suddenly crops up in the middle of that discussion. That book itself is a very interesting tale as to God's demands of Hosea; and what may seem on the surface to God going through conflicting emotions. There are of course many prophetic texts such as what I have gone over recently about Christ found in the Psalms; many verses of which were quoted by Christ Himself read part of Isaiah 61 but stopped short of the prophetic implications in the text for the return of Christ (see Luke 4:16-17).
There are certain things which are more general than others; most prophecy does have multiple applications. This may tie into the personal applications for a Prophet and a future Messianic one. Part 2 to come...
Some have said they are attracted to the same sex but they don't act on it...Is that a sin?
Part 5.
Many a church has fallen into a condition of indifference, and when it does so it generally becomes the haunt of worldly professors, a refuge for people who want an easy religion, which enables them to enjoy the pleasures of sin and the honours of piety at the same time; where things are free and easy, where you are not expected to do much, or give much, or pray much, or to be very religious; where the minister is not so precise as the old school divines; a more liberal people, of broad views, free-thinking and free-acting, where there is full tolerance for sin, and no demand for vital godliness. Such churches applaud cleverness in a preacher; as for his doctrine, that is of small consequence, and his love to Christ and zeal for souls are very secondary. He is a clever fellow, and can speak well, and that suffices. This style of thing is all too common, yet we are expected to hold our tongue, for the people are very respectable. The Lord grant that we may be kept clear of such respectability!
We have already said that this condition of indifference is attended with perfect self-complacency. The people who ought to be mourning are rejoicing, and where they should hang out signals of distress they are flaunting the banners of triumph.
Once more, this church of Laodicea had fallen into a condition which had chased away its Lord. The text tells us that Jesus said, "I stand at the door and knock." That is not the position which our Lord occupies in reference to a truly flourishing church.
More later.
Part 4.
You will only be a drag upon a man's zeal and earnestness. Five thousand members of a church all lukewarm will be five thousand impediments, but a dozen earnest, passionate spirits, determined that Christ shall be glorified and souls won, must be more than conquerors; in their very weakness and fewness will reside capacities for being the more largely blessed of God. Better nothing than lukewarmness.
Alas, this state of lukewarmness is so congenial with human nature that it is hard to fetch men from it. Cold makes us shiver, and great heat causes us pain, but a tepid bath is comfort itself. Such a temperature suits human nature. The world is always at peace with a lukewarm church, and such a church is always pleased with itself. Not too worldly,- no! We have our limits! There are certain amusements which of course a Christian must give up, but we will go quite up to the line, for why are we to be miserable? We are not to be so greedy as to be called miserly, but we will give as little as we can to the cause. We will not be altogether absent from the house of God, but we will go as seldom as we can. We will not altogether forsake the poor people to whom we belong, but we will also go to the world's church, so as to get admission into better society, and find fashionable friends for our children.
How much of this there is abroad! Compromise is the order of the day. Thousands try to hold with the hare and run with the hounds, they are for God and Mammon, Christ and Belial, truth and error, and so are "neither hot nor cold." Do I speak somewhat strongly? Not so strongly as my Master, for he says, "I will spue thee out of my mouth." He is nauseated with such conduct, it sickens him, and he will not endure it. In an earnest, honest, fervent heart nausea is created when we fall in with men who dare not give up their profession, and yet will not live up to it; who cannot altogether forsake the work of God.
See Part 5.
Part 3.
In this state of the church there is much self-glorification, for Laodicea said, "I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing." The members say, "Everything goes on well, what more do we want? All is right with us." This makes such a condition very hopeless, because reproofs and rebukes fall without power, where the party rebuked can reply, "We do not deserve your censures, such warnings are not meant for us." If you stand up in the pulpit and talk to sleepy churches, as I pretty frequently do, and speak very plainly, they often have the honesty to say, "There is a good deal of truth in what the man has said:" but if I speak to another church, which really is half asleep, but which thinks itself to be quite a model of diligence, then the rebuke glides oft like oil down a slab of marble, and no result comes of it. Men are less likely to repent when they are in the middle passage between hot and cold, than if they were in the worst extremes of sin. If they were like Saul of Tarsus, enemies of God, they might be converted; but if, like Gamaliel, they are neither opposed nor favouring, they will probably remain as they are till they die. The gospel converts a sincerely superstitious Luther, but Erasmus, with his pliant spirit, flippant, and full of levity, remains unmoved. THERE IS MORE HOPE OF WARNING THE COLD THAN THE LUKEWARM. When churches get into the condition of half-hearted faith, tolerating the gospel, but having a sweet tooth for error, they do far more mischief to their age than downright heretics.
It is harder a great deal to work for Jesus with a church which is lukewarm than it would be to begin without a church. Give me a dozen earnest spirits and put me down anywhere in London, and by God's good help we will soon cause the wilderness and the solitary place to rejoice; but give me the whole lot of you, half-hearted, undecided, and unconcerned, what can I do?
See part 4.
Part 2.
It makes one's flesh creep to see how sluggishly they move: I long for a knife to cut their red tape to pieces, and for a whip to lay about their shoulders to make them bestir themselves. Things are respectably done, the rich families are not offended, the sceptical party is conciliated, and the good people are not quite alienated: things are made pleasant all round. The right things are done, but as to doing them with all your might, and soul, and strength, a Laodicean church has no notion of what that means. They are not so cold as to abandon their work, or to give up their meetings for prayer, or to reject the gospel; if they did so, then they could be convinced of their error and brought to repentance; but on the other hand they are neither hot for the truth, nor hot for conversions, nor hot for holiness, they are not fiery enough to burn the stubble of sin, nor zealous enough to make Satan angry, nor fervent enough to make a living sacrifice of themselves upon the altar of their God, They are "neither cold nor hot."
This is a horrible state, because it is one which in a church wearing a good repute renders that reputation a lie. When other churches are saying, "See how they prosper! see what they do for God!" Jesus sees that the church is doing his work in a slovenly, make-believe manner, and he considers justly that it is deceiving its friends. If the world recognises such a people as being very distinctly an oldfashioned puritanic church, and yet there is unholy living among them, and careless walking, and a deficiency of real piety, prayer, liberality, and zeal, then the world itself is being deceived, and that too in the worst way, because it is led to judge falsely concerning Christianity, for it lays all these faults upon the back of religion, and cries out, "It is all a farce! The thing is a mere pretence! Christians are all hypocrites!" I fear there are churches of this sort. God grant we may not be numbered with them!
See Part3
C.H. Spurgeon.
AN EARNEST WARNING AGAINST LUKEWARMNESS.
Part 1.
The condition described in our text is, secondly, one of mournful indifference and carelessness. They were not cold, but they were not hot; they were not infidels, yet they were not earnest believers; they did not oppose the gospel, neither did they defend it; they were not working mischief, neither were they doing any great good; they were not disreputable in moral character, but they were not distinguished for holiness; they were not irreligious, but they were not enthusiastic in piety nor eminent for zeal: they were what the world calls "Moderates," they were of the Broad-church school, they were neither bigots nor Puritans, they were prudent and avoided fanaticism, respectable and averse to excitement. Good things were maintained among them, but they did not make too much of them; they had prayer-meetings, but there were few present, for they liked quiet evenings at home: when more attended the meetings they were still very dull, for they did their praying very deliberately and were afraid of being too excited. They were content to have all things done decently and in order, but vigour and zeal they considered to be vulgar. Such churches have schools, Bible-classes, preaching rooms, and all sorts of agencies; but they might as well be without them, for no energy is displayed and no good comes of them. They have ministers who may be the angels of the churches, but if so they have their wings closely clipped, for they do not fly very far in preaching the everlasting gospel, and they certainly are not flames of fire: they may be shining lights of eloquence, but they certainly are not burning lights of grace, setting men's hearts on fire. In such communities everything is done in a half-hearted, listless, dead-and-alive way, as if it did not matter much whether it was done or not.
See part 2.
Verses 21-32 speaks to the adjustments that are made to those too poor to bring all of the animals or even the kinds of animals for the sacrifices. The animal sacrifices are still necessary, and the rest of the rites remain the same for the poor as well as those who are not poor But allowances are made for only one lamb instead of three and different types of birds rather than just one type. God saves all who come to Him to be forgiven. He is merciful to rich and poor and in between."
Verses 33-57 details the way to deal with a home that shows signs of "leprosy" (most likely an overgrowth of mold, mildew, or fungi). There is a three step process to this problem, if needed. If after the first inspection by the priest, "leprosy" is visibly seen on the walls, then the home is shut up for 7 days. Upon reinspection, if no "leprosy" is seen, the home is clean and can be lived in. If there is still signs of "leprosy" then the wall that it is on must be scraped, torn apart and the stones taken out. Then this wall is replaced with new stones and mortar. After another 7 days, if no signs of "leprosy" is seen on the walls, then the house in clean and can be lived in. If the "leprosy" is still there and has spread, then the whole house is to be torn down and the materials taken out of the camp for disposal. Anyone who came in contact with the home needs to clean their clothes and bathe, and then be considered ceremonially clean that evening.
After the home is declared clean (perhaps even rebuilt) the priest will take two birds, cedar, hyssop, and red wool, an earthen vessel, and clean water. There at the home, the priest will perform the offering as he would do for a former leper (described in the middle of this chapter.
An, so is summed up the law concerning skin leprosy (various diseases) and clothing and dwellings that show leprosy (mold, mildew, fungus).
It is interesting that sin, trespass and burnt offerings are made for these conditions.
Since the one being declared clean cannot yet enter the sanctuary, he must present himself to God at the door of the tabernacle.. It is there that he will lay his hand on the lambs before they are slaughtered, but the priest does the slaughtering in his place, since he is not yet ceremonially clean to do so. Before the lamb is killed, the priest presents it as a wave offering for a trespass offering with oil. Then the priest will kill the lamb, some of the blood will be collected in a bowl to be thrown against the north side of the altar, and a small portion will be collected in the priest's hand. The priest then uses this blood in his hand to anoint the former leper in the same way he was anointed to the priesthood, using his thumb to place blood on the former lepers right ear, right thumb, and right toe. Then the priest will dip his hand in the oil and sprinkle it on the man 7 times then anoint the man's ear, thumb, and to with the oil. The rest of the oil will be poured onto the former leper's head. having done this the priest has made atonement for the former leper before the LORD.
Jesus is our High Priest who cleanses us from all sin by His sacrificial death, He made atonement for us with His won blood and sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in believers as an ongoing Sanctifier.
After this, the priest shall offer another lamb for the sin offering in the same way as the trespass offering and follow that with the burnt offering with the flour and oil (meat) offering. Upon completion of these three sacrifices the former leper is determined to be ceremonially cleansed and fully atoned for. This triple offering, one right after the other reminds us of all the ways we are to be cleansed from the uncleanness of sin and all of the ways Jesus represented us, expiated our sins, and propitiated the wrath of the Father to take away our sins, cleans us from the putridness of sin, and restore us to wholeness.
continued...