Are you lukewarm?

I encourage Christians to read this post. It’s purpose is to edify the body of Christ. Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.

“I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.” Who is Jesus talking to here? To the church in Sardis. To a church, not to lost sinners. Is it possible that we can learn something about this account? They have a name, are they popular? The Holy Spirit made it available for all of us to read, why? This must be important.

“Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.” Ready to die. What could be happening in this church, why are they so near to death?

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of My mouth.” How could something be good and bad? What is Jesus talking about here?

“Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked…” This is a key verse, they value that which will not last forever. It appears they are lying to themselves, thinking they are rich, but in reality they are poor. This verse reminds me of many music-centric, prosperity-centric, healing-centric churches (more on this later).

What is the solution that Jesus offers? Let’s read: “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.” It’s clear that these people most likely think they are in the faith, but are blind to their actual situation. What do they need to buy? Gold tried in fire. I can see a prosperity-centric church mutilate this verse for their coffers.

When we start reading the new testament, what recurrent themes keep coming forward? To die of ourselves and to be careful with false prophets. Jesus said that false prophets come as wolves in sheep’s clothing, you will not be able to recognize them! If we follow false teachings, we will end up like Sardis and Laodicea.

The following is based on my own observations and research. It starts with a list of questions followed by my answers:

In the Bible we learn about the human nature; deceitful, sin-loving and focused on self. Would an atheist have any problem pretending to be a preacher if they see wealth and fame involved? We could ask: What would an atheist need to do to pretend to be a real prophet? Answer: Quote scripture and say ear-tickling tings in their sermons. About quoting scripture, even satan did this. About the ear-tickling, Paul warned us about this. Where is our discernment? Where is common sense?

What did Jesus teach us? Our love for Him needs to exceed everything else, our love for our family members and ourselves should seem as hatred compared to the love by which we love Him. We should pick up your cross daily and follow Him. Jesus said, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” He also said, he who wishes to save his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for His sake, will save it. He also said, what shall it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul. What can we learn from this?

What message do we receive when we read the gospels? Do we follow Christ to gain amazing earthly possessions? Do we follow Christ to be healed of our infirmities? Or do we follow Christ because He died for us and gives us everlasting life freely? The message is clear. With this key we can discern between a false gospel, and the true gospel of Christ.

You might be wondering; “this post is called “lukewarm”, why?” It is a sad truth, most churches have become lukewarm. Thinking they are rich, they have become poor. Poisoned with false teachings. Focused on miracles and prosperity, instead of sharing the gospel of Christ with this lost and dying world. Don’t get me wrong, I’m living proof that God does miracles and provides for our needs, but we did not become Christ-followers for this! Did he not die for your sins? He could have given prosperity without dying for you! What did He die for again?

If we focus on the true gospel we will be like the man that builds his house on a rock, nothing can deceive us. 

If a well known prosperity-centric church creates popular gospel music, would you listen in? Would you want other people to listen to their music, would you give them a platform? Or would it be smart to ignore anything that comes out of such a place? It might seem harmless at first glace, but it really is not. Many will listen to their teachings because they love their music (this is not simply a theory of mine, I have personally seen it happen).

Are earthly possessions really that important? We should be thankful for what we have, and trust God to provide what we are in need of, aren’t we worth more than two sparrows? Which of the foour seeds got chocked? The one surrounded by thorns. Talking about seeds: I’ve seen some preachers turn these verses upside-down. You have to ‘sow your seeds’ (tithe!), so you can receive a return of investment in the form of a monetary or miracle blessing. Tell me, is this what the Bible teaches? What about lost sinners? I can see someone saying this in response: “they need that money to grow their ministry!”. This kind of thinking is illogical because it is a paradox. Their ministry as it is, is about using the Bible to get rich, they literally teach this, therefore, their even-bigger ministry will do exactly the same in the future, by the way: He who can be trusted with little can be trusted with much! They these ministries create millions of false converts. To set the record straight, the Bible teaches us to plant “seeds” in others, so it may “grow and provide fruit”, it is not talking about tithing for you own gain.

One more thing. Does God love unconditionally, or is there a condition? Can you hop on into heaven without a shred of remorse for past sins? Why do we ask for forgiveness, because we are loved, or because we have rebelled against a holy and perfect God? We need to show this world that sin is exceedingly sinful. It might hurt to hear the truth, it might sound unloving to tell a person that they have sinned against God. It’s just the opposite, we should lovingly show people where they stand in God’s eyes, followed by what God has done for them to save them from eternal punishment.

Based on what I have learned in the Bible I’ll simply end with this advice: Read the Bible daily. Focus on what will last forever and be thankful for what you have. Test every spirit, and lovingly correct those with an erroneous understanding of God’s Word.

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.””