Christ First Forum

by **Remnant** » 21 Mar 2011, 08:43

Lukewarmness
by Frank Holmes

In the Book of Revelation it speaks of one of the letters written to the church of Laodicea and it says In 14-16 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.
16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

What does it mean to the church and to a Christian when it speaks of Lukewarmness in the church?

Lukewarm is, in simple terms, the state of being neither hot, nor cold. In Christianity, being lukewarm means that you call yourself a Christian, yet you aren't obedient to His ways. So one of the primary questions that we as Christians should be asking ourselves, is whether we are listening to the voice of God.
One of the primary problems is that the average church attender frequently do not obey God's commands, simply because they do not know much about what they are! A shameful percentage of modern Christians have never even read the Bible, and a regular schedule of diligent Bible study is becoming more rare! They often proudly proclaim their deep and committed love for Jesus to our neighbors, but we will not show God even the minimum respect by reading His word.

Some of you who are reading this now is saying, "he's not talking about me"! In reality I am talking about us all. None of us find it easy or comfortable to look deep inside of ourselves, especially when we don't much like what we may find. But scripture is quite clear about what God expects, and in fact demands from His followers. Another thing that is quite clear, is that our own self-imposed ignorance does not excuse us in God's eye!

Jesus said " And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment." Mark 12:30. If we are going to do that then we need to adjust things in our life that pleases the Father and not man or ourselves.

One way that we ignore the requirements of our Christian life, is in the way we approach our entertainment and general socialization and that includes these forums. God says " The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But He loves him who follows righteousness.
Proverbs 15:9 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light Ephesians 5:8. "

It would do well for all of us to examine our lives and see if there is any lukewarmness there. Here are a few warning signs that might help.

1. Lukewarm people tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people think of their actions than what God thinks of their hearts and lives. Luke 6:26, Revelation 3:1, Matthew 23:5-7 4.

2. Lukewarm people gauge their morality or “goodness” by comparing themselves to the secular world. They feel satisfied that while they aren’t as slow cooked for Jesus as so-and-so, they are nowhere as horrible as the guy down the street. Luke 18:11-12.

3. Lukewarm people think about life on earth much more often than eternity in heaven. Daily life is mostly focused on today’s to-do list, this week’s schedule, and next month’s vacation. Rarely, if ever do they intently consider the life to come. Philippians 3:18-20

4. Lukewarm people love God, but they do not love Him all their heart, soul, and strength. They would be quick to assure you they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn’t really possible for the average person; its only for Jesus freaks or radicals. Matthew 22:37-38

There are many examples of Lukewarmness, but I believe the biggest one is when an individual who calls them self a Christian will not take a stand for Jesus. Especially when they know it will cost them popularity or friendships.

by **JWayne** » 21 Mar 2011, 08:52

We just left a church for being lukewarm, and yesterday joined a church which is very alive. We had prayed and prayed that things would turn around, but there are simply a couple of members that will not let things change.

by **elect777** » 21 Mar 2011, 14:39

JWayne wrote:We just left a church for being lukewarm, and yesterday joined a church which is very alive. We had prayed and prayed that things would turn around, but there are simply a couple of members that will not let things change.

I can't believe I findly got on,normally when I "tab' It just passes over quotes..

I have a question for you ..when you say,you left a Church for being "lukewarm" are you refering to the Pastor of the Church,the brother's and sister's or Church as a whole,if not the Pastor,I wouldn't have left,unless he is
not holding his flock accountable...
I think most Churches today need their member's revived,for the simple fact revival can not happen in a Christian nation ,unless it starts in the hearts and minds of Gods own people first ( 2 Chron 7:14)
God is not asking the people living in a Christian nation to humble/repent,pray and seek His face and turn from
their "wicked Way's"but saying "IF" His people.. somehow I think Gods people stayed stiffnecked past Gods patients ,prayerfully not His mercy...

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