Revelation 3 Lukewarm!

Today’s Mission 66 study with our teacher, John Mathews, delves

into the messages for the last three of the seven churches in

Revelation Chapter 3: Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. The

overarching theme is “lukewarm,” as Jesus Christ critiques each

church’s actions and spiritual state. The church in Sardis appears

alive but is spiritually dead and needs to wake up. Philadelphia,

though weak, has kept Jesus’ word and is promised protection from

future trials. Laodicea is criticized for being lukewarm — neither

hot nor cold — and is warned about complacency. Jesus stands at

the door and knocks, seeking entrance into the hearts of believers

to restore fellowship and urging them to be zealous and repent.

These messages call for self-examination, urging believers to love

Jesus as their first love, remain vigilant, awake, faithful and never

lukewarm.