The Lord Is (Not) There

Join us this week as Pastor Zeke Murley reminds us that the Lord is knocking on the door of our hearts and encourages us to invite him in.

_____________________________________________________________

Sermon Notes:

SCRIPTURE

14 “Write to the angel of the church in Laodicea: Thus says the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the originator of God’s creation:

15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot.

I wish that you were cold or hot.

16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold,

I am going to spit you out of my mouth.

17 For you say, ‘I’m rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,’

and you don’t realise that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.

18 I advise you to buy from me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see.

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be zealous and repent.

20 See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

REVELATION 3:14–20 CSB

CONTEXT

John, the disciple who walked closely with Jesus, was exiled to the rocky island of Patmos for his unwavering testimony. In this isolation, he received a vision from Jesus, meant not only for his time but for the Church throughout history. In the vision, Jesus addressed seven churches in Turkey, dealing with real issues like persecution, compromise, and spiritual complacency. These letters offered encouragement and warning, with Laodicea being the final church addressed.

Laodicea had rebuilt itself 35 years earlier after an earthquake, relying on its wealth and resources without outside aid. Known for its prosperity, community service, and medical advancements, the church likely expected praise. However, Jesus followed a consistent structure—commendation, challenge, and response—pointing to deeper spiritual truths that went beyond their outward success.

JESUS IS THE AMEN (SO BE IT)

Before we even get to the letter, he says he is Sovereign over all. He is in control.

I KNOW YOUR WORKS (v15-16)

HOT = All in, Old Life Gone, New Life Risen, Renewed, Disciple of Jesus who denies themself, picks up their cross and follows Jesus daily.

COLD = Unbeliever. But that word cold in the literal Greek means ‘water that has never been hot’.

YOU CAN NOT CONSUME YOUR WAY INTO THE KINGDOM, I CAN NOT CONVINCE YOU INTO THE KINGDOM, YOU HAVE GOT TO COMMIT YOUR WAY INTO THE KINGDOM.

THE ROOT OF THEIR LUKEWARM CONDITION (v17)

The root of their condition did not start in the here and now. It started 35 years ago when the church in Laodicea forgot the Sovereignty of God.

A church that does not need God to come through for them is a LUKEWARM CHURCH.

BECAUSE JESUS HAS WHAT YOU NEED (v18)

Not only does Jesus have what you need, he desires to refine, renew, revive you.

He desires to dress, cover, protect you from your spiritual blindness.

HE DISCIPLINES THOSE HE LOVES

Here we get a act of love that is not defined by:

• Acceptance
• Approval
• Affirmation

We get a biblical definition of love that is defined by:

• Sacrifice
• Protection
• Care

THE HOPE FOR THE CHURCH

The Lord is (NOT) there. But he is at the door and knocking.