Laodicean church

Jesus at the door

July 30, 2020 // 11 Comments

Jesus knows us better than anybody. He speaks our language. He talks to us about things that nobody else cares about. He listens. And he does all this because he loves us. This was something I learned again and again while doing research for my book, Letters from Jesus. The letters from Jesus to the seven [...]

Three things people get wrong about the Laodiceans

October 10, 2019 // 11 Comments

The Laodicean church is probably the most infamous church in history. Preachers use it as an example of how Jesus deals with slack Christians. “Jesus is angry with these guys and he’ll be angry with you unless you get on fire for the Lord!” Demonstrating their expertise on the subject, they refer to an [...]

Are you lukewarm?

July 24, 2015 // 60 Comments

Here’s a favorite question of some preachers: “Are you a lukewarm believer?” You’d better have a good answer because if you’re not sure – “Am I lukewarm?” – Jesus may spew you out of his mouth. What does that mean? He’ll reject you, you apathetic Christian! You may think you’re saved, but if [...]

The Gospel Comes to Laodicea

July 15, 2010 // 10 Comments

UPDATE: This is an old article. An updated and expanded commentary on this passage can be found in Paul’s book Letters from Jesus. Mention the Letter to the Laodiceans to a random Christian and they may respond with, “isn’t that the one where Jesus says we have to be on fire for God or he will vomit us [...]

Laodicea, Part 7: To Him Who Overcomes (Rev 3:21)

June 23, 2010 // 14 Comments

To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne

UPDATE: This is an old article. An updated and expanded commentary on this passage can be found in Paul’s book Letters from Jesus. You will never understand the gospel of grace until you first appreciate the love of God shown to unworthy humanity: “But here is how God has shown his love for us. While we were [...]

Laodicea, Part 6: Behold, I stand at the door (Rev 3:20)

June 4, 2010 // 6 Comments

UPDATE: This is an old article. An updated and expanded commentary on this passage can be found in Paul’s book Letters from Jesus. Why did Jesus send a message to the Laodiceans telling them they were in danger of being spewed out? What was his motive? This is an easy question. Why does Jesus do anything for [...]

Laodicea, Part 5: Be Earnest and Repent (Rev 3:19)

May 31, 2010 // 9 Comments

UPDATE: This is an old article. An updated and expanded commentary on this passage can be found in Paul’s book Letters from Jesus. The Laodiceans were warned by Jesus that they were on the verge of being rejected. Why? Because they were neither hot nor cold. But as we have seen, this is not about being [...]

Laodicea, Part 4: “Buy” Your Salvation (Rev 3:18)

May 21, 2010 // 18 Comments

UPDATE: This is an old article. An updated and expanded commentary on this passage can be found in Paul’s book Letters from Jesus. The letter to the Laodiceans is just 222 words long. In 47 of those words Jesus describes the Laodiceans and lukewarm and self-sufficient. The thing that made them self-sufficient [...]

Laodicea, Part 3: Who’s Wretched and Poor? (Rev 3:17)

May 18, 2010 // 17 Comments

UPDATE: This is an old article. An updated and expanded commentary on this passage can be found in Paul’s book Letters from Jesus. The Laodicean church was one of the most messed up churches in the Bible. So I guess it should be no surprise that today it remains one of the most preached about churches. We can [...]

Laodicea, Part 2: What Makes Jesus Sick? (Rev 3:16)

May 16, 2010 // 33 Comments

UPDATE: This is an old article. An updated and expanded commentary on this passage can be found in Paul’s book Letters from Jesus. And an updated version of this article can be found here. God never makes us sick but did you know it’s possible for people to make him feel sick? Now there’s a [...]

Laodicea, Part 1: Are You “Hot” Enough for God? (Rev 3:15)

May 8, 2010 // 59 Comments

UPDATE: This is an old article. An updated and expanded commentary on this passage can be found in Paul’s book Letters from Jesus. The letter to the Laodicean church may be the best known of the seven Revelations letters. But it is also the most troubling letter for many Christians. The difficulty stems from [...]