4. The 7 Churches of Revelation The Number “7” – The Biblical number of completion ( 7 days in a week, 7 th day is Holy, 7 colors in a rainbow, 7 notes in a musical scale, 7 major oceans, 7 major continents, 7 Trumpets, 7 Seals, 7 Bowls, 7- fold Spirit before the Throne, etc.) 1. Ephesus –The Loveless Church 2. Smyrna – The Lasting Church - a “positive” name 3. Pergamum – The Lenient Church 4. Thyatira – The Licentious Church 5. Sardis – The Lifeless Church 6. Philadelphia – The Loved Church - a “positive” name 7. Laodicea – The Lukewarm Church

5. THE THREE COMMON ELEMENTS OF THE LETTERS 1. Commendation - A recounting of the “good things.” 2. Condemnation – A listing of the “bad things.” 3. Challenge/Charge – A word of instruction or warning. Read Text: Revelation 3:14-22

6. LAODICEA – THE LUKEWARM CHURCH I. THE COMMENDATION THERE IS NONE! I am convinced that there is none because of the destructiveness of their LUKEWARMNESS!

7. LAODICEA – THE LUKEWARM CHURCH II. THE CONDEMNATION 1. LUKEWARM Speaks to 1. Usefulness 2. Compromise 2. SPIRITUAL POVERTY – The very things they were rich in, materially - they were “poor” in “spiritually”. 1. WEALTH 2. “EYES” 3. FANCY CLOTHING

8. LAODICEA – THE LUKEWARM CHURCH II. THE CONDEMNATION Lukewarm-ness…Spiritual “poverty” HOW DO I KNOW? A SIMPLE TEST NOT…Do you come to church, but…Anxious to be here? NOT…Do you bring a Bible, but…did you read it this week? NOT…Do you tithe and give, but…do you do it gladly and eagerly? NOT…Do you listen to a sermon, but…anxious to HEAR from God? NOT…Do you sing a song, but…Do you sing it as worship or prayer? NOT…Do you serve in the church, but…is it a “ministry” or a position? Do you long to make a difference for Jesus? Sometimes we can go through “religious motions” without much of a dynamic RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS!

9. LAODICEA – THE LUKEWARM CHURCH II. THE CHARGE/CHALLENGE (REV. 3:20) BEHOLD! I STAND AT THE DOOR AND KNOCK! We often use this verse in personal – salvation witnessing. The context here is to the CHURCH! – the SAVED! (Jesus is on the OUTSIDE of a CHURCH!) MAY IT NEVER HAVE TO BE DONE AT HHBC! However, the invitation is to SAINT and SINNER alike! NOTICE THE ORDER… 1. Jesus KNOCKS…He initiates everything! (Word, witness, heart) 2. We HEAR, We OPEN – We have responsibility in the relationship. 3. Jesus COMES IN… and “eats” with us! - HE nurtures the relationship.