May 29, 2000
EXPLORE THE BIBLE:
Christ's message to the churches still vibrant
___Revelation 2:1-3:22
___By Leroy Kemp
___University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton
___What would Jesus say if he preached in church next Sunday? Would we listen to him? The fact is Jesus wants to be in our services every Sunday. He would speak to us through our worship and the teaching and preaching of the Bible. We can hear from him on a regular basis.
___In the first chapter of Revelation, we saw the glorified Christ in the midst of the churches. In chapters two and three, we hear what he had to say. These seven churches were located in western Asia Minor (modern Turkey). They were connected by a postal route beginning in Ephesus and ending in Laodicea. The number "seven" means completeness, suggesting these messages were intended for all churches, including ours today.
___This lesson focuses on two of those churches, the first and the last.
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___But theological correctness and hard work are not enough to gain our Lord's unqualified praise. Jesus scolded this church for forsaking her first love. Does this refer to love for God or love for each other? I believe both. Love is a package. Love for God is a believer's No. 1 priority; love for others is a close second (Mark 12:28-31).
___Jesus asks us what he asked Peter thrice over: "Do you love me?" (John 21:15-17).
___He commands us as he did the 12: "Love each other as I have loved you" (John 15:12). Activity and orthodoxy are well and good, but if not motivated by love, are reduced to much ado about nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
___So what should a church do when love is the missing ingredient? Jesus provides the answer with three R's: remember, repent and return (v. 5). Go back to the basics. What will rekindle love? Try worship, public and private. Worship in spirit and truth is good for what ails you (John 4:23). What is the consequence of neglecting love?
___You lose your lampstand (v.5). Your light goes out. In other words, your witness suffers.
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___The problem is a sense of self sufficiency. This church is proud of meeting the budget every month. There is no sense of need, no dependence on the Lord. Jesus indicts Laodicea as lukewarm, neither hot nor cold. This church is in a rut, thinking she has everything under control and shunning the control of the Lord. The result is appearance not reality, pride not humility, shortsightedness not vision.
___The solution is in verse 20. Open the door. The Lord wants in. This is one of my favorite verses for presenting the plan of salvation. But in context, it is for a church that has relegated the Lord to the role of a spectator. A great church is a Christ-centered church. He wants to be Lord of all or not at all.
___Lend an ear! If we listen, we will hear from him in these messages to churches. For those who hear and respond there is the promise of life in his eternal kingdom.
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