Who will Jesus reject? It might not be what you think.

[commenter]

I've heard it preached that Hot kills bacteria and Cold prevents it from growing, but Lukewarm is where bacteria grows and festers.

[christophertaylor]

An Australian pastor named Geoffrey Paxton brought up something very convicting to me. He said in the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican, the Pharisee braggs proudly to God and condemns the Publican "Thank God I am not like that guy." The Publican simply begs forgiveness from God. Paxton pointed out that every time any of us read that, we think of ourselves as the Publican... which makes us the Pharisee: Thank God I'm not like that guy." We don't know by looking at people who God will save and who He will not. Our duty and compulsion should be to beat our breast and beg God for forgiveness, not condemn the others.

[waynedrew]

The lord has called home Dr. Charles Stanley today. He was 90 years old. Pastor Stanley started in touch ministries 45 years ago. Please welcome him home to Jesus.

[deborahjames]

Our pastor JUST preached on this! So cool to have you echo those words. I had never heard this explanation before and it makes total sense that the "lukewarm" is bad, but the "hot" or "cold" were good.

[bekksterslab]

I learned this interpretation in college. They also mentioned that both hot and cold can purify water. But being lukewarm is more likely to be dangerous to drink.

[callaelwell]

I can’t thank you enough for this. I’ve been sent some fiery sermons on this passage that are designed to scare people, and they have freaked me out, literally filled me with so much fear that I doubted my salvation because I wasn’t doing enough or on fire enough for God. I want to do things for Him, but that takes assurance. This helped with that; thank you🙏🏻

[siyabongabhongoza]

This is not a condemnation it a warning !🙏

[briancooley]

I thank The Lord He sent me to this video! Hallelujah! This makes me feel so much better cause this verse was frightening to me 😢

[xXdsideXx]

This is something I have been pondering for quite a while. Thank you God for Mike Winger. Thank you Mike Winger for listening to God and posting this! I pray you guys are safe wherever you are and whatever you are doing.

[JohnDoe-wtek]

Someone else had explained that the location of Laodicea specifically may also have a lot to do with the allegory of lukewarm faith, as it was properly centered between two other cities (Heiropolis and Colosse) to which Heiropolis contained hot springs and Colosse contained cold springs. And knowing that bathing in cold or hot water has its benefits for the human body, the Revelation speaks more so of the spirit with regards to its location. It has chosen neither and thus become contented with helping no one while saying it is doing well.

Which would make sense as Laodicea was only 12 miles from both of them off the river Lycus, and sharing 2 major Roman roads in their respective directions. And because of where it was located, the river's water becomes lukewarm.

[mamalife]

I’m reading through revelation and this morning I was going through chapters 3-5 and came across these verses and was really wondering about them, only to open YouTube later on and see this video in my notifications! What are the chances 😄 praise God. Thank you for your work pastor Mike!

[sarkastodon]

It definitely seems to be one of those 'read in context' passages. Rejection because of being an unproductive Christian seems antithetical to the the Christian doctrine being save by Grace alone. So it makes sense it is about being lukewarm to the faith not lukewarm to actions. Becoming worldly or apathetic aren't great either way, something I struggle with.

[paulmcknight]

This definitely cleared up an ongoing internal debate I have had with myself. Thank you.

[Heinskitz]

This was one of the most powerful bible verses my class had studied in Christian college. I remember walking away with immense gratitude to God that I could finally understood what seemed, upon first glance, to be another enigmatic Revelation scripture.
We exegeted the chapter and learned that Laodicea had at least several aqueducts that pooled together as their source of water; if I remember correctly, some were exposed to the elements more than others, so the hotter water mixed with the colder water, resulting in lukewarm (unpleasant) water. The conclusion was much the same as yours; the Laodiceans Christians were complacent and worldly, thus displeasing to God.
It seems they also produced a reputable salve for treating cataracts, as referenced in the latter part of 3:18, "...and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see." (NIV). Despite the wealth and relative comfort they had acquired for themselves, they had become proud and arrogant - spiritually 'blind' - needing to turn to God for spiritual restoration and 'sight'.
The conclusion: "*be different* from the world! As followers of Christ we're called to be in the world, but not of it. Submit to Him and he will dwell in you; renewing your spirit and providing all you truly need to share the Good News!"
P.S. It still hits hard and deep to this day!

[ourgreathighpriest]

You are correct in interpretation. Although christians shouldn’t forsake the assembling of ourselves together it is better to be a lonely christian with few friends than part of an apostate church. After all the real Church is all believers wherever they happen to be. I’ve been faced with this for years where I live.

[Faith-fmcl]

I’ll probably mess this up, but I heard an explanation recently that one place near them had hot springs that were useful for healing. Another place was known for their cold, refreshing water. Laodicea had neither of these & therefore had nothing to offer. They couldn’t offer healing or refreshment.
But I think what you said then, about them acclimating to the world and being like the world makes sense.
If someone is hurt by the world, but the church is no different, how can they bring healing? If someone is stressed and tired from worldly obligations, fears, burdens, etc… and the church is like the world… how do they refresh anyone?
What is the point of a church that offers nothing different than the what world offers?

[Johnskis]

I must say this about the best comment section I’ve ever read/been a part of. Everyone here is on the same page and it’s beautiful to see us all just talking about this passage as well as your explanation on it. Praise Jesus.

[rebeccalowery]

This makes me smile so big. I did an exegetical paper on exactly this (& scored an A). 15 pages elaborating on this!

[Mekongcatfish]

My take on this passage is that if your hot or cold you still have areas that the spirit of God can work in your life. Now if your a lukewarm Christian you have a belief that your walk with Jesus is just fine and you are satisfied and comfortable being in that position, which gives you a thinking I have all need in the Lord and I’m secure, when in reality and in scripture your not . Paul said in Philippians 3:13 . (Paraphrasing) I have not apprehended it yet but I press forward towards the mark the high calling in Jesus . We have to keep pushing forward as Christians .

[sorinankitt]

You nailed it. This is what I learned about that text decades ago.
But one little correction. Lukewarm is actually temperature that a person cannot feel. People normally feel water that's cold, cool or warm, hot but lukewarm is when somebody puts their hands in the water and cannot tell whether it's cold, cool or warm, hot. That's what lukewarm Christians are. They appear Christian by their confession of belief in the Gospel yet their actions are worldly and sinful. They are neither hot nor cold.
Room temperature is a comfortable warm that keeps the chills away while not overheating the body.