This Sunday, we continue our series on “The Last Instructions of Jesus” with the 7th and final letter, the letter to the lukewarm church. There will be powerful insights, and I truly think EVERY Christian should be there or at least check it out online. There are some things I will share that will blow you away because they blew me away when I first realized the depth of what I was reading. In these letters, we see all the types of Christians and people that we meet. And here, in the final letter, we get to the lukewarm Christian. Possibly the toughest to point out because they look like good Christians. Yet they are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Lukewarm Christians hurt the flock, which is why Jesus says he will “vomit them out of His mouth” Revelation 3:16.
Among other things, we will discuss the danger of wealth and pride. One of the downsides of a church that preaches Success theology (that Jesus will help you become successful and live your best life now) is that those who have money equate their success with proof of their godliness. The thought that creeps in is, “God is blessing me, so I must be doing things right.” And the problem is, they become prideful and hard to reach. Their success is proof, in their minds and the church affirms it more often than not, of their godliness. The lukewarm Christian looks good, gives money, is loved and respected, and has all the outward trappings of a saint. But is actually living a life that is all about them-Jesus is their co-pilot; they are the pilot. And that is a bad place to be. If wealth equates to godliness, then the Apostle Paul would have been a billionaire, but he wasn’t. He had precious little earthly wealth. Success is NOT proof of godliness. That doesn’t mean you can’t be rich and still be godly, but it is VERY hard. Jesus said it was easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to get to heaven.
That is harsh, but the more I learn, the more I see Jesus was right. Wealthy people are revered, almost worshiped, and that leads to pride very easily. It leads to a form of godliness, you look good, but are devoid of the power. Jesus says to this church, to these Christians, “I stand at the door and knock” Revelation 3:20. Why is Jesus having to knock to get into this group of Christians’ hearts? Why is He outside? Because if we are not careful, the busyness of life, the endless distractions, the drive to keep up with the Joneses, to have things (pushed by ads every second), will cause us to stay too busy and distracted to let Jesus in. To spend time with Him. The power of a Christian’s life is Jesus. YOU MUST spend time with Him EVERY day. Not just a song in the car, but opening that Bible, reading what it has for you that day, and spending time in prayer with Jesus. If you want true power, if you want TRUE success, which is never measured by money, then spend more time with Jesus each day. He truly is the answer.
Pastor Brian
P.S. This Sunday, we continue our series on “The Last Instructions of Jesus Before He Returns” with the seventh letter, the Lukewarm Church. Come in and find out how to have a better relationship with Jesus Christ. It is NOT work, but a relationship. Let’s get YOUR relationship thriving! If Jesus Christ is coming soon…WHY NOT GET READY?! There is NO downside. Please join us this week…we will have coffee and donuts for you! Be there or be square! 900 Cripple Creek Drive, Lawrenceville, GA. If you can’t make it, check out the sermon on Monday on our website, www.thegreatawarenesschurch.org.
All the sermons in this series are up there. Enjoy!
Also, my book is finally out, “The Last Instructions of Jesus (Before He Comes Again)”. You can click on this link to order or go online to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc. It is a deep dive into Revelation 2 and 3, Jesus’ last words before He comes again. If you have been following our sermons, you are getting a gist of the book, but this book expands and develops these thoughts. Order today, I truly believe it is a book that will grow your faith and relationship with Jesus. So click on the link below and get yours today!
https://www.westbowpress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/867418-the-last-instructions-of-jesus
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