Other three churches rebuked
Key Verses: 1, 3, 5, 7,
12, 15, 18, 20
Zombies are real. Maybe not the way
the movies portray them, but when you claim to be spiritually alive in Christ,
but you life shows no signs of life, you are a zombie. Often people start the
walk with Jesus, but don't continue, or lose their bearings. This usually
happens when they get separated from the flock. Loners are easy to eat. When
Jesus returns, they will be taken by surprise because they are not even paying
attention.
But for those who are alive, paying
attention, active in their faith, we are assured of continued recognition as
one of His children. And that opens doors for further fruitful ministry and
protection from Satan's attacks. There is nothing quite like an open door.
The book Eternity in Their Hearts
by Don Richardson, tells the real-life accounts of cultures who had the
foundation of the Gospel in their spiritual heritage, but had never been in
touch with either Judaism or Christianity. They were ready to accept Jesus when
people walked through the door.
We don't have to travel half-way
around the globe for open doors. If we are awake and ready, the Lord wants to
open doors with our neighbors and coworkers. Are you ready?
We will get a new name when heaven
arrives. This new name identifies us with our new Father who will name us. I am
sure they will fit perfectly with who we are as washed and sinless people.
But Jesus warns those at Laodicea to
make up their minds. We can't walk the fence. Cold or hot. Their wealth got in
the way of their spiritual maturity. They relied on their wealth rather than on
God. Jesus offers us a different currency. He will meet each need. We must
simply be willing to admit that our attempts at self-sufficiency fall short,
woefully short. Then we have open hands ready to receive the provision that God
offers.
We must open the door. We must be
willing to let God in. God is knocking. How are you responding?