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

[@commenter5901]

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

[@JC-li8kk]

Lukewarm are like the pharisees who lead people astray with false doctrine. It’s better to be cold & have no influence on anyone than to be lukewarm, pretending to know the way of salvation, & leading people to a false salvation. You’re doing way more harm preaching a false gospel than preaching no gospel.

[@karensterton9780]

Love that!

[@kevinlucas9905]

I’ve actually preached it that way 😊

[@mes147]

That actually makes more sense, referring to an unrepentant in deeds though, a believer that is saved but not submitted to the works of God?? Living for God in as much as possible vs dong some good works for some rewards and bad deeds for rewards taken, in the life after vs Being saved giving you flesh up to the world and Satan?.

[@anasfh]

💛

[@christophertaylor9100]

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.

[@wreckingcrew07]

Not at all like protestants do to Catholics(who confess their sins to an Apostolic Successor that Jesus gave the authority to forgive sins and what was loosed on Earth is loosed in Heaven….who through laying on of hands to those Apostles and onto their Disciples. And through verification of the Early Church Fathers and Bishops we clearly see the Early Church Tradition dating to the first century. And was and is always taught that through the Ministry of Apostolic Succession people confess their sins to God through a Priest, which God through The Church absolves the sincerely repented Christian of his sins. Because God uses people as vessels to help each other get to Heaven). Notice how the Publican goes to a Church and asks for forgiveness truly repentant, where as the Pharisee does not and is implied he is “saved” through his Faith. Pride is the underlined issue addressed. Protestants are the Publican and Catholics are the Pharisee, or is it the other way around? papists bad = orange man bad.

[@ghostwhite1648]

@@wreckingcrew07 laying hands shouldnt involve on the testicles of little boys.

[@ghostwhite1648]

@@wreckingcrew07 go watch 2019 international childrens day with all those loving religious leaders walking around in robes with known child predator symbology. Its not a catholic church anymore its ROMAN.

[@thomasbryans6547]

@@wreckingcrew07 seems more like engaging in the “which one am I and which one are they” argument isn’t the point. If you’re concerned to a point of willing to debate with someone else which one you are and which one they are, you’re on the wrong track. Don’t engage in the argument, engage in repentance and focusing on your praising the Lord and asking for forgiveness.

[@justdoinmything]

​@@wreckingcrew07did you not read the first comment you are literally doing what he's talking about

[@waynedrew7074]

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.

[@danielcya8334]

That was a happy day for both God and Charles, may his service to Him inspire many others to pick up their cross and follow Christ.

[@yafois988]

uuhhmm, stanley muttered the classic FALSE GOSPEL, Manichaelism. theology SUNday churchianty platform, based upon the calvnISM heresy "TULIP/OSAS, he was refuted and rebuked for it , WARNED countless times, but like ALL the false prophets in TBN network-TV/CABLE they are stuffneck stubborn and NOBODY can tell him NOTHING. I do NOT what soever agree with you on his destination. he spoke the false theology of pre drib rapture also in which is NOWHERE in the Apostles pr [Prophets mouth, HE, Like many popular pulpit pundits SOLD that MFG invented notion for gain sakes like Hal Lindsey did making that filthy LIE a cash cow and caused countless souls to stumble and LIE for MAMMON LUST gains popularity sakes also. So what do you Think YHVH said to him for just that One point alone?? HHMMM? Oh" Charlie I'll overlook because saying opposite my Holy word ISN'T a big deal", , Remember you told everyone the excuses about it? HHMM Charlie? Like "it's NOT a salvation issue? Remember that one? LYING as saying something contrary to my plan and written word isn't a big deal? Like Deuteronomy 4 & 6 say about that POINT? Orr 2 John 11 ? Or Galatian 1:7-7 say about that? Or Revelation 22:18-19, THAT One verse alone NEVER EVER EVER EVER is spoken and for GOOD reasons too. No Charlie, Grace DOES NOT COVER SIN! You had it WRONG like you other popular personality cult members the god of this world supported you for doing HIS work selling a false gospel. SEE, even now you BLIND followers REFUSE to hear truth about it STILL. NOTING about that false gospel topic ever came true yet you ppl STILL fight against the facts that it IS NOWHERE in scriptures!

[@KevinNordstrom]

His son Andy on the other hand is endorsing homosexuality within the church among other things.

[@judylloyd7901]

We'll have to leave the welcome to the Lord Jesus and the angels, since we are not there to welcome anyone 😊😊😊

[@pytime8621]

Jesus Says, I Will Not Reject Anyone Who Comes To Me - John 6:35-40

[@roosterqmoney]

He also says many will come to me saying lord lord...

[@jamesp877]

@@roosterqmoney That's because they're putting faith in their own works, and not the works of Jesus sacrificing himself on the cross for us. Put your faith in him, and only him, and you are saved.

[@strawberrymilkshake112]

@@roosterqmoney you know what they said. "Did we not prophesize in thy name? this, did we not do blah blah blah..."

[@anova0152]

John 14:18 NIV "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."

[@sarkastodon30]

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.

[@ghostwhite1648]

Does becoming worldly involve mocking bible believers who see the world as THE creation, not a system we are in? Cause Mike likes to stir up extra by mocking flat earth. Worshipping the snake tongues picture of “where we are” is pretty worldly

[@usnationalist]

Saved by grace though faith - which is dead without works. The unproductive Christian may be comparable to the slave in the parable of the talents who buried his coin?

[@garrygull8354]

Who says thier Christians! Jesus is talking about accountability to those who are under the law! If you are a believer how accountable and faithful or sinless do you half to be ? What is the standard percentage wise. 70. 80. I thought for Christians it's the blood of Christ that saves us. Not our own performance rating. If our performance is a factor. Then how can heaven be a free gift. Or the gift of eternal life. If it's truly a gift. Then it can't have no works as far as meriting earning or deserving it!

[@jamesbrice6619]

@@usnationalist there are no unproductive Christians. Every true Christian has the Holy Spirit and will be prompted to action by it. Carrying out the good works that the Father predestined that person to do.

[@LogisticallyMisrepresented]

@@jamesbrice6619 ... We are only destined to unite with Jesus because Father creator made us. There are the non christians belonging to organizations that lead them astray, as yours has. Then there are bonified saved christians that placed their full complete faith in Jesus. Would you consider telling Jesus you want to give him your full complete faith.?

[@JohnDoe-wt9ek]

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.

[@menknurlan]

I literally wanted to say this. My studybible also points this exact detail out

[@aizpruart]

Although relating it to food/beverages makes sense because of "vomiting".

[@LogisticallyMisrepresented]

What ever, which ever, the point is did all your complete faith get placed with Jesus.

[@LogisticallyMisrepresented]

@@aizpruart ... That is a theme of your religion.?

[@aizpruart]

@@LogisticallyMisrepresented Hehe, no. 😅 1:29 has sense as an analogy because you might spit (vomit) a food/beverage that is lukewarm instead of their intended temperature: hot (soup) or cold (soda). It might have more sense than the Lord preferring a cold christian than a lukewarm christian; or vomiting because of being in a lukewarm spring instead of a hot or cold spring (as the comment of this thread says).

[@callaelwell9741]

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🙏🏻

[@LogisticallyMisrepresented]

Were you sincere when you placed your faith in Jesus.?

[@jamesbrice6619]

@@LogisticallyMisrepresented all faith in Jesus is sincere.

[@LogisticallyMisrepresented]

@@jamesbrice6619 ... Who says.?

[@jamesbrice6619]

@T Savage Mark because all faith in Jesus is from God. You can't generate true faith. It is a gift from God just as grace is.

[@LogisticallyMisrepresented]

@@jamesbrice6619 ... You are full of faith because it was given to you.? What if you are being unfaithful to Jesus.? Perhaps your electness let you down.? Satan was just too powerful for you.? Or perhaps the newly founded organization you are involved in has you believing you and god are equals.?

[@bekksterlab]

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.

[@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!

[@newcreationinchrist1423]

Wow that's very interesting! Thanks for sharing that. 🙏

[@caleb.lindsay]

i came to repeat that i had learned this also, and that it made the passage make so much more sense giving it some contextual/cultural highlights

[@judylloyd7901]

Revelation* does not have an "s" on the end 😊

[@ourgreathighpriest1601]

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.

[@michaelshevlane9132]

Great comment!

[@ultimatezak]

Amen, 1 Corinthians 1:2 - "To the church of God which is in Corinth, *to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, the called saints, with all those who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, who is theirs and ours:"* I wish our Catholic brothers and sisters would have this wonderful realisation that the Church is not an institution, but an organic Body of Christ made up of the believers born again/regenerated by the Holy Spirit in every place. Christ is ours when we call on His name Lord Jesus no matter where we are.

[@MrEvans557]

I went through this for a season as well. Just continue to pray, fast and ask God to lead you to a Body of True Spirit led Believers. He will do it in His time. God Bless you and yours! 😁

[@LogisticallyMisrepresented]

Jesus @@MrEvans557

[@wendywendybird-wo6px]

explain apostate

[@deborahjames3113]

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.

[@mattr.1887]

It's nonsense.

[@CLDJ227]

​@@mattr.1887 How so 🤔?

[@natefremont]

​@@mattr.1887 Well, Matt is the arbiter of truth. So...

[@davidarvingumazon5024]

@@natefremont Well, @Matt R. was dictating their own truth*

[@robbiecleighmarks3088]

​@@natefremont how so

[@Mekongcatfish78]

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 .

[@jamesbrice6619]

Actually it represents believing that we have all we need from the world instead of realizing our needs from God. Lukewarm represents worldly Christians. Neither being refreshingly cold, or satisfyingly hot.

[@mamalife7630]

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 KZbin later on and see this video in my notifications! What are the chances 😄 praise God. Thank you for your work pastor Mike!

[@mamalife7630]

@@JonasMoore-gl8rk search Mike Winger historical Jesus where he debunks that myth. Unless of course you don’t even want to try and see the truth. “The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God.” Psalm 14 There’s plenty said in God’s Word about willful ignorance.

[@mamalife7630]

@@JonasMoore-gl8rk You have clearly made your choice, and my job isn’t to convert you or anyone else. My job and any other Christian’s job is to spread the gospel and warn people of the judgment coming of a righteous God who is angry at humanity because of their sin but also giving time for people to repent of their wickedness. You seem to be asking people to try and convert you, but have you done your homework? Have you prayed that God may reveal Himself to you? Have you actually read His word, like with an honest open heart and not just skim through it? Have you searched for Him as He says to search for Him? The Bible says those who seek Him diligently will find Him. Seek Him with all your heart if you truly want to know the truth. As far as proof goes, you have access to the internet so I don’t understand why you are challenging ppl to prove it to you. Do your research, Mike has tons of content on many topics. What happened to ppl searching themselves? I’m a mother of 4 and literally do not have the time to sit down and comment like this constantly. You know everything it seems so I just wanna leave you with these words of Jesus and pray you make the right choice. “Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed” John 20:29 And I’m sorry, what in the world is wrong with books exactly? That’s how information is written down and passed on. How exactly to you expect to learn history if it wasn’t written down? The internet didn’t exist back then. Unless you’re looking for a miraculous sign… Matthew 16:4 “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.”

[@kistniser]

@@JonasMoore-gl8rk peanut butter B)

[@victoryhouse1446]

@@mamalife7630 Thank you for taking the time to share that message ❤God bless you and your family 🙏🏾

[@karollisa7022]

​@JonasMoore-gl8rk many historical documents, including secular, say otherwise. People in a couple generations will probably deny that Elvis was a real person.

[@FaithQuest_]

"He did not look to see who inside the house was worthy, He looked for the blood on the doorposts" i believe if you truly care for your salvation and acknowledge Jesus' sacrifice for you, then you will be saved Lukewarm i think refers to someone who just doesn't care about any of this

[@siyabongabhongoza939]

This is not a condemnation it a warning !🙏

[@briancooley8777]

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 😢

[@rebeccalowery7335]

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

[@gabe_in_taiwan]

Is it possible to post it here? I like reading that kind of stuff 😍

[@lucaburkhardt2592]

Im pretty sure its not meant like that. I interpret it in the way , that god wants us to either be for him, or against him. Theres nothing in between. You are either saved, or not saved! Nothing in between, ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭12:30‬ ‭NLT‬‬ [30] “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me. ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ [13] “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. ‭‭James‬ ‭3:11‭-‬12‬ ‭NLT‬‬ [11] Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? [12] Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring. Being lukewarm is an illusion. If you truely had a relationship with GOD and your really knew what it meant, you would try to follow his word. Being lukewarm is in my opinion Worse, than being an unbeliever, as you do not benefit from the fruits of the spirit nor can you enjoy the pleasures of the flesh. Adittionally being lukewarm holds back other people from coming to christ, because they represent christianity. Here on earth we are judged by our actions and a lukewarm christian is not going to bear fruit like a true believer. Please correct me if im wrong,😊

[@paulmcknight9960]

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

[@gandalfthegamer4067]

Love Jesus, pray for wisdom.

[@clseabus]

I always thought it was the first explanation you gave, I really wish churches would dive into more mis interpreted scriptures like this. Love what you do Mike, keep up the good work!

[@NovusIgnis]

It *is* the first explanation. Mike Winger is wrong on this regard. He compares hot in terms of a relationship to God, but then describes cold and lukewarm in terms of a relationship to the world. It makes no sense.

[@clseabus]

@@NovusIgnis it makes plenty sense to me, do you have anything to go off of that proves Mikes interpretation is incorrect?

[@NovusIgnis]

@@clseabus Yes: Mike is interpreting. That's what makes it wrong. Period. He is leaning on his own understanding, which he shouldn't do(Proverbs 3:5). We don't need to interpret the Bible. Anyone that claims to do so is viewing it through their own lens. We have God right by our side. We can literally ask the Author what He means when He says something. We don't need to try and figure it out ourselves like with other books. Like I said, it makes no sense to think of hot in terms of your relationship with God, but not do the same with cold or lukewarm. Instead, he looks at cold and lukewarm in terms of your relationship to the world, and then uses a room temperature analogy which is silly. The passage is saying that people who are hot are on fire for God, while people who are cold are distant and cold towards God. People who are lukewarm think that they're on fire for God, but clearly they aren't. See how each of these is referring to the same subject: your relationship with God. Thw reason why the Bible says it's better to be cold than lukewarm is that at least cold people know they're away from God, so if they want to seek Him out they know that they need to seek Him out. People that are lukewarm don't think they need to see God out because they think they've already found Him. They don't see anything wrong with their actions, so they don't reach out to Him for help like a cold person would do.

[@clseabus]

@@NovusIgnis I see where you are coming from but Mike always looks at the Bible first and then has information and facts to back up his reasons and on why it could mean this like how he referenced the church of Laodicea. You still didn’t provide me any info or reason other than Mike is wrong and this is what it actually means.

[@clseabus]

@@NovusIgnis also Mike isn’t coming up with this and going to the Bible to prove it. He goes to the Bible first and then talks about what it means/could mean. He isn’t leaning on his own understanding, he is interpreting scripture in how it was written to be thousands of years ago in a completely different language.

[@chickintruth]

Great explanation! Lukewarm is so unpalatable because it's like taking the Lord's Name in vain: Calling oneself a believer but living like an unbeliever.

[@dfairholmjr]

When I did a bible study on this once upon a time, I came to the conclusion that it is talking about being useful for something, hot being of medical value, cold being refreshing, lukewarm being of no value. Similar to when Jesus talked about the usefulness of salt.

[@Jesussaves.7777]

❤ yes finally someone who gets it . Lukewarm individuals are still Christian going to Heaven forever but lose our on rewards and may get chastened by GOD too

[@americanlostinvietnam3721]

Context of the springs that Mike briefly mentioned There were 3 cities that were near each other and all had very distinct water supplies. Hierapolis had hot springs of therapeutic mineral water Colossi had refreshingly cold mountain spring water Laodicea had an aqueduct that carried the hot mineral water 5 miles south, so that when it arrived it was lukewarm and tepid So Jesus was not saying he rathered people be spiritually cold. He was saying he preferred them to be refreshingly cold like fresh mountain spring water or therapeutically hot like the mineral hot springs. Laodiceans would have understood exactly what he was talking about.

[@americanlostinvietnam3721]

@@mobiusraptor7 the text doesn't say that at all. Complete speculation by "someone"

[@d3rpwolf785]

Wow that makes a lot more sense than how I previously understood that verse. Thank you!

[@mk71b]

Only trusting in Jesus _alone,_ can produce good fruits.

[@realitywins6457]

Hot and cold are the same in that they’re different to room temperature. On the other hand, “Hot” can exhort, clean and soothe aching muscles. “Cold” can replenish, refresh and calm. (Hot shirt out of the dryer in the morning, or the cold side of the pillow versus lukewarm water on a hot day. Yuk). It’s a question of utility and purpose and service in gratitude and joy. All three are same substance, but one of them hasn’t maintained a utility for kingdom purposes.

[@DrasticFizz]

The way I read that passage was like this, the "hot" people (pun intended ;)) are people who are on fire for the Lord, like pastor Mike said. People worthy of praise. The "cold" people however, are those who are doing wrong intentionally. The reason this is still "good" is because God is still very able to rebuke them and get them back on the right tracks. The lukewarm Christians however, they have no ground to sow on because they're neither good nor bad, they just stay in the middle. Giving some way to one side and some to the other. This makes it very hard to either rebuke or praise them as they are not commited to either side. Hope anyone learns from this observation and please, by all means, correct me if you think (or even better) know, that I am missing something or am wrong about this as a whole.

[@thejananigans431]

I love these 3-5 minute videos

[@davidjoseph7142]

I do as well, and I think his shirt is perfect for this question

[@kennystrawnmusic]

3:11 is actually something Jack Hibbs touched on and it’s actually two upstream springs: a hot spring in Hierapolis and a cold spring in Colossae. The (primitive) engineers who built the aqueducts carrying water to Laodicea didn’t have enough of a knowledge of thermodynamics to recognize that mixing hot and cold water makes lukewarm water, which is exactly what happened when they made the incredibly dumb decision to run a forked aqueduct to both of those springs that mixed the two sources of water together on the way to the city. So the analogy, then, is that the church of Laodicea was an unholy mix of nominal belief with practical unbelief - not unlike “progressive Christianity” today.

[@Faith-fm2cl]

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?

[@jrconway3]

Yeah the hot and cold waters is being used as a metaphor here. People sometimes don't understand this passage is talking about water because they don't realize the context, but the line about "I will spew you out of my mouth" makes it more clear there. The water is simply a way to tell Laodicea how he feels about them. Because Laodicea had lukewarm water which they knew just wasn't very good, it was a great metaphor to use to explain to the church of Laodicea how God felt about them in that time. I don't necessarily think this means the church wasn't a real Christian church, but that if they failed to heed his warning and produce fruit, God wouldn't preserve the church much longer.

[@andrewwoode]

​@@jrconway3 Laodicea Jesus says is spiritually blind and wretched, lacking true riches, that is, knowing Jesus and being in relationship with him. A city know for its banking medicine, and textiles, they are rich and self-suffient, but no longer looking to God. An example is in 60 A.D., when an earthquake's damage is rebuilt through the town's own funds and they decline imperial assistance. They boast of their self sufficiency. Jesus is standing and knocking at the door of the Laodicea church, because somewhere they did not keep with Christ, and they truly have not let him in again. Christ is waiting to be let in. And he is initiating reconcilliarion, calling those he loves to repent and let him in as Lord over all. Even as they are rich, to seek true treasure in him again. He reigns and invites us to share in this reign when we overcome the world through obedience to him Rev 3:14-22

[@naomiomi7340]

Hhmmm . . . This is a very interesting take. Thanks for sharing.

[@commenter5901]

I'm sure there are many way to interpret this, as most metaphors. I've also heard it being compared to food preservation where hot and cold will kill/prevent food or drink from spoiling, but lukewarm is where bacteria grows. It's the same concept, but just a different illustration.

[@brothermanv]

Yep, I heard the explanation of the springs and refreshing water, too-- i believe from the ESV Study Bible

[@dragoncomosaics9282]

Another version that worth consideration: lukewarm means those that mix Grace+works for their salvation.

[@silversurfer2703]

Now that makes more sense to me.

[@KentuckyBrad]

You have a one track mind

[@Francisco-ig4bz]

that verse always confused me. this is literally the best explanation I've ever heard from that text. Thank you!

[@CalebTheSojourner]

I have heard good, fruitful Christians worry about being lukewarm over such small things or simply not serving as often as they desire. I am happy for this clarification I can share with them!

[@lkae4]

They might have a worse problem-- works-based religion.

[@IAmisMaster]

@@lkae4 You have a worse problem, denying what the Scriptures say about losing salvation for willful sin (Matthew 24:44:51; Hebrews 10:26-31) and final judgment of works (Matthew 16:27; John 5:28-29; Romans 2:4-13; Galatians 6:7-9

[@CalebTheSojourner]

@@lkae4Definitely, but unintentionally. They are striving to be vigilant and honor God by serving him faithfully but will read the verses in James among other places warning about a Christian baring no fruit, not having genuine faith. While they're challenging passages, they by no means are saying Works Save. Christians, without a stable Gospel foundation, can become fearful, rather than encouraged at certain verses.

[@CalebTheSojourner]

@@IAmisMaster Yeah I don't believe once saved always saved necessarily, I believe the New Testament shows clear examples of apostasy as well as clear warnings of it. But not that if you don't meet a quota of works, or make a mistake you've lost you're salvation

[@sidwhiting665]

My thought is if you're worried about being lukewarm, you're not lukewarm. The fact that you're worried shows there's still a fire, but it may be hard to see it due to some temporary hardship or struggle. Obviously, we could all serve MORE, but God isn't interested in hyper-volunteerism. Sure, it's great to volunteer at church and/or in the community to make the world a better place, but ultimately our salvation is based on a firm trust that we are saved by grace alone through faith, that our sins are covered by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, and that we are free from bondage to sin, guilt, and shame. Sometimes you have to take a step back. It's easy to get burned out when you're always doing something. That's why it's important to remember that Christ is our Sabbath rest. Volunteer when and how the Spirit leads you, and trust God to prosper your efforts as he sees fit.

[@TazKiKr]

Dear Mike I was so glad I you posted this snippet from a Friday Q&A. I am from South Africa, and the "big" church I belong to (I would estimate about 4~5 million members) have decided to follow an "Open doors to all" in the LGBTQ issue. Their approach is that each congregation is allowed to decided for themselves how they feel about the issue and act as such, since as the over-all guiding authority the leadership of the countrywide church are also divided. I have time and again called upon Rev 3:16 to get my representatives to plead with them to rather make a decision as their lukewarm attitude on this issue causes souls to go lost. At the last provincial gathering of the church leaders I had the opportunity to represent my local congregation, but the provincial leadership used rules and political maneuvering to shut down the issue and refused to discuss it further then and ever again. In most everything else the church has decent doctrine and I promised I would stay with this specific church when I was accepted as a member 32 years ago. So I do not wish to break my promise before God to the church but I seriously am disappointed with their "lukewarm" and "worldly" attitude towards this issue. Any advise from you or any fellow christians reading this comment?

[@vladdragos501]

If God tells you to leave it and if the church is loosing flavor (no longer calling out lukewarm Christians and accepts worldly stuff such as holidays, pride flags and overall adopts a worldly behavior, not wanting to upset people who are blinded by satan but encourage them to feel good by living in sin) then leave it, you do it for God and He knows the heart but talk to Him first of all. May God help you decide ❤

[@crystalparker2542]

My opinion on this is, it would depend on exactly what your church is doing. I mean, it's one thing to have an "open door" for anyone, because church is for the sinner, because if we were not all sinners, we wouldn't need it at all. None of us are perfect and we all need God. So a church should welcome anyone. That being said, there's a big difference in welcoming the sinner with the idea to help them, and simply allowing things in and then affirming it all and instead teaching that what they do is ok, simply to not offend. For example, your church can and should allow an homosexual person or trans or whatever, to come. But they still must stand on the word of God and teach the sin in that lifestyle, and if they are waving pride flags and such, they are not standing on the word of God. So allowing people to come is one thing. Affirming a sinful lifestyle and twisting scripture to claim it's not a sinful lifestyle are another thing entirely. The latter is what you wouldn't want to see your church doing. If that starts to happen, you should most likely leave it. But for that, you must talk with God. Not me.

[@TazKiKr]

@@crystalparker2542 Thanks for such a loving answer. Yes the open-door policy I referred to is not about attendance but about congregations being allowed to appoint LGBTQI...preachers who then affirms the lifestyle without any form of rebuke from the central "Synod" type body. They also allow other congregations to decide not to affirm such lifestyles and the different congregations are simply expected to either co-operate with each other or to act like the others don't exist because "it's none of your business". So basically they refuse take a dogmatic stance to either side of the views and tries to remain comfy on the fence. One can only presume it is because they "like the millions of members" idea.

[@bonzeuscarranza2458]

Truth be told. Yes and amen. Shalom 🕊️🔥

[@wftxidiot6518]

Best description of that passage that I have heard yet. Thank you brother😁🙏❤️

[@thinkingtoinfinity]

Great examination of the fave passage of many a youth pastor from my teens! The message back then was that if you weren't standing on tables in the lunch cafeteria at school shouting for people to be saved, you were going to be "spit out" by God for not being "on fire" enough.

[@SpaceCadet4Jesus]

I wonder how many people were converted by that method and how many just shut their ears and moved on?

[@melindamercier6811]

I heard Voddie Baucham speak on this and it was awesome. I don’t necessarily agree with his view on eschatology (I listened to his entire Revelation series), but his exposition on the letters to the Churches was really educational. And his description of Church of Laodicea was fantastic. He explained the cultural significance behind calling them lukewarm, and calling out their pridefulness when they were neither helpful nor refreshing as a church. I highly recommend it to everyone.

[@user-fn4gy8fq6x]

This sounds great. I enjoy listening to him. Thanks for the recommend! Also, thank you Pastor Mike! I appreciate your ministry.

[@fernandodeleon4115]

I hope you will enjoy this sister. The Lukewarm: Jesus could wish they were cold or hot not Lukewarm. =Revelation 3:15 The Lukewarm, are people who are not saved. *The Lukewarm people are naked, they have no garments on.= Revelation 3:17,18 *There are some believers that have defiled their garments, they are not naked= Revelation 3:4 Now go back to Revelation 3:21 = (to him who overcomes,) cross reference that with 1JOHN 5:4,5, (we overcome the world, through our faith.)

[@thewhole_picture1743]

Those verses are referencing a particular water springs source. Hot water is cleansing and cold water is refreshing so both are saved people. Lukewarm are those who think they are saved who will find out they're not.

[@carriebutler5849]

Morning guys, I have never thought about it this way, but when Pastor Mike said it, I immediately thought of my Cafe and how the hot pie warmer is good, the chilled cabinet is good and when things are left at ambient temperature... that is when you have to be concerned about the growth of bugs that could cause food poisoning...you pretty much spew if you get food poisoning.🤢

[@Kaileb984]

Thank you brother, that provided a very helpful perspective on that scripture for me, that I feel works better than most of the rest

[@IAmisMaster]

“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” - Hebrews 10:26-31 (ESV)

[@Laugical]

The sin being spoken of in this passage is the sin of unbelief. There is no more sacrifice that can cover the sins of the Hebrews that reject Jesus (this book was written to Hebrews), because Jesus was the one sacrifice for all sins forever. So the Hebrews (and of course any unbelievers today) that go on committing the sin of unbelief after hearing the knowledge of the truth (the gospel) trample the blood of Jesus underfoot and have nothing to look forward to but consuming fire. If this passage was saying that any willful sin after being saved made us deserve hell again and nullified the blood of Jesus, then no one is saved, because everyone willfully sins, even after being saved.

[@IAmisMaster]

@@Laugical Wrong. Not everyone goes on to willfully sin after being saved. That’s your presupposition based on your experience living in sin and not believing that the Bible literally says God gives Christians the ability to overcome every temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13) and are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6). That’s why Hebrews says those who do so are no longer saved even though they were once sanctified by Christ’s blood. Just admit you don’t like what the Bible says instead of reading it and pretending Hebrews 10:26-31 isn’t talking about those who have once been saved by Christ’s blood. Tell me, have unbelievers ever been sanctified by Christ’s blood? Of course not, so that’s not who Hebrews 10 is talking about.

[@JesusismyGOD]

Sinning *THROUGH UNBELIEF Staying in Spiritual Deception* like having the mere appearance of godliness that lacks rebirth like in 2 Tim 3: 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away, is the deliberate sinning he is talking about in Hebrews 10:26 . *You have to read all of the Book of Hebrews and Romans and the whole counsel of GOD*. God hates when people play games and act religious, but lack rebirth. What you are saying with the way you are trying to twist this is that if you/anyone of us are not *SINLESS now*, ( and No one is currently but Jesus) then you can not have or can not keep salvation. That is a filthy lie! When we trust in the blood of the Lamb we are* justified* immediately and saved from the *Penalty of Sin, & our Spirit is made alive and we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and sealed with him forever and made into a New Creation* ( in the Spirit). Eph Then we are *Sanctified* , and renewed in our mind in our sou* l, and daily/weekly/monthly/yearly walking in the Spirit, learning the Christian Worldview, about God, spending time with other believers, reading the Bible, praying and serving and acting on our faith. *We still can sin in our flesh, but our Soul is being trained ( and Spirit is sinless), So then our mind/body/soul completes our actions. We can still sin by thought, word, and deed, but we will be altered over the long haul, and we will learn to be holy, while we are blameless before God, through the Blood. *We are being saved from the Power of Sin* , and we can say "no" to it. Sometimes we do. Jesus is making a New Creature of the new and not of the old. 2 Cor 5:17. It is not an All or Nothing, it is a process! Lastly, when Jesus comes, he gives* new FLESH with NEW sinless natures to those believers, and the end of Evil results in them, with us & Christ, being a mystery so the Two Shall Become One New glorified sinless flesh Creation together with Jesus*. *That is the Power of God saving us from the Presence of sin in our Flesh bodies*. Rev 12;5, Isaiah 66: 8, Isaiah 54:1, Gal 4, John 8, Eph 5: 28-31 SALVATION IS IN STAGES: Spirit (1/3) + Soul (1/3) + Body (1/3) + ------------------------------- =Complete (3/3) in Christ

[@Laugical]

@@IAmisMaster Please tell me how it’s going with you selling all you have and giving it to the poor. Please tell me how it’s going spending every waking moment of the day preaching the gospel and never spending one second for anything selfish for yourself. I’m very impressed you are able to live a sinlessly perfect life, that’s amazing. I’m sure you’re gonna be on the news soon as one of the most righteous, charitable people in human history, yes? The greatest commandment is to love the Lord God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Every second you do not spend doing that is sin. Playing games without thinking of God? Sin. Going out to see a movie instead of preach the gospel? Sin. How you doing on that “never sinning willfully” stuff?

[@ultimatezak]

@@IAmisMaster Your removal of context is misleading in Heb 10:26, "there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins" could be translated "there no longer remains a sacrifice of bulls and goats for sins" according to the very obvious context contained in Hebrews 10:1-4 - "For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, not the image itself of the things, can never by the same sacrifices year by year, which they offer continually, perfect those who draw near." He 10:2 "otherwise would they not have ceased to be offered, because those worshipping, having once been purified, would have no longer had the consciousness of sins?" He 10:3 "But in those sacrifices there is a bringing to mind of sins year by year;" He 10:4 "For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins." And in Hebrews 10:8-11 - "Saying above, “Sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You did not desire nor delight in” *(which are offered according to the law),* He 10:9 "He then has said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will.” *He takes away the first that He may establish the second,"* He 10:10 "By which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." He 10:11 - "And every priest stands daily, ministering and offering often the same sacrifices, which can never remove sins;" Then in Hebrews 10:20-31 this clearly refers to going back to the sacrifices of sin in the old covenant, which have ceased (Heb 10:9). There is no question whether Paul is talking to believers, or at least those who have previously been believers, in verse 29 the Hebrews he is talking to have been sanctified by the blood. But is the judgement the people will receive in verse 30 and the judgement and fervor of fire in verse 27 related to the believers eternal salvation? Hebrews 10:34 - "knowing that you yourselves have a better possession and one that abides." What is this better possession? Hebrews 9:15 - "And because of this He is the Mediator of a new covenant, so that, death having taken place for redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, *those who have been called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance."* Our possession as believers, aka the called out ones, is the eternal inheritance of the eternal life of God and therefore sonship of God, whereby we inherit all the God is and has. 1 Peter 1:3 - "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has regenerated us unto a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," 1P 1:4 "Unto an inheritance, incorruptible and undefiled and unfading, kept in the heavens for you," 1P 1:5 "Who are being guarded by the power of God through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed at the last time;" But what do we lose if we shrink back and go back into sin like Paul was warning in Hebrews 10? Hebrews 10:35-36 - "Do not cast away therefore your boldness, which has great reward." "For you have need of endurance in order that, having done the will of God, you may obtain the promise." We need endurance for the promise of reward, which is participation in God's wedding feast in His millennial Kingdom, so that we are the prudent virgins and not the foolish virgins, on whom the door to the millennial Kingdom is shut (Matt 25:10). We need to be those who are clothed with righteousnesses, righteous to the full sanctification/gaining/salvation of our souls. Hebrews 10:38-39 - "But My righteous one shall live by faith; and if he shrinks back, My soul does not delight in him.” He 10:39 "But we are not of those who shrink back to ruin but of those who have faith to the gaining of the soul." 1 Peter 1:9 - "Receiving the end of your faith, the salvation of your souls." And by our works in Christ and righteousnesses is how we are sanctified and become ready so as to not miss out on the reward of the wedding feast. Revelation 19:7 - "Let us rejoice and exult, and let us give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." Rv 19:8 - "And it was given to her that she should be clothed in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteousnesses of the saints." But our eternal salvation, eternal life and eternal inheritance in the new heaven and new earth as sons of God is never taken away. Our eternal destination/eternal salvation is not conditional and exponential, the full sanctification and salvation of our soul however is conditional and exponential and leads to either reward of punishment, but not eternal punishment. Faith is the substantiation of things hoped for and things not seen (Hebrews 11:1), you substantiate Christ as the Holy Spirit, the unseen One (1 Peter 1:8), when you are regenerated unto a living hope (1 Peter 1:3) by receiving the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38 - "And Peter said to them, Repent and each one of you be baptized upon the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.", Romans 10:9,10,13 - "That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;" "For with the heart there is believing unto righteousness, and with the mouth there is confession unto salvation." "For “whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”" And why is this the case? Because 1 Corinthians 12:3 - "...no one can say, Jesus is Lord! except in the Holy Spirit." If you receive the Holy Spirit, you are a child of God and a recipient of eternal life and no one can snatch you out of the Father's hand. (John 10:28) When the Bible says salvation it does not always refer to your eternal salvation. Our eternal salvation is a free gift of grace, Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; Ep 2:9 "Not of works that no one should boast. Grace be with you." The error is thinking that we can change God's choosing in His elect by our failures/sin. This is a fixed matter. Romans 9:11,16 - "Though the children had not yet been born nor had done anything good or bad (that the purpose of God according to selection might remain, not of works but of Him who calls)," "So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy." Which is why, despite the Corinthians perhaps having the most failures our of all the churches, Paul still addresses them in this way: 1 Corinthians 1:2 - "To the church of God which is in Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, *the called saints, with all those who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, who is theirs and ours:"* If you have received the Holy Spirit, you are eternally saved and are a called saint, a recipient of eternal life and are called a son of God. Romans 8:14 - "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." If you are a foolish virgin, an evil slave, one who is lukewarm, you will miss the millennial Kingdom and be cast into outer darkness (Matt 25:30) and will face God's judgement and punishment, but will be saved, yet as though through fire. 1 Corinthians 3:14-15 - "If anyone’s work which he has built upon the foundation remains, he will receive a reward;" 1Co 3:15 *"If anyone’s work is consumed, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire."* Also, God is Triune, Matthew 26:18 - "Go therefore and disciple all the nations, baptizing them into the (one) name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," Grace be with you.

[@clivenewton7609]

I pray you’re right in this interpretation!! Great job, love your videos. Kindest regards from across the pond.

[@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.

[@ultimatezak]

Yes, I think this is the intention of the text, as the word for hot in the verse is literally boiling. Boiled water being obviously clean, those that are hot know that they are hot. However, I'm inclined to disagree with the interpretation here that cold is good as cold is clearly a characteristic in apposition to boiled/hot/clean, but I totally agree with you that I think the intention of the text is that someone that is cold clearly knows that they are cold and are far off from God and are dirty aka not boiled to be made clean, however those that are lukewarm are not clear about their disastrous spiritual condition and that they are in darkness. Lukewarm should imply that they think they are making somewhat of an effort to live the Christian life, albeit it is a halfway effort and they are are cut off from God because of their hidden sins and worldly mixture. Perhaps this could be compared to 1 John 1:6-7 - "If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and are not practicing the truth; 1J 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from every sin." Those lukewarm ones being the ones who are under the lie and think that they are in fellowship with God and yet they are in darkness, the hot being those in the light and the cold being those who know they are in darkness and are cut off from God.

[@KevinNordstrom]

The problem is all of humanity including Christians are Luke warm from time to time. If God's measure of ones salvation is based on works, screw that gospel then because I don't want nothing to do with it as I would never be able to save myself. God knows my heart. That's all that matters to me. I have battled the thought of if I'm truly saved based on the "amount" of good I've done which pales in comparison to the bad in my life and I've questioned my salvation before based on if I'm just lukewarm with my heart and actions or words. In these moments I remember the cross. What Jesus did for me on my behalf as a sinner. We are all a bunch of Paul's and do what we don't want to do and don't do what we know to do. Thanks be to Christ our savior.

[@ultimatezak]

@@KevinNordstrom Brother, your comment fills me with burden, as I think your struggles are representative of so so many believers today who are told by others that they are constantly losing and gaining their salvation. I think I have some Scripture which could be very encouraging. The first matter to clear up is that our eternal destination/eternal salvation is not conditional and exponential, the full sanctification and salvation of our soul however is conditional and exponential and leads to either reward of punishment, but not eternal punishment. Faith is the substantiation of things hoped for and things not seen (Hebrews 11:1), you substantiate Christ as the Holy Spirit, the unseen One (1 Peter 1:8), when you are regenerated unto a living hope (1 Peter 1:3) by receiving the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38 - "And Peter said to them, Repent and each one of you be baptized upon the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.", Romans 10:9,10,13 - "That if you *confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart* that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;" "For with the heart there is believing unto righteousness, and *with the mouth there is confession unto salvation."* "For *“whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”"* And why is this the case? Because 1 Corinthians 12:3 - "*...no one can say, Jesus is Lord! except in the Holy Spirit."* If you receive the Holy Spirit, you are a child of God and a recipient of eternal life and *no one can snatch you out of the Father's hand.* (John 10:28) Being steadfast in the faith and proving your faith as well as not being lukewarm (1 Peter 1:7), as the Lord is admonishing Laodicea to do in Revelation 3 is for receiving the reward at the end of our faith - 1 Peter 1:9 - "Receiving the end of your faith, the salvation of your souls." When the Bible says salvation it does not always refer to your eternal salvation. This is a mistake many believers make and many have firm convictions and share with others that they can lose their salvation. Such is not the case. God's judgement for those who are not steadfast may be severe, but nevertheless as we strive as believers to run the race of faith, we know in the end we will enter into His joy. 1 Corinthians 3:14-15 says "If anyone’s work which he has built upon the foundation remains, he will receive a reward; if anyone’s work is consumed, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." This indicates a punishment but surely never eternal condemnation to those who have been made sons of God. Romans 9:16 says about God's choosing of His elect: "So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy." To truly grasp a glimpse of the depths of God's love and mercy we all need to see and be reminded over and over that "there is none who understands, there is none who seeks out God" (Romans 9:16) and that our being able to come to God, be redeemed of our wickedness, and rest in the joys of His presence is only by His mercy and grace. Such a realisation results in a thorough repentance such as David in Psalms 51, which restores God's fellowship/presence to us and the joy of salvation. But this is for restoring our ongoing relationship with God, not for the changing of our eternal destination. A booklet that was most helpful to me was "The Assurance, Security and Joy of Salvation." Grace be with you. Psalms 51:17 - "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; / A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." Psalms 51:15 - "O Lord, open my lips, / And my mouth will declare Your praise"

[@Mink_Tracks]

​@@ultimatezak that makes me happy. I still stuggle though with wondering if im REALLY born again or not. Im so scared that I am deceiving myself. I want so badly to just let go of my fears and be able to rest in Jesus. I feel like I have an odd emptiness inside of me. This also leads me to doubt whether im saved in the first place.

[@robbiecleighmarks3088]

​@Mink buddy if you that worried about it then you ARE most certainly born again and saved. Unsaved and non believers don't think about or care about that. Rest easy partner, God knows your heart. If you want Him you've got Him, and nothing can snatch you out His hand.. not even yourself and your psyche

[@aaronsomerville2124]

Who could be more lukewarm than one who claims to follow Jesus Christ and yet rejects Him in His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity? As the first Protestants forsook Him in John 6, so it is with anyone who claims Jesus Christ but will not eat the Flesh and drink the Blood of the Son of Man.

[@alexandraruedaa2070]

Hi Pastor Mike, I love your ministry, it's enlightening. Thank you fir taking the time abd sharing. I wanted to ask if you could make a video on what a wordly person does and thinks, I'm confused. For instance, watching series, movies, having an alcoholic drink sporadically, etc. What is your view on this?

[@kaelaleedaley]

I was a lukewarm Christian, not on Fire for The LORD but not cold or indifferent to Him. The latter He can Save and the former He can use but the lukewarm Christian fences their relationship with God. This has been my understanding of the verse but I LOVE learning about how others personally interpret it xx

[@CharlieKraken]

Oh thank you so much for this Pastor Mike and praise God! I completely misinterpreted this verse and assumed cold meant unbelief like many do. I am overjoyed at this correction and am already sharing it with friends. God bless you and your ministry!

[@garychap8384]

Interesting. How did you come to know that cold doesn't mean disbelief? It is better to never have heard the Word, for example, than to know the truth and fail to apply it. Elsewhere, it says that those who preach, for example, will be judged the most harshly. So, what does this tell us? Preach... or don't preach... but preaching badly, incorrectly or out of love of power, or out of pride... would be, surely, far worse than either! The danger of being 'lukewarm' could certainly fit this idea. And surely it is better to have never heard the Word at all... than to have heard and believed it, yet failed to live according to it. The greater sin, surely... far greater than genuine ignorance... is to remain unmoved by the truth. In this text Jesus accuses them of being 'naked'... as though nakedness was a problem. But you can be childlike, innocent and naked or adult, knowledgeable and clothed... both are perfectly fine. Babies have no shame in being naked. There is clearly a middle-ground though, in which we suffer sin and shame. But, ultimately, we don't know the exact meaning. In fact, it would be prideful arrogance to assume we knew the mind of God. So, you may, or may not, have misinterpreted it Charlie. And Mike may, or may not, have misinterpreted it. I too may, or may not, have misinterpreted it... But we each have the knowledge of right and wrong seared into our hearts, from the fall. To live right, you simply need to listen to it. Whichever way the words 'move' you is far more about the fitness of your heart than the insightfulness of your literary analysis ; ) Just my 2 Sheckles worth.

[@Real_LiamOBryan]

@@garychap8384 NET Bible, said to be a Bible for translators and scholars, has the following note on the verse: sn Laodicea was near two other towns, each of which had a unique water source. To the north was Hierapolis which had a natural hot spring, often used for medicinal purposes. To the east was Colossae which had cold, pure waters. In contrast to these towns, Laodicea had no permanent supply of good water. Efforts to pipe water to the city from nearby springs were successful, but it would arrive lukewarm. The metaphor in the text is not meant to relate spiritual fervor to temperature. This would mean that Laodicea would be commended for being spiritually cold, but it is unlikely that Jesus would commend this. Instead, the metaphor condemns Laodicea for not providing spiritual healing (being hot) or spiritual refreshment (being cold) to those around them. It is a condemnation of their lack of works and lack of witness.

[@garychap8384]

@@Real_LiamOBryan But that's hardly the point... it's still man interpreting the intents of God and insisting on a single, knowable, concrete, meaning... it's an increasingly modern trait. This isn't the worst example, but it IS a problem. You see the bible doesn't SAY any of that. Say that it does, and you deprive the reader of the verses flexibility and nuances. Ultimately, the metaphor will mean whatever it means on the day you read the verse with an open heart, and suddenly find its message both timely and soothing to your circumstance. Because scripture 'finds you' when you most need it. And its wisdom and meaning 'reveals itself' when you are ready. Rigid and authoritative analyses risk depriving us of this. I think there are far too many clinically minded folks (including some absurdly selective literalists) around these days. Too many petty 'authorities' who seem to think they have _(or, indeed, deserve)_ definitive clinical answers regarding His absolute meanings and intents. Which is problematic, as Christians much closer to the source texts tended to have some VERY different views to the modern Christian. Is the clinical analysis working? Is rigid interpretation working? Why so many factions and schisms today? Are they caused by Gods message itself - or by the dogged insistence, of various church leaders, in their superior ability to be the earthly gauge of Gods true meanings and intents? We've had religious wars over just such rigid interpretations. But if interpreting Gods meaning through a modern linguistic and literary analysis was an appropriate technique for knowing Gods mind, then wouldn't this insistence on a fixed modern interpretation tend to REDUCE the number of schisms? Yet, here we are... divided by a bad habit : ) Far too many claim to know Gods actual intents well enough to foist their inarguable findings onto others, instead of letting each verse speak to each heart, in the proper moment. Some even dare to set in proud academic stone, in OUR age, the precise meanings of a book written for ALL ages... and remake the bible, to standardise their own reading. _"Si comprehendus, non est Deus"_ - St. Augustine If you understand it, then it ain't God

[@Real_LiamOBryan]

@@garychap8384 Because you gave me too much to respond to, and I needed to thoroughly respond to several parts, I had to split this into two (due to KZbin's comment character limit. *_Part 1_* *"But that's hardly the point... it's still man interpreting the intents of God and insisting on a single, knowable, concrete, meaning... it's an increasingly modern trait."* You say that as if there is another way to read than to take in the writing, filter it through our reasoning, and try to determine what it's telling us. You can't read without interpreting, and this nonsense about it being unknowable is the opposite of wisdom, increasing in knowledge, and loving the Lord your God with all your mind. Also, it hinges on the idea that this passage is unknowable, has several meanings, is abstract. Can you show these things to be true? There seems to be a most plausible meaning to this passage, why should we ignore it, to make ourselves feel more pious? *"This isn't the worst example, but it IS a problem."* Maybe, but I think that the most common problem is the reverse problem, that is, the tendency to spiritualize and allegorize everything, reduce it to the unknowable, and claim that God is only knowable by what He is not (apophasis). *"You see the bible doesn't SAY any of that."* I think that's exactly what it's saying. First, you'll notice that the first clause says that it is talking about the "works", Greek "erga", of the Laodiceans. This, alone, is enough to tell us that it is not talking about soteriology. Jerome tells us this about works, or deeds, when he says: "The Savior likes nothing that is half and half, and, while he welcomes the hot and does not shun the cold, he tells us in the Apocalypse that he will spew the lukewarm out of his mouth. Wherefore we must be careful to celebrate our holy day not so much with abundance of food as with exultation of spirit." --Jerome, To Eustochium, Section 3. John Cassian tells us the same when he says: "And this free will would never lead us to attain true perfection, but would plunge us into a most miserable condition of lukewarmness, and make us like those who are rebuked by the Lord’s remonstrance in the Apocalypse: “I know thy works, that thou art neither hot nor cold. I would that thou wert hot or cold. But now thou art lukewarm, and I will forthwith spew thee out of my mouth;” were it not that these contentions which rise up on both sides disturb and destroy this condition of lukewarmness. For when we give in to this free will of ours and want to let ourselves go in the direction of this slackness, at once the desires of the flesh start up, and injure us with their sinful passions, and do not suffer us to continue in that state of purity in which we delight, and allure us to that cold and thorny path of pleasure which we have to dread." --John Cassian, Conference 4, Chapter 12. Second, God doesn't prefer that people are unsaved and damned to hell than a saved Christian who isn't "on fire". God says that it would be better for the person you speak of not to have known than to know and be judged, not that it's His personal preference that he had never known. Third, the author knew that Laodiceans would understand what he was talking about. It even talks about the "Phrygian powder", which was known as a famous healing eye ointment in the area, within a couple verses. I think that the author knew that the Laodicean's would recognize that their water being piped in was lukewarm and, so, not useful for either healing like the warm water at Hierapolis to the north or useful for refreshment like the cool water at Colossae to the east. Why shouldn't we take this most plausible interpretation? *"Say that it does, and you deprive the reader of the verses flexibility and nuances."* Does God want us to understand most of His message to us? And, please note, I'm not asking if God wants all people at all times to understand His message to us. I know that, at times, God doesn't want certain people to understand certain things but, in general, the final revelation, Christ, has been made known and God--I think--wants us to know His message to us and have wisdom and understanding, as well as to seek to learn and grow (which seems antithetical to your idea here). *"Ultimately, the metaphor will mean whatever it means on the day you read the verse with an open heart, and suddenly find its message both timely and soothing to your circumstance."* Yikes! Are we really to interpret God's truth by whatever makes us have warm and fuzzy feelings? This is absolutely destructive to God's desire that we learn and grow and not remain spiritual children. It also makes God's message person relative. This is scary stuff. *"Because scripture 'finds you' when you most need it. And its wisdom and meaning 'reveals itself' when you are ready."* That doesn't imply that we can't properly interpret any particular passage and runs into the problems I just mentioned above. *"Rigid and authoritative analyses risk depriving us of this."* I don't see how. Can you give a good reason to think that you can't both try to understand, and succeed in understanding, a passage and have such personal enlightenment? By the way, the scriptures just *_are_* God's objective revelation to us, they aren't personally and subjectively revealed; rather, God merely illumines certain parts of the revelation to us such that we become enlightened. *"I think there are far too many clinically minded folks (including some absurdly selective literalists) around these days."* I would agree to an extent, though "far too many doesn't imply great in number, but I also think that there is an even greater problem, much greater in number, with the opposite kind of people that I mentioned before. I think that the kind of people that I am talking about are those kinds which the Church produced post enlightenment in an attempt to shield itself from the criticism of thinking individuals. Before that, the Church was full of both the greatest thinkers, those who started almost every modern branch of science and philosophy--as well as starting most of the modern education system, and the greatest doers, those who started most of the philanthropic ventures (e.g., hospitals, homeless shelters, etc.). Now the Church is mostly full of unthinking zealots, only concerned with the emotional and "spiritual" (which is often just another term for the emotional, but can also be synonymous with allegorical, mystical, etc.). *_Continued in Part 2_*

[@Real_LiamOBryan]

@@garychap8384 *_Part 2_* *"Too many petty 'authorities' who seem to think they have (or, indeed, deserve) definitive clinical answers regarding His absolute meanings and intents."* Eh. Whether I agree or disagree, that says nothing about whether we can know, or should try to understand, any particular passage. *"Which is problematic, as Christians much closer to the source texts tended to have some VERY different views to the modern Christian."* I do agree with this to a degree, being what I consider an Apostolic Christian, but I don't think that it gets you where you are trying to go. *"Is the clinical analysis working? Is rigid interpretation working?"* Well, it is in this passage (Revelation 3:15). Also, I do think that it is helping correct this unthinking worldview that many Christians tend to espouse these days, which was entirely unknown to the early Church and, especially, the New Testament authors. *"Why so many factions and schisms today? Are they caused by Gods message itself - or by the dogged insistence, of various church leaders, in their superior ability to be the earthly gauge of Gods true meanings and intents?"* ... or by people being factious and not focusing to an appropriate degree on unity, a unity of both mind and doctrine. I think what you give, here, is--therefore--a false dichotomy. *"We've had religious wars over just such rigid interpretations."* That's more a condemnation of people's lack of virtues than it is of proper interpretation. *"But if interpreting Gods meaning through a modern linguistic and literary analysis was an appropriate technique for knowing Gods mind, then wouldn't this insistence on a fixed modern interpretation tend to REDUCE the number of schisms?"* No. That just removes character flaws, moral vice, and agency from the possible options. Life just doesn't work in such a simple, x always has y outcome, way. *"Yet, here we are... divided by a bad habit : )"* ... or divided by other things. *"Far too many claim to know Gods actual intents well enough to foist their inarguable findings onto others, instead of letting each verse speak to each heart, in the proper moment."* Far too many claim that God's message to us isn't, in fact, a message to us but, instead, an inscrutable cipher with a spiritual decoder ring. Study to show thyself approved need not apply. Just let the text wash over you. And, don't let anybody ever correct your misunderstanding, even though the scriptures say to do so. Perhaps I haven't mystically understood Colossians 3:16: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another with all wisdom...". Perhaps it isn't literally true that: "Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Perhaps we should let all specks remain in our brothers' eyes (Matthew 7:5), even when we see clearly, and forget being "... filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another." (Romans 15:14). There are tons of these passages that say that we ought to seek to grow in knowledge and teach/correct one another. *"Some even dare to set in proud academic stone, in OUR age, the precise meanings of a book written for ALL ages... and remake the bible, to standardise their own reading."* That doesn't make it wrong to seek to understand, nor to even achieve such understanding. *""If you understand it, then it ain't God"* Then God doesn't exist, isn't personal, isn't good, isn't powerful, isn't divine, etc. I'm sorry, this strict apophasis is just a terrible idea (not merely using the tool of apophasis but making it an epistemological first principle). It does help show people the mystery and greatness of God, but not all things that are useful are true. Kataphasis is quite legitimate in theology, I'm afraid.

[@MrBobbaulch]

North of Laodicea was Hierapolis and its hot springs that had medicinal uses. South of Laodicea was Colossae and its cold springs that provided clean water drink. But Laodicea, as rich as it was, had a horrible water supply that was brought in on an aqueduct from the south. When it reached Laodicea, it was lukewarm and nasty. Those who drank it without disinfecting it first through wine or boiling would get sick.

[@damienblauwald]

A passage I had been curious for some time. Thank you for looking at this. Also, yes, needs more garlic (and black pepper)

[@mushimushi9706]

In another take on hot, cold, and lukewarm is good, evil, and indecisive. Because God can work through both good and evil but it's lukewarm that he hates.

[@bromalogy]

Leviticus 20: 22 “You shall therefore keep all my statutes and all my rules and do them, that the land where I am bringing you to live may not vomit you out.

[@ownser1]

I do still hold to the idea that the lukewarm Christian is being referred to in this verse. As Paul says - “Faith without works is dead” - James 2:26 Yes this is a scary proposition, and that is why we are also called to examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith! (2 Corinthians 13:5) No I’m not a Catholic or Orthodox, I am Protestant, but I feel we Protestants are very much lacking in our idea of what it means to be a Christian. This isn’t to say you should compare your good deeds to others. A rich man may be able to form a whole charity, while a poor man may only have a few dollars to give - what matters is whether it is coming from a place of true sincerity and love for God. I immediately think of Mark 12:41-44 and the poor window giving her offering to the temple treasury. God gives us a free gift of Grace and Eternal life in his presence.. the least we can do is give our lives in return by doing all we can to further his kingdom! God bless you all❤️

[@a.d.9889]

2 Corinthians 10:10-18 11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present. 12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. 14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: 15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand. 17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

[@garypostell5268]

Amen 🙏

[@danielwelsh6006]

I could be wrong but I was thought this verse meant there are believers (hot) and there are non believers (cold) and to be Luke-warm is to be someone who outwardly claims they're a Christian but inwardly they are not. Either cause they justify they're worldly/ sinful thoughts and acts or they don't care/ ignore them and thus don't really repent. This is bad because it makes the church, God and the believers look bad and also leads to false doctrine. This is why he spat them out because it would be better if they were cold and didn't harm the God's followers. Note this is different from struggling with sin.

[@MightyWomanOfGod9050]

How could that be true when He is addressing a "church"? It's not true. Read my comment below.

[@LLPOF]

Oh my, what other scriptures have I had a bad misunderstanding of my whole life?

[@crystalparker2542]

Lol...that's what I love about Mike Winger. He's put a lot of thought and effort into finding truth and he always goes to scripture to find that truth. He's not working from some "denominational doctrine". He simply goes to scripture. How i have always taken this verse is that cold meant those ignorant to much of the faith and the scriptures, with lukewarm meaning those who absolutely do know, but don't live like they do, while hot was those who knew and did live like it. But, lol, Mike's description seems more plausible than what I previously believed.

[@michaelwinn5274]

Very nice explanation. I never heard this one before. That the hot and cold refers to being distanced from the ambient temperature of the world... What I have heard is hot and cold being of use to the Lord. Notice that it is the Lord who decides the value. In this regard, I thought the hot might refer to those who share the gospel and go around emphasizing the need for repentance. They are hot because they warn of God's Holiness and Righteousness. God as a consuming fire. They promote a healthy fear of the Lord... On the other side, I saw the cold ones as being people who share the gospel and emphasize God's love, forgiveness, mercy and grace. These people offer comfort and encourage others to seek a relationship with the Living God through Jesus Christ. God is characterized as being renewing, refreshing, and restorative Both those who emphasize repentance and those who emphasize Grace are useful to the Lord. The lukewarm ones are those who do neither and likely do not share the gospel at all. They may be believers, they may be saved, but they make themselves of no particular use to Christ Jesus. God has a plan for each of our lives. Works are not required for salvation but are evidence of our salvation. As we grow in meaningful faith, our Lord uses us, that is, works through us for His divine purposes. This is why James says: “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” (James 2:18)

[@robstrck8]

Thank you for the clarification. It really helped. I also agree with you when it comes to garlic 😊

[@friendlyprism]

That's way different than I was taught, but it may have some merit. I was taught that warm was saved, and lukewarm and cold were unsaved, though lukewarm thought they WERE saved. Like that quote about it being harder for a cultural "Christian" to be saved than for a worldly person to be saved because the CC thinks they're okay.

[@sidwhiting665]

Interesting perspective, and I can totally see how that works. * The way I've usually heard it expounded is that hot or cold is something God can work with. If you're hot (on fire for Christ), then that's awesome because you're already living the daily life of a Christian and resting in his presence. If you're cold, that means you've found yourself in despair and are looking for anything to save you... thus, God finds a soul willing to listen to the Gospel message and cling to it. But if you're lukewarm, then you have abandoned the "fire" you once had in favor of worldliness. This would align with what Jesus said about, "For such people it would have been better if they'd never been born...." because to have known Christ and then given him up for wealth, fame or pleasure is far worse than to have never known him at all. You would be judged more harshly since you knew better compared to the person who never knew Christ at all. * Anyway, I think it works with either perspective. Thanks for the video!

[@ultimatezak]

I think you are exactly right, the gist and the message is similar regardless but I think having the full interpretation gives the verse its whole power and message. I agree with you because the word for hot in the verse is literally boiling, I think we can take boiled water to also indicate clean water, and we know that those hot/clean/sanctified Christians know that they are hot because they have fellowship with God, His presence and Holy Spirit. However, I'm inclined to disagree with the interpretation here that cold is good as cold is clearly a characteristic in apposition to boiled/hot/clean, but I agree with Mike that I think the intention of the text is that someone that is cold clearly knows that they are cold. But I think this is where the verse differs from Mike, the cold believer knows that they are cold because they are far off from God and are dirty aka not boiled to be made clean, however those that are lukewarm are not clear about their disastrous spiritual condition and that they are in darkness and I would agree with Mike and you that Satan accomplishes this by mixing them with the world; they have mixture of the hot and the cold. Lukewarm should imply that they think they are making somewhat of an effort to live the Christian life, albeit it is a halfway effort and they are are cut off from God because of their hidden sins and worldly mixture. Perhaps this could be compared to 1 John 1:6-7 - "If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and are not practicing the truth; 1J 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from every sin." Those lukewarm ones being the ones who are under the lie and think that they are in fellowship with God and yet they are in darkness, the hot being those in the light and the cold being those who know they are in darkness and are cut off from God.

[@mattburns617]

Great teaching. Definitely a new perspective on it.

[@caswellthompson6432]

Interesting thoughts on it. I've always taken this verse this way. To use Luke 5:31-32 as an example, the "hot" are those who were sick but have been healed by Christ, the "cold" are those who are still sick and know it and are in need of healing and the lukewarm are those who think they are well but are actually sick (like the religious leaders that were scolding Jesus for eating with sinners) I think the reason He said he would rather them be hot or cold is if they're hot they've excepted Him, if they're cold they need Jesus and will except him when they learn about him but the lukewarm will not admit they're sinfulness so they won't except Jesus. Maybe I'm wrong but that's how I've always seen it.

[@usnationalist]

Interesting interpretation, gives me something to think about. I've typically understood the reason for lukewarm being more offensive than cold is it is worse to know the truth and not act on it. And it is worse to practice evil and be associated with God (parallels to taking God's name "in vain" or blaspheming the holy spirit - the great sin in both cases being associating God with evil), than to be evil with no association to God.

[@ben88880]

Hey Mike, relatively unrelated to the content. But, wondering how your health has been. Are you recovering well/have you recovered fully? Please let us know if there’s anything we can be praying about for you :)

[@samuelbrown2101]

Awesome stuff. From Tasmania Australia 🙃

[@ramennight]

So my understanding of this verse had always been "lukewarm" being those claim to be Christian, but aren't. Like in Matthew 7:21-23. Kind of along the lines of you'd rather have a friend, or an enemy, then someone you think is a friend but you can't relay on or is infact a backstabber. Interesting to hear the interpretation with more historical context.

[@liamcage7208]

I always personally interpreted the expression of Hot or Cold for the Lord (& Lukewarm) this way; Those who are Hot are 'on fire' for the Lord, those that are Cold are vehemently opposed to Christianity and the Word, and those who are Lukewarm are indifferent. I have often found that those who were Cold were under conviction of the Holy Spirit and were fighting against It and therefore were close to accepting Christ. I remember my own experience accepting Christ that way. Those who were Lukewarm I could never reach. This is just how I saw it not necessarily what the scripture wants to convey.

[@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.

[@michaelshevlane9132]

A good passage to couple this with is 1 Corinthians 3, where those who build on the foundation of Christ properly suffer loss, but are still saved, "yet though as by fire (judgement)".

[@ultimatezak]

You mean those who do not build on the proper foundation suffer loss brother Michael? 1 Corinthians 3:14 - "If anyone’s work which he has built upon the foundation remains, he will receive a reward; 1Co 3:15 - "If anyone’s work is consumed, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire."

[@michaelshevlane9132]

@@ultimatezak Greetings brother! Here is a fuller passage, which shows the foundation must be Christ: "For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire."

[@ultimatezak]

@@michaelshevlane9132 Amen, the foundation must be Christ alone. I must have misunderstood. I agree that the foundation is Christ and that if we build not according to Christ these things will be burnt up but we will still be saved in the new heaven and the new earth, but will have to go through some judgement by fire first like you and the verse said. I replied because I thought you were spot on connecting these passages, as Laodicea is full of mixture as they are lukewarm they build with grass and stubble and worldly materials which are not of God unlike the precious stones. Similarly, the church in Ephesus are counselled to repent and return to doing the first works, which according to the context are the works that are based on having God as their first love, so we also can fall into this trap with trying to build on Christ's foundation with "good works" that are ultimately not rooted in loving God first, which are not profitable. Anyways, I appreciated someone else connecting these passages. Revelation 3:18 - "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire that you may be rich, and white garments that you may be clothed and that the shame of your nakedness may not be manifested, and eyesalve to anoint your eyes that you may see." 1 Peter 1:7 - "So that the proving of your faith, much more precious than of gold which perishes though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;" 1 Corinthians 3:12 - "But if anyone builds upon the foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, grass, stubble," 1Co 3:13 - "The work of each will become manifest; for the day will declare it, because it is revealed by fire, and the fire itself will prove each one’s work, of what sort it is." 1 Co 3:14 - "If anyone’s work which he has built upon the foundation remains, he will receive a reward;" 1Co 3:15 - "If anyone’s work is consumed, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." I would certainly say there is much benefit to seeing the connection with these passages as I think it brings more revelation to verse 3:15, which is that we need to allow God to refine us today and sanctify us of any fleshly, worldly materials within us that are not of Him, otherwise we must be refined by fire after our death and judgement in order to be wholly sanctified/holy to be ready for the new heavens/earth. It would certainly make clear that in Revelation when it speaks of overcomers, it speaks of those who have been fully sanctified and their souls have been saved from sin. (1 Peter 1:9 - "Receiving the end of your faith, the salvation of your souls.")

[@michaelshevlane9132]

@@ultimatezak Thanks brother. Yes, there is still a lot of work to be done by "fire" after the death of the body, for many. Fire is the ultimate refiner, and "When the judgements of God are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness".

[@aliteraryfrenzy]

I think you nailed it. To be lukewarm means to have been acclimated to the world around you, meaning that a Christian is indistinguishable from everyone else.

[@The_Geek_World]

what about being cold?

[@mobiusraptor7]

@@The_Geek_World Hot or cold is good either way because Jesus Himself said we should be one or the other. He compares the Church to water. Hot water destroys bacteria and cold prevents it from forming to begin with. Lukewarm is how bacteria form.

[@WolkeStreit]

I think that verse makes sense in light of 2 Peter 2:21 "It would have been *BETTER* for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them." Which would align why he'd rather you be cold. Implying the punishment for a person who never knew Christ would be lesser than for someone who did know and turned away. Lukewarm comes in various colors, shapes, and sizes. Ultimately it would refer to someone who professes Christ but does not live the life a Christian should. Hence the parable of the fig tree and the analogies of good fruits and bad fruits (You produce one or the other). The lukewarm Christian is in a sense a re-iteration of the Pharisees from Matthew 15:8 "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." A good Christian who is alive in the faith should produce good fruits. Defined in Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.". If what Paul described isn't being seen in our lives it might be time to sit down and reflect. Because as you said, those people are being acclimated to the world. And I'd imagine someone who is dead in the faith will pursue worldly things, and will even go so far as try to justify them with in the church. Which is something I would say we're seeing more and more of in congregations as of late.

[@AndyJMacLeod]

Thanks, this was helpful. Life has been hard and I’ve struggled with feeling like a second-class Christian. I have at times been worried that God had rejected me, particularly after my ex-wife cheated and we got divorced.

[@krissmork]

Dang, bless you bro.

[@cogforreal5952]

That’s rough, praying for God’s comfort

[@KevinNordstrom]

The problem is all of humanity including Christians are Luke warm from time to time. If God's measure of ones salvation is based on works, screw that gospel then because I don't want nothing to do with it as I would never be able to save myself. God knows my heart. That's all that matters to me. I have battled the thought of if I'm truly saved based on the "amount" of good I've done which pales in comparison to the bad in my life and I've questioned my salvation before based on if I'm just lukewarm with my heart and actions or words. In these moments I remember the cross. What Jesus did for me on my behalf as a sinner. We are all a bunch of Paul's and do what we don't want to do and don't do what we know to do. Thanks be to Christ our savior.

[@a.d.9889]

It's not about saving yourself through works. It's about not conforming to the world but conforming to His ways. I must decrease, He must increase. Today's apostate churches are a prime example of lukewarm. Increasing the influence of the world in the pulpit and bending the Word to conform to sins, instead of becoming holy and separate from the world. They'd rather preserve the dross then the gold and silver so long as it fills the tithing seats (or viewers). What do you think a baptism of fire is?

[@KevinNordstrom]

We unfortunately will see a day where most or all churches in America and the west will be ungodly and have twisted gospels and to find truth we will be having church in our homes with other Christians. We are already seeing more and more churches twist scriptures with having gay and trans leaders and endorsing LGBT and pro abortion and homosexuality. Soon church will have very little to no truth and the gospel of Jesus Christ, but a bunch of buildings ran by Satan misleading and deceiving many.

[@KevinNordstrom]

​@@a.d.9889I agree.

[@TVHouseHistorian]

This blew my mind. What a sigh of relief 😮‍💨 to have this explained to me after all these years of misunderstanding! I was always worried about being a lukewarm Christian. After this clarification, I think those people might be the Mike Todds of this world. We pray for them though. Praise Jesus. Thanks for clarifying, Mike.

[@austinshaw6269]

What a chain-breaking interpretation. Thank you Mike.

[@joel-k]

Hey Mike, I'm not sure if you, or anyone, will see this, but if gods wants to, I guess someone will. I'm having a lot of trouble with my faith and I'd love to explain in detail, so if someone want's to take their time, here you go: (I'll put a quick summary at the end if you're not into reading long texts). I only remembered after writing everything that it could help knowing my age, so currently, I'm 17, almost 18 years old. I was raised in a very christian family and when it comes to religion, I have almost only positive memories. We are Baptists from a "free church"/non institutional church in Germany, so religion was never really forced on me and my decision to have a personal relationship with god was always my own. My family and I went to church every Sunday where we had a kids group with a lot of amazing people, which I really enjoyed. I wanted to get baptized when I was 9 years old and started my "serious" relationship with god pretty early on. One problem I've had since the beginning is the way I communicated with god. I was never fond of reading the bible and got bored quickly, so I only learned about him through church service once a week or my youth group later on. On top of that, I always considered my relationship with god as "based on feelings", because I always felt like he was close and I actually talked with him on a daily basis like I would with a "normal" person who can read my mind. That felt really awesome for a long time, there was always this moral compass and great friend accompanying me, and on top of that, he is almighty, loves me, and would always like to help me. This went on for a really long time, but when Corona came along, I didn't listen to any services anymore and so my relationship became only feelings for a while. This may not seem bad at first, but I'll come to the problems with it. When I could finally go to school again, we had critique of religion in class for a long while. At that time, I was 15 or 16 years old and for the first time, I really started second guessing everything I learned about religion. It was the first time I realized how few people actually have strong belief in Jesus, how much people hate or at least dislike religion and what a small group strong believing christians actually are in Germany. But worst of all, we heard a ton about the lack of historical evidence for stories in the bible, about how many of them could simply be metaphors and how archeological findings or other historical "evidence" contradicts what I've accepted as truth all my life. As a firm believer in both science and god, this really shook my world, and still does. I highly value critical thinking, it is one of the leading drives that got me where I am in life, but it also changed a lot in my relationship with god for the worse. (Quick summary for in between: I grew up a Christian, but my relationship was greatly based on feelings and prayers, when I learned about a lot of valid points criticizing religion, I started to critically think about everything.) I mentioned how much of my belief was based on feelings, so guess what, I'm not so sure anymore how much of these feelings were really from god or if I just talked with myself my whole life, but loved the idea of god so much, that I started to feel emotions just from the thought of him being there. I started second guessing how many of my prayers were actually fulfilled by god, or if most of them were just coincidence or simply people being nice, instead of something orchestrated by god. One of my biggest evidences was always how my days seemed so much better when I prayed in the morning or during the day, but maybe I just felt good at the thought of god being there, and my positive attitude just made things seem less bad. On top of that, I rarely pray anymore or have any other form of connection to god and my life is awesome nevertheless. I prayed for years for solid proof, for god to brainwash me into believing again or anything else that could help, but no matter how much I'd love to be a strong believing christian again, no matter how hard I want to be sure that god exists, I just can't feel or think that way. I talked about this with a friend from church and thought it would get better, which it did for a short time, but I'm pretty much back to zero and constantly on the verge of loosing my faith. I really want to fully believe in god, but somehow, I just can't. If anyone has any advice, I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks for reading and much love, Joel

[@commehter]

I don't have much advice to offer on faith, as I regularly struggle with my own, but I'd like to point out a few things to think about when it comes to science because it sounds like that is a large part of what you are wrestling with. First, at its best, science is man's imperfect observation and understanding of God's creation. All throughout history, we have constructed theories and sometimes accepted for fact many concepts that were later disproven. Who knows what we believe we know today that will be proven false in 10, 100, or 1000 years from now? Second, at its worst, scientists are human and are susceptible to all the same faults as the rest of us. Bias can be difficult to divorce from one's perceptions, and that is among the most innocent ways for results to be skewed. Projects paid for by outside money often end up slanted in whatever direction will keep the funds coming, especially when a country's government is involved. Some people wish to be rich and/or famous and are willing to lie to make it happen. Some scientists simply have a personal agenda for whatever cause and will go so far as to hide or downplay anything that might contradict what they wish to be true. Some will do whatever it takes to keep their jobs. Third, science is not a consensus, regardless of what news agencies like to headline. The number of people willing to sign their name to something doesn't make anything more or less true than it was before the scientific crowd put together their latest bandwagon to jump on. Just as surely as one person can be wrong, so can a multitude. In conclusion, I would encourage you to take another look at whatever it is that shook your faith. My guess is that if you dig deep enough, you'll either find where the information you were presented with was skewed, or else an alternate interpretation of the facts that backs up the Bible (and probably makes more sense overall). (I don't know if this will help any, but I recently watched an interview/walkthrough of the of the Creation Museum in Kentucky, USA. I found it delightful!)

[@LB-ec4uf]

My loving suggestion to you would be to get a bible translation you will read and start with the New Testament. Before reading, pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth of the word to you. You must read scripture. You must develop a solid prayer life. Once you connect to the Holy Spirit, you'll be where you want to be. You will know. It's a relationship. Take the time to get to know God. I'm excited for you! These are daily habits, my friend. 🙏🤗

[@chrisrosemann3574]

Hey Joel, the Bible isn’t a book. It’s a library. Some books are among the best preserved and historically relevant (and often accurate) manuscripts available anywhere, others are letters, poetic works, prophesies etc. all this to say: you can’t look at the creation account, for example, the same way as you look at Job, the same way you look at Psalms, same way you look at the Gospels, Paul’s letters etc… There are many Christians who believe in some form of Evolution, guided by God, and others who simply don’t. But who is to tell - and does it truly matter? I grew up in Germany as you did, very similar history, same church context (Evangelisch Freikirchliche Gemeinde) and have wrestled with many of the same questions. And I’m still wrestling… matter of fact, I have come to believe that some of this wrestling is going to remain until I see him face to face - it’s faith, not knowing, it’s trusting, not certainty… I struggle reading the Bible, too - but when I do, it always has a deep impact on me. I think you’d really get a kick out of studying Isaiah, and all of the prophecies regarding the Messiah and see their fulfillment, and meaning for us today, come true later on. If you accept them as coming true ;) But overall - don’t be too stressed about all of this. There’s a promise in the Bible I’ve found to be true. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you, seek him, and he will be found… just have a - haha, just wanted to write ‘long breath’ which you’d understand as German - but I mean, be patient. You’re so young. It’ll take you years, decades maybe, until the day you kick the bucket - to come to that place possibly, and tons of pain and heartache in between… but he is faithful, even when we are not, and he rejoices over you with signing, seeing your desire to be close to him. Don’t be scared to dig. Don’t be scared to ask questions. Just don’t stop halfway, if you dig - that’s where most people get it wrong. ‘Oh - I can’t explain this discrepancy - must be a lie’… if you can actually tolerate some tension, and some not knowing, and keep digging, you’ll find him again. And then it goes over and over again - until you see him, as he sees you :) Praying for your journey!

[@mastershake4641]

So this is the problem with "feeling" God. When you dont feel him you quit believing in him. What you need to do is go to the basics. Read the bible. Listen to people talk about God. Theres tons of channels on youtube that talk about the history and archaeology that prove those atheists you are listening to wrong. For example practically every scholar, even secular ones, say Jesus existed. There is tons of evidence for it. Look at channels like this, testify, cross examined and inspiringphilosophy. They will give you historical evidence and arguements against the atheist positions. The first thing you should do is just look around you and realize good and evil exists and its very clear it does. That right there proves there is objective reality. Atheists have already lost the arguement just on that. The reason that is, is because if there is an objective morality then there has to be something above us to give us that objective morality. If theres nothing above us then that means its just in our minds whats right and wrong and we make it up as we go. So once you see good and evil exist then you can see atheists are wrong. There is a God. Now you just have to do the research to figure out what God is real. Also most people are religious in some way. The vast majority of humanity believes in a higher power. Atheists are in the EXTREME minority. Its completely ilogical to be an atheist. The only logical conclusion for people who dont believe in God is I dont know. Not there is no God. The religions with multiple gods, all have gods that act like people. They lie, cheat, steal and do very worse things that will cause my comment to get censored. So you can cross all of those religions off, hinduism, norse, greek, roman, whatever. They are obviously all false. Next you have buddhism, taoism, and all those eastern religions. They all say you should look into yourself to become one with the universe blah blah. You already know humans are evil. How is looking into the heart of an evil person gonna help you become better? That makes no sense. They may say stuff like we have to become one with the universe and all those things. In their thoughts the universe is part of all of us and we are all part of the universe. Its not a being its just a thing. You can look at the universe and see how its finely tuned to allow life to exist and thrive. If any little thing was changed it wouldnt work. Every law of physic, how far the sun is from the earth, what the atmosphere is made of, every little thing. Only a personal God would have cared enough to fine tune the universe like that. A universe that doesnt care and just exists wouldnt love you. And finally if the universe was eternal then we would have already hit heat death. There would be no beginning, so you would have to go back infinitely and things like the sun would have run out of energy already because the univese would have existed for infinite years which is alot bigger than the time it takes for the sun to burn out. Every effect has a cause. So you have to go back to what caused the effect. An infinite regression of causes is impossible. You need something outside the universe to cause the first effect (the creation of the universe itself). As you know, science says the universe started with the big bang, its not eternal. So now you have eliminated all of the religions except the Abrahamic religions. So im just gonna make this one short, Islam says in it the bible is true. The bible says Islam is not true. So Islam contradicts itself. So now you got Judaism and Christianity left. As I said before, we already know Jesus was a real man. So now you just gotta figure out if you believe if he is the Son of God or not. Hope that helps.

[@rebecca3846]

Hi Joel! It's very brave of you to share your concerns about your faith. I would say that I have felt as you have, raised as a Christian but finding the Bible difficult to read and interpret so I too would rely on my feelings and the teachings of pastors in my church for guidance. The problem with this approach is much you like are finding, your faith is not the unshakable foundation it should be. If faith is blind then how do you respond when your faith is tested? If it's based on feelings alone then how can you respond to other religions that tell you they have compelling experiences they believe are true? If it's based on historical evidence, then what if counter evidence comes to deny it? For me I have found that my faith needs to be built on God's word, the Bible, and the belief that it is true. But before I got to that point I started by downloading a free bible app to help me actually read the bible. I thought about what I really wanted God's help with and I picked out a relevant devotion plan I could do a couple of days a week that would encourage me to read a chapter of the Bible and then help me understand it with an accompanying devotion. It helped a lot with practicing reading short snippets of the Bible and trying to understand what God really wanted to say or challenge me on. This made me want to make my faith stronger if it was challenged by others, so I looked for answers to questions I've always wanted to know but never really been satisfied by the answers people have given me. How do we know the Bible is true? What is the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus? Why does God allow bad things to happen? What are the different views about end times? I like to watch different sermons and listen to podcasts about these questions and they were really interesting and encouraging! I think it's important to ask questions and challenge your faith in order to make it stronger but the answers are in the Bible and interpreting it is the difficult part. There are still many passages in the Bible that even Christians don't agree on their meaning but it is the best and clearest way God will speak to us. Good luck!

[@lilhoss1]

Laodicea was known to have an aqueduct that ran for miles for its water supply. The water was famously tepid and newcomers were known to spit it out when drinking it because it had a terrible taste. Laodicea also had 3 chief industries (which is also mentioned in Revelation in the set of verses pastor Mike references). Banking/Gold, an Eye Salve, and a fine linen. "You say you are rich but..."

[@hannahfloyd2723]

You blew my mind with this understanding, Pastor Mike! Thank you for your faithfulness and thoughtfulness with The Word ❤

[@marnellirichmond3119]

I have also heard it in such a way that cold represents rest. You can't always be on fire for God but you need to rest at times before being on fire again.

[@davidwalker361]

Cold is refreshing water, Warm is healing water, but Lukewarm is a water with nothing useful (there's a better description, but the brain won't tell me)

[@mythrindiir1463]

I don't know if I agree with this one. I think he meant that if you are cold you have chosen a side (evil or selfishness) if you are hot you are doing everything you can to serve Jesus, if you are lukewarm you believe Jesus is real but you are not acting on it. He would rather you choose a side then choose no side.

[@ChiefCedricJohnson]

Proverbs 15:21 Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.

[@MightyWomanOfGod9050]

Amen!

[@timothybaldonado6116]

Im late to the party so maybe the comments already been made. But I’ve also heard the bit about hot and cold springs in the area and that would cause the readers to think of them and further bring to mind how hot water brings healing and cold water brings refreshing. This is exactly the effect a believer should have in his/her community. So because we bring neither healing or refreshing we are lukewarm(not truly saved/making disciples) so He spews us out.

[@hc2622]

First of all I'm so glad I found your channel! Second, I need that shirt.

[@midnighthymn]

Excellent explanation, Mike. Thank you for this.

[@dani-88]

Love the t-shirt! 😂 if a recipe says 2 cloves of garlic I’ll use the whole garlic 😋 yumm haha 😋😀

[@pierretawadros2690]

A good interpretation of this verse that I have seen is that a lukewarm Christian is a Christian who is Christian in name only. He comes to church and when asked, he says he is a believer but he is completely unaffected by his Christianity. A hot believer is zealous and acts on his Christianity and a cold believer does not believe but he is aware of the fact. The difference between a cold and a lukewarm believer is that a lukewarm believer thinks he is doing good and is therefore unwilling to change for the sake of God.

[@Freshnewz10]

The historical context is that in the passage is using the water system that the church in that city knew about. They had a river where they needed hot water for remedy healing and cold water to drink. By the time it got to them the water was lukewarm which caused them to get sick. What it means is that we can be vessels to bring spiritual healing and spiritual refreshment to the body of Christ. If we are neither then we are lukewarm and therefore useless. Many of the passages of Jesus is really referring to be useful im the kingdom of God

[@kybrion]

Wholeheartedly agree! Also, about the hot spring thing, yes. Laodicea was one of the three Phrygian cities, alongside Hierapolis and Colossae (for those that are wondering, yes, the same city that the letter to the Colossians by Paul was directed towards). Hierapolis had hot springs and Colossae had cool water from Mt. Cadmus. So, whenever these waters were sent from either places to Laodicea, they would usually become lukewarm on their way there.

[@kimwestwood8840]

To me it seems that this church is not a born again church. It says Jesus was standing at the door, so He is outside. If He is outside then He is NOT inside . He also calls them wretched and poor. Is a born again child of God ever called wretched and poor in the bible? To me these are practical issues in gleaning from this warning in Revelation. But I could be wrong .

[@Dhalin]

I would have to say that this perspective makes more sense. If you're hot, the Lord loves that, because you are going out there and doing God's work. If you're cold and you're trying to stay away from sin, but yet you're not really doing a whole lot for the Lord, but at least you're not joining hands with the world, He will wait until you die, and put you to work in Heaven, or maybe even on the world after He comes back down here with His saints (of which you would be one). If you're lukewarm, though.... you're acting like the rest of the world, you're not even trying to be a Christian in anything other than name only, He's going to spit you out. IMO, He is basically saying "the lukewarm ones are gonna be the same people that are going to go "Lord, Lord" and He's going to say "Depart from me, I never knew ye", IE, "spitting them out of his mouth". I think the lukewarm Christians here, are the ones that were never saved in the first place. And I find it interesting that He *SPECIFICALLY* mentions "prospered" and "rich" .... almost like He is aiming this right at Prosperity Churches.

[@jeffsomogyi8199]

Hot Luke 24:32 KJV - And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? Cold Proverbs 25:25 KJV - As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

[@celestemaki4735]

That's beautiful, thank you!

[@chrisbotha6097]

Love the T-shirt by the way!

[@OLskewL]

Hot - Rejuvinate, Encourage, Grace. Cold - Refresh, Sober, Truth. (Both provide comfort according to original meaning of comfort) Lukewarm - Neither.

[@ForkThe6]

We are all hot for some matters in life and cold for others. Surely no one except Jesus is always perfect and we are all sometimes indifferent, uninformed uninterested, oblivious, lukewarm for things that are not in "our domain". I hope God will give us a discerning heart and mind through the Holy Spirit to know the difference at least for the troubling times when we need to make an important decision to not be lukewarm.

[@lonecar144]

Man’s ability to use reason and logic is a gift from God. Gen 1:26 (KJV). No where in the bible (KJV) does it tell us to disregard this gift to know God. To understand the whys and wherefores of the “Great Tribulation” you first need to know who the “hot”, “lukewarm”, and “cold” are. Rev 3:15-16 (KJV) The bible (KJV) teaches that if you deny Jesus then Jesus will deny you. 2 John 1:9-11 (KJV) For God to choose someone because of bloodline, race, is bias and prejudice. Those that are sincere in their want for peace and truth are drawn to God because that is what God is, peace IN truth, James 4:8-10 (KJV) And Romans 2:28-29 (KJV) And the same can be said for the Christian. [For he is not a Christian, which is one outwardly…] Being a Jew was a choice not a birthright. Isaiah 65:15 (KJV) And 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. 8 … 9 But now, after that ye have known God, OR RATHER ARE KNOWN OF GOD, … Gal 4:7-9 (KJV) And 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, HE IS NONE OF HIS. Romans 8:9 (KJV) And 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Romans 8:15 (KJV) God adopts those who choose him; hence they are called the adoption (the lukewarm). And then you have these; Romans 8:29-30 (KJV) These that are born with the Holy Ghost: Judges 13:5 (KJV), Psalms 22:10 (KJV), Luke 1:15 (KJV), and Gal 1:15 (KJV) These are the elect, the prophets, (the hot); 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the STRANGERS scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 ELECT according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: ... 1 Peter 1:1-2 (KJV) They are the 144k, the messengers to the adoption; Eph 1:4-5 (KJV) The reason for this verse; 2 Be not forgetful to entertain STRANGERS: for thereby some have entertained ANGELS (messengers) unawares. Heb 13:2 (KJV) And then you have the cold: liar, thief, murderer, and hypocrite. Jerusalem is a spiritual city. 26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. Gal 4:26 (KJV) And 24 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: IN ALL PLACES WHERE I RECORD MY NAME I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee. Ex 20:24 (KJV) Through providence God raises a nation to draw his adopted to, 1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: 2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. Rev 12:1-2 (KJV) The sun represents the nation of power for the day, the woman representing the adopted (lukewarm), and the child representing a major prophet (elect, hot, the daily sacrifice). Jer 23:3-4 (KJV). And Matt 21:43 (KJV) Exactly the same way he drew his adoption to this nation (U.S.A.) “One nation under God”. “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses, yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, tempest tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door.” But alas the nation always goes the way of the world and becomes a beast, Eccl 1:9-11 (KJV). Seven times God has raised a nation of great power, (represented by the sun) to lead the world to heaven on earth or to desolation. Seven times he has brought it down to the pit (hell), 6 The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Psalms 12:1-6-8 (KJV), {this is how he sealed each 1k year day, the 7 seals.}, today being the eighth and last time. Rev 17:10-11 (KJV). We (U.S.A.) are the ones who brought down fire from heaven in Aug. of 1945 and we are the ones that gave life to the image of the beast in May of 1948. Rev 13:13-15 (KJV). But know this, if the truth were being told then the prophecy, Matt 24:14 (KJV) would have happened years ago. But when the true gospel is preached in all nations then all will know the TRUE reason for the “Great Tribulation” which is for all on this earth except the elect (the “hot”) which are “caught up” to the third heaven (where God dwells) in a twinkling at the last trump, the beginning of the Great Tribulation: 14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the GATES into the city. Rev 22:14 (KJV). The hypocritical and unbelieving (the “cold”) for vengeance and wrath unto the second death (the lake of fire, our nearest star). The sincere in want for truth (the adoption “the lukewarm”) for chastisement unto ever lasting life, that will be SPEWED out to a new earth (the waters above Gen. 1:6-8) after 3 ½ years of chastisement, Jer 25:29 (KJV) And 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. … 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and CHASTEN: be zealous therefore, and repent. Rev 3:15-19 (KJV) Before the final trumpet the Ark of the Covenant will be found beneath the seat of the false prophet, but not in time for this world to turn back from its path of destruction. So, at the final trumpet and vial there is an unprecedented great earthquake and nuclear war (WWIII, the third woe is “the abomination of desolation” Matt 24:15 (KJV)). 17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; …. 18…; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth… 21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great. Rev 16:17-21 (KJV) These simultaneous events will knock the earth out of orbit hurling her towards the sun (“lake of fire”) and bringing hell on earth; 19 The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly. 20 The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and NOT RISE AGAIN. Isaiah 24:19-20 (KJV) Then the U.S.A. (Satan, a power and principality) being the only one with relatively any power left will know that they have “but a short time” and for 3 ½ years will come after the woman, (the adoption) the true children (church) of God, to hold as hostage, Rev 12:14-16 (KJV). Don’t take my word for it, or anybodies for that matter. Come to the bible (KJV) with sincere want for truth, and not to consume it upon your lusts, but that you may do true worship and obedience to God, with a repentant heart, and with reason and logic the Spirit of God will teach.11 … in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 17:11 (KJV) All glory to God. Amen

[@Conmezzo]

Allen Parr has a good teaching on this. He pointed out that those familiar with the water supply of Laodecia would pick up on this illustration. Hot comforting soup and cold refreshing water. Tepid water is "meh."

[@boltrooktwo]

It could be those who don’t follow a consistent interpretation of scripture but know enough to have made what the scriptures say submissive to their desires. They are lukewarm on the truth. The truth of the oneness of the “beloved Son”, “verily verily, those that believe in me will do my works.”, and “be ye therefore perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect.” You can acknowledge you aren’t there yet with some of Jesus’s sayings but to out and out not fully acknowledge them and teach something else is entirely a different thing.

[@Mike_416]

I really appreciate you teaching this. I think hot and cold are the same thing. Thanks Mike! 👍