I have often used the illustration of my spiritual walk being like knitting a jersey and someone was also pulling the thread from the other end, so that I was getting nowhere. Praise God that is not the case anymore, for I have found, what the main source of the problem was. I feel that what I am about to share is very important and life changing, especially for those in ministry.
I am convinced that we are in the Laodicean Age spoken of in the Book of Revelation, for we have all the symptoms mentioned in this letter to the Luke-warm Church. Praise God that Jesus shows us the problem and also provides the remedy for it.
“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans’ write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 3:14-22
I believe we are in the7th Church Age of Laodicea
If you look at my messages on the 7 Churches of Revelation you will see that these prophetic letters were not only for the 7 Churches in Asia Minor in 96AD but also to 7 Church periods that have been since that time. I believe we are now in the last Church Age of Laodicea before Jesus’ return. You may say, “That’s quite depressing, what hope have we got?” I would like to point out, that Jesus is merely identifying the ‘spirit of this age.’ It’s the spirit we are battling with, but we don’t have to succumb to it. In fact He says that it can be overcome. Jesus has also said that we are to be of good cheer for He has overcome the world.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
We are told in scripture that we should not to be ignorant of Satan’s devices, for in having this knowledge it equips us in the battle. Praise God, the Spirit of Philadelphia is still with us today, which is the Spirit of Revival. You will see later in this message that this Laodicean Church can have the greatest of all the rewards, if they overcome.
The first thing is that we need to identify is the problem, and to know our enemy. In knowing His tactics we can overcome Him.
You will notice that Jesus first appears to this Church as the ‘Beginning of the Creation of God.’ This Age of Laodicea began in the 1800s with the Industrial Revolution and it was in these days that the theory of evolution was born. This teaching has seriously undermined the authenticity of God’s word and is now taught in schools and the bible is considered irrelevant. Jesus reminds the Laodicea Church that this teaching on Evolution is not from Him, and that He created all things.
The first symptom Jesus makes us aware is the sin of apathy and indifference. This symptom of lukewarmness makes God sick.
LUKEWARMNESS
15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
Jesus says that Laodicea is lukewarm, neither cold nor hot. ‘Lukewarm’ is a mixture of hot and cold, neither red-hot or ice cold, and this is displeasing to God. He’d rather you were cold or hot, than lukewarm. Today we have many in the church that say they are Christians yet they act like the Devil. It’s a symptom of the End Times.
“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” 2 Timothy 3:4
It’s interesting to note that the actual city of Laodicea was situated in an area where the water was warm, fed by hot springs and not good to drink. An aqueduct had to be brought in to supply fresh water for the city from some 6 miles away. This is all very well but it made Laodicea very vuneravle in a time of war. If you wanted to destroy them, then cut off their water supply.
SELF SUFFICIENCY & DECEPTION
17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—
Another interesting point about this age is that the people of Laodicea are saying one thing but God says another, which indicates a spirit deception upon the people. They think they are right but they are wrong. They had a high opinion of themselves that didn’t cut the mustard with God. For instance, they considered themselves rich and in need of nothing but God said they were poor. Yes, they had material goods but were not rich towards God.
The actual city of Laodicea was the banking centre of Asia Minor and known for its riches. God said that her riches were deceiving her and made her self-sufficient and proud.
It is interesting to note that she once refused the help of Rome to rebuild her city after a devastating earthquake. She said that she didn’t want any help from Rome, saying that she would do it herself.
Isn’t this like so many people today who say that they don’t need God’s help for they can do it all themselves? Our society encourages us to lean on man rather than upon God, with all the government handouts, credit, and an abundance of medical services that tempt us to not put our trust in God. Sometimes God is the last person we turn too when we are in need. The Church today in the western world may have lots of buildings and finances, but in God’s eyes we can be poor, blind and naked. But there is a cure.
SPIRITUAL POVERTY
18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
The three things that Laodicea needed to cure her of blindness; poverty and nakedness was real gold, white raiment and eye anointment. The trouble is when you are deceived you don’t realise you need these things, so God often has to do something drastic to stop us in our tracks.
The first thing that He addressed was their poverty. This Laodicean Spirit causes us to value worldly riches far more than God’s true riches. We may have money put aside for a rainy day yet we are lacking in faith and this makes us poor. Jesus said in Luke 18:8
“Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
We are told to buy gold, real gold. The bible says that God’s word and our faith are considered gold in His eyes.
“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;…. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7, 10-11
“that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,” 1 Peter 1:7
WHITE GARMENTS:
In the day, Laodicea was known for its sheep, that produced high quality wool and they were proud of their manufacturing of clothing. In this age too we can be affected by the Spirit of Laodicea and be more concerned with looking good than in being right in God’s eyes. Today we see clothing shops everywhere and lots of fashion magazines that encourage us to buy more and more clothes. The sickness of anorexia amongst woman is a symptom of our age. We should however be more concerned with the clothing that is pleasing to God than the eyes of men. The clothing we should value is the Garment of Salvation and Garment of Praise. The Robes of Righteousness and the Armour of God, for without them we are naked.
“The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness,” Isaiah 61:3
“For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,” Isaiah 61:10
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11
BUY EYE OINTMENT:
The actual city of Laodicea was known for its eye salve, but God saw their need for a far more important medication, and that was the anointing of the Holy Spirit. This eye condition is something that they have no remedy for. Only God can heal it. Today we boast of being an enlightened generation, able to see more than any previous generations before us, in a physical sense.
It’s true, for we are seeing things now that no other generation has ever seen. At this moment we are receiving images back from Mars in high definition from the spacecraft ’Perseverance.’ We have the ability to see far into space with the Hubble Telescope.
In days gone by you would have to travel across the oceans in a ship to see Hawaii, but now you can see photos of it in your own home, and with ‘goggle earth’ you can virtually travel down every street using your mobile phone.
The invention of the camera really has opened up our eyes to see wonderful things. I never cease to be amazed at how we can take pictures of what we are looking at on our phones. The camera that I would have loved to have had 5 years ago is now on my phone – and more. I also have a high quality video recorder on there too that I take with me everywhere.
With television and satellites, we can watch football games live on the other side of the world with our 50” flat scene televisions. We can see the sex of a baby in the mother’s womb with ultra sound and scan the brain with cat-scans and MRI machines.
You can also go online and see what the surf is like at major beaches around the world without actually driving there, with the use of video cams set up on the beach. I could go on and on.
Indeed we are an enlightened generation, but as far as spiritual things are concerned God says we are blind. As King David said, “Where is the prophet and those who know how long?”
“We are given no signs from God; no prophets are left, and none of us knows how long this will be.” Psalm 74:9
God councils us to have His special brand of eye salve; which is the anointing of the Holy Spirit on our lives. Paul prayed for the Ephesus Church that they would have their spiritual eyes opened.
“the eyes of your understanding being enlightened;” Ephesians 1:18
Having your eyes opened speaks of being enlightened, and receiving God’s knowledge and wisdom.
Today we have more worldly knowledge than any other generation. God says that the anointing of the Holy Spirit and His word is far more important than this or the latest video game, technology, cameras or television. Look at the Apostle Peter, he was a simple fisherman, yet with the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon him, he was able to turn the world upside down for Jesus. God loves using simple things to confound the wise.
Which generation has been able to see as much as this Laodicean generation? We are the enlightened ones. We are those found in the ‘Time of the End,’ spoken of in Daniel 12:4 where knowledge shall increase.
“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. “
We may say that we are a generation that can see, but God says we are blind! Where are the visions that God’s people had in days of old?
The cure for the Laodicean Spirit is to be filled with the Holy Spirit of God every day, believing in His word and being clothed in God’s clothing. He promises us that with the Holy Spirit’s help we shall prophecy, have visions and dream dreams. It’s His will for this to become a reality in the Church before the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20
When you look at the 7 Churches as periods of time since 96AD you can’t help but see that we are in the Laodicean Age which began in the mid-1800s.
(See my teachings on the 7 Churches,)
In the last 3 Church Ages, the messages have all included verses on the 2nd Coming. For instance, to the Sardis Church Jesus said ‘to watch’ because Jesus will come as a thief. To the Philadelphian Age He said ‘I am coming quickly.’ Now in this Laodicea Age we are told that He is now so close that He is ‘knocking at the door.’
The Hour of Temptation.
In the previous pre-Laodicean period of Philadelphia, the Lord said that He would keep them from the ‘The hour of temptation’ that would come on the world.
“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” Revelation 3:10
You have to admit that this time in which we live is swamped with temptation. Due to social media, and the internet even children can have access to pornography and sexual content that other generations never had. In Paul’s day you would have to go to a Pagan Temple to look at naked women, but now days you can look at them 24/7 in the privacy of your own room. Hollywood is also producing movies that are full of sex, violence and blasphemy that our parents were never exposed too.
Note that it says the ‘HOUR’ of temptation. In prophetic language, an ’hour’ is not very long, as opposed to a ‘day’ of temptation or a ‘year’ of temptation. What this is telling me is that the time we are in now, before the return of the Lord is not going to be for very long. Wake up for the hour is getting late.
“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”
As I have already said, the promise to those who overcome in this age is greater than any of the previous generations. I don’t know about you, but the message I am hearing to the Church has a lot to do with reigning in heavenly places with Christ. Being co-crucified, co-ascended, co-seated and co-glorified with Christ. Christ’s resurrection is our resurrection. It’s a truth that hasn’t been taught much in previous generations. In fact it would have been considered blasphemous for some Christians not that long ago. We were told that we were just worms and unworthy in the sight of God.
There was a Christian song that came out a few years ago that said. “I am the righteous of God in Christ.”
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
In America, a Christian radio station banned this song, saying it was blasphemous. They were not ready for the truth. Praise God we are being taught the full gospel now. It’s time for us to know that we can be seated with Christ in heavenly places and comprehend the grace of God more fully. We are in Christ and all He has been blessed with, we are blessed with too. Here is one scripture to show the heart of Jesus towards us. Believe.
“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one. I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 22:23
At the end of the Book of Revelation it speaks of the Bride of Christ getting herself ready and calling out for the Lord to return. This whole revelation of the Church being the bride of Christ is one of partnership and co-reigning with Him. The Bride is one with her husband and all that He has been given is shared with her too. We need to believe this and get ourselves ready. Look at my message on the Bride of Christ.
u Its time to wake up and realise that the Day of the Lord is nearer than we think. He is knocking at the door.
“For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labour pains begin. And there will be no escape. But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6
In my last message we looked at how the increase of knowledge is a major sign of the Lord’s imminent return. It is the sign that heralds the beginning of the End Times. This increase of knowledge is not just in the secular realm but in the spiritual realm as well. In fact its because of the world being enlightened spiritually that man has become more inventive, hence the increase of knowledge.
