This last church represents the last church age. It will be the major movement in Christianity just before the Rapture of the church. It will not be the only church around. At least five of the others churches mentioned will still be functioning. Ephesus, because it lost it’s first love, had it’s candlestick plucked. The Smyrna age ended when Emperor Constantine lifted the persecutions from the church. Through the ages however, there have been many who suffered as the Smyrna members and have been comforted by it’s message. The Pergamos church represented the Greek Orthodox. Followed by Pergamos was Thyatira or the Roman Catholic church. Then came Sardis, the church of the Reformation. After Sardis, Philadelphia- the Holiness church that dearly loved the Lord Jesus Christ. This was the missionary church which kept the Word of God, especially concerning the Rapture of the church. Jesus promised to keep that church from the Tribulation. The message ended with a warning to not let any man take their crown from them. Now we have come to the last of the seven- Laodicea. This church, in my opinion, is represented by the charismatic movement. In it’s ranks are the "Faith Movement", the "Prosperity Movement", the "Third Wave" and such like. As we look at the evidence found in the name, the history, and the message of the church and city of the Laodiceans, everything will come into focus.

Laodicea was a popular place for wealthy people to retire. This made the city a famous banking center. The wealth of the city caused her to be proud and self- sufficient. Unfortunately, the material prosperity of the citizens produced a very materialistic church. This church could only exist in a wealthy city. This movement must have a wealthy area to thrive. This has been provided by the United States.

Laodicea was populated with Jews and Syrians whom Antiochus II had moved from Babylon. It was a city made up of people moved from one place to another. We will see a parallel in the church as it too was populated by people moved from one place to another. The church age represented is also made of people moving from one place to another. They were Baptist, they were Methodist, they were Pentecostal- Holiness, but now they are part of the "Great End Time Renewal". Many members of Philadelphia were moved from one place to another. The difference is Jesus moved people to the Philadelphia church. The Antichrist moved people to Laodicea. As we will learn later, Antiochus means Antichrist.

How and where the church received its name is most enlightening. The city where the church was founded got its name from Antiochus II (Antiochus Theos), who built it. He named the church after his wife. A woman whom history reveals belongs in the company of women like Jezebel of Old Testament fame and the Jezebel of the Thyatira church and Mystery Babylon of Revelation 17.

Her name in Greek is Laodikeia. It comes from two words: Lao = people and decia, dee’-kay; right (as self-evident), i.e., justice (the principle, a decision, or its execution)- judgment, punish, vengeance. Decia = justice. Laodicea means "justice for the people" or a people who will suffer the vengeance and punishment of God.

The name of Laodice’s husband was Antiochus Theos. His name is also revealing. Antiochus means "against" or "instead of". Theos is the Greek word for God. Together his name means "instead of God" or "Antichrist". Laodice was married to Antichrist.

Antiochus assumed the name Theos after stealing a number of Ptolemy Philadelphus’ people. (This man is called the King of the South in the book of Daniel or the King of Egypt) After winning the people from Philadelphus, Antiochus thought he was God. This is paralleled in the Laodicean age. Many who make up the ranks of the Laodicean church are people stolen from the Philadelphia church.

When the church started to assemble the canon of scripture the Greek speaking churches adopted the Septuagint together with the Koine Greek New Testament. The Septuagint is still the official Bible of the Greek Orthodox Church. It is used by biblical scholars to understand how the Old Testament may have been interpreted anciently. Also, it is the version of the Jewish Bible most used by the writers of the New Testament. It was the "King James Bible" of that day and remains the Bible of the East.

Contrast this with the church of Laodicea’s attitude toward the Bible. When the Synod of Laodicea met in Laodicea they rejected the book of Revelation and left it out of their canon. They also lost the epistles written to them by Paul. They rejected and lost the part of the Word of God they most needed. They became blind without the Word of God. That is what is happening to this church age. They are told not to go to the Bible to look for these new manifestations. "God is doing a new thing"- "don’t think or judge". This would blind a person spiritually.

Back to Antiochus Theos and Laodice- Laodice had been put away by Antiochus as a condition of a treaty with Ptolemy Philadelphus. Philadelphus gave Antiochus his daughter, Berenice. She was to be the true queen and her issue was to inherit the throne. In order to have peace with Philadelphus, Antiochus had to put Laodice away- divorce her. Later, Philadelphus died and Antiochus recalled Laodice. She wanted to gain control of the kingdom. She was a believer in the "Dominion Now" theology. Laodice caused Antiochus to be poisoned. When he was dying she placed a man in his bed that looked and sounded like Antiochus. His name was Artemon which means "something ready; something hung up; the mainsail of a vessel". It is wind which allows the mainsail to move the ship. The mainsail was not the real Theos, but an actor who moved the people whichever direction Laodice desired. Artemon’s voice was so similar to Theos’ people could not tell the difference. You can certainly see the parallel in the ministries of today. We are told God moves in "waves". This is the "third wave". What causes waves? Wind is often the cause of great waves which toss ships around. It is easy to see why God placed these words in the Bible: "(Eph 4:14 KJV) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive". The people heard the voice of Theos, but it wasn’t really Theos (God). It was a counterfeit voice. The fake voice of Theos caused the people to remove the rightful queen (Berenice) and heir and replace them with Laodice and her sons. Laodice did not believe she was safe with Berenice alive so she had her killed. The evil Laodice of our day is trying to kill the pure church as well.

Never fear- God is on His throne. Justice came to the woman whose name means "judgment". Philadelphus’ son reigned. He was Berenice’s brother. His name was Ptolemy Evergets meaning "Benefactor". The "Benefactor" mobilized his army and put Laodice to death. The great benefactor Jesus Christ is coming and will leave Laodicea to her judgment.

Our last pastor causes his followers to become blind. "(Mat 15:13-14 KJV) But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. {14} Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch."

What does Jesus think of this final church Laodicea? As we will see later in the message, there is something very nauseating about this church. Jesus will tell them He feels like vomiting.

Close examination of this last personal reference will find Jesus personally refutes Laodicea’s entire system of teaching.

All of the churches except Laodicea have something which Jesus can compliment. There is no compliment for the last church. There is nothing good about this church. This should be warning enough not to be a part of her.

The rebuke to Laodicea is a repudiation to all that they are, all they represent.

Look at the words used in their rebuke, "knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:" We are about to look at a people who are wretched- a people who are miserable. Imagine a pastor and church in a rich city that are poor, blind, and naked. This is the "End Time Church". They brag about being in the middle of a great move of God. They are too blind to see they are moving away from God.

As Laodicea’s pastor can expect to be spewed out if he doesn’t repent, these false preachers can expect to be hewn down and cast into the fire. These preachers tell you not to judge them and their message, but Jesus demands you judge them by the fruit you see in their lives.

The question is asked, "Who gets to heaven?" The answer is "they that do the will of the Father". A man of God is to do God’s will. A man is not called to build his own ministry. He is to let God use him to edify God’s church. The Rapture will happen and "many" will be left behind. The word "many" means up to 50% will be left. These people will be completely surprised to be left behind. They will have fooled themselves. "(2 Tim 3:13 KJV) But evil men and seducers shall wax worse, deceiving, and being deceived."

Look at the reasons they think they are alright. "We prophesied in thy name, we cast out devils and we did many wonderful works." Signs and wonders were performed. The Lord said He never knew them and they were to depart from Him. He called them workers of iniquity. They used His name, His Word, and His people to build their kingdoms. These are the pastors of Laodicea.

Jesus tells us when we build on His Word we will be building on a rock. Ignore His warnings, follow the fake and false, but then expect the storms that will tear down your house.

"(1 Tim 4:1-2 KJV) Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; {2} Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

You might wonder how the false prophets in Matthew 7 performed their signs and wonders. This verse tells us how that might have happened. "Seducing spirits"- These are demons who want to influence the church. "They have departed from the faith"- they have stopped preaching the Word and teaching the Word. They have substituted it with "doctrines of devils".

"the church of the Laodiceans" In the last six messages to the churches we have heard Jesus addressing the churches this way, "to the church of Ephesus", "to the church in Smyrna", to the church in Pergamos", "to the church in Thyatira", "to the church in Sardis", and "to the church in Philadelphia". He still considered these churches as belonging to Him. Laodicea belonged to Laodiceans. That is why He addressed them in this manner, "the church of the Laodiceans". They were in control. When He sent them a message it was rejected. They didn’t have His values, His righteousness, or His approval.

"These things saith the Amen" Jesus is the Amen. AMEN is a transliteration of a Hebrew word signifying something as certain, sure and valid, truthful and faithful. It is sometimes translated as "so be it". The Lord describes Himself as the "Amen". There is a certain finality in this. He is the end. Nothing can be added or taken away from Him. In the gospels Jesus used amen to affirm the truth of His own statements. English translations often use verily, truly, or I tell you the truth. He never said it at the end of a statement, but always at the beginning: "Amen, I say to you"- (Mat 5:18, 16:28; Mark 8:12, 11:23; Luke 4:24, 21:32; John 1:51, 5:19). In John’s gospel Jesus said "Amen, amen."

The fact that Jesus prefaced His own words with "amen" is especially important. He affirmed the kingdom of God is bound up with His own person and emphasized the authority of His words.

He is the "Amen". He will have the final word on everything. He who not only says, but is the Truth. The saints used the Amen–{}, Hebrew, "Bless Himself in the God of Amen.._._. swear by the God of Amen," Amen said, "Amen, I say unto you," at the end of prayer, or in assenting to the word of God; but none, save the Son of God, ever The title happily harmonizes with the address. His unchanging faithfulness as "the Amen" contrasts with Laodicea’s wavering of purpose, "neither hot nor cold".

"The faithful and true witness"- Greek for- the faithful witness) and for \ho aleethinos\ (the genuine), "whose testimony never falls short of the truth". You can depend on everything Jesus says. If He says it will happen, it will happen.

This is much different than the prophets of present day Laodicea. They tell us because this is the age of grace prophets are sometimes wrong. This is simply untrue! Those who speak for God must always be truthful. There is a terrible price for adding to God’s Word. "(1 Tim 4:1-2 KJV) Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;" The Bible tells us in the last days men will depart from the faith. In the last days demonic spirits will flow through the church and the people will believe it to be the greatest move of God on Earth.

"(Rev 22:18-19 KJV) For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: {19} And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

"(Jer 5:30 KJV) A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; {31} The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?"

"(Jer 14:14-16 KJV) Then the LORD saith unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart, {15} Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed. {16} And the people to whom they prophecy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their wickedness upon them." This is the same fate that the Laodicean pastor will face. Once that happens he will be in the Tribulation.

"The beginning of the creation of God;"- Of whom all things that are made, have their beginning. Robertson’s N.T. Word Pictures states, "the originating source of creation through whom God works". This is a very relative statement concerning the Laodicean Church age. If a preacher can perform signs and wonders he is automatically viewed as a voice of God. What he says has great weight. People follow him. Jesus is reminding them that He is the creator. He is telling them the legitimate power comes from Him. Jesus said in John 15:5 KJV, "...for without me ye can do nothing".

You must ask yourself how these preachers perform signs, wonders, and miracles. They do happen, but Jesus is not at the source of them. Jesus tells of this in Mat 7:22-23 KJV, "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me , ye that work iniquity."

You should not be swayed by a man who claims to heal the sick and slay people in the Spirit. You should listen to Him who created all things. Jesus seems to be saying, "Listen to me. I am your source of life. I created it all. I am who made man from the dust of the earth. I gave him breath. I rose Lazarus from the grave. I walked on the water. You are an evil and adulterous generation seeking everything, but me. The people on earth are the same as they were 2000 years ago. You will not listen to me. Instead, you listen to the mouths of fools." "(Mat 12:39 KJV) But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:"

"The beginning of the creation of God". Cults have mistakenly used this verse to teach Jesus is a created being. The word beginning is the Greek word "arche". It means first, or chief, but in this context is better translated "ruler". "Arche" in the Greek language was the starting point, the source, or in this case Jesus is the ultimate source of reality. The "arche" is the one from whom all creation originates. In terms of power, the "arche" held all the cards or wielded the power. The word contains the idea of authority or preeminence. When Jesus calls Himself the "arche" He reminds the church He has the preeminence and power.

"THE COMMENDATION" "I know thy works" Jesus assigned one work to the church. He did not call the church to conquer the world or take over the government. Their job was to preach the Gospel to the world. They were to make disciples of men by teaching what Jesus taught. He who is all-knowing tells the pastor of the Laodiceans the He knows the truth of his works. This is fitting because this pastor had fooled his church and made it blind. Jesus sees Laodicea for what it is. It is always wise to try to see something as Jesus would.

Normally, after Jesus says "I know thy works", He will compliment the church for the good He sees within. There is nothing Jesus can compliment this church for. He must go straight to their rebuke.

A historian wrote of the contrast between Philadelphia and Laodicea. They were both built to be missionary centers. They were both built by Greeks who felt the gods wanted them to spread their language and culture throughout the world. These cities were also trading centers. Philadelphia was a great success because the people were more concerned with their message than with money. Laodicea was a great failure because the people were more concerned with money than their message. This is such an accurate comparison of the two last church ages.

It is plain to see Laodicea is more interested in money. Her whole message is loaded with ways for a person to get more money. Every one of those ways first requires people to send money to the preacher who has the secrets to financial success.

"(2 Pet 2:1-3 KJV) But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. {2} And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. {3} And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not."

Merchandise is a fitting word for Laodicea. An endless stream of items with the "anointing" are used to make people send in money: prayer cloths, holy anointing oil, water from the Red Sea, little statues, debt cancellation schemes... the list is endless. Often God’s Word is corrupted to support these schemes. "(2 Cor 2:17 KJV) For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ." Every time a new scheme is plotted by Laodicea the unsaved world hardens its heart towards the church. Every time the news exposes another fraud it becomes more difficult to persuade the lost to be saved. The "way of truth is evil spoken of".

"that thou art neither cold not hot"- Jesus is referring to the works or doctrine of the church. Previous views of this scripture state if you are cold you are indifferent- not really doing anything for God. On the other hand, if you are hot it means you are on fire and doing everything you can to spread the Gospel. These views are not correct. This scripture is referring to doctrine. Cold water has a refreshing quality while hot water has a healing effect. Jesus is pointing out Laodicean doctrine has no refreshing or healing qualities whatsoever.

"I would thou wert cold or hot"- Another misconception of this scripture follows along the same lines as the previous. The general consensus is Jesus wishes we were cold or hot. He would rather you are cold than lukewarm because there is a chance for you still. It sounds like it is better for you to be dead or unknowing in your faith than to be pulled into the lukewarmness of Laodicea. The misunderstanding is thinking God would ever want a person to be cold in his doctrine. If a man is cold in doctrine he is dead to faith. This scripture is again referring to doctrine. It needs to be refreshing as a cold spring and healing as hot water.

We are forbidden to run here or there hunting revival. We are to go directly to God for revival. The odds are very great we will be deceived when we chase after revival. God has promised to give each of us our own personal river if we will just go straight to Him. "(John 7:37-39 KJV) In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come to me, and drink. {38} He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. {39} But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified." Everything about salvation has to do with removing the middleman between God and man. Everything about the "new revival" has to do with restoring the middleman.

"So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot." The city Laodicea had neither a cold spring nor a hot spring. Laodicea had to import their water via an aqueduct or a pipeline. By the time the water arrived it was lukewarm and polluted. If a person drank the water without boiling it, it would produce nausea and cause vomiting. If her water had been cold it would have refreshed and given life. If hot, it would have healed. Laodicea’s water did not help those who drank it, but they were often deceived into thinking it was the best water ever created. Jesus could not be fooled. He trusted His own senses. You would do well to trust your senses.

Lukewarm is the word "emesia" from which we get the word "emetic". Emetic means "that which produces nausea and causes one to vomit." Very literally Jesus is telling this church that their spiritual condition makes Him so sick to His stomach He could vomit.

"I will"-- Greek, "I am about to; I am ready to; I have it in my mind"- Jesus implied the possibility of the threat not being executed if they repented at once. His dealings toward them will on how they deal with Him.

"...spue thee out of my mouth"–reject with righteous loathing as Canaan spued out its inhabitants for their abominations. Physicians once used lukewarm water to cause vomiting. Cold and hot drinks were common at feasts, but never lukewarm. The English translation pretties up what Christ actually said. "Spit you out of my mouth" would be literally translated "vomit". Here was a church that so disgusted the Savior He wanted to throw up. You cannot get much more disgusted. Ask yourself why you would want to swallow what makes Jesus Christ sick to His stomach. If Christ spews you out- if He has rejected you do you think you are going in the Rapture? The obvious answer is no!

This church and pastor could comprise the group of believers in this text- "(Rev 6:9-11 KJV) And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: {10} And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? {11} And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled."

The parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25 will teach us two things. First, you can miss the Rapture. Second, the blessings of God are not transferable.

The foolish asked the wise to transfer their blessing. Notice the ratio is 50% taken and 50% left. It is Philadelphia taken and Laodicea left. The wise virgins could not give the foolish oil and still have some for themselves. In other words- God and God alone is the source of blessings. People who claim to be sources of "Transferrable Blessing" are nothing more than cracked cisterns. "(Jer 2:13 KJV) For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water."

If I vomit or spit something out of my mouth is it still part of my body? NO! If I am Raptured is something that is not part of my body going with me? NO! Those who are not part of the body of Philadelphia will stay behind and go through the Tribulation period.

"knowest not"-- This church did not know their true condition. How could this be? It is the job of the pastor to preach God’s Word to his congregation. This letter was first directed to the Pastor of the church of the Laodiceans. The angel of Laodicea has been conjectured as Archippus. Thirty years previous to this, Paul gave an admonition to take heed of Archippus’ ministry. Paul already knew Archippus was not doing his job in a manner pleasing to God. Paul exhorted his readers to tell Archippus to see to (blepe, "look out" for dangers in) it that he complete the work (lit. "the ministry") God had given him. Whatever his problem he was not fulfilling (completing) his work. Archippus is a good representation of the Laodicean age pastor. "(Col 4:15-17 KJV) Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. {16} And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. {17} And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it." The number one job of the pastor of the church is to give the Word of God to his church. Whoever the pastor was it is evident he did not perform his job. This church didn’t know God’s Word. The lack thereof, made this church blind. Paul sent a letter to them, just as he sent a letter to Colossae. The epistle to the Colossians has been preserved in the Bible. What happened to the epistle to the Laodiceans? Is it lost? Did the church ever get to hear it? It is quite possible it was in conflict with the ministry of the pastor. He simply would not have allowed it to be read.

"thou art wretched, and miserable"-- This was the true condition of the "End Time Church". They were too blind to see it. They were wretched because they were rejected by the Lord. They were not renewed by the "washing of the water by the Word of God". This doesn’t sound like anything we are hearing today. We are told we are a part of the great end time revival. Everything is going great! Don’t miss the "End Time Move of God"! We are told this is Joel’s revival. They continue to tell us God must pour out His Spirit upon all flesh before the Rapture can happen. Part of this passage is quoted out of context:

"(Joel 2:28-31 KJV) And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. {29} And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days I will pour out my spirit. {30} And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, fire, and pillars of smoke. {31} The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come."

They hook people in by telling them this is happening today. Reading the entire book of Joel will reveal this book is not for the "Gentile Church". It is for the nation of Israel and the Jews. The "Latter Rain" outpouring of the Holy Ghost happens in the middle of the "Seven Year Tribulation". It happens after the Antichrist has been in power for 3 ½ years. The terrible things of chapter six of the book of Revelation will have happened. This is when the nation of Israel will accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Then, and only then, will the real "Latter Rain" take place. There will be nothing greater for the Bride of Christ than the outpouring of the Holy Ghost that took place at Cornelius’ house. That experience has never been withdrawn. The Baptism of the Holy Ghost is still available to those who are willing to do things God’s way. He is a Holy God that demands holiness from His people. If you must have something beyond the Holy Ghost you are in line to be deceived. The next time someone invites you to Joel’s Bar for a drink or invites you to join Joel’s army, tell them "No thanks! I’d rather go in the Rapture!" It is not so great when the Lord calls you wretched.

"poor"- The church of Laodicea was located in one of the richest cities in the world. Still, Jesus called them poor. Contrast this with the church of Smyrna. They were suffering the loss of all things. They were dying under the hand of Rome, yet Jesus proclaimed them rich. Laodicea was filled to the brim with material wealth and Jesus proclaimed them poor. Jesus said this because of His perspective. He was in Heaven when He spoke these words. He knows the Smyrna believer will be with Him and will inherit the streets of gold. He also knows Laodicea will be spewed out. They will be left for the Tribulation where a bag of gold will not buy a loaf of bread. How poor they are. Nothing they have will last. All will be destroyed. Laodicea was a rich banking center. They sold black garments to increase their wealth. They sold the "anointing eye salve" to make money. All they did was done for monetary profit. When God looks He sees no gold- no treasure in heaven for Laodicea. This could have been avoided, but they made idols of gold and personal success.

"and blind"- This is odd considering Laodicea was a city famous for its healing eye salve. Can you imagine Mrs. Laodicea with her black anointed eye salve, black stylish robes, and golden earrings? Imagine her hearing the Lord call her blind, poor, and naked. If you are having trouble visualizing this all you have to do is tune in to the leading ladies of Christian TV. Take a close look at those eyes. Those eyes belong to the spiritual trend-setters of the church world today. We are reminded of another lady who set spiritual standards for God’s people. "(2 Kings9:30 KJV) And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tied her head, and looked out at a window."

People are enticed to turn off all the warning systems God has given to protect them.

"and naked"- Nakedness in the Bible is a metaphor for being guilty of unconfessed sin- especially idolatry. The sin the Israelites most often needed to repent of was idolatry. What is our idolatry? The idolatry of the present-day Christian is conforming to the world’s standards. This is the opposite of what we are told to do in Romans 12:2. They were blind (self-deceived) and naked- not clothed with the robes of righteousness. In the ancient world nudity was a great shame. When a conquering army wanted to humiliate its foe they stripped them naked and marched them into the city. When a criminal was sent to the cross he was stripped naked. What a contrast. The city famous for clothes, medicine and wealth was poor, blind, and naked.

This is tragic. This church has thrown away the Bible, they have put out their own sight, and they have cast off the restraints of Holiness- without which no man shall see God. They no longer have a love for the truth. "(2 Thes 2:10-12 KJV) ... in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. {11} And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, and they should believe a lie: {12} That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." This church and its pastor are doomed to the Tribulation unless they get their sight back and repent.

THE COUNSEL- These are people whose ears perk up when they hear of a possibility of personal gain. Signs and Wonders Conferences are packed. Tapes with the secrets of health and wealth are snapped up. Methods for bringing the "Kingdom Now" are studied and employed. It is to these people Jesus says, "If you are hungry for counsel listen to me." We will see the Lord command the Laodicean church of today to return to all they have tossed aside such as, holiness of life, doctrinal correctness based on the Bible, and heavenly rewards instead of an earthly kingdom. These are the things Jesus complemented Philadelphia for having and commanded the pastor to hold on to at all costs. "(Rev 3:11 KJV) Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." If Philadelphia changes it will not be God who causes them to.

"I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire," - A goldsmith would heat gold in a vessel and scrape off the impurities from the surface of the molten metal. The gold would be pure when the goldsmith could see his reflection on the surface as if he were looking in a mirror. So it is with God’s work of sanctification and purification of the Believer. In the crucible of trials any impurities in the heart of the Christian rise to the surface. Continued heating and removal of these impurities lead to the perfect reflection of Christ, the "goldsmith", in the life of the Believer.

"that thou mayest be rich"- To be rich is to have your place in heaven and eternal life. He wants this church to regain their Christian values, preach the right message- forget that "Kingdom Now" nonsense, and go back to looking for the Rapture of the church and the city of gold- New Jerusalem.

All around Laodicea were herds of black sheep. This blackness was protected. No new life was permitted into the herd. The sheep were simply moved from one part of the herd to another. This is the way the church of Laodicea works. Her growth is not from new sheep. It is from moving the black sheep from one church to another. Whoever has the newest "wave of the spirit" gets the crowds. They are famous for black sheep. They are famous for them: Jim Baker, Tammy Fae, Jimmy Swaggert etc... What causes waves? Winds have a lot to do with waves. Benny Hinn and others tell us God moves in waves. They say we are in the midst of the "Third Wave". The first was the Day of Pentecost, the second was the Azusa street revival, and the third is the present day "Renewal" as found in Brownsville and Toronto. In light of wind being the great cause of waves look at the following verse.

"(Eph 4:14 KJV) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

We are commanded by God’s Word not to love the world. In spite of this, Laodicea is in love with the world and the riches it contains. Her sermons tell her people how to get more of the world’s goods.

"(1 John 2:15-17 KJV) Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. {16} For all that is in this world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. {17} And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."

"(1 John 3:2-3 KJV) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. {3} And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."

You must go back to the Bible- read it, study it, know it. Demand that those who want to teach you stay within its pages and Spirit. "(2 Tim 4:1-5 KJV) I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; {2} Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. {3} For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; {4} And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. {5} But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry."

"(1 Tim 4:1-2 KJV) Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; {2} Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron;"

THE WARNING- "As many as I love" Jesus loves both Philadelphia and Laodicea. He loves Philadelphia because of whom and what she stands for. Jesus loves Laodicea in spite of whom and what she is.

"I rebuke"- Rebuke: to find fault with, correct... to reprehend severely, chide, admonish, reprove... to call account, to show one his fault, and demand an explanation... God quite often uses preachers preaching His Word as a method of rebuke.

"and chasten"- Chasten: of those who are molding the character of others by reproof and admonition... to chasten by the affliction of evils and calamities... of a father punishing his son... of a judge ordering one to be scourged. "(Luke 12:42-48 KJV) And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wide steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? {43} Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. {44} Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. {45} But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming, and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and be drunken; {46} the lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. {47} And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. {48} But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."

It is important to note the servant will rule with his master if he is faithful and wise. It is the servant who becomes evil that will be beaten with many stripes and have his portion with the unbelievers- the Tribulation. He will experience trials that will cause him to be purified. "(Mat 7:22-23 KJV) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? {23} And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

Please do not miss the connection between the servant and the Charismatic gifts in the two previous paragraphs. "(Rev 6:9-10 KJV) And when he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: {10} And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?"

If you do not open your eyes by reading God’s Word today they will be opened after you have missed the Rapture. It will be very easy to see Laodicea’s message as false once the Tribulation has begun.

"be zealous therefore," - He is instructing them to realize they have been wrong in their path to Christ. He wants them to change direction as quickly as possible and find the right path again.

THE PROMISE TO THE OVERCOMER- "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne,"- To overcome implies there will be a struggle. Most of our struggles come from battling the temptations the devil stirs up in our hearts. Satan and his "angels of light" have tempted this church into thinking they by "wisely comprising" can build a great kingdom for God. They have been led to believe the "Kingdom of God" stands to gain from their effort. The kingdom they are building is not the Kingdom of God. It is the kingdom of the Antichrist. "(2 Thes 2:8-9 KJV) And then shall the Wicked (the Antichrist) be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: {9} Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders."

"(Rev 13:11-14 KJV) And I beheld another beast (false prophet) coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. {12} And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them that dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. {13} And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire to come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, {14} And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by the sword, and did live."

Benny Hinn said this year (1998) God is going to cause fire to fall on earth. When the fire does fall people will think it is coming from God. They will be deceived and follow the false prophet in taking the Mark of the Beast. This will damn their souls to hell. Building your personal kingdom by helping the preacher build his kingdom is the main message of Laodicea. Jesus is telling the people of this church to forgo their own kingdoms and do His will and He will give them a kingdom. "(Mat 6:31-33 KJV) Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? {32} (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. {33} But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Obey God’s will as Philadelphia did and you will experience what Jesus promised her. (Rev 3:10-12 KJV) 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. {11} Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. {12} Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name."

"even as I overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne."- Jesus faced every kind of sin and was able to overcome every single one. He now sits at God’s right hand.

The word "spirit" is probably one of the most abused in the world of religion today. "(1 John 4:1) Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." Any spirit that adds to God Word is not of God. Any Spirit that is not 100% true 100% of the time is not His Spirit. Any spirit in conflict with God’s Word is not God’s Spirit. His Spirit is the still quiet voice only heard by the pure in heart. "(Mat 5:8 KJV) Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."

Personal Note: It is my prayer that you take the message of the Laodiceans very seriously. It is not a "joke". It is the most serious evidence we have that we are close to the time of the Rapture of the church.

I make no claim of originality. I have searched everywhere I could to uncover the facts concerning Laodicea the city and Laodicea the church. I am greatly indebted to many others for their research and work. It is my hope you will have a greater understanding of the Word of God and will share this vital message with all you love and know.

"(Rom 3:3-4 KJV) For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? {4} God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged."

In closing out the seven churches in the Book of Revelation it is important to understand the seven churches did exist at the same time in Asia minor. The passage of these prophetic time periods was the evolution of the church. Every one of the churches came from the previous one in order to develop God’s prophetic plan. If we were to read this book back in that time period it would not have made any sense to us. Because we can look back at the actual history we can very easily see the prophetic meanings. Some church types faded into history. Others grew stronger. As you read you probably discovered how many denominations began. You have been given the truth and you must use that truth to evaluate the church you belong to. Will you go in the Rapture or will you be spewed out in the Tribulation period? Make no mistake- we are in the final stage of the seventh church. Once you have examined your church take an inward look at your heart. You may be in a Philadelphian church, but you heart may reside elsewhere. Make your decision without delay. Jesus is coming back sooner that you may think. If you have decided to follow Jesus you must be born again. Here is a prayer to help you on your way. For those who have decided not to take the path of the believer, I implore you to keep reading. For your convenience this prayer can always be found at the beginning of Chapter 1 and will also be placed at other locations within the future chapters of the book of Revelation study guide. You may not want to pray this prayer now, I understand because there was a time when I didn’t want to. I have a very strong feeling though you will want to see this prayer again in future chapters.

Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned against others and against myself, but most of all, against you. I know that you love me because you proved it by dying on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins- Thank-you Jesus for doing that for me. Please forgive me for my sins and give me the power to resist the temptation of sin. I believe you rose from the dead and that you are the only true God. By faith, I accept you Jesus. Thank-you for giving me eternal life. I ask you to come into my life and live at the center of it. Be not only my Savior, but also the Lord of my life. Cleanse my heart and purify me through sanctification. Teach and guide me by your Holy Spirit that I may share your truth with others. Please Lord, give me strength to walk as a Christian.

Amen