THE CHURCH of THE LAODICEANS       	 Pastor Bob Chroninger 
Trinity C.U.  10-10-99  P.M.   		Revelation 3:14-22   	
	The seven churches were local assemblies with a variety of problems to be corrected if 
they were to continue to be a witness to their communities.  After nearly 2000 years of church history 
we can look back and see that these churches were a prediction of the history of the "church" up to 
the rapture and into the Tribulation. The lessons in these messages are also applicable to local churches 
in existence today... NOTICE... 
I.  LOOK AT THE SPEAKER.. 14 
  A. The "Amen"..  "surely, so be it" 
  B. The "Faithful Witness"..  trustworthy, dependable 
  C. The "Beginning" of the Creation of God.. 
    1. Not that He was the "first", but He was the CHIEF in charge.. 
    2. Nothing was made but that He did it... Jn.1:3 
II.  LISTEN TO THE COMMENDATION...   O, Zip, NOTHING!  15 
III.  LISTEN TO THE CONDEMNATION... 
  A. You aren't "Cold".. Knowing that you are a "lost sinner" 
  B. You aren't "Hot".. Knowing you are saved.. and zealous for Christ 
 ** "Oh that you were one or the other.." 
  C. You Are "Lukewarm".. You have a form of religion and think you are OK. 
    1. The Lord says... "I will spue thee out of my mouth"  (vomit) 
    2. The Lord has an utter abhorrence of their condition & attitude. 
  D. You Are Deceived about Yourself.. 
    1. What you Say... 
	- "rich and increased with goods"  proud of their great industries. 
	   - black wool cloth & dye; eye salve; booming economy 
	- "I have need of nothing".. totally "self sufficient" (rich farmer) 
  ** Do Churches today come to this attitude?  "We don't need anything else."  "We are satisfied 
	to be what we are."  "Why work so hard and give so much to grow and expand?" etc. 
    2. What You Are...
	- You are deceived first of all.. a "sad" one & don't know it! 
	- You are wretched.. greatly lacking.. and don't know it! 
	- You are miserable..  distressed and pitiable 
	- You are poor.. a beggar, pauper, .. and don't know it! 
	- You are blind.. mentally & spiritually.. and don't know it! 
	- You are "naked".. not properly clothed with His Righteousness 
	- The "wedding feast".. Mt.22:8-14 
IV.  LEARN FROM THE COUNSEL.. 18.. 
  A. The Lord Loves, Rebukes, and Chastens.. 
    1. They were NOT His own.. but He loves the World of sinners... 
  B. The Lord Offers The Real Solution.. 
    1. "Buy" of Me.. true riches.. "treasure in a clay pot"  2Cor.4:7 
    2. "Buy" of Me.. White garments.. Righteousness of Christ.. - shame, guilt gone.. 
    3. "Buy" of Me.. eye salve.. let the Great Physician open your eyes 
 ** How do You "Buy" these things?  Isaiah 55:1 
  C. The Lord Challenges Them To True Salvation.. 
    1. Be Zealous.. (hot)  19 
    2. Be Repentant..  sorry for sin.. turn from them; turn to God! 
    3. Be Receptive.. 20 
	- He stands at the "door";  He knocks; He will come in (forgiveness, cleansing, fellowship).. 
    4. Be An Overcomer.. 21.. share with Him; rule with Him.. 
    5. Be Attentive.. 22 
THIS CHURCH IS CERTAINLY REPRESENTATIVE OF ALL WHO ARE NOT TRULY CONVERTED 
  AT THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH !! 
THE INVITATION IS CLEAR... YOU CAN OPEN THE DOOR... OR REJECT HIM STILL