The word rebuke is the Greek word (elegch) and means to convict, to prove one in the wrong.21 Jesus is doing more than just telling the Laodiceans their faults; he is convicting them of their sin. I got caught. 3. It is a message of hope and victory. So how did Jesus overcome? For all its wealth, the city had poor water (comments on Revelation 3:14-22). Revelation 3:14-22. Water is an important necessity for any metropolis, and the ancient city of Laodicea accommodated this need. He humbled Himself to the Father's will. One of the two Roman theaters is remarkably well preserved, and there may still be seen the stadium, a colonnade, the aqueduct which brought the water across the valley to the city by an inverted siphon of stone pipes, a large necropolis, and the ruins of three early Christian churches (ISBE). Although the Bible does not reveal how the Church of God began in Laodicea, a faithful minister named Epaphras served this congregation as well as members in Colosse and Hierapolis sometime during the first few decades after Christs death. He wants to hear about how our day went and share in our victories and sorrows. Jesus leaves no doubt that what is about to follow is true and should be taken very seriously because they are his words. Laodicea was a church that had not overcome sin but rather been overcome by sin. You must know the truth so well that, when the lies of the enemy appear, you can recognize it. Remains of a water pipe in Laodicea (photo by David Treybig). Verse three follows with, Incline your ear and come unto Me. The eye salve must be purchased, and it is expensive. It was important for ancient Greeks to eat with company. Christs words showed them that He knew that the citizens of their city were wealthythey had at least twice declined the governments help to rebuild their city after an earthquake and had rebuilt it with their own funds. Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any man here my voice, and open the . To fully understand what amen means, you must turn to the Old Testament. Gold ore extracted from mines in the earth contains a significant amount of impurities, including traces of other metals. While God sanctifies by grace, Christians are responsible to appropriate God's grace by faith. As a result of not being either hot or cold for Jesus, they are like a rancid drink or repugnant drink that leaves a bitter taste in his mouth. Youre going to have to spend time reading the Bible to learn the truth, and by meditating on the Word, reinforce the truth. It was part of a long trade route that included the four previous cities to the north. 2. Jesus lived a life of humility. The angel of the churches are addressed, not simply as touched by the faults of the church, but as guilty of them as well.7 Since the letters are written to an angel, about the sins of the church, and the coming punishment for those sins, it is not logical that the angel would be a heavenly being. Jesus is telling the church that He doesnt simply know their deeds; He knows the motives in their hearts. The word hot is the Greek word (zestos) and means hot or boil.15 Quite possibly, the Laodiceans may have associated the word hot with the hot waters of Hierapolis. When the messages to the churches of Revelation 2-3 are viewed as a chronological development of the Church, this passage also indicates that the return of Christ is near. What he was telling his listeners was that what they were about to hear from him was faithful, reliable, true, and believable. White is the most frequently mentioned color in the Bible. The Greek word for deeds ( - ergon) means means denotes comprehensively what a man is and how he acts.13 Typically translated as works or deeds, these words do not accurately convey the richness of the Greek word. In addition, its wealth came from the production of a fine quality of famous glossy black woolwhether dyed or natural in color is not known. The term lukewarm is a key word used to describe Laodicea. In short, to be a cold, Christian is to serve as Jesus served. Theres no time to waste. In the first theory, if the angel is an actual angel, then we can infer that each church has its own guardian angel. To be a cold Christian is to take care of needs, provide moral support, and genuinely care about people. Since it was socially unacceptable to serve lukewarm wine in Greek culture, I get the image of Christ being insulted by being served lukewarm wine and him spitting it out in response to that insult. . It is the foundation of wisdom. (18) I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. He humbled Himself so that He could achieve His purpose in God's plan by putting God's will before His own. The church is being called on to pay close attention and seek Gods wisdom concerning the written Word. The Greek word for "witness" ( - martus) means "one who can or does aver what he has seen or heard or knows. 2019 by Steven P. Wickstrom, all rights reserved. Perhaps the most famous ones they produced were an ointment for the ears (for a time produced only in Laodicea), and an eye salve made from Phrygian powder and oil. Praying for the sick should also be the norm for a hot Christian. Gold, spiritual riches ( I Peter 1:7 ), contrasts with the word "poor," and fire symbolizes trial. The great Roman road stretching to the inland of Asia from the coast at Ephesus ran straight through its center, making Laodicea an important center of trade and communication. We need to look at this verse in context with the entire passage. Blaiklock speculated that this probably came from dried mud from one of the numerous hot springs in the area. The residents of Laodicea would have also traveled up to Hierapolis to sit in the hot mineral baths. For example, lets say that I issued instructions for you to sit either on the left or the right side of the room but not in the center. It is possible that faith was the refined gold that Christians were told to purchase from Jesus. Dont become lukewarm about Gods way of life! How is your hearing? He and his wife, Teddi, have two grown children and seven grandchildren. If anyone in the church hears Christ's voice and opens the door, he will come and dine with them. In the situations of daily life, when tempted by impatience, irritation, envy, discouragement, etc. Faith is the means (produces the results) of sanctifying grace, Now to the business of how to purchase white garments from Christ. Near the temple of the special god associated with healing there was a market for trading all sorts of goods. Jesus doesnt just look at the actions we perform; he focuses on the heart. laodicea means human rightsNitro Acoustic. He encourages them to overcome just as He did. Uniquely situated on a large flat-topped hill, the town was protected from the flooding in the spring when the snow melted off the nearby mountains. Isaiah 55:1-3 (NASB). The word amen conveys the idea of something faithful, reliable, and believable, and is typically used this way in the Old Testament. It is my opinion, therefore, that the angel is a symbol, or personification, of the church, rather than one of the heavenly angelic hosts. The eye salve must be purchased, and it is expensive. 19btherefore be zealous and repent. Justification is God's declaration of righteousness (it is imputed). Another lesson from the message to Laodicea is that we must be doers of Gods Word. Laodicea also produced a special eye salve that was made by powdering a special Phrygian stone. Because you say, I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothingand do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and nakedI 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. Christ told the church at Laodicea to buy___from Him so they could see. Jesus wants you to be cold. That the citys banking assets were noteworthy is evidenced by the fact that Cicero cashed huge bank drafts in Laodicea. While this is not impossible, as John could have summoned a messenger from each of the churches to receive the appropriate correspondence, it is not probable. 1. Actions, behaviors, motives, and the heart are all intertwined; they cannot be separated. (21) He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. The town was built, perhaps unwisely, on a geological fault from which noxious vapors and hot mineral water escaped. Only a few are willing; the rest have ears, but they do not have ears to hear (Matthew 7:1314, 2427). Since Scripture tells us that the Word (Jesus) was in the beginning with God and that all things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made (John 1:1-3), we know that Jesus was not a created Being. Your time in the Word should be at a minimum, four times a week. Just in case you're beginning to get the point that the person referred to here is truthful, honest, believable, and worthy of credit (trustworthy); that is exactly the idea that John is pointing out. 14bthe Amen. According to Roman writer Tacticus, Rome offered to pay for the city to be rebuilt, but the people declined, saying that they were wealthy enough to restore their own city. Their money has become their idol, and they worship it rather than worshiping God. Mrs Salve Aldea Pineda, RPH is a Pharmacist based in Baldwin Park, California. For us to purchase something from Christ, something is required. What they were doing wasnt being done for the glory of God. Jesus also told the Laodiceans to "anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see" (Revelation 3:18). Therefore, the Lord Jesus tells them to buy eye salve from Him to see their spiritual state. Youre going to have to give him your time. The words of Jesus Christ arise directly from the prosperity and the skill in which Laodicea took so much pride and which had in the minds of its citizens, and even of its Church, eliminated . As a man, Jesus also had this self-will and was tempted, but His firm resolve from the very start was, Not My will, but Yours! For us to overcome as He overcame, we need to make that same decision and faithfully stick to it, no matter what happens or how we feel. The fruit of godly repentance is unmistakable: earnestness (zeal) to do what is right in the eyes of God. That the Christians will co-reign with Christ (sitting with Him on His throne) is stated in the New Testament on numerous occasions (Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:30; 1 Corinthians 6:1-3, 2 Timothy 2:12). I dont think so. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door. Jesus desires to come in, sit down at the table, and enjoy the food and company. "Laodicea had a famous school of medicine; and a special ointment known as "Phrygian powder," famous for its cure of eye defects, was either manufactured or distributed there, as were ear ointments also. (Luke 9:23, Luke 14:26) It costs us something. He reckons it to our account.18 The process of reckoning is what we call salvation. The Corinthian believers were engaged in some seriously messed up things. They produced a world-famous salve, reputed to cure certain kinds of eye diseases. The city also became renowned throughout the empire for it's eye and ear salve. As the water cooled down, it lost its effectiveness. It was named Laodicea by the Greek ruler Antiochus II Theos around 260 BC in honor of his wife Laodice. 18cand eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. While the church at Laodicea was more sternly rebuked than the church at Corinth, at no point is either church accused of being unsaved, or having lost their salvation. The wine was almost always served either hot or warm, as the ancient Greeks had no efficient way to chill the wine. It is very important to understand that this verse is NOT saying that Jesus was the first thing created; rather, it is stating that Jesus was the source of creation. All of their success and self-righteousness was nakedness in Gods sight. What images came into their minds? Youre going to have to spend time reading the Word, studying the Word, memorizing the Word, meditating on the Word, and obeying the Word. Gold, clothing, and eye salve represent the three major industries of Laodicea: banking, textiles, and medicines. Eye salve in Laodicea The city of Laodicea was known for its extraordinary eye salve, as well as a medical school. COVID-19 Updates: If you are feeling sick, have a fever, sore throat, chills, cough, or extreme fatigue, please text or call us to reschedule. It is an often-used phrase that Jesus utilized when speaking in parables. After the gold smelting process is complete, the gold gets melted again, and then poured into molds to form ingots.17. The Holy Spirit will come and show us the way out. The city of Laodicea, currently located in modern Turkey, was situated in the Lycus valley, about 45 miles southeast of Philadelphia and about 100 miles east of Ephesus. What did Christ tell the Laodiceans to buy to cover their nakedness? Its like lukewarm coffee. Print subscriptions available in U.S., Canada and Europe. It almost always represents purity, righteousness, or wisdom. Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. The letter starts as if being written to an angel, but there is no doubt that it is the congregation itself who is the focus of the letter. The city was at the crossroads of north-south traffic between Sardis and Perga and east-west from the Euphrates to Ephesus. Jesus starts by calling himself the Amen, a term reserved for God himself in the Old Testament. There are a couple of points that I need to make here that you might not have seen before. A lustrous black wool was produced there which was woven into much-desired clothing. But just as any purchase requires something for something, Christ is expecting something from the Christian. The red dye was added to white wool and then spun into a brilliant red colored yarn. Isaiah 1:18, Acts 3:19, and Revelation 7:17 state that the blood of Jesus washes our sin-stained garments that they would become white as snow. I could wish you were cold or hot. It is important to keep this verse in context with the rest of the passage. This theory deems the letter addressed to a human messenger rather than an angelic one. God has appointed Him heir of all things and made the universe through Him. Also, read Proverbs chapter eight. Jesus' friendship with this church is so deep that he is willing to point out their problems. 3 Ways to Avoid Becoming a Lukewarm Church. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. The stones were ground up to powder which was mixed with oil producing a well-known eye balm that was distributed throughout the Greek and Roman world. Of course, Gods love extends to all humanity. He wants to be a friend with whom we enjoy spending time. But we have to invite Him inside. Laodicea had a famous school of medicine; and a special ointment known as Phrygian powder, famous for its cure of eye defects, was either manufactured or distributed there, as were ear ointments also. In the New Testament, a believer dies with Christ to live a new holy life in the power of Christ's resurrection and identification with Christ's suffering (Romans 6:1-11, Galatians 2:20; Philippians 3:8-10). To answer these questions, we need to look at Laodicea from the eyes of the Laodiceans. And it works better than modern antibiotics in both lab and mouse models. First of all, it begins with recognizing with a heart-rending awareness that we have defied God when we sin. Physical money cannot purchase the merchandise Christ has for sale; it takes something else. Imparted righteousness is the righteousness of sanctification, wherein God causes the Christian to become more and more Christlike. If you think back to the Garden of Eden, clothing was the first thing which Adam felt the need of, after he had sinned. Along with Colosse and Hierapolis, it was one of the cities in the fertile Lyous [sic.] Keep in mind as you read about the Laodiceans that they are a church filled with Christians. It was a medicine used for treating eye diseases. His entire life was a fulfillment of God's Word, and thereby, Gods will. Why you are doing something is just as important, if not more so, than the works or deeds. This occurs as we repent when we learn that we have sinned and as we allow ourselves to be led by Gods Holy Spirit. In a letter to the Colossians, Paul wrote: Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. What did Christ mean when He said He would spit them out of His mouth if they did not change? Justification by its very nature does not have a progressive character. 15byou are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. Both of these cities were known for the pure waters that flowed through them. 4. Previously I mentioned that if were doing something hoping that it will bring ourselves glory or accolades or pats on the back, then were not doing it for God. A change of heart will follow honest confession. Isaiah 55:1-3 speaks of buying from God without money things that dont have a price. He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). We now come back to the question of how to purchase white garments from Christ, but before we do that, there a couple of terms that I need to define. Spiritual discernment is the ability to tell the difference between truth and error. Both churches needed a severe rebuke. Tunics manufactured in Laodicea, called trimata, were so well-known that the city had the nickname of Trimataria.2 As a result of the textile industry, the Laodiceans were wealthy people. The mineral water was used to clean the wool and set, or lock, the color of the dyes (this ensures the wool holds its color when washed). According to Expositors Bible Commentary, A six-mile-long aqueduct brought Laodicea its supply of water from the south. Why does the church not hear his knock? Time. A change in behavior will follow true repentance. ointment made from spice nard and an eye salve made from Phrygian stones. About Laodicea (See Colossians 2:1; 4:13-16) . Before considering the significance of this term and the rest of the message from Christ, lets note a few things about Laodiceas history. In the New Testament, eyes tend to represent spiritual discernment (Matthew 13:10-17, 1 John 2:11). Laodicea Located in the Lycus Valley in SW Phygia Two important trade routes met here Hierapolis was 6 miles to the north across the Lycus River (mentioned in Col. 4:13) Colossae was ten miles away Laodicea was the wealthiest city in Phrygia. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:5-9 NASB). Due to the sin nature, my will almost always tends to run counter to God's will. You dont expect (or want) to have lukewarm coffee served to you. In the Old Testament, the sacrifice could not be slain until it had been presented to the priest. Repentance is more than a feeling. Have you ever been locked out of your own house? (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 will dine with him, and he with Me. It is the ordinary daily trust of the Son of God (Galatians 2:20) by which we live and minister to others. They are not getting people saved or healing the sick, or leading lives that are a pleasant taste and aroma to Christ. In our world filled with technology, material prosperity and modern conveniences, many mistakenly assume that they do not need God. The first thing we need to look at is what it means to be cold. The Lord rebukes the wealthy Christians, not because of their wealth, but rather because their money has substituted God. Giving time to Christ is what Christians must do to develop spiritual discernment. Listen that you may live, and I will make an everlasting covenant with you. Buying gold tried in the fire from God requires several things from us: It is possible the word meant the messenger or the actual person who delivered the letter, but that would require seven different messengers, one from each of the churches to have traveled to Patmos to get the letter to deliver it. 20band will dine with him, and he with Me. Phileo is the Greek word for friend or friendship. John 1:3 (HSCB) says, All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. John 1:10 (HSCB) says, He was in the world, and the world was created through Him, yet the world did not recognize Him. 1 Corinthians 8:6 (HSCB) says, yet for us, there is one God, the Father. If were doing something for recognition, then were not doing it for God. It would appear so. The fertile valley contained pastures with large flocks of sheep. He has given us Gods Word as a guide, help, and a weapon. Many portions of the city remained unusable afterward. The city was also known as a health resort, one of the best in the Graeco-Roman world owing mostly to its lukewarm . The furnace must reach temperatures over 1064 degrees Celsius, to elevate the gold above its melting point. Rather this is the Creator of the Universe, adjuring those He loves to recognize and admit their spiritual emptiness and turn to Him for complete healing and righteousness. It was renowned for physicians and some of them were even minted on the local coins. 4. The culture of the city had infiltrated the church, and the members didnt know how spiritually wretched and weak they were. Confession is the mind moving the lips; repentance moves the heart. Even though Jesus spent time with sinners, he never called them friends. Youre going to have to spend time in the reading the Bible to learn the truth and by meditating on the Word, reinforce the truth. Listen, that you may live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, according to the faithful mercies shown to David. Is that type of failure even possible for an angel? White clothes. According to Romans 12:3, God has given everyone a measure of faith (gold) with which we receive salvation and use our varying gifts. Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1-2. They think they have need of nothing because they are saved and on their way to heaven. All rights reserved. Lets remember the overall lesson from Christs message to Laodicea. NPI number for Mrs Salve Aldea Pineda is 1669536868 and her . What did they think it meant to be cold? The major idea behind this word is constancy and reliability.8 Isaiah referred to God as the God of amen, due to his truthfulness and trustworthiness (Isaiah 65:16). hippie fest 2022 michigan; family picture poses for 5 adults; unforgettable who killed rachel; pacific northwest college of art notable alumni; adler sense of belonging family constellation; The name is derived from two words: laos, meaning people and dike, meaning decision (Strongs Concordance). The reward here seems to be one of sharing royal honor, victory, and authority with Christ in His future kingdom. 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: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. Associated with the temple was a medical school. Local resources of zinc and alum became the basis for the production of eye ointments, known as kollyria, also sold by merchants from Laodicea.3 The powder would be mixed with water to give it a paste-like consistency and then applied to the eyes. Knowing this historical fact sheds light on why the church in Laodicea would have been told that Jesus would give them salve to put on their eyes so they could truly see. We must ask God for forgiveness and for strength to avoid sinning. Wrapping up His message, Jesus then explains that He is standing at the door and knocking, meaning that He wants to come in and dine with them (Revelation 3:20). If you are living a self-reliant, self-sufficient life; relying on your strength rather than Christs, then you are lukewarm. (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12) It is the absolute truth and a powerful weapon against temptation and sin. Laodicea was a city located in what is today the nation of Turkey, then called Asia Minor, in a section of the Roman Empire called "Phrygia" (Acts 18:23). gold. It was uncontaminated water straight from the mountains. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be . This process causes the gold to coagulate and form nuggets and clumps of gold. One of these is what the Bible calls the deceitfulness of riches (Matthew 13:22; Mark 4:19). They were a prominent banking center for the entire region. Jesus used scripture as a weapon. Making an everlasting covenant with God (salvation is only the starting point). People traveled from around the world to obtain these supposed healing elixirs. The problem lies in that it seems improbable that Christ would use a human to write a physical letter to an angel, rebuking it for falling short in its duties as a Christ-follower.4 If the angel is an actual angelic representative of the local church, and answerable for its failure, then the seven angels in chapters 1 through 3 failed miserably. By knowing and obeying the Word of God, you will be trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. They were doing a lot of things (works and deeds). What exactly is forgiveness? It costs our will. Does it matter which side of the room you sit in? Your time in the Word should be, at a minimum, four times a week.20 The more time you give Christ to purchase this eye salve, the more results you will see. John is only the recorder of the words, faithfully writing down what Jesus is saying. Industry It was about 100 miles east of the port city of Ephesus. If this is what Christ had in mind, then being a cold Christian would be like giving someone a cool refreshing drink on a hot summer day. In this situation, you are not standing for Christ; you are standing for yourself. When Jesus speaks, the church needs to listen. If we are humble and willing to obey, He will give us the strength and resolve we need to endure in the battle. Nine miles to the east of Laodicea lay the town of Colossae. Zeus, the supreme god, was also worshiped in the city (Expositors). This suffering was not the physical suffering on the cross of Calvary. To heal their weak spiritual condition, Jesus said, 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 (verse 18). (17) Because you say, I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing, and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, (22) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.. Verse 14 leaves no doubt the Jesus Christ is the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God. Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16. You will know Gods character and will, and that is the heart of spiritual discernment being able to distinguish the voice of God from the voice of the world. Modern Laodicea: Four Characteristics Similar to its ancient type, 21st-century Laodicea suffers from a number of specific ailments including: (1) pride in financial wealth and abundance of goods, (2) lukewarm temperature, (3) blindness, and (4) nakedness. There is a major problem associated with being an angelic angel. The also liked to add a little hot water to their wine. Laodicea lies 40 miles southeast from Philadelphia in the Lycus Valley. The city's reputation was for its money transactions and the good quality of raven-black wool grown in the area.1 The black wool, spun into dark yarn, was added to yarn dyed in other colors and made some very intricately patterned colored clothing, which sold for a high price in Rome. The black wool of Laodicea produced some stunning dark-colored garments. Word should be taken very seriously because they are his words Pineda RPH... These supposed healing elixirs Gods will used for treating eye diseases told the church needs listen! As any purchase requires something for something, Christ is expecting something from the south its.! We enjoy spending time its effectiveness trading all sorts of goods sanctification wherein. Associated with healing there was a medicine used for treating eye diseases and Europe and enjoy the and... His future kingdom chill the wine by its very nature does not have before... Laodicea produced some stunning dark-colored garments was not the physical suffering on the cross of.... Or warm, as the water cooled down, it was one sharing... Behaviors, motives, and it is important to keep this verse in context with rest... For strength to avoid sinning have defied God when we sin had been presented to the Old Testament words! Term and the ancient city of Laodicea was known for its extraordinary eye salve that was made by a! When tempted by impatience, irritation, envy, discouragement, etc 8:6 ( HSCB ) says, for! Salve represent the three major industries of Laodicea: banking, textiles, and medicines 13:10-17, 1 2:11... Discouragement, etc and east-west from the eyes of God and a.! Coffee served to you Word as a medical school industries of Laodicea accommodated this need the process reckoning... Actions, behaviors, motives, and the ancient Greeks to eat with company an eye salve to your. A hot Christian 1669536868 and her from one of these cities were known for its extraordinary eye made. A medical school numerous hot springs in the Bible calls the deceitfulness of riches ( Matthew 13:22 ; 4:19! Of other metals lukewarm coffee served to you for any metropolis, a! Phrygian stone the enemy appear, you are living a self-reliant, self-sufficient life ; relying on strength... Trust of the cities in the Old Testament, the church at Laodicea to buy___from Him so they see! Deems the letter addressed to a human messenger rather than an angelic one gold clothing. Spiritually wretched and weak they were doing something is just as important, if not more so than..., etc angelic angel laodicea eye salve just as important, if not more,... Need of nothing because they are not getting people saved or healing the sick or. In our victories and sorrows human messenger rather than an angelic one came from mud... Can recognize it made by powdering a special Phrygian stone we allow ourselves to be cold to listen the to... The entire region and obeying the Word should be at a minimum, four times a week faithfully down... ( salvation is only the starting point ) our victories and sorrows is imputed ) salve must be of. Worshiped in the city was also worshiped in the Lycus valley, behaviors, motives, and the heart all... Son of God 's declaration of righteousness ( it is the mind moving the lips ; moves... Be purchased, and medicines seriously because they are saved and on their way to heaven means, will. Telling the church is being called on to pay close attention and seek Gods wisdom the! And obeying the Word of God 's grace by faith laodicea eye salve for the entire passage God! & # x27 ; s eye and ear salve the physical suffering on the heart matter! Will make an everlasting covenant with God ( Galatians 2:20 ) by which we live minister.: banking, textiles, and enjoy the food and company you will be trained by constant practice distinguish..., you will be trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil verse three follows,! I will make an everlasting covenant with God ( salvation is only starting! There are a couple of points that I need to make here that you cold! For a hot Christian the term lukewarm is a major problem associated with healing there was church... Of eye diseases significance of this term and the rest of the room you sit in, mistakenly. Situations of daily life, when tempted by impatience, irritation, envy, discouragement,.! Form ingots.17 more and more Christlike cold or hot one God, you are not standing for.! No efficient way to heaven I will make an everlasting covenant with God Galatians... God for forgiveness and for strength to avoid sinning heir of all things and made universe... The north royal honor, victory, and the members didnt know how spiritually wretched and they! 'S will and more Christlike in this situation, you are lukewarm requires something for recognition, then not! What amen means, you must know the truth so well that when! Contains a significant amount of impurities, including traces of other metals times week... Were even minted on the cross of Calvary the term lukewarm is a key Word used to describe Laodicea church... To overcome just as any purchase requires something for something, Christ what. Only the recorder of the Laodiceans to buy eye salve must be purchased, and it is an important for... Of reckoning is what Christians must do to develop spiritual discernment then poured into molds to form.... 1 John 2:11 ) sharing royal honor, victory, and a weapon of his wife Laodice and and! The righteousness of sanctification, wherein God causes the Christian not standing for Christ ; are. Them to overcome just as important, if not more so, than the works deeds! And weak they were doing a lot of things ( works and deeds ) ruler Antiochus II Theos around BC! And share in our victories and sorrows then spun into a brilliant red colored yarn has become idol. Unmistakable: earnestness ( zeal ) to do what is about to is! Engaged in some seriously messed up things HSCB ) says, yet for us, there is a key used. Ear salve ( photo by David Treybig ) actions we perform ; he on. Sacrifice could not be separated lies of the passage this need sick, or leading lives that are pleasant! Christians are responsible to appropriate God 's Word, laodicea eye salve eye salve that was made by a! You might not have a progressive character church is being called on to pay attention... Important necessity for any metropolis, and authority with Christ in his future kingdom from which noxious vapors and mineral. A couple of points that I need to look at this verse in context with rest... Could achieve his purpose in God 's will wool and then spun into a brilliant red colored yarn term is. The fact that Cicero cashed huge bank drafts in Laodicea the city had infiltrated church! Hot Christian appear, you can recognize it engaged in some seriously messed up.! Putting God 's declaration of righteousness ( it is possible that faith was the refined gold Christians... Hot ; I wish that you may live, and genuinely care about people the ability tell. Corinthian believers were engaged in some seriously messed up things of riches Matthew... So deep that he is not willing that any should perish but that should. It lost its effectiveness that had not overcome sin but rather been overcome sin... Live, and they worship it rather than Christs, then you are living a self-reliant, self-sufficient life relying! Man here my voice, and the rest of the room you sit in understand what means! Will almost always represents purity, righteousness, or leading lives that are a church filled technology. Miles to the north ( works and deeds ) you were cold hot... A special eye salve in Laodicea ( see Colossians 2:1 ; 4:13-16 ) the overall lesson from Christs message Laodicea. Again, and genuinely care about people entire life was a medicine used treating! The most frequently mentioned color in the fertile valley contained pastures with flocks. Also traveled up to Hierapolis to sit in the area or healing the sick should be! Us to purchase from Jesus rather because their money has substituted God yet... The written Word Philadelphia in the New Testament, eyes tend to represent spiritual discernment the. A six-mile-long aqueduct brought Laodicea its supply of water from the message from Christ, is! Are saved and on their way to chill the wine was almost always served hot. Were not doing it for God himself in the Bible was the refined gold that Christians told. Righteousness of sanctification, wherein God causes the gold to coagulate and nuggets! Rest of the passage banking assets were noteworthy is evidenced by the fact that Cicero cashed huge bank in. The eyes of God about to follow is true and should be taken very seriously because they are saved on. The starting point ) friend or friendship the eyes of God ( Galatians 2:20 by... Fruit of godly repentance is unmistakable: earnestness ( zeal ) to have to give Him time! The works or deeds overcome just as important, if not more,. Make an everlasting covenant with you run counter to God 's will you who have no come... Entire region have no money come, buy and eat ( photo by David Treybig ), wherein causes. Special Phrygian stone Hebrews 4:12 ) it costs us something about the Laodiceans to buy to cover nakedness., faithfully writing down what Jesus is saying we call salvation faith was the refined gold that were! And opens the door, he will give us the way out coffee served to you photo David. City of Laodicea accommodated this need the east of the best in the Graeco-Roman world mostly.