The Church Of Casual Christianity

What does it mean to be a Church of Casual Christianity? How does a church become casual? Is it speaking of the church building or the church body? Or does it refer to the church members, the individual Christians?

Look at the churches depicted in Revelation 2 & 3.

• Ephesus – Revelation 2:1-7 - The Loveless Church

• Smyrna – Revelation 2:8-11 - The Persecuted Church

• Pergamos – Revelation 2:12-17 - The Lenient Church

• Thyatira – Revelation 1:18-29 - The Compromising Church

• Sardis – Revelation 3:1-6 - The Lifeless Church

• Philadelphia – Revelation 3:7-13 - The Obedient Church

• Laodiceans – Revelation 3:14-22 - The Lukewarm Church

Today we will focus on the last church in Laodicea.

Corrupting Malaise -

Laodicea was the most affluent of the seven cities, known for its financial industry, production of fleece, and a clinical school that delivers an eye ointment. In any case, the city consistently had a problem with its water supply. At one time an aqueduct was worked to carry water to the city from underground aquifers, some hot springs. Yet, when the water arrived at the city, it was neither hot nor refreshingly cool. It was just tepid. It had become lukewarm. The church congregation had become as dull as the lukewarm water that came into the city.

Definition of Lukewarm –

• Feeling or showing little concern.

• Lacking a high degree of intent or devotion.

• Lacking conviction.

Being lukewarm starts within the individual then it spreads inside the church.

Tepid or lukewarm water makes for a sickening beverage. The congregation in Laodicea had gotten tepid and, in this manner, it had become offensive and repulsive. The believers did not represent anything. Aloofness and indifference had driven them into inactivity. By failing to do anything for Christ, the congregation had become solidified, hardened, and smug, and it was annihilating itself. God does not need nor want us to be cold, yet there is more expectation for a radical to atone than for a weak, in-name-only Christian who is independent and self-sufficient. Try not to fall into following God midway. Allow Christ to start up our faith and get us right into action.

Characteristic Marks –

Laodicea was known for its extraordinary riches; however, Christ advised the Laodiceans to purchase their gold from him (spiritual treasures). The city was puffed up and proud for its clothing and coloring industries, yet Christ advised them to buy white garments of clothing from him (his righteousness). Laodicea valued its valuable eye treatment that mended many eye issue; however, Christ advised them to get medication from him to recuperate their eyes so they could see the truth (John 9:39). Christ was showing the Laodiceans that genuine worth, true value was not in material belongings but rather in a right connection with God. Their accomplishments and possessions were worthless in comparison with the never-ending future of Christ's Kingdom.

• Worship – public/private. How do we stand in these areas?

• Wealth – public/personal. Do we lay-up treasures in heaven? How do we measure up?

• Witness – public/private. Are we too comfortable with our small group that we do not reach out? Have we lost the sense for other people’s eternal destiny? Do we risk ridicule and rejection by not sharing Christ?

• Walk – lifestyle.

1 John 2:6, He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

1 John 1:6, If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.

God would chastise and discipline this tepid lukewarm church unless if they abandoned their lack of interest toward him. His motivation in discipline is not for punishment, however, but to cause individuals to come back to him. Is it true that we are tepid in our dedication to God? God might discipline us to help get out of our uncompassionate demeanor, however he utilizes just loving discipline. We can keep away from God's discipline by gravitating toward to him again through repentance, worship, service, and examining his Word. Similarly, as the spark of affection can be revived in a marriage, so the Holy Spirit can reignite our zest for God when we permit him to work in our hearts and souls.

The Laodicean church was smug and rich. They felt satisfied yet they did not have Christ among them. He knocked at their heart's door, yet they were too caught up with appreciating common delights that they did not see that he was attempting to enter. The delights of this world - wealth, security and material belongings can be perilous on the grounds that their temporary fulfillment makes us apathetic regarding God's proposal of everlasting fulfillment. If we wind up feeling not interested in church, to God, or to the Bible, we have started to close God out of our lives. We should leave the entryway of our heart continually open to God then we will not have to stress over missing him knocking. Letting Christ in is the only hope for eternal peace.