------------The Last Church---------

In Chapters 2 & 3 of the book of Revelation, we find seven letters to seven churches. These letters represent the history of the church and the categories of a church. Whatever church you belong to fits the profile of one or more of the 7 types of churches mentioned in these chapters. This article takes a look at the Laodicean church which represents the last or final type of church just before Jesus returns.

Revelation Chapter 3 Verses 14 through 22 reads: 14 "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-- 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." '

The word Laodicea means "rights of the people". This type of church basically has the mentality, "It's not what I can do for God, but what can God for me?" It puts materialism and worldly things above God. You will never hear a "hellfire and brimstone" sermon from a Laodicean church.

Do the majority of today's churches fit into this category? Every time I turn on the Trinity Broadcasting Network, I hear some well meaning but misguided pastor proclaiming that all you have to do to "claim" God's blessings (this translates into money and materialism - not God's true gifts such as love, joy, and wisdom) is "plant your seed" (give your money to the pastor's church). How many people do you know that has become wealthy by sending in their money to a church? You should support your local church and whatever ministry that blesses you but not at the expense of your own family's well being.

Some churches will not accept new members unless they have good paying jobs. They have forms to fill out before you can become a member and they have special days in which they receive new memberships. Jesus accepts you just as you are in whatever condition or situation you are in. The moment you accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, that is the moment you become part of the true church.

Keeping in mind that the term Laodicea means "rights of the people". Look what has happened in the Episcopalian church. Gene Robinson has become their very first gay bishop. And gay doesn't mean happy here. Is it God's will for a homosexual to be a church leader? Since God views homosexuality as an abomination, I would think not. The will of the people is taking precedent over the will of God.

What does God think of this trend? Verse 16 of Revelation 3 says it makes Him want to puke. Since the Laodicean church represents the final type of church in the history of churches, what does that mean? It means the "Age of Grace" or the "Church Age" is coming to an end. Christ is getting ready to return. Are you ready?

--------------Bible Quiz------------

1. After the books of the 4 major prophets come the writings of the so-called minor prophets. How many minor prophets are there? A. 4 B. 7 C. 10 D. 12

2. The Book of Lamentations is included among the Prophetic Books of the Bible, even though it is not a prophecy, because it is thought to have been written by: A. Isaiah B. Jeremiah C. Ezekiel D. Daniel

3. What is the only book in the Bible that does not mention God?______________

4. The longest reign of any king in the Bible is by A. David B. Solomon C. Manasseh D. Hezekiah

5. The shortest reign of any king in the Bible is by A. Saul B. Asa C. Herod Agrippa I D. Zimri

6. Which 2 books in the Bible begin with "In the beginning....?" _______________

7. What book of the Bible is a collection of five smaller books?_______________

8. What is the most often used noun in the Bible? A. Lord B. Israel C. water D. wilderness

9. What is currently considered by scholars to be the oldest complete book of the Bible? A. Judges B. Second Samuel C. Exodus D. Deuteronomy

10. What is currently considered to be the latest book written? A. Revelation B. Gospel of John C. Hebrews D. Second Epistle of Peter

Answers in the next issue of Sight Unseen

-----------Answers To Previous Quiz---------

1. The most frequently mentioned woman in the bible is: Sarah who is mentioned 56 times.

2. The most frequently mentioned man, after Jesus himself, is: David who is mentioned 1,085 times

3. The longest book in the Bible is: Psalms with 2,461 verses in 130 chapters.

4. The shortest book in the Bible is: Second Epistle Of John which contains only 13 verses.

5. The shortest verse in the Bible is: Jesus Wept (John 11:35)

6. The shortest prayer in the Bible is: Lord, save me (Matthew 14:30)

7. The Old Testament book most often referred to or quoted in the New Testament is: Isaiah which is referred to 419 times in 23 New Testament books.

8. What New Testament book relies on the most Old Testament books? Revelation quotes or refers to passages from 32 Old Testament Books.

9. Among the "lost" books mentioned in the Bible but not included in it is: The Book of Jasher mentioned in Joshua 10:13 and in 2 Samuel 1:18

10. The Hebrew Bible does not include among the Prophets which of these books: Daniel is not regarded as a Prophetic Book in the Hebrew Bible, where it is included with the Writings. Its use of a setting in Babylonian Captivity and its attirbution to a prophet named Daniel are thought to have been a coded way of writing about the persecutions which took place some 400 years later under Antiochus Epiphanes.

Copyright 2003 by Gary Goodworth