In John's vision, recorded in the book of Revelation, Christ instructs John to write a message to seven named churches in Asia Minor. The message to Laodicea is one of judgement with a call to repentance. The oracle contains a number of striking metaphors.
[edit] "I wish that you were cold or hot" (3:15–16)
It is thought that the Laodiceans were being criticized for their neutrality or lack of zeal (hence "lukewarm"). Based on this understanding, the pejorative term Laodicean is used in the English language to refer to those neutral or indifferent in matters of faith.[1]"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of my mouth" (WEB).
However, some scholars have suggested that this metaphor has been drawn from the water supply of the city, which was lukewarm, in contrast to the hot springs at nearby Hierapolis and the pure water of Colossae (Barclay). The archaeology shows Laodicea had an aqueduct that probably carried water from hot mineral springs some five miles south, which would have become tepid before entering the city (see main Laodicea article). Strabo states that the water was hard, though drinkable.[citation needed] The imagery of the Laodicean aqueduct suggests not that "hot" is good and "cold" is bad, but that both hot and cold water are useful, whereas lukewarm water is useless.
You are probably wondering about how I am linking this to the title. The Laodicean church was out of it's league with God. They had lost their appeal to him. I liken them to many women who loose their sex appeal after life has shown it's teeth. I know that getting older for me has changed me. It is not that I am not good looking, it is that I don't care. We can never get to that point. We must keep ourselves appealing. The Laodicean church was neither hot or cold. They weren't hot mamas and they weren't ice princesses. They were plain Jane who went insane. They weren't appealing to God anymore. My first lady gave the ladies a tidbit of advice. She said, "Keep your sexy". Always make sure that you are appealing. Men should want to inquire about you and your husband should run home at night. Tastefully done can be accomplished a thousand ways. Men should not loose their charisma. They should be appealing to their wives. At the same time, we should be appealing to God. He should not find us useless and not worth his time. We should not be saved enough to make a horrible sinner and devil enough to make a horrible saint. That is not appealing to God. To be honest, that is not appealing to me. Who wants someone who don't really know if they love you? They don't know if they want to marry you? They don't know if they even like you? It makes me say, "Push or get of the pot". You can loose your hair. You can loose your figure. You can battle with the enemy and look like it. You can persevere through the worst of times. If you loose everything you have, don't lose your sexy. Always remain appealing, even to God.
Find One Hundred Ways
http://youtu.be/BBY4o26fCt8
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