What We Learn from a Lukewarm Church
Introduction: Why Laodicea Is Important
If you’ve ever heard someone say a church was “lukewarm,” they were probably talking about Laodicea. In the Bible’s book of Revelation, this ancient church is called out for its half-hearted faith—neither hot nor cold. But what does that mean, and why should we care? Let’s break down their story and see what it can teach us today.
Laodicea in History and Archaeology: The Rich City with Bad Water
Laodicea was a thriving city in what is now Turkey. In ancient Roman times, it was packed with banks, shops, and even a famous medical school. Archaeologists have found ruins of big theaters and bathhouses that show just how wealthy Laodicea was. But here’s the catch: their water had to be piped in from far away, so it was always lukewarm—not good for drinking, not great for healing. This odd water situation ended up symbolizing the church’s attitude toward faith.
The Bible’s Take: Lukewarm Faith, Pride, and Too Much Stuff
In Revelation 3:14-22, Jesus tells the Laodicean church that he’s not impressed. He says, “You are neither hot nor cold—just lukewarm—and I’m ready to spit you out.” Their problem wasn’t that they were doing bad things, but that they just stopped caring. They thought they had it all: money, nice clothes, and medicine. But Jesus tells them they’re actually “poor, blind, and naked” when it comes to what really matters. Their wealth made them think they didn’t need God, but they were missing the most important thing: a real relationship with Him.
Jesus’s Advice: Turn Things Around and Let God In
Jesus doesn’t just criticize—he gives them a way out. He says they should seek true riches, like faith (“gold refined in fire”), righteousness (“white clothes”), and wisdom (“eye salve”). He’s pictured as gently knocking at the door, waiting for them to open up and let Him in. Salvation, then, is a personal choice, and Jesus wants to meet people where they are.
What This Means for Us Today
The story of Laodicea warns us about getting too comfortable and forgetting what’s really important. It reminds us that having a lot of stuff can make us feel secure, but it doesn’t give us spiritual health. The lesson is clear: depending on God is better than relying only on ourselves or our possessions. It’s an encouragement to ask ourselves where we stand and to make sure our faith is active, not just something we say we have.
Minister A Francine Green
October 2025
afrancinegreen.com 