Conference Recap:
Connecting with other Vineyard Pastors and Leaders
Importance of community and connection
Pivot point in the movement as 150 pastors to retire over next 2 years
What does a Vineyard Church/Pastor need to be, know and do?
Announcements:
Outreach today after service
Church BBQ on Sunday August 27th. Click here for info and to sign up
Letter to the Church in Laodicea
Background:
Banking Capital and very affluent city situated along major trade routes
Refused Roman support to rebuild after earthquake in 61 AD
Large Medical School known to specialize in ear medicine and eye salve
Known for sheep/black wool for clothing
Water issues, had to have water piped in.
Read Revelation 3:14-22
This Church Stinks!
Jesus has nothing good to say about this church. They were outwardly rich, but in actuality were poor. (As opposed to the church in Smyrna who, though outwardly poor due to persectuion, Jesus called rich!)
v14 The letter is from the Amen, the unchanging, established one who is faithful forever.
v15-16 “Spit you out” literally vomit, a sign of disgust
They were blind to their need and they didn’t even see it
Lukewarm faith was good for nothing
v18 Illusion to Isaiah 55
Stop looking to your own abilities and trust me. On your own you can do nothing!
Our culture much like theirs. We are so self-sufficient
v19 Good news is that even though Jesus us disgusted; he offers a way.
Even in our lukewarmness and our blindness to it, Jesus calls out, not to condemn or cancel, but to call back. He still calls them friends!
He does the same for us.
Call to repent, turn. Need to have our bearings and see where we are going and where we need to go.
Always the first step to new and renewed life. To turn
v20 Second most well known verse in book
We actually use it out of context most of the time. Referring to people coming to Jesus and opening their hearts to him. The image applies there but not the way it is used here.
Atually In reference to the church and Christians. Let me in to your lives where I belong. Image of the homeowner coming back to that which is rightfully his.
The bridegroom coming for his bride.
v21-22 Crazy promise. Jesus, we can believe sits on a throne as the overcoming King, but us with him? That is a bit mind bending. We will rule and reign with him if we conquer
Conclusion
Hear the call (the seriousness)-Recognize-repent-receive