The Poor American Church & Revelation Ch. 3

The Poor American Church & Revelation Ch. 3
I can see striking similarities between the Church in America and Revelation 3:14-22. I wonder if we'd be more apt to operate in an environment described in Jason's previous post if we only understood the gravity and reality of the spiritual war going on around us. If we could understand that our battle is not against flesh and blood, and if we weren't so committed to maintaining our way of life based on choice, freedom, and self satisfaction, and if we weren't so deceived by wealth, we might tend to operate a little more like the first century church. It's evident that we do not "need" each other. Meanwhile (as a culture) we're suffering emotionally and spiritually. We may have great amounts of material possessions and a convenient way of life, but as a culture, our mental health and relationships are suffering. The 5th highest paid prescription benefit at SOMC is anti-depresant medication - this is only one organization in southern Ohio! We've all seen the ads in almost every magazine for depression treatments. Unfortunately, the chemical imbalances in the brain caused by years of bad relationships take years of good relationships to mend. Marriages fail all around us, and we nurse addictions that medicate our needs to be understood. We are impoverished where it counts! Our attention is focused on treating need deficiencies with material possessions. As Christians we are wise to focus on our real needs. No possession can ever meet the needs for relationships. The following passage from revelation offers some great insight.To the Church in Laodicea14"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. 15I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 21To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."