LUKEWARM: It's common for preachers to caution their congregations about developing a lukewarm relationship with God. This well-intended advice is derived from a frequently cited and potentially misunderstood passage in the book of Revelation. God's word is explicit—God desires the church to be either cold or hot, never lukewarm. Yet this call doesn't advocate for a spiritually cold lifestyle. The meaning behind the terms "cold," "hot," and "lukewarm" can be better grasped when we consider the geographical and historical context of Laodicea, the city addressed in the Revelation text. Laodicea was situated between two cities known for their distinct water features: the refreshing cold streams of Colosse and the therapeutic hot springs of Hierapolis. When God expresses His preference for His followers to be either cold or hot, it's more a call to reflect the refreshing quality of Colosse's cold streams or the healing nature of Hierapolis's hot springs, rather than a demand for spiritual extremes. Understanding these geographical references enriches our interpretation of this message and how we apply it to our lives today. Therefore, when God criticizes the lukewarm condition, it's not an invitation to spiritual indifference, but rather an admonishment against becoming stale or stagnant in our faith journey. Located between two cities renowned for their distinctive water resources, Laodicea, unfortunately, did not share in this blessing. Ten miles to one side was Colosse, famed for its pristine, icy-cold streams that sprung from the snow-capped peak of Mt. Cadmus. On the other side, just six miles away, lay Hierapolis, celebrated for its healing hot sp
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