BECOMING A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS- Laodicea // Sunday, November 13, 2022 // Jeff HInes, lead pastor
/Sunday — November 13, 2022
Becoming A Light in the Darkness
1. Map of Seven Churches
Revelation 3: 15 (NLT)
I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other!
Philip brought the gospel to Hierapolis…
1. Rural (Bethsaida) to Metropolitan Lycus Valley
…
2. Domitian Gate
Cultural Gates represented the gods or goddesses who protected that city… Enter = Submission !
Remember Domitian???
3. Philip Martyrium
Philip and Family
Romans 5: 7 (NLT)
Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good.
4. Temple of Apollo
Only Zeus & Leto could tolerate his presence…
The City Fountain (Nymphaeum) =
“Apollo is the source of life”
Next to Apollo’s Temple was…
5. The Ploutonion
Gates to the Underworld where Pluto, in Latin, or Hades, in Greek, lived
“The Devils Hole”
The Place of Plato”
“The Gates of Hades”
Poison killed animals immediately…
Apollo’s priests held their breath…
Did the believers in this area remember
6. Caesarea Philip
7. Lycus Valley
Hierapolis: Hot Springs
Soothing to aching muscles, sore feet, arthritic joints, good for the skin and stomach…
Colossae: Streams from the mountain snow… Cool, Refreshing, Invigorating, Thirst Quenching
Laodicea: Tepid, Hard Minerals,
Nauseating…
Lycus Valley destroyed in 17AD and 60 AD by earthquakes
Where was Apollo?
Where was Zeus?
Where was Demeter or Domitian?
Where was the Church?
Lukewarm !!!
Revelation 3: 15 - 21 (NLT)
“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other!
Cold better than indifferent?
16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’
Caesar’s help to rebuild…
And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. 20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock.
8. Jesus Knocking
If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.