THESE ARE DESPARATE TIMES!!!!!!!!!!!

The world is always at peace with lukewarm Christians and a lukewarm Church.

Satan sets up his throne in a lukewarm church.  Religious spirits, deception and familiar spirits take over the church.  This type of atmosphere is conducive for a Jezebelian leadership.

How would you recognize a lukewarm church?

I am glad you asked!   Here are a few ways to notice Christ has been replaced by man:

*The church is dying spiritually and financially.

*Members are leaving by the droves.

*Very few show up for prayer meetings.

*Money is a focal point.  The offering is taken with its own separate sermon designed to inflict guilt.

*No change is seen for improvement or growth.

*Man is in control.

*Offense ---Pride---Ego---Guilt---and Control RULE the Church.

*Leadership controls all areas and people.

*The Pastor has eloquence of speech but is not setting men’s hearts on fire.

*There’s no burning light of grace, love or humility.

*Leadership feels they are above reproach.

*Favoritism is obvious.

*Leadership’s words do not align with their actions.  Their actions speak louder than their words.

*A spirit of haughtiness prevails, coupled with rudeness.

*The rich families are acknowledged while the poor is ignored.

In Rev. 3, Jesus asked the church at Laodicea, “…do you not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked?”

Sadly, they were blind to the fact that they were spiritually poor.   Jesus looked at their spiritual condition and saw them as, “…wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked.”

The contrast was between what they think they are and what they really are.  The contrast is between what they see and what Jesus sees.

What Jesus sees in us is more important than how we see ourselves.

Lukewarm—show Christianity all begins with spiritual blindness.  If you are blind, you cannot look at yourself and see how “naked” you are.  Mental darkness is deception and it feeds our spiritual vision.

Change begins when we see ourselves as Jesus sees us.  Repentance comes when we acknowledge deception/sin in our lives.   We then learn to depend upon Jesus instead of ourselves.

Repentance brings change.   Change brings you into the presence of God!

“Be holy for I am holy.”  1 Peter 1:16

“ ^11-16Don't waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It's a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.

   Wake up from your sleep,
   Climb out of your coffins;
   Christ will show you the light!
So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!”  Eph. 5:11-16   Message Bible