04-03-25 part 1: Lukewarm and Left Out: The Church That Made Jesus Sick

1. The Uncommendable Church

In this sobering dive into Revelation 3:14–16, Dr. David Spoon explores Jesus’ harshest critique: the church of Laodicea, the only one among the seven churches in Revelation to receive no commendation—not even a participation trophy. Jesus introduces Himself as “the Amen,” the “faithful and true witness,” and “the beginning of the creation of God.” These titles aren't filler; they’re divine credentials. Spoon stresses that Jesus isn’t just a teacher or prophet—He is the Creator Himself, referenced in John 1, Colossians 1, and Hebrews 1. When He speaks, it's absolute truth, and He’s not mincing words.

2. A Lukewarm Faith That Repulses

Jesus tells the Laodicean church, “I know your works… you are neither cold nor hot… I will vomit you out of My mouth.” Spoon explains the historical imagery: Laodicea had both hot, healing springs and cold, refreshing ones nearby—but their own water was lukewarm and nauseating. Likewise, the church had become spiritually useless: neither a source of healing nor refreshment. Jesus wasn’t just disappointed—He was repulsed. Spoon warns that a half-hearted, surface-level Christian life may look okay on the outside, but if it lacks spiritual fervor or genuine reliance on Christ, it makes the Lord spiritually sick.

3. Jesus Knows Our Works—All of Them

Spoon zooms in on a phrase we often gloss over: “I know your works.” That’s both comforting and convicting. Jesus sees every sincere effort to honor Him—even when it’s imperfect. But He also sees through spiritual apathy, fake religiosity, and phony piety. Spoon reminds listeners that intent matters, and while grace covers our failures, Jesus expects authenticity. He doesn't want a Christian performance; He wants surrendered hearts. Being lukewarm isn’t neutral—it’s deceptive, because it masks spiritual emptiness under the illusion of being “just fine.”

4. The Majesty Behind the Name

Tying it all together, Spoon reflects on the authority we invoke when we pray “in Jesus’ Name.” It's not a ritual tag-line—it’s invoking the name of the Creator, the One with all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). Knowing who Jesus is should shake us from complacency. His title, “the beginning of the creation of God,” isn't about origin—it’s about ownership and authorship. And when the Author of life says your faith life is nauseating, it’s time to repent, recommit, and reignite. Lukewarm is not safe—it’s dangerous. But there's still time to turn the temperature up.