A Tale of Two Churches

“Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭126:5-6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Introduction

• Lots of soul searching
• Support stripped away
• Looking outward trying to “fix” what happened
• The Lord wanted MY attention to work in ME

Laodicean Church – Revelations 4:14-22

• Background
  • 60-65 years after Pentecost 
  • Rich City – Built at the crossroads of commerce
  • Sold “eye salve” to heal different conditions
  • No water – Had to be brought in from outside the city 
  • Between two towns one with hot springs and one with mountain water
• Solution
  • Realize your state – NAKED AND BLIND
  • Buy from me -> So that you can see
  • He is knocking – Answer the door
    • Dining = Deep fellowship rather than fast food
  • Door OPEN in Heaven

Early Church (In Acts)

• Every man a “church” – Acts 2:1-4
• For young and old alike – Acts 2:16-21
• A message of hope – Acts 2:36-39
• Continued STEADFASTLY (Devoted) – Acts 2:42
• A spirit of AWE – Acts 2:43
• All things in common – Acts 2:44-45
• Continuing DAILY – Acts 2:46-47

Closing 

• Self Reliance vs Dependence 
• Satisfaction vs Hunger
• Blindness vs Seeing
• He is knocking
• Widow with no oil – 2 Kings 4:1-7
• Because of their unbelief – Matthew 13:58