The Christian race is not for the swift but for those who endure. Many times we start out on fire but lose the passion. In this lesson we examine causes, effects, and give a remedy. Both audio and slides can be viewed together at www.cmcoc.org Sermon by: Brian Birdow

1. When the fire is gone
by
Brian Birdow
Sermon text: Revelation 3:14f
www.cmcoc.org

2. City in Laodicea
• External position.
• 40 miles Southeast of Philadelphia and 10 miles
west of Colossae.
• A very wealthy city.
• Famous for black cloth.
• Fashion center.

3. City in Laodicea
• Eye medicine.
• Banking city with interests throughout the
empire - on three main roads.
• Famous hot pools.
• Self-sufficient

4. Apostle Paul concern for them
• Colossians 2:1 For I desire that you know
what great conflict I have for you, and for them
at Laodicea, and for as many as have not
seen my face in the flesh;
• Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be
comforted, being knit together in love, and
unto all riches of the full assurance of
understanding, to the acknowledgment of the
mystery of God, and of the Father, and of
Christ;

5. church in Laodicea
• Revelation 3:17 Because you say, I am rich,
and increased with goods, and have need of
nothing; and know not that you are wretched,
and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
• Luke 12:16f..turn with me please

6. church in Laodicea
• Revelation 3:18 I counsel you to buy of me gold tried
in the fire, that you may be rich; and white clothing,
that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your
nakedness does not appear; and anoint your eyes
with eye salve, that you may see.
• Gold here is emblematic of religion--as being the most
precious of the metals, and the most valued by men.
They professed to be rich, but were not; and he
counsels them to obtain from him that which would
make them truly rich.

7. Faith likened unto gold
• 1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith,
being much more precious than of gold
that perishes, though it be tried with fire,
might be found unto praise and honor and
glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

8. Why so difficult to stay on fire?
• We are self sufficient
• We are comfortable in

9. Law of Grace (rom.6:14-18)
Heard and Learned
Believe
Repent
Confess
Be Baptized
John 6:45
John 8:24
Acts 2:38, 3:19,17:30
Luke 13:3,5
Rom 10:10, Acts 8:37
Matt 28:18,19, Acts
8:35-39; Mark 16:15-16

10. Law of Grace (rom.6:14-18)
Heard and Learned
Believe
Repent
Confess
Be Baptized
John 6:45
John 8:24
Acts 2:38, 3:19,17:30
Luke 13:3,5
Rom 10:10, Acts 8:37
Matt 28:18,19, Acts
8:35-39; Mark 16:15-16