Page 11 - Good News April 2013 paper

Continued from p. 10 Every time we sense we should Laodicean church was in actual there is any offensive way in me,
hearts, but they were so busy turn to God, it is Jesus knocking fact a very poor church in God's and lead me in the way ever-
enjoying worldly pleasures that on the door of our hearts. He estimation! No virtues are recor- lasting" (Ps. 139:23, 24 NIV).
they didn't even notice that He wants to have fellowship with us, ded, only sins and weaknesses
was trying to enter! and He wants us to open up to (lukewarmness, spiritual conceit,
The pleasures of this world - Him. He is patient and persistent no conscious need of God,
money, security, material in trying to get through to us - not spiritual poverty, and spiritual
possessions - can be dangerous, breaking and entering, but blindness). The church of Lao-
because their temporary satis- knocking. He allows us to decide dicea typifies the last days'
faction makes us indifferent to whether or not to open our lives to churches - popular, self-satisfied,
God's offer of lasting satisfaction. Him. Do you intentionally keep worldly churches!
If you find yourself feeling indif- His life-changing Presence and [The Thompson Chain-Reference
ferent to church, to God, or to the power on the other side of the Bible, NIV]. "Search me, O God,
Bible, you have begun to shut door? [Life Application Bible]. and know my heart; test me and
God out of your life! Although very wealthy, this rich know my anxious thoughts. See if Lukewarm water of Laodicea