But, what does it mean?

 A friend posed a question to be pondered the other day...a question to be taken seriously and weighted heavily in the mind of a believer, a question that should, in my opinion be in the back of your mind daily as you walk out this life with God. She said, "What does it actually mean to be lukewarm?" Anyone who reads the Word with any conviction whatsoever knows that Revelation 3:15-16 leaves us with a strong warning, saying, "I know your works, that you are neither cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth." Keep in mind, this is His church He's talking to. So, that means, not all are saved just because they are believers. Well, isn't that contrary to what the American church today is being taught, yet totally biblically accurate?
  We live in a society...and I'm going to get to answering that question shortly, I assure you...that says, "Believe and you are fine. Live like the world? No worries. No conviction in your life? No prob. You accepted Jesus, good for you! Nevermind the God of all creation has a judgement seat we will all stand before and decide if HE will accept US. Don't concern yourself with it- it doesnt apply to you." The rest of the gospel, the bulk of the word, the life to be lived that shows proof of a commitment is totally left out. Can you imagine the Apostle Paul going around trying to call himself a follower, yet doing exactly the things God taught us were sin??? What in the world is the difference between he and us? God is no respector of persons, yet for so many, they believe the word in its bulk doesn't really apply to them. Surely God didn't go through thousands of years of orchestration and shed blood to give you a few suggestions, my loves.
  So, this leads me to my answer to the question, what does it actually mean to be lukewarm?
My answer, and I believe this sums it up perfectly is: A people who will most definitely be vomitted
out of the mouth of God (doesn't that sound quite frightening?!) because they did not take the word of God- every single letter of instruction, as literal. Now, before I'm deemed a legalist, let's take into consideration the lengths God went through, and the many great folks who contributed to the Bible, to write exactly what God wanted you to know and activate in your life.
  Well, I'm going to add to my answer. How can you take the Word seriously when you don't even know it? Take time to read your Word! :)
For anyone taking on the decision to delve into the Word, my suggestion to you is to begin in the New Testament. Matthew is the first book. It begins with the story of Jesus' life. Mark, Luke, and John are to follow. They are known as the gospels and they all give an account of Jesus' time on earth up until His death and a little beyond into His time returning to Earth after His resurrection. Acts is the 5th book, one of my faves! It is the exciting story of the beginning of Jesus' church- the New Testament church- and how it moved and breathed. A great example to a modern church that no longer resembles it very much anymore, sadly. Which brings me back, once again to the question at hand. Where are the supernatural miracles that were a daily occurance in the beginning, to an on FIRE congregation of His people? Doesn't anyone ask themselves this question? No, it's because the modernists have convinced everyone we are wrong to expect those things. That we are somehow selfish and greedy, perhaps a little crazy to expect God to Testify Himself among us with signs and wonders...which is biblical, I assure you. The Word of God says He showed Himself among the Church that way. Is it any mystery that is was referred to as the Holy Ghost and FIRE? Perhaps, the fullness of His Spirit spurs His people to rise above the Lukewarm state...because it is a living breathing Fire of God inside you that doesn't sleep or rest or exist with complacency anywhere near it. The rest of the New Testament is applicable to today's Christian. All the way to Revelation. The Old Testament is a book to be read following the relevant writings to His new church. I never want to discount it, please understand, but there is life in the New Testament, Jesus' life, death, resurrection, example, and instruction to His people. Take a tip and start there!
  Lukewarm, I warn you, is a lack of conviction in a "believers" life. God is Holy, above all. That is what He made the angels to worship Him as. That is what the Bible says we should be being transformed into. Sin shouldn't feel ok. There's a feeling inside that is like sandpaper when sin is in your life. Don't get me wrong, we are all a work in progress, but the Spirit is alive and does NOT exist alongside sin comfortably. But a warning: greiving the Spirit, which means we press on past the conviction of sin and continiue in sin, causes that Voice to grow quieter and farther away when we don't heed it. Listen to that voice that says, this doesn't feel right, this doesn't add up and respond! Strength and a release of Power to overcome flow from that! ON to another great point:
  God is LOVE. In this "me" generation, selflessness abounds! When we become a part of God's family, we love what He loves. His children are suffering and dying lost everyday. Does this bother us? To our core? Also, I feel the need to add, Love is never rude, condemning, hurtful, or ugly. Love for people is kind and compassionate. It knows we all are in this together and only LOVE will change a heart. Is His heart our hearts? Are we sensitive enough to obey when we see a distressed brother or sister? Willing to reach out, in God's love even when we don't feel like it? The fiery love of God stirs the hearts of men!
  Lack of a real prayer life where God is adored, worshipped, and communicated with daily is lukewarm. How could you ever learn to decipher His voice or personality without seeking Him? How could you ever expect or even have the desire to grow without a relationship? If my hubby ever stopped talking to me, things would grow very cold and very fast. Is God to be any different? I got revelation not so very long ago that Jesus is a real person with real feelings. We get so caught up in thinking of Him as this great superanatural being, which He is also, but we forget He is a person that hurts, and feels, and longs for communion with His children. Can you imagine if noone you loved took quality time with you? Especially after you DIED for them? My goodness, that has got to hurt! He IS LOVE. So, can you see that our lack of adoration upon Him, total abandoned love and commitment, could break His heart? And, ultimately, cause Him to say, Even though you call me Lord, I never knew you...
  Gosh, that is the tip of the iceburg. But, here is my advice to you: Pray. Ask the Lord if there is any area in your life where there is lukewarmness, that He would ignite it. That He would consume you and burn out anything that is not Him. He's waiting on hearts hungry for the fire!  Praise God and BLESS you today!