The Comfortable Church

Yeah. Welcome to the Days of Praise podcast, a daily devotional by the Institute for Creation Research. The Comfortable Church. Because thou sayest I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing, and knoweth not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. Revelation three seventeen.

This is the heart of Christ's rebuke of the church at Laodicea, the lukewarm church of the last days. This is an evangelical church for its candlestick is still in place, but it has become a neutral church, neither cold nor hot. Its witness was tepid because it became rich and increased with goods. Comfortable in a culture that tends to equate material prosperity with success in God's favor. It may have acquired large and beautiful facilities, developed special programs of many kinds.

Featured a variety of musicians and other artists. and even gained a measure of political power. Yet Christ calls it poor and blind and naked. Not all large churches become like this, of course, but it is always a real danger. The desire for large congregations can easily lead to compromising biblical standards of doctrine and practice.

Woe to them that are at ease in Zion the prophet warned, Amos six one. Note that the Lord began his letter to the Laodicean Church by identifying himself as the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God. This may suggest that a major reason for the development of such complacency in a large church, or a small church for that matter, is neglect of these three doctrines. the sufficiency of Christ, the inerrant authority of God's Word, and the special creation of all things by God. The letter to this church ends with the sad picture of Christ standing at its door seeking admission.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. If you've enjoyed today's devotional, be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. And please rate and review so more listeners can find us. To support ICR's ministry, visit icr.org/slash donate. Your gift of any amount helps us to reach others with biblical truth and encouragement.

Thanks for listening. We hope you'll start each day with days of praise.