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To: Salvation

One of the great problems in the Church today is the suppression of the “bad news.” Many in the Church prefer not to talk clearly and directly about sin. If it is mentioned at all, it is usually by way of abstractions and generalities. The paradoxical result of this suppression is not a happier Church, but a lukewarm, in some ways sadder one. Largely gone are the religious festivals, the joyful processions, and the confident public expression of Catholic faith.

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This is what “lukewarm” gets you:

Revelation 3
14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea, write this:
“’The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the source of God’s creation, says this:
15 “I know your works; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot.
16 So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
17 For you say, ‘I am rich and affluent and have no need of anything,’ and yet do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
18 I advise you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may be rich, and white garments to put on so that your shameful nakedness may not be exposed, and buy ointment to smear on your eyes so that you may see.
19 Those whom I love, I reprove and chastise. Be earnest, therefore, and repent.
20 “’”Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, [then] I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.
21 I will give the victor the right to sit with me on my throne, as I myself first won the victory and sit with my Father on his throne.
22”’”Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’”

* [3:14-22] The letter to Laodicea reprimands the community for being lukewarm (Rev 3:15-16), but no particular faults are singled out. Their material prosperity is contrasted with their spiritual poverty, the violet tunics that were the source of their wealth with the white robe of baptism, and their famous eye ointment with true spiritual perception (Rev 3:17-18). But Christ’s chastisement is inspired by love and a desire to be allowed to share the messianic banquet with his followers in the heavenly kingdom (Rev 3:19-21).

http://www.usccb.org/bible/revelation/3


4 posted on 12/01/2016 8:20:10 AM PST by SubMareener (Save us from Quarterly Freepathons! Become a MONTHLY DONOR)
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To: SubMareener

Could it be that too many in the Church think it is really “Evangelical Protestant” sounding to consider?


5 posted on 12/01/2016 10:29:39 AM PST by Biggirl ("One Lord, one faith, one baptism" - Ephesians 4:5)
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