"Lukewarm" christians
 

Revelation 3:15-16 (New King James Version)
15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,[a] I will vomit you out of My mouth.

I read something pretty interesting about this verse. Many people think Christ meant that he would rather have "cold" people (without faith at all, or without any spiritual growth) than "lukewarm" believers (somewhere in between). They take the word cold to mean negative and hot to mean positive. Instead, cold and hot should both be taken positive.

Jesus wished the church had cold, refreshing purity or hot, therapeutic value. Who likes to bathe with, or drink lukewarm water? Lukewarm has no value. What do you think are some characteristics of a "lukewarm" christian?

Re: "Lukewarm" christians
 

That is a loaded question., one that can only provoke negativity. bad feelings,
more of the same talk whenever standards are (and invariably will be in this thread) brought up, etc.etc., its not an edifying topic, soooo
No thanx.

Re: "Lukewarm" christians
 

I think there are many false analogies when it comes to talking about "lukewarm" Christians. In fact, there are many things (foods and drink) which are meant to be served lukewarm: red wines are best at room temperature but whites are better chilled. When something is at "room temperature" whether we are talking about literal food products or anything else, we find that room temps are most revealing. You cannot hide a bad taste in something that is served at 76 degrees F. But you CAN if it is ice cold or scalding hot.

Re: "Lukewarm" christians
 

Interesting question.

The next few verses say:

17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

18I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

So, apparently it's Christians who are self-satisfied. Ones who acknowledge God with their mouths, but in their hearts barely give him a thought. Claim to be Christian, but in their hearts rely solely on themselves.

That is what I get from the passage. I'm interested in hearing other viewpoints.

Re: "Lukewarm" christians
 

Interesting. I would think that discussing the meaning of a scripture would be a good thing. Oh, well.

Re: "Lukewarm" christians
 

:)

Re: "Lukewarm" christians
 

I've always thought that it was speaking of becoming complacent ( Uncritically satisfied with oneself or one's actions; not looking to improve ) Someone who had become satisfied in their walk w/ God and were no longer growing. They had lost their committment and purpose. Perhaps no longer kingdom minded? I look forward to what others think it means, also.

Re: "Lukewarm" christians
 

Can someone be a lukewarm church member yet be fervent for Christ?

The cold are preached against in the same context as dry, boring and dead...therefore I do not believe the word Cold in the Apostolic vernacular is positive. :D

Re: "Lukewarm" christians
 

Now that's something to chew on!

Re: "Lukewarm" christians
 

:ohplease :ohplease :ohplease