“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16 ESV)

“You are lukewarm!” These words were given by Jesus to the apostle John to pass on to the church at Laodicea. The ruins of this ancient city are located in the Western part of modern day Turkey. It’s geographic location gives insight to the words of Jesus. Located in the fertile Lycus valley between the cities of Colossae and Hierapolis, the wealthy city of Laodicea was the financial headquarters for the whole area and the political center for the district. Yet, the city was dependent on external sources for water. The Laodiceans built aqueducts to carry water from the nearby hot springs at Hierapolis and the refreshing cold waters at Colossae, but by the time the water arrived at Laodicea it was “lukewarm.” The water from the hot springs of Hierapolis was known for its therapeutic value and the ice cold waters of Colossae, for its refreshing taste for drinking. But the water at Laodicea was good for neither. So, what was Jesus saying to the church at Laodicea when He accused them of being “lukewarm?” He was telling them that their works were useless, good for nothing, because they lacked spiritual power. This was not about their salvation, as some have suggested, but about their lack of spiritual zeal. They were depending on their own wealth and power to live. They thought themselves “rich,” but Jesus called them “poor” (Rev.3:17). A church that depends on worldly wealth and influence, rather than the Spirit’s power, is at risk of being “spit out” of Christ’s mouth! Today, there is no church nor city in Laodicea, only ruins.