Nothing Good to Say — E.A. Johnston

Years ago, I visited the island of Patmos, in the Aegean Sea, and as I walked around the island, I found the cave where tradition has it that the Apostle John, as an aged man, lay with his head in a crevice in the cave where sunlight came in and repeated what Christ revealed to him to his younger scribes, who then wrote it all down as John received it.

At least that's what tradition says. The cave has an open Bible and a dove painted above the entrance, to which the door is always kept locked by the Greek Orthodox monks who guard it. We'll be in the book of Revelation this evening, friends.

You can turn in your Bibles there now. We'll be in the first three chapters. I will begin reading in chapter 1 and in verse 9. I, John, who also am your brother and companion in tribulation and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day and heard behind me a great voice as of a trumpet saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, and what thou seest write in a book and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia, unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

Christ's Revelation to the Seven Churches

I will stop there, friends. Here the risen Christ appears to his beloved disciple, John, on the isle of Patmos. He has some things to say to John, to report to the seven churches of Asia Minor, and these are the subjects I want to cover this evening, friends.

Christ's Record of the Churches' Loyalty and Service

For to these churches, Christ has kept a very accurate record of their behavior, loyalty, and service to him. The head of the church has some virtues to commend to these churches. To the church in Ephesus, Christ has the most commendations.

The virtues commended are good works, patience, sound doctrine, church discipline, steadfastness, and a hatred of evil. You better believe, brother pastor, that Christ keeps a record of the doctrines that you preach each week.

Commendations for Smyrna and Pergamos

We must be sure we are faithfully preaching the full counsel of God for his glory. To the church at Smyrna, the virtues commended are spiritual endurance, heavenly treasures. To the church at Pergamos, the virtues commended are steadfastness in the midst of an evil environment.

Commendations for Thyatira and Sardis

Oh, how Christ will honor that today, friends, as we stand fast in this evil present world. To the church at Thyatira, the virtues commended are charity, spiritual service, faith, and patience. To the church at Sardis, the virtues commended are a few members, not the majority, but a few are commended for their purity.

Philadelphia's Faithfulness and Laodicea's Failure

How few today in our churches seek a holy and pure life lived unto God. Robert Mermick Chain's daily prayer was, Lord, make me as holy as a saved sinner can be. To the church in Philadelphia, the virtues commended are keeping of the word and testimony.

The Prosperous Church Without Spiritual Substance

To the church at Laodicea, which is the church age in which we live today, friends, Christ has nothing good to say. There are no virtues commended. Now, there are sound churches in America where the pastors are faithful and the people are living for the Lord and Christ honors them and strengthens them.

But as the head of the church looks at the prosperous modern church in America, with its expanding campuses, full parking lots, million-dollar sanctuaries, plush seating, and its coffee bars, with its watered-down, man-centered gospel message, Christ looks at it and has nothing good to say about it.

Laodicea's Lukewarm Self-Reliance

Rather, it makes him sick to his stomach. Because thou art lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing.

Entertainment, Applause, and Fleshly Displays

Yes, friends, the self-reliant church of this country is full of itself. Her pastors grow their campuses for bragging rights within their denomination. It's a spectacle of entertainment and flashing lights, loud music and fleshly displays.

Christ's Rebuke of Spiritual Blindness

Laughter fills their sanctuary on Sunday and applause accompanies the pastor's soothing message. But the whole thing is rotten in the eyes of a holy God. Their ignorance of their own condition astounds the Lord of glory.

The Final Warning to the Modern Church

And knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. Like I said, friends, Jesus Christ had nothing good to say to the church of Laodicea. And he looks around today at our big modern churches and has nothing good to say about our wretched, self-absorbed, modern institution today.

Let us pray.