Do we hear Him knocking?
Do we hear His voice?
Will we answer and open?
What will be our choice?
Letters matter.
They convey a message.
Letters may convey a mixed message or a forthright message of love. Tough love.
Such is the case in the letter of Christ to the angel of the church in Laodicea:
Of the seven churches Christ addressed in the beginning chapters of the Book of Revelation— the Laodicean church is commended for NOTHING. WOWSERS! Nothing. Ouch!
They are categorized as wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!
Now then, many believe and teach that this church is a picture of the last day church— the church age in which we now live. Oh my! 
What if we were to reread this portion of holy Writ slowly, carefully and prayerfully and let the Lord speak to our hearts?
A few thoughts
Not the front sanctuary door.
Not the pastor’s office.
Not the church board room.
The fellowship hall.
People inside.
Lights on.
Bible study tonight.
Conversation.
Coffee.
Programs.
Activity.
And Christ is outside.
Knocking.
Waiting.
Inviting.
The sign in the window almost makes the picture:
BIBLE STUDY TONIGHT
Yet the Author is outside.
Ouch.
And the missing outside handle?
Oh, my!
He will not force His way in.
He knocks.
He speaks.
He waits.
He invites.
But He does not kick down the door.
I think the real sermon isn’t:
“Jesus outside the church.”
It’s:
“Jesus outside the fellowship.”
The building is occupied.
The meeting is happening.
The lesson is underway.
The discussion is lively.
Yet somehow the Guest of Honor has been left outside.
A Blog or a Book title:
• The Most Uncomfortable Picture in Revelation
• Bible Study Without Jesus
• The Fellowship Hall Door
• I Guess We Forgot The Guest
• Knocking While We Meet
• Let Me In
• The Author Is Outside
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock…” — Revelation 3:20
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