The Grove Church

This week in our "To the Churches" series, we looked at Jesus' final letter in Revelation—his words to the church in Laodicea. This passage holds one of the most well-known and often misunderstood metaphors in Scripture: being "lukewarm." Charlie unpacks how Jesus’ words would have hit this specific church and why it matters that we rightly understand the difference between spiritual mediocrity and spiritual usefulness. Rather than rebuking emotional indifference, Jesus is calling believers to be spiritually impactful—whether refreshing or refining. We’re challenged to honestly assess where we’ve become self-reliant or apathetic, and we’re reminded that even strong correction from Jesus always comes with an invitation to return to relationship. The end goal isn’t shame—it’s dinner with Jesus.

Discussion questions:
1.  Which one of these descriptions of Jesus in the letters is most inspiring to you?  What do you like about this one, in the letter to Philadelphia?
2.  Is it encouraging or scary to you that Jesus keeps repeating that "He Knows" what is going on?  Why?
3.  Is it surprising to you that the smallest of the churches here is the most applauded by Jesus?  Why or Why not?
4.  Jesus expressly confesses His love in this letter.  How would that make you feel if you were in this church?
5.  Jesus says He is "coming soon" and yet what seems to be a long time has passed.  How do you reconcile this statement from the One who is truth?
6.  How does the vision of eternity given at the end of each letter impact your perspective on life?