Why does the church exist, and what happens when we lose sight of that purpose?

In Jesus’ final letter to the seven churches, he confronts the congregation in Laodicea, a church that believed it was rich, prosperous, and in need of nothing. Yet from heaven’s perspective, it was spiritually poor, blind, and naked. Their worldly prosperity had concealed their failure to faithfully represent Christ.

In this sermon, we consider the danger of measuring spiritual health by worldly success, why the world can never provide what only Jesus offers, and Christ’s loving invitation to repentance and renewed fellowship.

As we conclude the seven letters, we’re reminded that the mission of the church is to bear faithful witness to Jesus: proclaiming the truth about him, living in accordance with that truth, and persevering even when faithfulness is costly. Conquering means remaining faithful to the One who has already conquered.