Christian Atheist: Part 3 - "But Don't Want to Go Overboard" with Craig Groeschel - LifeChurch.tv

Lukewarm or All-In?

Scripture References

• Revelation 3

Overview

Jesus’ words to the wealthy church in Laodicea confront every believer who is tempted to settle for a comfortable, half-hearted faith. In Revelation 3 He calls lukewarm devotion something He will “spit out” of His mouth. Craig Groeschel shows how easily we slip into that temperature—especially in places where Christianity is convenient—and calls us to fling the door wide when Jesus knocks, pursuing Him with undivided passion.

Main Points

The Laodicean Picture

• Extremely prosperous city: rebuilt after an earthquake, known for huge theatres, stadiums, shopping centers, and luxury baths.
• Water arrived through long underground pipes; by the time it reached town it was often lukewarm—an everyday reminder of mediocrity and dishonor.
• Jesus addresses them with no commendation, only correction.

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot… because you are lukewarm, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

Why Lukewarm Repulses Jesus

• Greek term for “spit” carries the idea of vomiting—utter rejection.
• Hot and cold both have value; lukewarm indicates apathy, complacency, comfort without commitment.
• Oxymoron of the age: “lukewarm Christian.”

Seven Common Marks of a Lukewarm Christian

1. Craves acceptance from people more than acceptance from God.
2. Rarely shares faith in Christ.
3. Rationalizes or re-brands sin (“adult language,” “an affair,” etc.).
4. Thinks more about life on earth than eternity in heaven.
   • Illustration: Paul’s shocking statement, “to live is Christ, to die is gain,” versus today’s fear of death.
5. Turns to God only when something is needed—God as a tool in the toolbox.
6. Gives only when it is convenient and cost-free.
7. Looks almost identical to the unbelieving world—same entertainment, language, morals, divorce rate.

Personal Warning from Pastor Craig

• Story: Early in ministry he drifted into reading the Bible only to preach and praying more in public than in private—“a full-time pastor and a part-time follower of Jesus.”
• Prosperity and cultural ease make lukewarm faith deceptively normal in many regions; persecution elsewhere often purifies and strengthens devotion.

Opening the Door

• Jesus is still knocking.

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

• We do not clean ourselves up first; we invite Him in as we are.
• Those already saved but cooling off simply run back to the Father—like a child who hears Dad’s key in the door and sprints for an embrace.

Key Truths

• Comfort can be more spiritually dangerous than persecution.
• How we live, not what we say we believe, reveals the temperature of our faith.
• Jesus finds half-hearted devotion intolerable; wholehearted pursuit delights Him.
• True disciples view possessions, time, and reputation as God’s, not theirs.
• When Jesus knocks, the only qualifying act is to open the door—He provides the cleansing and transformation.

Response

• Examine your life for any lukewarm traits and confess them immediately.
• Seek Christ’s approval above all by prioritizing private prayer and Scripture for intimacy, not duty.
• Share the Gospel this week with at least one person, trusting its power to change lives.
• Re-orient your finances: give first, give sacrificially, view everything as stewardship.
• Set your mind on eternity daily: thank God for heaven and hold earthly attachments loosely.

Closing

A day is coming when half measures will no longer be possible. Jesus, who gave everything, deserves everything. Shake off complacency, fling the door wide, and run toward Him with white-hot passion.

“Because You gave Your life for me, I choose to give my life for You—I’m all in.”

Prayer

(Summary)
Craig led the congregation to repent of lukewarm areas and asked the Holy Spirit to ignite fresh passion. He then guided newcomers in a surrender prayer: confessing sin, receiving Jesus’ forgiveness, and yielding their whole lives to follow Him.