HAHA but I can! You see what I did there? You see it?

You may be wondering why I named the blog LaodSon. You also may be wondering where can I get more information on what this blog is like and who is writing it. Well, today is your lucky day because on tonight’s season finale all your questions will be answered.

Without further ado, I present to you the about page!

If you were to click on it, it would read this:

My name is Jeff Davis. I live in Cincinnati, Ohio. The blog Laod Son is an open letter to the church of the United States. Laod is a reference to the church of Laodicea found in Saint Paul’s letter to the Colossians and in John’s Revelations. I believe, of all the ancient cities spoken of in the Bible, that the current United States church most resembles Laodicea in its culture. Don’t get me wrong I love the church and we do some amazing things, but we also do some really silly things. My attitude and this blog will be asking questions and for change in our own lives and our Church as a whole.

I hope you enjoy and that this is both challenging and humorous for you!

Thanks for checking me out.

Why do I think this?

Well let’s look at what Jesus has to say about the church of Laodicea found in Revelations.

14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 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.

21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

I feel like we, the Church of America, are neither hot nor cold

I think everyone would agree that it is relatively safe in our country and culture to profess our faith. In fact, almost every president we have ever had has been some sort of church attendee, whether authentic or political. You know what that says to me? We as American people want a leader who is of high morality. With Christians as the religious majority, the morality is seen in the religious (but not too religious) Christian leader.

What’s the problem? There is no polarizing force. In nations where Islam is much more prevalent than Christianity this is definitely not the case. You can’t sort of be a Christian there. It’s just not worth it. You can be killed for professing your faith. That kind of oppression is definitely not present here in the States, which is a blessing and a curse. Our culture allows a much easier lull into complacency. A complacency not found in any of Jesus’ teachings. He doesn’t tell the rich young ruler to sell just some of his possessions and follow Him. Jesus instructs the man to sell ALL of his possessions! Now let’s look back in Revelations again.

We are rich

Almost every church going American I know is rich. Most of them are even wealthy by American standards. Which makes you wonder….What does the world consider as wealthy?

Take a look at this report done by the UN.

It only requires 61,000 dollars in assets to be in the top 10% in the world. I know people with just a car that puts them into that category. You have a car? You have a roof over your head (renting or owned)? You have enough to eat? You are easily in the top 10%.

What does Jesus have to say about that? Look at verses 17 and 18. We think we are rich but we lack in the things that matter. Our things blind us from the truth about our nature. When I feel bad, I buy things. Even as I write this I feel under the weather so you know what I’m doing tonight? I’m going to get frozen yogurt with my wife. You ever feel like you are a good person? I know I do. Jesus says that our wealth blinds us from not only ourselves but from what is actually valuable, heavenly reward. He says to buy gold refined with fire, white robes, and salve to put over our eyes so we can see.

What is Jesus trying to say? Come to me! Invest in me! You will receive much greater rewards! You will be able to see the world for what it actually is! You will be able to see yourself how you actually are! (Hint: a selfish monster. I know I am.) If you’ve been following the blog so far you know that my last few posts are about how we are going downhill as a country. Jesus says he disciplines those he loves and in the previous chapter of Revelation He even threatens to remove his blessing (Revelation 2:5).

God isn’t messing around. The removal has probably already begun. So what now?