With a warm heart and a keen awareness that the church for Christ must never settle into complacency, this article lovingly calls believers to wake up, examine our faith, and fan the flame of devotion before He returns.
The church for Christ is not meant to be half-hearted or complacent; it is called to shine with passion, faith, and truth. Yet the haunting warning of a lukewarm church in Revelation reminds us that there is a danger when the body of believers becomes indifferent—neither hot with zeal nor cold with refreshing conviction. Today, the warning still echoes across generations, urging every Christian community to prepare with urgency and devotion for Christ’s return.
Arthur J. Besler’s Call to Reflection in How? How? How?
In his book How? How? How? Arthur J. Besler challenges readers to consider the condition of their churches in light of the messages given to the seven churches in the book of Revelation. He asks the piercing question: “Jesus, do you consider our church Lukewarm?” This question is not rhetorical—it demands a sincere and honest response from every pastor, congregation, and believer.
Besler explains that many churches today mirror the church of Laodicea, which Jesus described as lukewarm, comfortable, and indifferent. His reflections remind us that while Christ promised, “Upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”, believers still bear the responsibility to remain faithful. He contrasts the few churches that receive commendation with the majority that fall short, pressing his readers to ask where their own community stands.
What It Means to Be Lukewarm
When Scripture describes the lukewarm church, the imagery is vivid: neither hot nor cold, but tepid, making Christ declare that He would “spue them out” of His mouth. This metaphor reflects the spiritual complacency that plagues not just ancient congregations but many modern ones.
A lukewarm faith is one that goes through the motions of religion without transformation. Sermons are heard but not lived out; worship songs are sung without true devotion; service becomes a matter of habit rather than a Spirit-driven calling. Such a church for Christ exists in name but lacks spiritual power.
Besler’s work pushes us to reflect: Do our churches risk falling into the same trap? Do we substitute programs, comfort, or social acceptance for genuine discipleship? To prepare the church for Christ, we must answer these questions honestly.
Awakening the Church Through Scripture and Prayer
Revival is the antidote to the lukewarmness of the church. As believers, we need to rekindle our inner fire for Christ’s Word and the passion of prayer. In his book, Arthur Besler emphasizes that we need to “watch and pray.” When we watch, we are expected to be vigilant and ready for Christ’s return. When we pray, we must take it deep to call down the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide us with His power, helping us seek church revival.
Awakening the church is not about surface-level excitement but about deep, Spirit-filled transformation. When a church becomes a Christ-centered church, it reflects the love, truth, and holiness of Jesus in every aspect of its life. It equips the followers of Christ to live boldly, serve compassionately, and resist cultural pressures that pull them away from God’s design.
Preparing the Church for Christ’s Return
In his book, Besler shares how Jesus is pleased with how a minority of churches worship Him by preparing for His second coming, while a majority of the churches fall short. Preparing for Christ’s return means deciding which group we want to belong to. Will we be counted among the faithful or among the complacent?
This preparation involves several steps:
Step 1. Self-Examination
Every believer must ask, “Is my faith active, alive, and growing—or am I simply existing in routine?” Preparing for Christ begins with personal repentance and renewal.
Step 2. Community Revival
The body of believers must come together in unity and humility, rekindling their collective love for Christ. Churches must prioritize discipleship, outreach, and the Word over entertainment or numbers.
Step 3. Faithful Leadership
Leaders have a sacred responsibility to shepherd their flock toward holiness. Pastors, teachers, and evangelists must lead with conviction, not compromise, pointing their congregations toward Christ.
Step 4. A Christ-Centered Focus
At the heart of preparation is Christ Himself. He is the mediator who makes us clean, the head of the church, and the one who will return for His bride. Everything the church does must reflect Him.
Lessons for the Modern Christian Community
The modern Christian community is at a crossroads. The temptations of comfort, materialism, and cultural acceptance have dulled the fire of many churches. Yet, the warning to Laodicea is not without hope—it is an invitation. Christ says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock” (Revelation 3:20). Even a lukewarm church can be renewed if it opens the door to Him once again.
Preparing the church for Christ means being more than a Sunday congregation. It means being disciples of Jesus in daily life—living out faith at home, in workplaces, and in communities. A vibrant Christian community does not shrink back in fear but shines as a witness to the world.
The early apostles turned the Roman Empire upside down through their boldness. In the same way, modern believers must resist the temptation to be passive. We are called to be salt and light, to reflect the Kingdom of God in how we live, speak, and serve.
Rekindling the Fire: From Lukewarm to Faithful
Transitioning from lukewarmness to faithfulness is not an overnight process, but it begins with humility and obedience. Churches must reorient themselves around the gospel, shedding distractions that dilute their mission. This is not about chasing relevance but about embodying holiness and love.
For individuals, it means recommitting to personal devotion: immersing in Scripture, cultivating prayer, and seeking accountability within the body of believers. For leaders, it means courageously addressing sin, teaching truth without compromise, and guiding congregations to live as true disciples of Jesus.
In this transformation, the church for Christ becomes more than an institution; it becomes a living testimony to God’s grace and power.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The warning to the church of Laodicea was not to condemn but to awaken. The same call rings true today. Preparing the church for Christ is urgent and vital—it requires self-examination, community revival, and a return to wholehearted devotion.
Arthur J. Besler’s How? How? How? reminds us of the sobering truth: only a faithful minority will hear Christ’s commendation, while many risk being found lukewarm. The question remains: “Jesus, do you consider our church Lukewarm?”
Our response must not be apathy but repentance, faith, and renewed passion. Only then will the church for Christ shine as it was meant to—faithful, watchful, and ready for His glorious return.
Get a copy of Arthur J. Besler’s How? How? How?
Other books by Arthur J. Besler includes When? When? When?: Jesus Can We As Teenagers, Young Adults, Revealing to Our Generation? and Why? Why? Why?: Jesus, Do You Consider Our Church Lukewarm?
