What of those who were Philadelphian Christians & have become Laodicean Christians? I know them, they no longer proclaim Christ Jesus as they used to, following Purpose Driven and other “emerging church” teachings.
The movement of members from the evangelical Church into the emerging church is a sign that the great falling away Paul prophesied in 2 Thes. 2:3 has begun. Our ranks have to be thinned of those who were believers in name only.
Remember, the Laodicean Church claims to have acquired wealth and doesn’t need a thing (Rev. 3:17) while the Church of Philadelphia has little strength but has kept His word. (Rev. 3:8) As this distinction becomes more obvious, we’ll be seeing Paul’s very important prophecy fulfilled right before our eyes, setting the stage for the Rapture and then the Anti-Christ.
This is not to say that everyone currently moving toward the emerging church is a non-believer. I’m convinced that the real driving force behind the Emerging Church is its growth and prosperity. As someone once said, “Nothing succeeds like success.” It’s logical that some believers will be attracted to something that appears to be very successful by world standards, especially because sheep are prone to wander. But if they are truly Philadelphian Christians, they won’t become Laodiceans. The Good Shepherd knows who are His and at the appropriate time will bring them back into His flock.
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28).