The adjective "lukewarm" is used only one time in the New Testament (Rev. 3:16). It is used by the Lord to describe his people in Laodicea. Their described condition was accurate because the Lord gave it! In their lukewarm condition they were "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked" (v. 17). For this he would "spue thee out of my mouth" (v. 16).

Are there lukewarm Christians today? If so, how do we identify them?

The lukewarm Christian is identified today in his attitude and action. He definitely expects the congregation to work toward the end of having elders and deacons, but he won't work towards meeting the qualifications himself. He tells all that Christians should have a good knowledge of the Scriptures, but he spends more time with the newspaper than he does the Bible. He tells the world faithful attendance to all the services is needful, but he misses often - and has all necessary excuses. He tells everybody what the church should be doing, but gives very little of his money to support such efforts. He tells how we should try to convert the lost, but he never has time to go teach anyone. He praises the accomplishments of prayer, but spends very little time praying. He tells everybody how important good singing is to edification, but he seldom tries to sing. These are just some of the marks of a lukewarm Christian.

- Knollwood Reminders, 9/6/1970, slightly edited