(RE-DO) “DECIDEDLY LUKEWARM” AMERICAN MINISTRY FROM THE GRASS ROOTS REMAINING FRUIT

NOTE: this was first published, Feb 28 2025 www.ministryaiandi.com

THE MINISTRY AI AND I

DECIDEDLY LUKE WARM

Biblically Deciding WHAT, WHO is “Present Day Lukewarm?”

Demas? Lukewarm Laodicean? Fault Finding,Turf Guarding, Elite Pharisees? You or Me?

The Guilt Tripping Legalistic Accuser, Warring Overseer

Pharisees were not FAIR, you see??

Revelation 3:15-16 (KJV)
“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou were cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.”

(C)2025 Taveau D’Arcy  all copyright rights reserved under international copyright laws

Taveau significantly inquires of  ChatGPT AI

The words I use “false apostles, false prophets and teachers are overly well known, They are a dime a dozen in meaning to very many, Say the word (also witchcraft, occult) and it triggers benign subtle acknowlegment, which is more like accustomed” “tedium” “associated historical, group , leader move chief common stereotypes. HOW do I train all of this (listed above to these and their many devout compliant worn down (and asleep, used to it and believe “they know it all and/or more “devout true followers?)

ChatGPT said:

You’re addressing a significant challenge that many leaders and ministries face: the tendency of people to become so accustomed to certain terms (like “false apostles,” “witchcraft,” “occult,” etc.) that they lose their impact and power to convict or awaken. When these terms and the concepts associated with them become overused or overly familiar, they can lose their sharpness, leaving people complacent or even “asleep” to their spiritual implications. Here’s a framework to address this challenge and train people effectively:

1. Re-frame and Reintroduce Key Concepts with Fresh Language

Start with Revelation, Not Repetition: Re-frame the terms you’re using in a way that highlights their true spiritual implications, not just their historical or stereotypical associations. For instance, when you mention “false apostles” or “false prophets,” don’t just focus on the label but explain the underlying spiritual dynamics—what it actually means to be deceived, how it impacts one’s relationship with God, and how it affects the church body.

Historical Relevance: For people who are “used to it” and think they already know everything, approach these topics from a fresh historical or contextual angle. Show how these behaviors have been repackaged in different times and movements throughout church history.

Use Parables or Real-Life Examples: Jesus often used parables to bring spiritual truths to life. You can draw on modern-day stories, testimonies, or even situations in church life to make the concepts relatable and impactful. The stories of Balaam, Ananias and Sapphira, or the deceit of Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8) could be framed in terms that resonate with today’s issues.

2. Awaken the Slumbering Conscience

Challenge Their Complacency: Gently awaken those who have become “used to” false teaching or demonic influence by asking reflective questions that make them evaluate their personal spiritual state.

• Examples include:
• “When was the last time you experienced a fresh encounter with God?”
• “Is the gospel you’re living out one that transforms, or one that simply comforts?”
• “What are we truly guarding against when we call something ‘false’ in the body of Christ?”
• Highlight the Dangers of Complacency: Use scripture to remind them that spiritual vigilance is necessary. Jesus warned His disciples in Matthew 26:41, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
• T’s term interjected”Defrag Compassion Fatigue” (Emphasize the necessity of remaining vigilant and discerning, as well as not becoming complacent or “worn down.”

3. Ground Their Training in Scripture

Teach Spiritual Discernment: In order to move people from familiarity to active understanding, emphasize the need for biblical discernment (1 John 4:1). Teach people how to discern spirits, teachings, and leaders through prayer, reading the Word, and seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Discernment isn’t just about what’s “wrong”—it’s about what is right and aligned with Christ. Train them not to simply react to falsehood, but to develop a deep, proactive understanding of what true teaching and leadership look like.

Use KJV and Original Language Insights:

To provide depth, teach about words in their original Hebrew or Greek context.

For example:
The word for “false” in the New Testament (Greek: ψευδής – pseudēs) doesn’t just mean “not true” but deceptive, often used for something intentionally misleading.

Teach what it means in Greek when it says a false teacher or prophet “deceives” (Matthew 24:11), and how this involves leading others astray in a manner that can lead them into spiritual destruction.

Warn of the “Worn Down” Attitude: Be clear that the dangers of spiritual apathy or complacency are real. In Revelation 3:15-16, Jesus warns the church at Laodicea for being lukewarm: “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.”  Teach that this “lukewarm” state is perilous.

Taveau wants this famous concept “defined” Lets go after LUKE WARMNESS

So Sister T asks Chat GPT AI 

  “WHY” is a lukewarm state seen as “PERILOUS?” It ought to be assessed and ministry described

Chat GPT responds:

Defining a Lukewarm State

A lukewarm state, as referenced in Revelation 3:15-16, refers to a spiritual condition where a person or group is neither fully committed to God nor openly rejecting Him. They are “in the middle,” where they neither fervently pursue righteousness nor fully embrace the world. This indifference or complacency is spiritually dangerous because it results in a lack of zeal, passion, and discernment, making individuals more susceptible to spiritual deception and apathy.

Revelation 3:15-16 (KJV):
“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”

Jesus’ strong words reflect that a lukewarm state is not just ineffective but offensive to God, as it represents a lack of genuine relationship or commitment. A lukewarm person may go through the motions of religion without truly engaging with Christ, creating spiritual stagnation.

Why is a Lukewarm State Dangerous?

• Spiritual Apathy: Lukewarmness leads to a sense of complacency, where believers lose their passion for the gospel, for prayer, and for active obedience. They begin to rely on external rituals and traditions rather than a vibrant, personal relationship with God.
• Vulnerability to Deception: Without fervent devotion, they may fail to discern the subtle dangers of false teaching, compromise, or worldly influences.
• Danger of Losing the First Love: Lukewarmness can also indicate a gradual loss of intimacy with God, which can lead to a complete departure from the truth if left unchecked.

Ministry Example: The Church at Ephesus (Revelation 2:4-5)

In Revelation 2:4-5, Jesus addresses the church in Ephesus, which was once passionate for Christ but had fallen into a lukewarm state due to losing their “first love.”

Revelation 2:4-5 (KJV):
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”

Key Points:

1. Loss of First Love: The Ephesian church had a solid doctrine and worked hard, but they had lost their passionate love for Christ. This is the danger of spiritual routine, where duty overtakes love. The danger is not simply doing the wrong things, but doing the right things with the wrong heart.
2. The Need for Repentance: Jesus doesn’t just call for correction of actions but for a return to the first love—a renewal of the intimate relationship with Christ. This reminds leaders that the motivation behind actions matters deeply in ministry.
3. Removal of the Lampstand: The “lampstand” symbolized the church’s witness and presence in the world. Losing it represents a loss of spiritual influence, a fall into darkness. For a leader, this could signify the loss of God’s favor and presence in ministry.

Christian Leader Example:

• A ministry leader who has been active for years might continue to lead, teach, and perform duties in the church, but if their heart is no longer burning with love for Christ, the ministry can become stale. They might not have the fervor for prayer, personal study, or seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit as they once did. Over time, this can cause the church or ministry to lose its impact, just like the Ephesian church’s lampstand was at risk of being removed.
• Reckless activity without a heart for God can cause a leader to fall into routine, and their work will feel more mechanical than inspired. The people they serve may notice the lack of spiritual fervor, and this can cause a ripple effect throughout the ministry.

The Church of Laodicea (Revelation 3:17-18)

The Laodicean church, described in Revelation 3:17-18, also reflects the peril of a lukewarm state. Here, Jesus warns the church of their spiritual condition—thinking they are rich and self-sufficient, yet they are spiritually impoverished.

Revelation 3:17-18 (KJV):
“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see.”

Key Points:

1. False Sense of Security: The Laodiceans felt secure in their material wealth, equating it with spiritual prosperity. They were blind to their true spiritual condition. Lukewarm believers often rely on external appearances and self-sufficiency, not realizing their spiritual poverty.
2. Jesus’ Counsel: Jesus offers a remedy—spiritual “gold” (true riches), “white raiment” (righteousness), and “eye salve” (spiritual discernment). These are essential for spiritual renewal and awakening from a lukewarm state.
3. Call to Overcome Spiritual Blindness: The lukewarm church in Laodicea was spiritually blind, unable to recognize their true condition. Leaders in similar positions may be leading without spiritual clarity or understanding, relying on surface-level success and failing to address the deeper spiritual needs of their congregation.

Christian Leader Example:

• A ministry leader who might be experiencing success in terms of numbers, finances, or reputation but is spiritually blind to their deeper need for Christ’s presence and purity. They may be tempted to think that because their ministry is outwardly thriving, they do not need to dig deeper into their spiritual life, not realizing that they are in danger of spiritual poverty.
• Such leaders may neglect personal prayer, Bible study, and intimacy with God, thinking that external growth compensates for lack of personal spiritual depth. However, this creates a spiritually barren environment, which Jesus warns against.

Key Takeaways for Christian Leaders:

1. Examine the Heart, Not Just the Works: Leaders should evaluate whether they are doing things out of genuine love for Christ or out of duty. A heart on fire for God is critical to sustaining long-term, effective ministry.
2. Stay Spiritually Vigilant: The danger of lukewarmness is often subtle. It’s easy to mistake external success or routine faithfulness for spiritual vitality. Leaders must regularly check their own spiritual health.
3. Acknowledge and Address Spiritual Blindness: Leaders should never assume that everything is fine simply because the church or ministry seems outwardly successful. Regular moments of introspection and spiritual counsel are necessary to prevent the church from becoming spiritually blind.

Conclusion:

The lukewarm state is perilous because it leads to spiritual complacency and a disconnect from God. Leaders and ministries must constantly guard against this by keeping their passion for Christ alive, acknowledging their dependence on Him, and ensuring their actions are motivated by love rather than routine. This is vital for spiritual vitality and for the effective, lasting witness of the church in the world.

Dr Taveau’s asks Chat AI: Demas: Would Apostle Paul’s comment about the gifted young minister, Demas, give a possible Christian ministry worker, highly called persons (male or female) openly determine ‘lukewarm’ saved, gifted,  persons’ character

TD ASIDE: PRIOR TO COVID: I wrote a long article, prior Covid, Jan 2020 (well before a AI) about

“THE DEMAS- IZATION OF AMERICAN” …That nature appears to be hear AGAIN

Chat GPT replies:

Yes, Demas from the New Testament can be seen as a lukewarm character. His story is a poignant example of someone who started strong but later fell away due to spiritual complacency.

Demas in the Bible:

Demas is mentioned in three places in the New Testament:

1. Colossians 4:14 (KJV):
   “Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.”

   Here, Demas is included as a fellow worker and part of Paul’s ministry team. At this point, he is serving alongside Paul and is involved in ministry.

2. Philemon 1:24 (KJV):
   “Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.”

   Again, Demas is listed among the workers for the gospel, indicating that he was faithful and involved in spreading the message of Christ.

3. 2 Timothy 4:10 (KJV):
   “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.”

   Here, Demas is described as having “forsaken” Paul and “loved this present world”, which caused him to abandon the ministry. This passage marks his spiritual decline and departure from the work of the gospel, driven by the allure of worldly things.

How Demas Fits the Lukewarm Category

Demas’ life exemplifies lukewarmness in several ways:

1. Initial Commitment:
   Early on, Demas is fully involved in the ministry, a fellow laborer with Paul, and a companion in the work of the gospel. This shows he was once on fire for God and engaged in the mission.

2. Spiritual Complacency and Worldly Distraction:
   In 2 Timothy 4:10, Demas’ decision to leave Paul for Thessalonica is tied to his love for the world. His attachment to earthly comforts, desires, or ambitions led him to forsake the gospel mission. This demonstrates spiritual complacency—he was no longer focused on the work of the kingdom but was instead distracted by the things of this world.

3. The Peril of Lukewarmness:
   Demas’ shift from passionate ministry to spiritual coldness is a classic case of lukewarmness. Like the Laodicean church in Revelation 3:15-16, Demas became neither hot nor cold but was swept away by the attractions of the world. His lukewarmness led to his departure from the faith and abandonment of the mission, just as Jesus warned the Laodiceans would happen to them.

4. Demas as a Cautionary Example:
   Demas’ story serves as a warning to believers and ministers about the dangers of complacency. Even someone who starts out committed can fall into lukewarmness if they allow worldly desires to overtake their passion for God.

Conclusion

Yes, Demas does fit the category of lukewarm in the sense that he began with enthusiasm for the work of the gospel but became distracted by the world and ultimately forsook the ministry. This reflects the danger of being neither fully committed nor opposed—just apathetic—similar to the Laodicean church in Revelation 3:15-16. Demas’ story serves as a cautionary tale for all believers and ministers to remain vigilant, avoid complacency, and not allow worldly desires to undermine their spiritual calling.

Apostolic Taveau Asks Chat GPT

Please define a “lukewarm person, Christian minister”

Chat said

Back to Chat GP AI:

LUKE WARMNESS HIDDEN TRAITS

1. False Sense of Security: The Laodiceans felt secure in their material wealth, equating it with spiritual prosperity. They were blind to their true spiritual condition. Lukewarm believers often rely on external appearances and self-sufficiency, not realizing their spiritual poverty.
2. Jesus’ Counsel: Jesus offers a remedy—spiritual “gold” (true riches), “white raiment” (righteousness), and “eye salve” (spiritual discernment). These are essential for spiritual renewal and awakening from a lukewarm state.
3. Call to Overcome Spiritual Blindness: The lukewarm church in Laodicea was spiritually blind, unable to recognize their true condition. Leaders in similar positions may be leading without spiritual clarity or understanding, relying on surface-level success and failing to address the deeper spiritual needs of their congregation.

Christian Leader Example:

• A ministry leader who might be experiencing success in terms of numbers, finances, or reputation but is spiritually blind to their deeper need for Christ’s presence and purity. They may be tempted to think that because their ministry is outwardly thriving, they do not need to dig deeper into their spiritual life, not realizing that they are in danger of spiritual poverty.
• Such leaders may neglect personal prayer, Bible study, and intimacy with God, thinking that external growth compensates for lack of personal spiritual depth. However, this creates a spiritually barren environment, which Jesus warns against.

Key Takeaways for Christian Leaders:

1. Examine the Heart, Not Just the Works: Leaders should evaluate whether they are doing things out of genuine love for Christ or out of duty. A heart on fire for God is critical to sustaining long-term, effective ministry.
2. Stay Spiritually Vigilant: The danger of lukewarmness is often subtle. It’s easy to mistake external success or routine faithfulness for spiritual vitality. Leaders must regularly check their own spiritual health.
3. Acknowledge and Address Spiritual Blindness: Leaders should never assume that everything is fine simply because the church or ministry seems outwardly successful. Regular moments of introspection and spiritual counsel are necessary to prevent the church from becoming spiritually blind.

Conclusion:

The lukewarm state is perilous because it leads to spiritual complacency and a disconnect from God. Leaders and ministries must constantly guard against this by keeping their passion for Christ alive, acknowledging their dependence on Him, and ensuring their actions are motivated by love rather than routine. This is vital for spiritual vitality and for the effective, lasting witness of the church in the world.

See above on this site, feel free to copy,

Will be making booklet this weekend to download PDF

Back on topic

Taveau asks about solving the Lukewarm question

“How do we AWAKEN the vast numbers of appearing “asleep at the governing authority, teaching minisry realm?

4. Practical Application: Engage with Their Hearts and Minds

Cultivate Personal Revelation and Ownership: Don’t just tell people the truth—lead them to discover it. Use group discussions, Bible studies, or teachings that ask questions like, “What do you think about this teaching from the Scriptures? How does this apply in your life today?” This helps shift them from passivity to engagement.

Challenge Their Faith: Ask people to think deeply about how they would respond if their own church or leaders started to subtly drift into error. What signs would they look for? This encourages a personal commitment to vigilance, not just a reactive stance.

Integrate Prayer and Fasting: A key way to disrupt complacency is to engage the spiritual disciplines of prayer and fasting. These help sharpen discernment and foster a deepened relationship with God. Teach them that these disciplines are necessary for spiritual health and clarity in recognizing truth from error.

5. Use Warnings from Scripture as Wake-Up Calls

Jesus’ Warnings (Matthew 7:15-20): Revisit these often. Remind people that a true apostle or prophet will bear good fruit—not just have a lot of followers or success. True leaders lead in humility and in the fear of God, not self-exaltation.

Paul’s Warnings to the Ephesian Elders (Acts 20:28-31): Paul, as a father figure to the church, warns the elders of wolves who will arise from among them. This should be a sobering reminder that false teaching is often internal to the church, and thus a call for proactive vigilance.
Jude 1:4: Emphasize that some people have crept in “unawares”—false teachers and leaders often enter in subtle ways. This is why constant discernment is crucial.

6. Establish Accountability and Community**

**(Sister T reminds:rather than looking and accusing,  gossiping)

Create a Culture of Accountability: Encourage people to not just rely on leaders for discernment but to hold one another accountable in their walk. Teach that spiritual maturity and accountability are part of being a faithful disciple. James 5:16 reminds us, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.”

Foster a Community of Discernment: Build a community where people regularly discuss what they’re hearing, learning, and experiencing. When someone presents new teaching, create an environment where it’s acceptable to question, test, and discern the validity of it.

7. Inspire Active Engagement, Not Passive Consumption**

Teach to Protect the Flock: Lead your people to understand that protecting the truth of the gospel is not only the job of leaders, but every believer. Ephesians 4:11-12 speaks to the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry. **People should feel responsible for guarding against spiritual deception.
Empower the Believers: Equip them to see, confront, and refute error in their own lives and the world around them. Teach them to share what they’ve learned with others, cultivating an active, living faith that doesn’t just accept whatever comes their way.

**Taveau add (to use big caution)** “not”  just to use God’s Holy Word  “to be favored and highly blessed “ministry prospered’  which can lead”Their way “and “what they want” and might even securing religious “systems” with Pharisee “turf gaurding” and/ a cutesy or mean spirit of cult ..to maintain and orchestrate, even turn cold and hard to atypical persons, in order to get “income” and “their own way”(Taveau has seen this, for that is how she knows to train on it)

Chat GPT AI Conclusion:

To train devout, but “compliant” believers, the key is to shift their mindset from a passive, routine engagement with the terms and ideas to an active, vigilant, and proactive stance in their spiritual life.

Sister Taveau hastens to add: To be outwardly respectful, loving not “religious right” (which know as “rules’ ) also less super serious about ‘it’s own self’  “it’s (your/mine ‘own ministry) but about winning the lost, helping suffering, poor and NOT one giant opportunist to make funding, not clannish or self involved,  being repressed nor a oppressive slave own repressed, controller. Not radiating an ornery, snobby overly particular, accusing mega, micro aloof, fault finding mean and targeting, supremely class concsious mean bias. No more “high” office “pet persons only” elevated ‘have vs have not ELITE” no more accusing politics, which ostracizes seekers who are confused, many biased but WANT TO KNOW JESUS..
Also please no ‘grandiose entitled systems” ..plus the usual “famous well known Big Persons ,worship big cults ” …again please!

Chat resumes;

Reframe the terms of falsehood and idolatry, challenge their complacency through reflection, deepen their knowledge of Scripture, and build a community where each person feels responsible for guarding the truth. The goal is to move them from merely “knowing it all” to actively engaging with truth and being spiritually awake and alert to the dangers of deception.

MONEY FACTORS, HOLY FEAR OF THE LORD IN CHRISTIAN LUKEWARMNESS

Taveau lists the 3 key important scriptures;

Proverbs 9:10“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”( Note, say TD: the lack of, the absence of them brings THE OPPOSITE)

Psalm 115:4-8 (Loss of deep pure accurate leader perception, false priorities)

4 “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.”
5 “They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:”
6 “They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:”
7 “They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.”
8 “They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.” (self pity and apostolic dullness)

ATTAINING A FEAR OF THE LORD (“how to acquire it” Note; the relationship with attaining “income”

Proverbs 2:1-5

1 “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;”
2 “So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;”
3 “Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;”
4 “If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;”
5 “Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.”

Sister Taveau Asks:

Taveau asks: How does the love of money contribute to lukewarmness in ministry? How do the sins of God’s leaders in Isaiah 1-3 connect with Isaiah 5:20 in shaping ministry, leadership, and community? How does Psalm 115:4-8 serve as a marker of this condition, leading to a loss of the holy fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom? Finally, how does the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 2:1-5) relate to lukewarmness, First Love fire, and maintaining true reverence for God?

Apostolic T closes with
To humbly servant the Most High God, and  to represent what is “Christ’s’ pioneering area Ministry (Meaning; It is “HIS” and not yours or mine”)

Also this implies that the “Fruit’ is lasting, eternal,transforming, convicting, substantial, not harsh, cagey, hardened or  surface shallow, nor human (which is a sign of the Demas above).but birthed from God’s Holy Spirit, “the spirit of Truth” John 16;13 which is in line with. humble, fear of the Lord and Pauline diverse Bible community … “God’s whole counsel”

It also must reflect “the nature of Christ” …WHO HE IS “genuine, trustworthy, pure, authentic. fruit bearing, life transforming, healing and victorious, not fault finding or primping…along with upright, solid healthy, respect Hero Role Models, strong Solid Male and Females, however with servant leader First Church ‘FAMILY FEEL”
All combine together to form the fine,  area  “FUTURE CHURCH

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