Show time is 10:30 a.m., but the band has already started playing by 10:25. As I rush through the lobby and up the stairs of the King Cat Theater, past the concession stand and the merch table, the bass is thumping out a steady 4/4 beat.
The stage set is totally pro: a full drum kit behind transparent plastic baffling to the far left, a grand piano (probably with a digital keyboard, but it’s hard to say) downstage next to the guitar and bass, Hammond organ with a synth on top upstage center, and a choir of 12 to the far right. The PA is topnotch. Though the band is surrounded by wedges and side fills, many of the musicians wear headphones and inner-ear monitors. Sixty dedicated lights hang from a rack, shining colored lights on the movie screen. Two big-screen TVs flank the proscenium, with video cameras installed just above the main seating area to shoot the show. The cameras follow the singer, a black man in a green suit, dancing around the downstage lectern like a dervish while trying to incite the sparse crowd to sing along.
“Raise up!” he sings. “Send your praise up!”
As the song ends, Grady is joined at center stage by a bottle-blond white woman who could be anywhere between 25 and 45 years old. She’s wearing a tight shirt and holding a wireless microphone wrapped in a white handkerchief. As the band vamps behind her, she thanks the audience, which is filling out. “You could be anywhere in the world right now, but you’re here,” she says. “Just give the Lord a hand!”
+ + +
Welcome to All Nations Christian Center. It’s half past 10:00 on a Sunday morning in Belltown, and the group that took over the King Cat Theater three months ago is performing one of its four weekly testaments to the glory of God almighty. The blond woman is Jodiann Schott, co-founder and senior pastor of ANCC, along with her husband Vince, whom we will meet shortly. Before we do, however, Jodiann has a quick sales pitch. Her new book of daily testimonials is hot off the presses and moving fast. “All soldiers used to pray before going off to war,” she says, and Fight Right is a helpful guide for those of us who are in our own personal wars. Her book can change our thinking, and if we change our thinking, we can change the choices that we make. Because “it’s all about the choices that you make.” Copies are available for $10 at the merch table. And now, Jodiann declares, “we’re gonna run our announcements.”
The lights dim slightly as the big monitors project the TV commercial that clued me in to the existence of All Nations Christian Center in the first place. It’s a typical regional spot, with stock Seattle graphics (Starbucks, Space Needle) and a canned rock score. A black SUV rolls up outside the King Cat and out steps Vince Schott, a young-looking man with big blue eyes, inhumanly white teeth, and a shock of salon-spiked, bleach-yellow hair. As the camera angle tilts to an “extreme,” Schott tells the camera to come on down to the King Cat, where everyone is welcome, and where Jesus Christ can change your life. The message is that ANCC is a new kind of church–inclusive, youthful, and media-savvy–but Schott’s voice makes it sound like an ad for a monster truck rally. Sunday, Sunday, SUNDAY! More commercials follow, offering come-ons for a ladies’ book club, a kids’ summer camp, and the weekly teen service, Ecclesia Youth Church, run by “The Rev,” AKA Landon Schott, Vince and Jodiann’s pinup-worthy son.
Next up is more music. Grady returns to the stage, leading the choir in another rousing gospel-rock number. (“Everybody dancin’, everybody givin’ it up!”) He has a hard time getting the congregation to sing along. With the cameras rolling, he remains undaunted, addressing us as though we were all in it together. “You didn’t know you were gonna have such a good time in church, did you? Welcome to All Nations Christian Center, the tightest party in town, y’all!” Still, the crowd response is a bit timid, so our MC pulls out all the stops. “Everybody dance,” he cries, and shows us a step we can all do. “Some know it as the Electric Slide. Some call it the Achy Breaky. We call it the Holy Ghost Shuffle!” And with that, he wins the day; the bulk of the audience rocks back and forth, everyone standing, spilling into the aisles. Then the music shifts to a downtempo and Senior Pastor Vince Schott takes the mic.
With eyes turned downward, and hair ablaze, Schott enters pious. His radio-deep voice hangs low, murmuring praise and thanks while the band vamps on, quietly. Soon enough, his rap begins in earnest. He echoes his wife’s sentiments, reminding us that every step is a choice. “There’s dreams,” he preaches. “There’s books that haven’t been written, businesses that haven’t started, right here in this room. But there’s been a hindrance, because you’re not hooked up with Jesus Christ.” A scattering of That’s Rights and Amens answer, providing a cue for the senior pastor to look up and bear down on the crowd with the full intensity of his wide blue eyes and bright white smile. “Is it just me,” he asks, “or is God Almighty in this place today?”
The congregation erupts with applause, and Schott is off like a shot. He explains that even though drugs and rock ‘n’ roll can impede your progress on the path of righteousness (admirably referencing both Kool and the Gang and “grunge,” even as he does a pantomime of pot smoking), we shouldn’t make the mistake of thinking that God doesn’t want us to have fun. He paces the stage stiffly now, talking fast, and frequently ending his lines with Pentecostal epigrams like “help me, somebody,” and “say it with me, somebody.”
After singing the praises of his wife and family (married 24 years, five kids), Schott asks for five volunteers to join him onstage. The first man to come out of the crowd seems like a plant; he’s youngish, white, dressed in a suit, and looks like he works there. He’s soon joined by four others–two teenage white girls, a black man in his mid-30s, and a blind, middle-aged white woman. Schott moves down the line (“What did Jesus do for you, love?”), hearing about eating disorders, drug and alcohol addiction, family strain, and offering homilies to address each affliction in turn. (“The Greek word for witchcraft was ‘pharmaceutical.’ How many people need to be delivered from witchcraft? Shout!”) When he comes to the second teenage girl, however, things take a turn for the biblical.
Standing barefoot in a T-shirt and jeans, the girl looks like an archetypal alt-rock waif, right down to the pixie haircut. All Jesus has given her is “the courage to stand through lots of trials and opposition.” He got her a car when she needed one. When she needed a job, He made sure her old boss was on the phone. And when she needed money, Jesus took care of that, too. At the mention of money, Vince Schott lights up like a dedicated spotlight. He asks five people to come up and give the girl some money. He says it like he’s asking you to give her a hug. “Just give her some money, that’s all.” Twenty people come up and lavish her with more bills than she can hold. An assistant comes over with a white paper bucket to collect the spillage. She’s crying with joy. Then Schott steps up and lays hands on her, sending her backwards, where more assistants are waiting to catch her ecstatic body and drape it with a purple blanket.
Now that money has been introduced as a sacred subject, the service has found its central theme, which Schott will hammer on for the remainder of his sermon. All Nations Christian Center, he announces, only recently opened at the King Cat Theater. Only about 400 people have passed through its doors up to now. “I feel a real burden to have churches in the inner city,” the pastor explains. “And y’all ain’t paying the bills yet. Help me, somebody.” Running a ministry is important work, Schott explains. But, he’s quick to point out, this isn’t just about him and his church. It’s not even about his good friend in the front row, who raises millions of dollars to help lead Muslims to Jesus. No. This is about all of us. We all need money, and God wants us to have it. “God has called you to have money,” Schott preaches. “Say, ‘Bless me, give me bank!'”
And here, at long last, is where the magic happens. Here is the moment when the Christian pastor turns the congregation’s desire for cash into a collective passion to give cash away. The people in the crowd today don’t seem particularly desperate, but a quick scan around the room reveals a general look of, if not poverty, then certainly not wealth. All this talk of money from Jesus has the audience standing at attention; many seem eager to hear the secrets of the prosperity their religion has been promising them all their Christian lives. They’re bringing the faith, now how’s about that bank? Schott is here to tell them: There’s only one way, say it with me. “How many of you feel like God has called you to be a millionaire?” Loud applause. “Good.” He waits a beat. “We’re gonna need your money.”
Vince Schott flips his bible open to Malachi, chapter three, verse eight, which brings us to the matter of tithing, “a financial covenant with the lord,” which is generally understood to require the faithful to give 10 percent of their income to God, or, in the absence of God, the nearest Christian Center. Tithing is the most concrete sign of faith we can show, and true to His nature, God rewards our faith by paying us back, with interest. It’s like a bank loan in reverse, and with better rates. The phrase Schott uses, several times, is “double for your trouble.” He explains that he has raised $32 million in the past 17 years–a fact he attributes to tithing (his own and others’)–and he means to keep the numbers up.
And despite what both Vince and Jodiann said earlier, tithing is not a matter of choice. “‘But Pastor,'” says the pastor, “‘I only made 50 bucks last week.’ You owe God five. Five bucks. Say ‘five bucks.'” FIVE BUCKS, screams the crowd. And then they line up to fill the white paper buckets with money. The band starts up again as Schott proclaims, “Double me, Jesus! Give to the lord.”
The ushers move through the aisles with their buckets, and people drop cash, checks, and envelopes inside. On the back of the envelopes is the following disclaimer: “Thank you so much for your generous support of the ministries of All Nations Christian Center. While we endeavor to use all funds as designated, we reserve the right to use any and all funds at our discretion.” When the white buckets are safely backstage, and the service is nearing the two-hour mark, Vince Schott shares the magic word with his eager flock. The word is “dominion.” God’s holy dominion over man. Man’s submission to God’s holy dominion. That is why we tithe. God has the power to remove kings and remake governments. His dominion can even effect regime change. “Saddam,” Schott whispers, his eyes turned down, then intimates that God’s dominion was responsible for the killing of Uday and Qusay Hussein. As the pastor fulminates, a low buzzing sound rises in the PA system. It’s the bass guitar feeding back. The problem is quickly solved, and Schott continues. “I am a theologian,” he says. “I have a master’s degree in Bible.” Then, by way of a brief, smiling aside, “Edit that out, Phil, when this goes around the world.”
+ + +
On the one hand, it seems important to distinguish All Nations Christian Center from some of the other “new” churches in the burgeoning Seattle renaissance of faith. Outfits like Quest, Mars Hill, and Church of the Apostles are all employing unconventional methods of devotion, from punk rock shows to coffeehouse atmosphere, to attract younger devotees to Jesus.
By contrast to those new, unconventional churches, All Nations Christian Center is as traditional as baseball. Strip away the specifics–rock band, flat-screen TVs, hair products–and the church in the King Cat Theater seems more like an old-fashioned tent revival than newfangled worship. Tent revivals once peppered the South and Southeast, offering ol’ time religion to as many true believers as could fit under a tarp. They were so popular that the region earned a nickname–the Bible belt–in their honor. By the mid-’60s, however, the tent-revival circuit was on the wane. Its twilight is documented brilliantly by the obscure 1972 film Marjoe, in which a prodigy of the revival biz invites a documentary crew behind the curtain.
At the age of four, Marjoe Gortner became “The World’s Youngest Ordained Minister,” preaching to congregations across the South under the tutelage of his parents (Mary and Joseph, naturally), and amassing a huge fortune along the way. By the time he was 30, however, Marjoe had become disillusioned with tent revivals, and the film was his way of outing himself and his contemporaries. Though his true motives for revealing trade secrets are a bit murky, Marjoe’s story remains a riveting confessional. “The people who are out there don’t see [the sermons] as entertainment,” he told an interviewer after the film was released, “although that is, in fact, the way it is. These people don’t go to movies; they don’t go to bars and drink; they don’t go to rock-and-roll concerts–but everyone has to have an emotional release. So they go to revivals and they dance around and talk in tongues. It’s socially approved and that is their escape. It was my duty to give them the best show possible.”
The show I saw at the King Cat Theater wasn’t so different than the show I saw Marjoe Gortner perform on film. Schott’s look is striking, he sounds like a professional announcer, and his rap is thoroughly rehearsed. And as with the Gortners, his entire family is in on the act. The whole show turns on his ability to rev up the congregation members into a frenzy of Jesus-related excitement, the better to loosen their pocketbooks. I’m not accusing Schott of bilking his congregants; for all I know the money Schott’s raising for his All Nations Christian Center is being used to build his ministry, feed the hungry, house the homeless, care for the sick. We called and faxed Schott to ask how the money he’s raising is being spent and got a curt “no comment” from his assistant.
The showbiz trappings of All Nations Christian Center are just a backdrop–if the preacher can’t deliver the goods, the white buckets come back empty, and the King Cat Theater loses another tenant. As the Sunday-morning service winds to a close, the audience is relatively small, but it’s buying it, which means that this “inner-city church” just might be on its way to glory–or at least television.
Beginning in the early 1980s, the tent-revival industry was itself revived by the advent of satellite TV and cable channels like the Trinity Broadcasting Network, which beams the word of God directly into your living room. Mixing equal parts faith and vaudeville, All Nations Christian Center looks a lot like the ministries you see on television. Should the numbers continue to grow, perhaps one day you’ll turn on TBN and come across the tightest party in town, a little slice of the Bible belt in the Northwest. In the meantime, in case you’re not prepared to wait, Jodiann has just announced that a tape of today’s service is already available for pre-order in the foyer for only $10.
See you in church.
I wonder if they play Holy Ghost Shuffle, or any other tunes by Dale Brown?
I went to this guys church about 15 years ago… He just moves to the next city as soon as enough people in the area get hurt enough for everyone to wise up.
so you think that the pastor/church is ripping people off?
WARNING! I speak from experience, if you are in one of this man’s congregations GET OUT NOW and continue your search for spiritual guidance elsewhere. This man is not what he appears and his charisma is dangerous!
This is exactly the kind of thing that puts a dark cloud over the good work that many churches do.
Cher
that question opens one up to “martyr” him, which is exactly what he wants! He would then use his pulpit to declare attacks from the enemy to snuff out his attempts to bring the gospel to the people.
Of course he wants your money, that’s his paycheck.
Resist his comparissons between himself and the Apostle Paul, he’s all things to all men because it serves his agenda. Be careful!
If God doesn’t want him on the pulpit. God will remove them. I seek my wisdom from God not a man.
Hi, My name is Greg Tegman. I am Vince’s closest cousin. Close meaning grew up with him week by week. There is nobody out there that knows him better than me in terms of his intentions. Comment back if you are curious. Not gossip,just commonly known issues. These issues are not good on his part.
@ Gtegman….what do you mean by commonly know issues?
Hello Landon,Unless your dad has repentented in regard to the article found in that seedy,worldy free magazine “The Stanger”,he is not destined to an eternity with Christ. I personally experienced what that article was about from your Dad and some of his staff which included your mother’s brother. What’s his name John Simms?. He watched Pamela Rhorvik and Mrs.Hunt psycologically and publically torment me in your uncles office years ago. Pamela judged me as hopelss and eternally lost. Ask him yourself if he is still honest and remembers. He had a problem with it. Look into the Word yourself. Compare what you have been brought up to believe with scripture. It’s that simple. If you truly believe your dad is teaching the truth,compare it with Scripture. This is not slander Landon. Don’t respond until you have done what I am requesting,not a moment before okay?.Disclaimer: If your parents have repented,why are you contacting me and not your dad?. They haven’t responded. Proper interpretation of scripture with scripture is key.
“Commonly known” issues come from those whom have I ran across over the years,who used to attend Northwest Fellowships and Silverlake Chapel. Some of which still work for Loberg Roofing. Do your own homework Landon. Go to gty.org,click the “Links” button on the right side,click “Television Broadcast” then click “Study” and you will see a five part video series called “Does Truth Matter Anymore”.Watch all of them and write down the verses that show up on the “But God Said” portions of this five part video. Then get back to me.Or not. Come up with your own Biblical “Commonly Known” issues in regard to the truth of the Gospel. I have forwarded this response to dozens of Senior Pastors as a witness. I don’t think your dad would hire a hitman,but,just in case,I sent this out.
In response to sonnyandcher’s comment…. It’s not true that if God didn’t want him there he would remove him. How do you explain false religion? Not saying he represents false religion, but just stating that your comment may not be true.
I recommend to those who are Christians whom wish to contact Vince Schott about this article find a direct method. I could not find an e-mail dedicated to him. I am his cousin,and he will not respond. Hey TheRev!. contact me with another e-mail if you wish. My box is getting full of questions.
Hi my name is Harriman. pastor schott through the word of god and by the love in his heart has help me change my life from drugs and being angry all the time to loveing others.(everett wa.)
Been through alot with this guy. I got saved in his ministry in 1998. I learned alot, but also left the faith for a short time after they left everett to move to Belltown. I was mad at Vince and his church for years. I hoped and prayed that his ministry would fall. I have since asked for forgiveness and have forgiven him for all the wrongs. BUT…he is still a shady character to watch. I just saw him in Spokane 2 weeks ago. Same guy, same sermons, same stories, just a newer audience. Not trying to bash him, done that enough in the last 7 years. I was able to walk up to him, shake his hand and say “remember me?” He did and was very gracious, as was I. All I can do is love on the guy and hope for lives to be touched and not broken through his ministry. God only knows.
I have a friend who was a faithful servant of ALLNCC – DONATED the church building in West Central – They raped and pillaged him for all he was worth – Now down to 2 buildings from 4, they are raping the poor right here in my neighborhood – We have alot of good ministries here doing alot of good work and this wolf is getting rich off the backs of poor poeple. God will exact his vengeance on this guy, AND his lost Son “therev” – these people are theives and robbers, fleecing the flock and then moving on…
And… I too speak from experience – I was closely affiliated for many years with Grace Harvest Fellowship where several “parishoners” originally came from when he came here to Spokane, including the one who gave him the building in west central that he just sold for less than half of its value. They foreclosed on the valley – Now he is positioned to suck the other poor neighborhood dry and then move to the next town…
Matthew 7:15-20
Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don’t be impressed with charisma; look for character. Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned
@Leviation, sold for less than half of its value after they refurbished the entire place with tons of equipment left in it? Shady? Or was it to help the new church that just moved in and was able to have church that next sunday because of its current condition?
I was temp member at ANCC in Everett where I watched these false teachers take everyone’s money. I remember going to one of their wednsday services in the smaller building in Everett. This was the service for the ones who were ” ready to go deeper with God” My cousin and I ent up front to receive a touch from the Holy Spirit, Pastor Vince’s wife and her Jezebel spirit ways, tries to put her hand on my forehead and push me back so I would fall over. I just sat there and did what I was suppose to do which is stand in faith and let God move me. Instead she tells me with this wicked Jezebel tone, “Just take it” paraphrasing, the rest here but something like “Just lean back or fall” cant remember, like i was suppose to make them look like they had a true anointing of God worth respecting. Wat a scam. Then they told my cousin Devin that he was going to be usedin their ministry for God’s glory and Vince told him in front of the Congregation, ” We want to you to take our business courses an be prosperous in God and if he didnt make alot of money or successfull after we are done with yu, I will personally give you 10,000 dollars.” The flaky congregation praised his comments like it was a statement of power and faith from God. I actually told my cousin to take the course and use it for good, and when you see it’s a lie, confront them for the 10,000 dollars later. I wanted to test their spirit from day one because of the false anointing I could easily discern. But I had hope they were real. That’s the sad part is that people like this can take advantage of people’s hope and make you question your own discernment. I was still in training then learning how to discern snakes and vipers. My eyes are opened now and ready to rebuke clowns like this. People are being led into hell with this false prosperity teaching because whether you think you are saved or not, when you are misled by false teaching, you are suppose to repent when you wake up and realize the lies. Many people don’t repent after such events and just act like this guy might be doing some good others when he’s actually speaking against the Word of God that talks clear about riches and the love of money which is the ROOT of ALL evil! While Landon’s youth ministry was taking after his dad and moms false ministry. They used my cousins talents in music to lure more kids to their church. My cousin was Devin who DJ’ed for their youth ministry. Landon who was about 19 or so at the time, had a house of his own on Lake Stevens where all his little self righteous friends would stay the night, have their pizza parties and play video games, while enjoying their lavish lifestyle. While daddy pulls up in a yellow corvette on Sunday morning with no shame of his lies. I encourage you all to look into “The Jezebel Spirit” and see ow his wife was operating through this spirit. And Mr. Schott is nothing more than a weak Ahab spirit following that Jezebel spirit while pulpit pimping the sheep for Jezebel’s glory. This is not a ministry of God. And I strongly urge anyone who “was saved’ through their ministry, to repent and rededicate their lives to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Yeshua. You people really don’t understand the spiritual deception taking place in almost every church in America. WAKE UP SLEEPY CHRISTIANS! The Kingdom of Heaven is within, NOT inside man made walls. Open rebuke is better than hidden love (Proverbs 27:5) And these lying lakes run from any rebuke. This is nothing more than a business to them capitalizing on God’s Word. Should we be surprised seeing this is the majority of churches in America today. If you want change, you must be bold and send open rebuke at their congregation when the Holy Spirit prompts you. then again this will only happen when the true calling of the Prophets are ready and willing to put their head out n the line. I for one and ready and willing.
Pulpit pimps and the Jezebel Spirit that has its claws in Americas church must be exposed!
My Names is James and the truth will be told the whole truth!
weaponsoftruth.com online june 1st 2011
1 Peter 4:17 (King James Version)
17For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Revelation 2-3 (King James Version)
Revelation 2
1Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
2I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
3And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
4Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
5Remember 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.
6But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.
7He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
8And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
9I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
10Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
11He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
12And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
13I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
14But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
15So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
16Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
17He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
18And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
19I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
20Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
21And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
24But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
25But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
26And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
27And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
28And I will give him the morning star.
29He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Revelation 3
1And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
2Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
3Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
4Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
5He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
6He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
7And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
8I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
9Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
10Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
11Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
12Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
13He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
14And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17Because 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:
18I 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 eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
22He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.