Podcast Summary:

Times Square Church - Sermons
Episode: Losing a 30 Year Fight Because No One Answered the Door
Speaker: Pastor Tim Dilena
Date: November 16, 2025

Episode Overview

In this powerful sermon, Pastor Tim Dilena explores the tragic story of the church at Laodicea—a congregation that lost its spiritual fervor over three decades because it failed to respond to the persistent "knocking" of Jesus. Drawing lessons from biblical texts in Colossians and Revelation, Tim challenges modern believers to recognize the danger of spiritual lukewarmness and outlines practices to rekindle spiritual fire: sacrifice, conviction, faith, and an eternal perspective. The message resonates on both a personal and corporate level, calling individuals and churches worldwide to respond actively to God’s call rather than drifting into complacency.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Global Welcome and Setting the Tone

Pastor Tim warmly greets congregants from dozens of nations, states, and universities, emphasizing the global reach and unity of the church family ([02:00]+).
He introduces the concept of “enthusiasm” as originally meaning “God-possessed,” setting an expectation for passionate worship and openness to God’s presence ([03:30]).

2. Laodicea: A Cautionary Tale of Lukewarmness

Textual Foundation: Pastor Tim walks through Revelation 3:14-22. Jesus is pictured outside, knocking on the door of the church, wanting to be let in ([13:10]).
- Notable Quote:
  “Can anything be more horrible than having church without the main person there?” – Tim Dilena ([15:05])
The 30-Year Disconnect:
- Laodicea received Paul’s letter (Colossians) 30 years prior to Christ’s warning in Revelation.
- Paul and Epaphras were already contending and wrestling in prayer for them then, recognizing early symptoms of spiritual drift ([21:00]).
- Despite early warning and intercession, Laodicea did not open the door to Christ for three decades, persisting in religion without spiritual fire.
- Notable Quote:
  “Laodicea read the letter of Colossians, knew people were fighting in prayer, heard the knocking of Jesus, and no one answered the door … They continue on with church services without Jesus for 30 years. My goodness. I couldn’t go 30 minutes.” – Tim Dilena ([34:50])

3. Spiritual Lukewarmness Defined

Lukewarmness is characterized by belief in God but lack of excitement, gratitude, or response to Him ([37:55]).
A lukewarm church or believer is:
- Songless, ineffective, irritated by genuine worship, distant from the Bible, indulgent in minor sins, lacking burden for the lost, and prioritizing comfort ([55:00]).
Notable Quote:
“A lukewarm believer is a songless singer, an ineffective church attender, an irritated member during the choir song, a possessor of a dusty Bible, a dabbler in little sins ...” – Tim Dilena ([56:10])

4. How to Rekindle Spiritual Fire: Four Key Practices

Pastor Tim outlines four “coals” that keep believers ablaze for God, with reflective questions after each ([1:01:00]):

a. Sacrifice

Key Question: When was the last time you did something sacrificially—gave, served, or went beyond your comfort?
Tim shares stories, including Mary, a 14-year-old girl who sang in front of gang members, setting the stage for Nicky Cruz’s conversion ([1:07:00]).
Notable Quote:
“I have missed moments of sacrifice that I regret to this day … Moments that would have made me uncomfortable, but I chose comfort over sacrifice.” – Tim Dilena ([1:10:10])

b. Conviction

Key Question: When was the last time God said “no” to you, and you obeyed?
Tim discusses how lukewarm Christians dislike hearing “no,” but real discipleship requires submission, even in culturally challenging situations ([1:20:00]).
Includes illustration on same-sex attraction:
*“What is keeping you from letting me tell you ‘no’?” – A profound question on submission ([1:25:00])
Notable Quote:
“We don’t have the faith to believe that when he says no to what I want, that God will be enough to take the place of that emptiness inside me. And I have to tell you this: he is enough.” – Tim Dilena ([1:27:04])

c. Faith

Key Question: When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone by faith?
Tim relates stories of global Christian persecution and a moving testimony about a simple act of obedience (being told in prayer to buy dumbbells, which leads to the rescue and transformation of a homeless couple) ([1:39:00]).
Notable Quote:
“You know what faith is? Faith starts to set me ablaze … step out in faith. The devil isn’t the one telling you to invite someone to church!” – Tim Dilena ([1:48:14])

d. Eternity

Key Question: When was the last time you thought of heaven, judgment day, or eternity, and let that shape your decisions?
Tim shares the story of Kublai Khan’s request for missionaries—missed because of internal church conflicts, resulting in a lost opportunity to reach a massive empire ([1:52:45]).
Personal sharing about investing in 'forever', not just securing earthly comfort ([1:55:25]).
Notable Quote:
“We’ve spent time and money on our last 20 years of life but not invested in the next life, not invested in what is forever.” – Tim Dilena ([1:55:40])

5. Closing: The Call to Respond

Tim reads an impassioned letter from a martyred pastor in Zimbabwe—a confession of total surrender and zeal for Christ ([2:01:10]):
- Memorable lines:
  “I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed … I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice … I am a disciple of Jesus … and when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My banner will be clear.”
Congregational challenge to present themselves as living sacrifices and to allow God to rekindle their spiritual fire ([2:04:44]).
- “If you're here today and say, 'Pastor Tim, I need Him to set me ablaze again,' … just lift both hands. Just say, 'God, set me on fire again.'” – Tim Dilena ([2:05:12])
Corporate prayer and worship as a response to God’s knocking and call to spiritual fervor.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Laodicea's 30 years of complacency:
“Think of this: they continue on with church services without Jesus for 30 years. My goodness. I couldn’t go 30 minutes.” ([34:50])
On the meaning of lukewarmness:
“I still believe in God, but I’m not just that excited about Him. That’s the danger of lukewarmness.” ([37:55])
On the cost of following Jesus:
“We’re bargaining with Him who bore a cross.” – Quoting Jim Elliot ([1:32:20])
On hearing God’s ‘no’:
“What is keeping you from letting me tell you ‘no’?” ([1:25:00])
On faith in action:
Story of dumbbells leading to a homeless couple’s transformation ([1:39:00+])
Letter from a Zimbabwean Martyr:
“I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice … I am a disciple of Jesus. … My banner will be clear.” ([2:01:10])
Final invitation:
“God, set us on fire today. … Knock hard on our doors. … May we never have church without Jesus.” ([2:08:00])

Timestamps for Important Segments

[02:00] – International greetings & “God-possessed” enthusiasm introduction
[13:10] – Introduction to Laodicea’s spiritual challenge (Revelation 3)
[21:00] – Paul’s early warnings and prayers for Laodicea (Colossians)
[34:50] – Reflection on 30 years of church without Jesus
[37:55] – Defining spiritual lukewarmness
[55:00] – What lukewarmness looks like in a modern context
[1:01:00] – Introduction of the four “coals”: Sacrifice, Conviction, Faith, Eternity
[1:07:00] – The Mary and Nicky Cruz story (sacrifice in action)
[1:20:00] – Conviction: submission to God’s “no”
[1:39:00] – Stepping out in faith: the dumbbell story
[1:52:45] – Eternal perspective: Kublai Khan and missed opportunity
[2:01:10] – Letter of the Zimbabwean martyr
[2:04:44] – Congregational response: call to revival

Episode Flow and Tone

Pastor Tim’s delivery is energetic, heartfelt, and direct—a mix of warmth, urgency, personal vulnerability, and challenge. His storytelling is vivid, and he moves between scripture, personal anecdotes, and communal application seamlessly. The call is consistent: respond now to God’s knocking, don’t let another season slip into lukewarmness—be set ablaze for Christ.

For Reflection & Application

Are you aware of “symptoms” of lukewarmness in your spiritual life or community?
How might you respond to Jesus’ knocking—what doors need opening in your own life?
Consider which of the four “coals” you need to rekindle most: sacrifice, conviction, faith, or an eternal focus.

For further connection with Times Square Church:
Visit tsc.nyc

Podcast Summary:

Times Square Church - Sermons
Episode: Losing a 30 Year Fight Because No One Answered the Door
Speaker: Pastor Tim Dilena
Date: November 16, 2025

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Global Welcome and Setting the Tone

Pastor Tim warmly greets congregants from dozens of nations, states, and universities, emphasizing the global reach and unity of the church family ([02:00]+).
He introduces the concept of “enthusiasm” as originally meaning “God-possessed,” setting an expectation for passionate worship and openness to God’s presence ([03:30]).

2. Laodicea: A Cautionary Tale of Lukewarmness

Textual Foundation: Pastor Tim walks through Revelation 3:14-22. Jesus is pictured outside, knocking on the door of the church, wanting to be let in ([13:10]).
- Notable Quote:
  “Can anything be more horrible than having church without the main person there?” – Tim Dilena ([15:05])
The 30-Year Disconnect:
- Laodicea received Paul’s letter (Colossians) 30 years prior to Christ’s warning in Revelation.
- Paul and Epaphras were already contending and wrestling in prayer for them then, recognizing early symptoms of spiritual drift ([21:00]).
- Despite early warning and intercession, Laodicea did not open the door to Christ for three decades, persisting in religion without spiritual fire.
- Notable Quote:
  “Laodicea read the letter of Colossians, knew people were fighting in prayer, heard the knocking of Jesus, and no one answered the door … They continue on with church services without Jesus for 30 years. My goodness. I couldn’t go 30 minutes.” – Tim Dilena ([34:50])

3. Spiritual Lukewarmness Defined

Lukewarmness is characterized by belief in God but lack of excitement, gratitude, or response to Him ([37:55]).
A lukewarm church or believer is:
- Songless, ineffective, irritated by genuine worship, distant from the Bible, indulgent in minor sins, lacking burden for the lost, and prioritizing comfort ([55:00]).
Notable Quote:
“A lukewarm believer is a songless singer, an ineffective church attender, an irritated member during the choir song, a possessor of a dusty Bible, a dabbler in little sins ...” – Tim Dilena ([56:10])

4. How to Rekindle Spiritual Fire: Four Key Practices

Pastor Tim outlines four “coals” that keep believers ablaze for God, with reflective questions after each ([1:01:00]):

a. Sacrifice

Key Question: When was the last time you did something sacrificially—gave, served, or went beyond your comfort?
Tim shares stories, including Mary, a 14-year-old girl who sang in front of gang members, setting the stage for Nicky Cruz’s conversion ([1:07:00]).
Notable Quote:
“I have missed moments of sacrifice that I regret to this day … Moments that would have made me uncomfortable, but I chose comfort over sacrifice.” – Tim Dilena ([1:10:10])

b. Conviction

Key Question: When was the last time God said “no” to you, and you obeyed?
Tim discusses how lukewarm Christians dislike hearing “no,” but real discipleship requires submission, even in culturally challenging situations ([1:20:00]).
Includes illustration on same-sex attraction:
*“What is keeping you from letting me tell you ‘no’?” – A profound question on submission ([1:25:00])
Notable Quote:
“We don’t have the faith to believe that when he says no to what I want, that God will be enough to take the place of that emptiness inside me. And I have to tell you this: he is enough.” – Tim Dilena ([1:27:04])

c. Faith

Key Question: When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone by faith?
Tim relates stories of global Christian persecution and a moving testimony about a simple act of obedience (being told in prayer to buy dumbbells, which leads to the rescue and transformation of a homeless couple) ([1:39:00]).
Notable Quote:
“You know what faith is? Faith starts to set me ablaze … step out in faith. The devil isn’t the one telling you to invite someone to church!” – Tim Dilena ([1:48:14])

d. Eternity

Key Question: When was the last time you thought of heaven, judgment day, or eternity, and let that shape your decisions?
Tim shares the story of Kublai Khan’s request for missionaries—missed because of internal church conflicts, resulting in a lost opportunity to reach a massive empire ([1:52:45]).
Personal sharing about investing in 'forever', not just securing earthly comfort ([1:55:25]).
Notable Quote:
“We’ve spent time and money on our last 20 years of life but not invested in the next life, not invested in what is forever.” – Tim Dilena ([1:55:40])

5. Closing: The Call to Respond

Tim reads an impassioned letter from a martyred pastor in Zimbabwe—a confession of total surrender and zeal for Christ ([2:01:10]):
- Memorable lines:
  “I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed … I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice … I am a disciple of Jesus … and when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My banner will be clear.”
Congregational challenge to present themselves as living sacrifices and to allow God to rekindle their spiritual fire ([2:04:44]).
- “If you're here today and say, 'Pastor Tim, I need Him to set me ablaze again,' … just lift both hands. Just say, 'God, set me on fire again.'” – Tim Dilena ([2:05:12])
Corporate prayer and worship as a response to God’s knocking and call to spiritual fervor.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Laodicea's 30 years of complacency:
“Think of this: they continue on with church services without Jesus for 30 years. My goodness. I couldn’t go 30 minutes.” ([34:50])
On the meaning of lukewarmness:
“I still believe in God, but I’m not just that excited about Him. That’s the danger of lukewarmness.” ([37:55])
On the cost of following Jesus:
“We’re bargaining with Him who bore a cross.” – Quoting Jim Elliot ([1:32:20])
On hearing God’s ‘no’:
“What is keeping you from letting me tell you ‘no’?” ([1:25:00])
On faith in action:
Story of dumbbells leading to a homeless couple’s transformation ([1:39:00+])
Letter from a Zimbabwean Martyr:
“I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice … I am a disciple of Jesus. … My banner will be clear.” ([2:01:10])
Final invitation:
“God, set us on fire today. … Knock hard on our doors. … May we never have church without Jesus.” ([2:08:00])

Timestamps for Important Segments

[02:00] – International greetings & “God-possessed” enthusiasm introduction
[13:10] – Introduction to Laodicea’s spiritual challenge (Revelation 3)
[21:00] – Paul’s early warnings and prayers for Laodicea (Colossians)
[34:50] – Reflection on 30 years of church without Jesus
[37:55] – Defining spiritual lukewarmness
[55:00] – What lukewarmness looks like in a modern context
[1:01:00] – Introduction of the four “coals”: Sacrifice, Conviction, Faith, Eternity
[1:07:00] – The Mary and Nicky Cruz story (sacrifice in action)
[1:20:00] – Conviction: submission to God’s “no”
[1:39:00] – Stepping out in faith: the dumbbell story
[1:52:45] – Eternal perspective: Kublai Khan and missed opportunity
[2:01:10] – Letter of the Zimbabwean martyr
[2:04:44] – Congregational response: call to revival

Episode Flow and Tone

For Reflection & Application

Are you aware of “symptoms” of lukewarmness in your spiritual life or community?
How might you respond to Jesus’ knocking—what doors need opening in your own life?
Consider which of the four “coals” you need to rekindle most: sacrifice, conviction, faith, or an eternal focus.

For further connection with Times Square Church:
Visit tsc.nyc

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Losing a 30 Year Fight Because No One Answered the Door

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Summary

Podcast Summary:

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Global Welcome and Setting the Tone

2. Laodicea: A Cautionary Tale of Lukewarmness

3. Spiritual Lukewarmness Defined

4. How to Rekindle Spiritual Fire: Four Key Practices

a. Sacrifice

b. Conviction

c. Faith

d. Eternity

5. Closing: The Call to Respond

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Episode Flow and Tone

For Reflection & Application

Summary

Podcast Summary:

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Global Welcome and Setting the Tone

2. Laodicea: A Cautionary Tale of Lukewarmness

3. Spiritual Lukewarmness Defined

4. How to Rekindle Spiritual Fire: Four Key Practices

a. Sacrifice

b. Conviction

c. Faith

d. Eternity

5. Closing: The Call to Respond

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Episode Flow and Tone

For Reflection & Application