^3:16 But since you are lukewarm and not hot or cold, I’m going to spit you out of my mouth.

But since you are lukewarm and not hot or cold,

A lukewarm church is the worst kind. If it is COLD, it won't harm anyone. If it is HOT, the people are alive and spiritual rebirth is happening.

But a LUKEWARM church

• - looks religious,
• - seems "safe to hide in" without serious personal commitment,
• - accomodates 'pagan rites' without alarm,
• - and promotes 'peace' at any cost.

A church that is "lukewarm" invites false teachings to invade. 2 Peter 2:1-3; 2 Peter 2:18-19; and 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Note: the lukewarm church has a judgment coming:

I’m going to spit you out of my mouth.

Praise the Lord, the timing is 'going to', future. There still is time to repent and to be renewed. According to 1 Peter 4:17-19, the church first is judged, then fakes ('godless men') within the church, and lastly sinners.