Gospel

Ken Parks, March 6, 2014

Gospel means “good news.” And there is no better news than this: Jesus offered himself up as a living sacrifice so all of us have the ability to “believe” in Him, to be rescued from the dreadful life of sin and death, and by forgiving us that we might have eternal life through Him.

There is no other Gospel that can offer or provide.

On the other hand, we have religious businesses that offer other gospels, such as health and wealth doctrine, social club activities, and humanism/philosophy... all in the name of Jesus.

The Apostle Paul shared only one thing, and that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He did not develop the gospel of chariot racing, javelin throwing, and any other sports of his time. He did not teach humanism or blend the Gospel of Christ with worldly philosophies. He did not set up day-care centers, vacation bible studies, and Christian yoga classes. As he was cutting the flesh and the ways of the world, he taught salvation, righteousness, and the Truth.

The Truth is often an interference to the life-style of many members of religious businesses. They want their ears tickled with humanism, entertaining stories, and other things that makes their memebers feel good. The Truth? The Truth is far from these inane preachings.

Listen closely to the words of the leaders of religious businesses (those organizations that bow down to the IRS by participating as a 501c3 business). You will see how they persuade the masses with words that are easy on the ears of their members. The easier the words, the more members come and listen. In some respects, this is a form of entertainment and NOT the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

If the Apostle Paul taught today as he did 2,000 years ago, he would have a lot of discontented religious people to face, gritting their teeth and casting derogatory comments at him. “You're a demon! You're the one causing contention against the church!” And so on...

Paul's teaching of the Gospel of Christ would not be accepted by the leaders of religious businesses of today. He would not be allowed to speak before their gatherings. He would be shunned in favor of golden-tongue preachers who graduated with an MBA and seminary teachings. He would be too judgmental for today's religious members.

For the most part, the teachings of Paul, especially the teaching concerning these leaders being lazy, not working and supporting their families, being a burden and consequently a hindrance to the Gospel of Christ, would not be acceptable. The above teaching is avoided at all cost by these religious leaders. They expect to be paid from the “tithes and offerings” on the merit that they are working full-time as a minister.

The Apostle Paul worked both day and night, supporting himself and paying his way through his missions. He did not take any “tithes and offering” to support him, but sent any monetary gifts to the church in Jerusalem and other church areas of need. His primary message was the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He set himself as a living example and so stated within the epistles to the Thessalonians.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the primary and only gospel. It's a crying shame that so many church businesses teach other gospels and ignoring the teachings of the Truth.

I've said this so many times, quoting Jesus, “Many who say 'Lord, Lord' will not enter into the Kingdom!” There are many fakes, many false teachers, pastors, ministers, and etc. who purport to be anointed. They often teach another gospel(s) which is NOT the Gospel of Jesus.

I prefer to emulate the Apostle Paul... work both day and night supporting my family... and teach the Truth, be prepared to identify falsehood and deception, and to do exactly what Jesus told us concerning good fruit and bad fruit. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news, especially for those who earnestly seek the Truth.