I believe God brings forth revivals and new teachers to preach the Word -- His Word -- when old teaching and teachers go off track. In the '70s and 80's God brought forth just such a revival to bring His church back on track. At that time, His love and plan for salvation became (as well it should have) the point of preaching rather than condemnation for sin. "You are free!" Now that's truly good news. Unfortunately, as with all blessings from God, Satan will attempt to pervert the message.
Today, many preachers, teachers, authors, and media programs have diluted Christianity to the point where it is nothing more than just good advice. For example, take some of the best selling Christian books -- there is a lot of "good advice" in them about relationships, child-rearing, and finances. But if you removed Jesus from the text -- would the book even change? I would encourage each of you to be on guard against preachers, churches, or authors who give only a feel-good type of advice. If you can take Jesus out of a sermon then you are pretty much wasting your time listening.
The "Gospel of God" is good news -- in fact, it's a story of the Father's unending love for you and me. But it's not all warm and cuddly as some would have us think. Love also involves responsibility, discipline, and consequence which sometimes is not pleasant. Many people don't want to hear the whole story
Comments