Passage: Romans 1:1e
...the gospel of God...
Devotion:
In the NIV (New International Version), the word
"gospel" has been translated from the Greek word
"euaggelion" (which is where we get our word "evangelism"),
and actually means "good message" or "good news".
When I was a boy, evangelists weren't known for sharing
"good news", instead the message had to do more with consequences. In
other words, we were all going to "burn in hell" if we didn't believe,
and follow Jesus. To be honest it was a rather frightening message. As a result
a whole generation of young people threw it out. They refused to believe in or worship
a God who only wanted to punish them for wrongdoing.
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 70's 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 feel good type of advice. If you can take Jesus out of a
sermon then you are pretty much wasting your time listening.
Questions to Ponder:
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. Do you listen to the whole message or just the parts
that make you feel good? What aspects of the Gospel make you feel
uncomfortable? What is the Lord speaking to you about now? Should you listen?
