By: Sunday Eyanrin (Evangelist)
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INTRODUCTION
Our topic for discussion today is born out of the fall of man from the grace of God in the paradise garden of Eden through disobedience. But God demonstrates His own love for man, (Rom. 5:8), and God’s eternal plan for the redemption of the entire human race came through our Lord Jesus Christ. In Hebrews.2:1 – 4, Apostle Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit Warned.
Therefore, we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? NKJV
THE WORLD
A careful historical analysis shows that the world events are changing fast. The world economy is changing almost on a daily basis. Governments are changing, Ideas are changing, Technology is changing, Seasons and times are changing. Truly we are in a changing world.
WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?
The most common response to this question is that the Gospel is “Good News”. This answer is partially right. But partially wrong. “Good News” is the meaning of the New Testament Greek word translated from the English word “GOSPEL”. What then is Good News? Jesus is the Good News (Which is the Gospel). Brethren, most people do not understand the word “Gospel” as an historical event that took place about some two thousand years ago.
Brethren, the Gospel is actually an event that happened in history. For Example, in a newspaper, many events are reported. Each particular event occurred before it was published by the Newspaper. A reporter either personally experienced a particular Event or Interviewed an eyewitness that had personally experienced the event. From the testimony of the eyewitness or personal experience, a reporter writes a report about each event that is reported in the Newspaper.
This report is not the event. The event was something that occurred in history and was written in the Newspaper. In like manner also, the Gospel is an event. The New Testament is the Inspired reporter of this event. We live in a world, where most religious people do not understand the simple meaning of the “Gospel”. The Gospel is an event in history that is recorded in the Bible. 1 Cor. 15: 1 – 4, is one of the several Bible passages that explains what this historical event is all about.
Apostle Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to report in verse 1, and he said, more over Brethren, I declare to you the Gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, and in which you stand. These words were written by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. However, they are not the Gospel. In the first two verses of 1 Cor. 15, Apostle Paul dose not explain the Gospel, he only talks about the Gospel. In verses 3 – 4 of 1 Cor. 15, he reported the Gospel event that took place some two thousand years ago Apostle Paul, in his report said, for I declared to you first of all that which I also received; that Christ died for our Sins according to the scriptures, and He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures. Brethren, this is the true Historical event that is called or known as the “GOSPEL”. Jesus actually died on the Cross. He was buried, and He rose from the dead. The Death, Burial, and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ was an historical event that changed the World. This is the “Good News” for which all mankind seek, in order to find a solution for their physical and Spiritual problems on Earth. All those who turn to the “Gospel”, will find solution to reconciliation with God through the Cross of Calvary, by this arrangement of God, the Gospel is the glorious hope of those who seek eternal Salvation.
WARNING FOR PERVERTING THE GOSPEL
Our God, He is Omniscience. He knows the thoughts and imaginations of man, hence, in Galatians 1:6–9, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit Apostle Paul declared. I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed as we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. NKJV
PAUL’S PREDICTIONS OF PERVERTING
THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST –GAL. 1:6 -9
The prediction of Apostle Paul concerning perverting the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to the Galatians was a warning which is manifesting in these last days. Looking at the Christian religious world today, we can testify of so many gospels being preached by various denominational churches. Out of the numerous gospels in the world today, we are going to look at three popular gospels among others.
- THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL
- THE SOCIAL GOSPEL
- THE MIRACULOUS GOSPEL
THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL
The prosperity Gospel is the gospel claiming that God promises Christians a health and financially prosperous life, if only believers are sufficiently faithful to such denominational Church. The prosperity gospel is a false gospel that pervert the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a trap that ensnares the poor and weak and leads them away from the Love of Christ. It is a potential danger, even for those weak Brethren in the Lord’s Church.
The message of prosperity gospel preachers is that, believers who give or sow ‘’ Seed money’’ are sowing a financial blessing that they are guaranteed to reap. Demonstrated personal faith will lead to financial break though, and physical health.
THE SOCIAL GOSPEL
The Social gospel movement emerged among protestant Christian churches Their gospel is to improve the economic, moral, and social conditions of the urban working class. The urban working class is their target. They promise improving the social economic life of those faithful to this faith. The aim of this social gospel preachers is to make merchandise of their followers
(2 Pet. 2:1 – 3). Thereby perverting the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Rom. 16:17 – 18, Apostle Paul declared.
Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
NKJV
THE GOSPEL OF MIRACLE
The gospel of miracle is a specially designed outfit by the Pentecostal churches for the trouble heated, and those who are looking for immediate solutions in their life. These false miraculous workers are changing the grace of God into a license for immorality (Jude 1:4). The aim of these false teachers or pastors is to deceive people. In (Matt. 24:24, the Lord Himself has warned, that, for there will false Christ, and false prophets, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, the chosen ones).
There gospel, is come to Christ Jesus and you will receive anything you want. Such as, success, breakthrough in your business, and miracles. This was what Simon did to deceive the people of Samaria with sorcery in Acts 8:9 – 11. Their powers are of the devil, and not of God. In Matt. 7: 15, Jesus declared.
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves’’.NKJV
THE UNCHANGING GOSPEL OF CHRIST
Despite all effort by man to change the Gospel of our Lord Christ, it remains the only asses way for the salvation of the entire human race. In John 14:6, Jesus declared. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through Me. In John.12:48, Jesus further declared:
“He that rejected me, and received not my words, hath one that judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” NKJV
THE PROCESS FOR ENTERING INTO THE KIGDOM REMAIN THE SAME
- YOU MUST HEAR THE GOSPEL – ROM. 10:17, ACTS 2:37
- YOU MUST BELIEVE THE WORD – ROM. 16:16, ACTS 8:37
- YOU MUST REPENT OF YOUR SINS – LK. 13:1-3, ACTS 17:30
- CONFESS CHRIST AS LORD – ROM. 10:9-10, PHIL. 2:11
- BE BAPTIZED FOR THE remission OF SINS – MATT. 28:18-20, ACTS 2:41, JOHN 3:1-5, AND THE LORD ADDS YOU INTO HIS KINGDOM THE CHURCH – ACTS 2:47.
THE CONSEQUENCES FOR THOSE WHO PERVERT THE GOSPEL
In Matt. 7:21- 23, JESUS Declared. Matt. 7:21-23
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ NKJV
- Matt.25:31 – 34, 41 & 46.
- Rev. 21: 8
ARE YOU A VISITOR?
My friend, Is this your first visit of fellowship with the Church of Christ? Today is your day of salvation. Do not delay, come to Him today and you will be saved. No Baptismal fees required, No study of the Bible for months before Baptism. In Mk. 16:15 – 16. Those who believed and are Baptized are saved. We urge you to accept Him today, even now. You are welcome in Jesus Name.
We are CONCLUDING this message with Hymn.668.
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