Has the Gospel changed to simply helping people?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: When I was a child and went to church I can remember the preacher talking about things we should not do as Christians. I don't hear that anymore. I hear more about feeding the poor. Has the Gospel changed to simply helping people? -- S.G.
A: Advertisers know that we are more likely to buy a product if they can convince us that everyone else uses it. They want us to think, "If everyone else says it's good, then it must be!"
Satan hopes that people will believe something called a "social gospel" (helping others). He knows that "doing good things" will not save souls. There is no such thing as a "social gospel"; it is a misnomer. There is only one Gospel. "If anyone preaches any other gospel ... let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:9).
The Gospel did not come into existence because men believed it ... the Gospel came by the power of God who gives us faith to believe. Belief in God's Word -- His Gospel -- is a gift from Heaven. It is a "giving" Gospel. It gives us instruction on what to do and what not to do. The Bible is our instruction book and we prove our disobedience (sin) when we deliberately turn from its truth.
The Gospel shows us our wounds and bestows on us love. It shows us our bondage and supplies the hammer to knock away false claims. It shows us our nakedness and provides us the garments of purity. It shows us our poverty and pours into our lives the wealth of Heaven. It shows us our sin and points us to the Savior.
It takes boldness and faith to choose the truth no matter how narrow it may seem, but faith in Christ opens up our minds and lives to more abundant living. Don't miss such a journey.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
(c)2019 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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