The bible says in Galatians 2:14
But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel,
There are hundreds of them. They are scattered from your neighborhood, wherever you are, across the globe, the TV and internet. It seems their confusion and false teaching starts with salvation, the deity of Christ and the word of God.
One particular well known pastor was recently quoted as saying, "We don't need to believe in the resurrection of Jesus." How can this man claim to be a mainstream evangelical and believe that? But even more interesting is how so many large churches and youth groups are ga-ga over this guy and invite him in to spread his version of the gospel to them. As a Christian we need to be very discerning of what we read, what we are taught and do the same for our kids and grandkids.
This teacher and his statement is just one example of many out there. His statement is clearly at odds with the bible. He's all right with that; because to him the bible is an outdated book that is no longer relevant. Why are so many evangelicals fooled by this?
These people are teaching another gospel. They are clearly enemies of the real gospel.
Read the rest of Galatians 2. Paul calls out fellow believers for their coddling of the false teachers in the church. The peer pressure and political pressure got to Peter, James and John. They were trying to play both sides. Peter played the hypocrite when he turned his back on the gentiles and went to eat with the Judaizers. If Peter really believed as the Judaizers then he was denying the grace that Jesus taught. Peter knew this when he had sat with the gentiles and ate. Then later he denied the grace and ate within the dietary restrictions with those who believed in circumcision.
For Peter to pretend to be in agreement with the legalists was a denial of salvation by grace. Paul couldn't stand it and clearly stated that no flesh would be justified by the law. No law, no works, no religion, no belief system, no amount of faith in anything, or confidence in the words of a man will stand up before God. Peter, James and John remained teachable and saw their error and extended the right hand of fellowship to Paul Galatians 2:9. The false teachers nearly drove a wedge between these groups and such a wedge would have severely damaged the preaching of the gospel to both gentiles and Jew alike.
Similar false teachers and their false gospels are damaging the real gospel today. If your assurance, salvation and theology comes from a youth pastor, a cartoon, or a video you might be in trouble. If you only know what you pastor taught, you might still be in your sins. You will still be held accountable for your sins even if you are led astray by a false teacher. Open you bible and read. Hold your pastor accountable. Even if it appears he is teaching from the bible you must know and be sure for yourself. If the words he speaks don't agree, run! If the videos in the youth group don't agree with the bible, burn them! Christian brothers and sisters it's time to pay attention to what is going on all around us. There is a spiritual war for your soul and the souls of you kids. Arm yourself!!
We've all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The penalty of Sin is death. You and I deserve death for our sin. That's it. There is no other way to say it, or understand it. We deserve hell. When you realize that, you begin to understand how incredibly awesome it was that Jesus Christ died in your place. In your sins, you were an enemy of God, yet he sent Jesus Christ to pay for all your sins. And when you call out to Him and Trust Him and turn from your sins you get His free gift of eternal life. He took your sins and imputed His righteousness to you. What a great trade. That's grace. Your sin was paid for by His death, and then he overcame death and rose again. That's the gospel. There is no other.
This is not a cheap and quick fix for what ails you. It's not a cheesy prayer and off you go into the world to play. It is a life changing transformation. It's not an accessory to life; something you add like a marker to cover your eternity. It's a way of life. If you really believe Jesus is your Lord, you live like it and act like it. You'll be careful not to dishonor Him. If there is no change in your life, examine yourself. I'm not your judge, you judge yourself ..... but do it before you die and stand before The Judge.
Just thinking
Doug
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