The Gospel is offensive. As a mater fact, Jesus is referred in Scripture as “…the rock of offence.” (I Peter 2:8). We live in a world where there are no absolutes, where everybody is able to be whatever they want to be regardless of the truth. We live in a world where a man can say that he is a woman and a woman can say that she is a man and if we dare to point out to what, up to a few years ago, was obvious, we will be accused of intolerant, racist, haters and the list goes on and on.
The gospel establishes that, without Christ, we are destined to hell, that we are sinners and that we need a Saviour. On top of that, the Gospel establishes that only Jesus has the power to save (Acts 4:11). These Biblical truths are establishing, very clearly, that something is wrong with us, that we need some serious help and, that there is only one remedy for our problem. Jesus declared in John 14:6, “…I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (NIV) Today, these words are considered fighting words for sure. The world hates the message of the Gospel.
In its simplest form the word Gospel means “good news.” This good news is in direct contrast with bad news. The bad news is that no human being in his/her own power or merit is able to enter into God’s Kingdom. The good news is that through Christ and, Christ alone, we will be able to enjoy eternal life with God. By the miracle of grace and through the power of faith given by God (Ephesians 2:8-9), we then are given the ability to repent of our sins, believe in the testimony of Christ, His birth, life, death and resurrection and be saved from hell. Our confession then, becomes the reflection of what God has already done in our hearts (Romans 10:9-10).
The good news does not stop there; there is a promise of deliverance, there is a promise of redemption and there is a promise of restitution. The good news is that Christ’s blood did not only cleanse us from our sins and transgressions, but it is powerful enough to blot-out our iniquities and deliver us from curses. The good news is that God has a plan for us, not just a plan, but an excellent one. The good news is every promise and every blessing the Word of God has for us.
The problem is that, in the name of not offending, we compromised. We have created this illusion that by just showing up we are ministering the gospel. That we can communicate the gospel without telling the story of the gospel; that we can create programs, ministries and, if we just give people free stuff and are nice to them, we have done out job. We avoid, at all cost, giving to people what people really need, the TRUTH. That truth may cost us persecution, that truth may cost us some friends, a job, a promotion or even our own lives, so it becomes easier to compromised. In that process we become adulterous by becoming friends of the world. In doing so, we become enemies of God (James 4:4).
Now, let’s face it, it is vital that we maintain a good testimony before unbelievers[1]. After all, we are in this world with them[2]. Nevertheless, we are told, specifically not to partake of their wickedness[3], to get out of the secular system[4]and to not be conformed to the pattern of this world[5]. It is impossible to minister the gospel while partaking of their wickedness. Impossible! So I leave you with these words,
14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:14-15 (NIV)
