We live in a society filled with an avoidance gospel. A gospel that is not the good news as a result of learning that my sin is sending me into Hell, and that Jesus took on my sin debt so that the wrath of God could be removed from my life.
The false prophets of our day think that making people feel good, or better about themselves is what improves their lives, as if that is what the gospel is about.
The gospel is about what it cost God to cure the disease of sin in man.
Our generations more popular preachers are literally putting band aids on life threatening, gaping wounds, and thinking they are doing people some sort of good!
Peace, peace they say! Sin is too harsh a word, they say. It’s not mine to judge they cry. I just want to help people feel better about themselves they proclaim.
Well we can give a cancer victim more morphine to ease their momentary pain, but it will not rid them of the very disease that is taking their life away.
Listen to what Jesus says, (Message)
Matthew 7:13 "Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. 14 The way to life—to God!—is
vigorous and requires total attention. 15 ¶ "Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don’t be impressed with charisma; look for character. 16 Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned.
What would you think about a doctor, who had a patient dying with cancer and only days to live, and he smiled and told that patient, “there is a small issue in your body that is hindering your better health now. I know it is just a small issue, but wouldn’t you like to have your better health now?”
Peace, peace! Band aids for life threatening gashes! Where is the awareness of death, of life, of eternity?
When was the last time you heard a message from a TV preacher that even mentioned hell in it?
Jesus thought this subject was so important that it was one of his most mentioned truths.
Eternal life and eternal damnation are important issues needing to be addressed in our time just as they were in any other.
About The Author
- Tim Atchley
- Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
- I currently serve as Senior Pastor of Harvest Church in Knoxville, Tn. I was sent out from Trinity Chapel of Knoxville in 1993 accompanied by my wife Sheila our four children Sarah, Hannah, Josiah & Isaac and a handful of bold, brave and committed believers determined to plant our first church. Pioneering is hard work but well worth the journey. That is why we desire to make disciples of Christ who will, like us, also embrace the call to plant churches.
