Does YOUR Church preach the GOSPEL?

 

I love our MEN'S DISCIPLESHIP GROUP on Monday Nights. It has grown to 9 and the discussion between these men is amazing. It is convicting, it is uplifting, and it is sincere. At the beginning last night a question was asked to one of the men, "Does your church preach the gospel?" I kind of took the question lightly because the answer is OBVIOUSLY, YES. A couple of others were saying that is not a guarantee. While I agree there are some churches that do NOT preach the Gospel, I also defend the UNIVERSAL Church. I believe there are many more that DO PREACH the Gospel than do NOT. 

I STAND BY THAT STATEMENT. 

But, can I express a little openness and honesty here? 

I completely understand why some pastors do NOT PREACH the entire Gospel. JUST because I understand it, does not mean I agree with it. I understand the thoughts that go into holding back, even if I would never do it. 

Let me give you a case in point. 

Several weeks ago, I preached on the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. I shared a part of the GOSPEL message that many pastors avoid and I understand why. On that Sunday there was a young unmarried couple in attendance. They had been there a few times and had expressed some interest in getting more involved. My message that day was pretty clear and bold about the stance of our church and the BIBLICAL VIEW of homosexuality. I was very clear what scripture says. I came to find out later, one of the family members of this couple is a lesbian. They have not been back. 

If I would have avoided that message, they may still be coming and growing in their relationship with JESUS CHRIST. BUT, I would not AVOID that message, even though the impact could be eternal. I preach what God lays on myheart. I can do no less. I pray at some point this couple will find a BIBLE BELIEVING CHURCH that preaches the FULL GOSPEL message and not a watered down version. I pray they will be convicted by the Holy Spirit and I pray they will start that walk with Jesus that always leads to the truth. 

I understand why pastors think about not sharing the entire message. They might avoid the tough topics because of people like this couple. They are just praying their hearts will change. Yet, God has called us to SHARE THE FULL GOSPEL message, even if it hurts. I will continue to do that and I will pray this couple and anyone else offended by that message will still come to a saving relationship with JESUS. 

"'Should I hide my plan from Abraham?' the Lord asked. 'For Abraham will certainly become a mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him. I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the lord by doing what is right and just. Then I will do for Abraham all that I have promised." (Genesis 18:17-18, NLT)

God has revealed his message to me and I will share it, ALL OF IT. As Pastors, leaders in the church, and DISCIPLE MAKERS, we must share the ENTIRE GOSPEL MESSAGE even when it hurts. To hide the difficult parts may keep some away, but we do not wanting them professing faith in a FALSE GOSPEL or at the very least, an INCOMPLETE GOSPEL. I urge pastors to stick to the full Gospel message. God will work in the hearts of those who struggle with this commitment to truth. I trust him and know he is like each of us in that he wants no one to perish. I will keep preaching the entire story God has shared with us. 

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the complete Gospel message. Bits and pieces do not tell the entire story. I praise you, Lord, that you have given me the opportunity to share your word and I also thank you for the boldness to share it all. I pray for those not YET ready to hear the entire message. Open their hearts, Lord. Open their eyes to see you and the wonderful message of salvation. Amen!

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"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10, ESV)

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