The Original Gospel

The Message of Our LORD and His Apostles

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:2-3

WE grossly misrepresent Christ when we present a gospel that is not according to that which we read on the pages of the 27-book New Testament Scriptures. An imbalance – over emphasizing and neglecting – is a misrepresentation of Christ! (Proverbs 11:1) Presenting an imbalance is perpetrating a false gospel!

Regrettably, most pastors today are not presenting the original Gospel in its organic context but rather “another gospel” which is a false gospel (2 Corinthians 11:2-5; Galatians 1:6-9).

According to God’s Word, Christians are to give to ministries, “that there may be meat (Biblical substance) in mine house”, not a watered-down version of the “gospel” (Mal. 3:10). At the expense of divine truth, many of our leaders endeavor to become a ‘hit’ with the crowds, while being disobedient to God and His holy calling to oversee the saints by continually declaring the original Gospel. Are we in the entertainment business, or like Noah, genuine “preachers of righteousness”? (2 Pet. 2:5) The God-fearing, who are hungry for more and more of the LORD (Matt. 5:6), do not come to corporate gatherings to be entertained, but rather to be convicted, rebuked, edified, filled, and washed by God’s Word. Yet, many times they leave empty and disappointed for the lack of Biblical substance. (John 17:17; 1 Pet. 2:2; Eph. 5:26)

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:” Amos 8:11

The LORD’s command to every person who administers the Gospel is: “PREACH THE WORD; be instant in season, out of season…” (2 Timothy 4:2)

How committed, unswerving and faithful are you to the original Gospel the LORD has given you us – “once delivered to the saints”? (Jude 3)

How deep does it run inside you?

“When John Huss was about to be burned to death, they asked him to give up his teachings. Huss answered, ‘What I have taught with my lips, I now seal with my blood.’ That is courage.”~ George Sweeting

“Pillar and Ground of the Truth”

“The Bible is a revelation of the mind and will and character and being of an infinitely great, perfectly wise and absolutely holy God.” ~ R.A. Torrey

God’s people, called the Church and the Body of Christ, are divinely ordained to be the wellspring agency whereby God dispenses His truth in the earth to make Him known.

“…the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15

“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained (“good doctrine” is something to “attain to.”)” 1 Timothy 4:6

The LORD gave us the holy Scriptures to establish His truth in our hearts, to build and nourish our relationship with Him, and to discern the whiles of the devil, who would otherwise lead us astray (Ezekiel 44:23; John 5:39;20:31; Acts 20:28-32; 2 Corinthians 2:11; 2 Timothy 3:12-4:5; 1 Peter 5:8).

“But we have this treasure (the Gospel of Jesus Christ, revealed in the written Word) in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets (Old Testament and New Testament writings), Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” Ephesians 2:19-20

“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? Psalm 11:3

We can clearly conclude from the previous verses that the absence of the Scriptures causes the absence of God’s foundation. One major method of discerning a true or false leader/fellowship is not only what they do teach, but also what they do not teach. There are too many deceivers who purposely withhold essential biblical truths/Scripture texts in order to manipulate the minds of those who sit under their teachings. (Rom. 16:17-18) What you do not know could kill you spiritually (Hosea 4:6).

WHEN someone, anyone, including myself, chooses to teach something other than the Word of God, they’ve made a deliberate, un-sanctioned decision/choice to do so and are 100% guilty! We must “Teach no other doctrine” lest we be “accursed.” (1 Timothy 1:3; Galatians 1:6-9; Titus 2:1)

WHAT’s God’s Word tell us about those who preach ANY other gospel than the original Gospel?

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7  Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-9

Sound Doctrine is Essential!

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 1 Timothy 4:16

With personal “success” and the fear of man at heart, many are willing to sacrifice the “sound doctrine” God has commanded them to declare. (2 Tim. 1:13; 4:2-3; Tit. 2:1, 8) Most American church leaders purposely avoid controversial, yet Biblical truths, which would alienate some. Their hearts are set on winning friends and influencing people and building a large church, instead of pleasing the God to whom they give lip service. They are in the ministry to build their own kingdom instead of Christ’s (Philippians 3:17-20).

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth…” Joshua 1:8

In this chapter, we are dealing with this original Gospel of Jesus Christ in a general format, but in an upcoming volume we will discuss some of the forgotten teachings of the Bible, in which our neglect in tending to them is costing the saints of God more than this writer could possibly articulate.

“Every word of God is pure.” Proverbs 30:5

Make no mistake: We are not following Jesus Christ if we have exchanged His words for smooth and convenient doctrines that pander to the fleshly desires of sinful men and convey the image of a false god (Mark 8:38; 2 Tim. 4:2-5). This is the work of deceivers. Jesus warned:

“WHOSOEVER therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38

Note the word “whosoever.” Jesus’ warning here applies to all. The preaching of God’s pure Word must be preserved. We must never exchange His ordained words for any other words, which add up to another message, “another gospel” (Gal. 1:6-9). God commanded “…speak…all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word.” (Jer. 26:2)

The punishment for taking away from (diminishing) or adding to God’s Words will be eternal damnation for those who choose such (Deut. 4:2; Prov. 30:6; Rev. 22:18-19).

“Sound Doctrine”

One mark of a true servant of God is that he will cause God’s people to understand His message/Word (Jer. 23:22). The genuine leader refuses to disciple people unto himself. He seeks to set the focus of those he is privileged to serve upon the Lord Almighty (Jn. 7:18; 2 Cor. 4:5).

We are called to be faithful to God and simply “preach the word,” just as it is written, just as He originally gave it to us. (2 Tim. 4:2; Jude 3)

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there were certain men crept in unawares (secretly), who were of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness (license for sin), and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 3-4

Note the divinely-inspired phrase, “The faith which was once delivered to the saints.”

What I am calling ‘The Original Gospel’ is “The faith which was once delivered to the saints” which contains a set of foundational doctrines and is to be diligently contended for by all those who love Him. This faith was divinely ordained to be transmitted via words – God’s Words (Rom. 10:17; 1 Pet. 1:23; James 1:18.) It is the divinely-breathed books, which make up the canon of Holy Scripture.

Let’s consider what God instructed His prophet Ezekiel to do:

“…eat (devour) this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll. And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll (Word) that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness. And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.” Ezekiel 3:1-4 

“But speak thou the things that become sound doctrine.” Titus 2:1

Why would anyone claiming to be a Bible-believing instructor want to deny and mislead others by withholding such vital data contained in the Word of the One they claim to be serving? Should not pulpits and Bible studies across this nation be led exclusively by men who are filled with God’s words flowing like a river from their mouths?

Does not real and authentic revival await such?

As the unchanging God we serve instructed His servant Ezekiel, so He instructs us today to “speak with my words unto them.” (Ezek. 3:4)

Different Words = A Different Gospel

“Shall mortal man be more just than God? Shall a man be more pure than his maker?” Job 4:17

Perhaps we use our own words instead of God’s because we clearly do not fear Him. Could it be that we simply know not the One from whence we came and therefore do not genuinely honor Him in our hearts?

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles (written Word) of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11

The man who is true to God will allow God to speak for Himself by simply quoting “the oracles of God.” 

Like deceivers of old, many today vainly suppose that they are wiser than their very Maker. They plainly demonstrate such brazen arrogance by using their own crafted words and those of others, to construct the image of a false god in the hearts of their hearers. Is this not exactly why biblical Christianity is becoming a rare commodity?

There has never been a day in which we need to hear the pure words of the LORD.  The sources and supply of religious communications more abundant than in any other time in history, yet never has there been such an onslaught of false teaching and teachers, parading as true. This is why we must obey the LORD’s command to “Speak with my words unto them.” (Ezekiel 3:4)

“Preach the word.” 2 Timothy 4:2

If we don’t personally and thoroughly know God’s Word – which reveals the original Gospel – how can we possibly see the false modern gospel for what it is?

Replacement theology, which exchanges biblical words for neutered, sterile, and modern acceptable words, is the message of the false teachers and prophets of this last hour! They have learned a whole system of pleasing men. Be not deceived, these people are in our pulpits and write the books so many are reading. For example, the Bible calls men who have a sexual relationship with other men, “sodomites.” We seldom hear that word anymore except when we ourselves speak it. It has been replaced by terms that don’t reflect divinely ordained condemnation for this wickedness. Instead of “sodomy” and “sodomite,” we now use the words “gay” and “homosexual.” I do not want to partake of this dissimulation, which is a sin (Isa. 5:20-24). Do you? When speaking from the pulpit, instead of using the biblical word “Hell,” many now use the term “Christless eternity,” which never appears in Scripture. So, we are wiser than God, right?

“Ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.” Jeremiah 23:36

The Holy Spirit uses the divinely-breathed words He gave us in the holy Scriptures to etch the image of the one true God on the canvass of our hearts and in the hearts of all those who hear them. When we give undue attention to the words of mere men, we dilute or pervert His holy image. The words of the LORD are building blocks which construct His holy image in the hearts of His people. If we overly use the words and whims of mere men to preach another gospel, we erect the image of a false Christ, another Jesus, which is motivated by another spirit.

How many verbatim scriptures have you heard quoted from the pulpit you sit under?

“For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted…For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

“Manifestation of the Truth”

Here God tells us that those who preach “another Jesus” by “another spirit” and “another gospel” are “false apostles” and “deceitful workers.” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

These replacement theology deceivers, who are so arrogant in heart as to believe that they can exchange and manipulate the words of the Almighty, are in our midst, even within the Church world (Acts 20:28-32).

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the Churches.” Revelation 2:7

May God grant deep, true repentance and have mercy upon us for teaching a gospel that has not been crafted with His divinely-breathed words.

“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not. But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation (uncovering) of the truth commending (representing) ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:2

The Recorded “Vision”

So that you and I had His Word in tangible form, the LORD instructed His apostles and prophets of old to “Write the vision…” (Hab. 2:2).

One purpose of the written Word is surety and safety. Divine wisdom foreknew that the human heart is deceitful and therefore not reliable in determining divine truth (Jer. 17:9). God and His Word are constant – unchanging (Mal. 3:6; Isa. 40:8; Mk. 13:31). The words of the LORD never fail to provide those who search them with exactly what they need (2 Pet. 1:3-4; Ps. 119:89; Mk.13:31). The Holy Bible is literally the words of God written. In the holy “Scripture(s),” we possess “a more sure word,” and have not been left to depend upon “any private interpretation” from ourselves or mere men and their systems of religious philosophy. Many times the doctrines of men are designed and utilized to serve their own lusts and not the LORD (2 Pet. 1:19-21).

“O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” Psalms 119:97

The magnitude of the blessing of owning a Bible is unspeakable and without sufficient words to begin to describe.

“How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalms 119:103

From the beginning, God sovereignly chose to utilize WORDS to convey His message to mankind. In fact, He condemned the use of statues or images to convey His nature and ways to His creation (Ex. 20:3-4; Deut 4). How could fallen and finite men possibly portray holy, infinite deity with the feeble works of their own mortal hands?

Words are the vehicle chosen by God to communicate His truth to us. He had Moses record WORDS. God even recorded some Himself. He instructed the prophet Habakkuk to “Write the vision…” (Hab. 2:2)

Some seek to disconnect God from His own words because they would rather concoct a “god” in the image that best fits their lifestyle so that they don’t have to change (repent). In contrast, the Heaven-bound disciple of Christ humbles himself and allows the Almighty to introduce Himself and then transmit to his heart who He is IN HIS OWN WORDS – the Bible.

Any person who looks to men, religion, Hollywood or any other source outside of God’s Word for their view or perspective of Him is devoid of divine wisdom concerning the ordained method of transmitting the image of the Holy One.

Do You Have A First or Second-Hand Knowledge of God?

Friend, do you have a first or second-hand knowledge of the LORD?

Jesus instructed us to have a first-hand knowledge of Him, in fact, this is why He came (Jn. 17:3). The Son of God charged us to “Search the scriptures” because He instructed that “they (the Scriptures) are they which testify of me.” (Jn. 5:39)

Beloved, do you personally possess a hunger for God’s Words so that you can know His truth for yourself? God’s prophet Jeremiah did.

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16

The rich blessings that flow continually in the lives of those who daily search the Scriptures are unfathomable and abundant (Psalms 119; Acts 17:11, etc.). When we eat the words of God, that is, ingest them into our hearts, they produce great joy and rejoicing in us.

“he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.” Proverbs 15:15 

Beloved, it is critical that we use the Word as the standard by which all doctrine and ministries are measured, first upon our own lives, then out from there, as we remain on the narrow road which leads to eternal life (Heb. 5:11-14).

“By reason of use” of the Word of God, we are to be have our “senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

“Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:11-14

There are unfortunately many who circulate within Christendom who make up their own rules. They do not walk according as the LORD has laid out in His Word. This is the manifestation of lawlessness – a cross-less life (Philippians 3:18-19). I am talking about those who claim to have gifts from God and do not bother with His Word, so are dangerous loose cannons and capable of bringing great harm (John 8:47; Psalms 119:104-105; 128). Many of these very men are household names in Christendom.

Are you personally being rooted and grounded in the original Gospel or are you being misled by the many wolves in sheep’s clothing Jesus and His holy apostles often warned us to “Beware of”? (Matthew 7:15; 24:11, 24; Colossians 2:4, 8; 2 Peter 3:17; Jude 3-4; 1 John 4:1)

One has no right operating in a so-called gift if he has not honored the One he claims gave the gift enough to study and know His Word.

Study closely and prayerfully the above text – Hebrews 5:11-14. Among many important things this passage conveys, the knowledge and use of the holy Scriptures to “discern bothgood and evil” is perhaps at the top of the list. Those who are not personally in the Word and using the Scriptures as the grid by which all is measured, simply cannot possess a deep level of discernment from the LORD. If someone claims to have a good degree of discernment and isn’t in the Word, this person is ‘flying by the seat of their pants’ and is like the man who “boasteth himself of a false gift” yet is “like clouds and wind without rain (void of substance).” (Prov. 25:14)

Beware of those who tout their gifts or office and yet are not rich in the Scriptures (1 Cor. 4:7). The person who is not rich in the eternal divine oracles, has no real spiritual substance and cannot possibly discern according to the LORD because he has not tended to the learning and daily obedience of the words of God. He has not counted the LORD important enough to study to show himself approved unto God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and able (through studying and walking in the Word) to rightly divide the Word of God (2 Tim. 2:15).

The believers at Berea “searched the scriptures daily” and were therefore blessed with divine nourishment in their hearts and divinely granted discernment (Acts 17:10-11; Rev. 3:18). Jesus is coming and surely He is instructing all who call Him LORD this way: “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine…” (1 Tim. 4:13)

Could it be that Jesus is saying, “I am coming soon, give attendance to Me, Come unto Me in authentic prayer communion, search My words and learn of Me, and you will find rest and the richest of My blessings? I love you.”

“Christianity in a Box” or from the Bible?

As good students of the higher learning institutions of today’s apostate church world, many leaders read the fancily packaged books, commentaries, and writings of other men. The words and wisdom of mere men is what they have chosen to espouse. Many of these predators in our pulpits are engrossed in the latest fad writings and get their learning from these limited and subjective sources, instead of God’s Oracles, which He has magnified above even His name (Ps. 138:2; 1 Pet. 1:16-21). This is exactly the reason that there is so little substance or depth in the majority of leaders and their messages today. Instead of substance directly from the divine Source, we get the modern “lite” type of canned “Christianity” or “Christianity in a box” – a strand of “Christianity” filtered through and contaminated by several faulty vessels, instead of the pure and holy Gospel once given to the saints of all ages. The original Gospel of Christ was given us from God so we could know the Him intimately and personally for ourselves and not be relegated to the ideas and impurities of sinful men.

“The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” Psalms 12:6-7

If we were going to get our knowledge of the Almighty through men, would we not be infinitely benefited by looking to the men who truly had a walk with the LORD, like Andrew Murray, George Muller, Charles Spurgeon, Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley, etc.  Even these men have no authority without the LORD Himself and His apostles who fill the pages of holy Scripture.

In former days, there was a deeper appreciation and diligent attendance upon knowing the LORD personally and finding all understanding directly from His holy Word, whereas today, men are being prepared by the thousands through a shallow, unsubstantial curriculum and sent forth into our pulpits.

Because they depend so heavily upon the works of other men, instead of personal and daily Bible study, many minister out of a weak spiritual state. They aren’t hearing the voice of the One they claim to serve for themselves nor receiving a continual stream of His precious nourishment in their heart which can only come from a deep, rich study of His Word.

King David made God’s Word his delight:

“Thy law is my delight.” Psalms 119:77

When you break it all down, one might just find that we have unwittingly resorted back to the dark ages model of institutionalized religion, where the individual is said to be ignorant and unable to know and understand His Maker for himself, so he is obliged to get his religion from the robe-wearing priest. Have we not come full circle in returning to the state of vicariously experiencing God through other men? Is this in lieu of appropriating what Christ died to grant us – rich personal communion with Himself and our heavenly Father, through the new and living way procured by His very blood, which was shed for many for the remission of our sins? (Matt. 26:28; Heb. 10:15-22)

Secondhand Seminarian Sacrilege

If you will simply observe the seminarian’s books, you will notice that the Bible is only one of many he is studying. In fact, most of the time, it is one of the many books written by human authors he will be required to study and learn so as to pass an upcoming test. Why then would it be a mystery that such lack of substance is found in our pulpits?

This teaches men unbelief. It trains the seminarian to read what other men have said about God’s own words. It teaches Him that he cannot learn God’s Word for himself, but must entertain the ideas of other men about the text and topic at hand. So, once the preacher has finished his sermonette, the Word of God doesn’t mean what it really says. This menacing process is teaching men to not take God’s Word at face value where ever possible. In fact, could this not be discouraging people from reading their Bibles unless in the presence of the pastor who is “qualified” to tell them what it really means?

Because the written Word and the Holy Spirit, who is the divine Teacher, the pupil can surpass his instructor:

“I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.” Psalms 119:99-100

A telling fact: Far too many of our leaders can be found preparing messages from second-hand sources (writings of mere men). I believe it has been rightly stated by godly men, that as a rule of thumb, believers should study God’s holy Word at least two-thirds of the total time of their study. In other words, at least two-thirds of study time should be spent directly in the Scriptures.

“Study to show thyself approved unto God…And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17

Nothing could be so rewarding to the heart of the believer than to be given insights directly through their relationship with and study of the LORD from His Source – the holy Scriptures. Perhaps the man after God’s own heart discovered this blessing when peering into the treasure chest of our LORD’s Word:

“I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.” Psalm 119:162

Christ told us His words are spirit and they are life and that the entrance of His words give light (Jn. 6:63; Ps. 119:130).

In reality, all believers, including leaders, are called by God to have a personal and ongoing revelation of Him through His written Word as illuminated by the divine Person of the Holy Spirit. The LORD told us He was sending the Holy Spirit to live inside of each of us to teach and lead us into all truth (Jn. 14:26; 16:13).

The LORD’s wisdom and instruction to leaders is to write down and be utterly engrossed in His Word (Deut. 17:18-20). Men have gone down to Egypt (the world) for help instead of searching out the perfect and eternal words of God which reveal the risen Messiah. Because of this, many have an impartial and distorted image of the Most High. What is transpiring in the Church world today could be greatly altered by men who dedicated themselves to the study of God’s Word and put aside the books of other authors. Seeking the Author of all life in the holy Scriptures and in prayer communion is essential to knowing His truth and fulfilling it (Ps. 27,4,8).

“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” 1 John 2:27

Biblical illiteracy has left a vast vacuum. In the wake of the gross absence of personal revelation from God’s Word and the Holy Spirit, many today, including leaders, focus on books and movie productions as the defining factors of their faith. Instead of the perfect and eternal words of God, which reveal the historic and living Messiah, many have false and impartial images of who He is. The sin of neglecting His words as the only source to establish who He is, His nature, attributes and will for mankind is unfortunately, prevalent. Beloved, no production, regardless of the format or human author, is to be considered on the level of the divinely inspired Scriptures, given us by the Most High (Prov. 21:30). The true believe gains his image of the Almighty exclusively through the words of the Almighty.

“There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against (above; higher than) the LORD.” Proverbs 21:30

If we want to see a picture of Jesus, we read His Word. Why would we scamper to see Hollywood’s depiction of our LORD when He has given us His Word for this express purpose?

“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” John 20:31

Bible learning comes from Bible study. Learning sound doctrine comes no other way. There is no shortcut. Any person who is not willing to diligently search out divine truth is not going to be able to experience the victory Christ died to give (Hos. 4:6). Those who love the LORD should make it their occupation to unearth the treasure of His divine truth. According to the Son of God, the person who doesn’t search the scriptures will “err, not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God” (Matt. 22:29) Perhaps the person who doesn’t search the Scriptures is in pursuit “of the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things” (Mk. 4:17-19). Our LORD told us that when we pursue worldly things, they “entering in, choke the word.”

Those who are overly engrossed in the writings of mere men possess an inferior second-hand knowledge of the LORD. In contrast, those who spend time searching and pouring over the Scriptures, possess the first-hand intimate knowledge, wisdom, and understanding that is transmitted directly to their hearts from divine origin. In departing from the Word of God, many have forfeited the direct blessings associated with seeking the LORD’s face through the Holy Spirit and His Scriptures.

“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

“The Word of Christ”

We must begin to commune with, eat up, and devour the treasures of His Word –“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Col. 3:16).

To cite just one example of how Scriptural truth has been insidiously removed from our midst, David Wilkerson writes:

• “Tragically…many preachers today have done away with God’s severity. They speak only of his goodness and love, never mentioning any penalty for sin, in effect they remove the fear of God from believers’ hearts, and take away one of the strongest motivations to holiness. Yet God’s word says in no uncertain terms: “…fear the Lord, and depart from evil”
• (Proverbs 3:7). “…by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil”
• (16:6). Paul had this fear in mind when he instructed Timothy, “Preach the word… reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine”
• (2 Timothy 4:2). Paul said this kind of preaching was “sound doctrine” – meaning, a healthy, life-giving gospel.”

“Hold fast the form of sound words…” 2 Timothy 1:13

“But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay,nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” Matthew 5:37

God is calling those leaders who will please Him to sever themselves decisively from all the foolishness that has no eternal significance. He is calling us as His disciples to rid our hearts, minds and vocabularies of the foolish and excessive jargon that does not communicate His truth in the way He ordained – through His own Words. We must get rid of the spiritually spineless psychological terminology that patronizes and pathologizes sin and begin to call sin what it is – by name – starting with our own sinfulness (1 Cor. 11:31-32). This means that we must resign and relinguish our own words and let His words be “fitted in thy lips” (see Prov. 22:17-21). We should begin to commune with, eat up, and devour His oracles as never before – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” (Col. 3:16)

“I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” Psalms 138:2

Now, it is time to start afresh to “Feed the sheep of God” as “Good stewards of the manifold grace of God” while we earnestly “wait for his Son from heaven” (Acts 20:28-32; 1 Pet. 4:10; 1 Thess. 1:10). Now is the time to return to the original words that God ordained to convey His glorious Gospel that makes captives free. These divinely ordained words will produce His perfect fruit in ourselves and others. His words will produce His image in our hearts, otherwise if we alter His words, we will have in us the image of a false god!

“Feed the Church” Acts 20:28

The God-fearing are to do nothing to further the cause of that which God condemns (Is. 5:20-24; Prov. 17:15, 24:24; Mal. 2:17; Eph. 5:11). As a believer, it is against my conscious choice, because of biblical conviction, to put God’s resources into the hands of a ministry or group of leaders who are not obeying the New Testament pattern – “to FEED the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). It is also against my constitution to put money into the coffers of those who preach a selective gospel where they pick and choose doctrines instead of endeavoring to declare the whole of divine counsel revealed in God’s Word. If a so-called “ministry” is not diligently and relentlessly feeding the LORD’s people with the pure written Word of God, then they should be rejected (1 Tim. 6:3-5). Anyone who doesn’t demonstrate their love for the LORD by placing the holy Scriptures as final authority in their ministry, is leading people astray and it is my opinion that they should not be financially funded by the remnant of God’s people.

“PREACH THE WORD; be instant in season, out of season…” 2 Timothy 4:2

God Has Placed His Word Above:

1) His name (Ps. 138:2)
2) His own audible voice (2 Pet. 1:16-21)
3) Men, preachers and all earthly leaders
(Rom. 3:3-4)
4) Heavenly angels (Gal. 1:8)

PRAYER: LORD Jesus, please cause my heart to be faithful to Your perfect ways, recorded on the pages of holy Writ, Your Word. Burn out and cut away all doctrine of men and devils that doesn’t align with Your everlasting and perfect truth and please help me to communicate clearly, using Your words, the full Gospel You have given to the whole world. Grant us Your grace and teach us Your ways as we look for Your soon return. Heavenly Father, thank You for each and every blessing You have bestowed upon my life, beginning with the precious blood of Jesus Christ Your only begotten Son. Amen.

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Christ’s Great Commission is Central to the Original Gospel [podcast]

The Gospel Centers Upon Christ’s Blood