In Matthew 24:4-24, Jesus says, “…take heed that no man deceive you.” If you have heard that even the elect of God will be deceived, that’s not true. Jesus says that’s not possible (Matthew 24, v.24). Pastors who preach the Gospel every week and believers who desire to tell friends about Jesus Christ often tire of hearing the Gospel in the ‘same old way.’ Preachers often get the idea that to make the Gospel more interesting or exciting they must create new categories, new forms of language, new images that better reflect what’s happening in the world.
Jesus prophesied that false prophets and false religious movements would use His name, and even confess faith in His name—but would be serving a different Jesus. The Jesus of the Bible, the risen Lord, who is presently at the right hand of the Father, would be totally repulsed by the worldly hype, the godless singers, and all the fanfare that is the heart of today’s church world.
The new Jesus makes people wealthy, famous, and provides an extravagant lifestyle. The crucified Jesus said unto his disciples, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me (Matthew 16:24).
The Gospel is not about the preacher, or the teacher. The Gospel is solely about Jesus Christ and His crucifixion. “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven,” Mathew 7:21-23.
Millions today are being deceived. The word of God alone is our safety net. Every believer has the responsibility to warn other souls of this darkness and to help those willing to listen. Just because a preacher is smooth, soft, and is kind to you does not prove a thing. Is he preaching the ‘new Jesus,’ or is he preaching the old-time truth that saves? When the truth of God’s word is heard, lives are changed.
My weekly prayer is that the reader of this commentary becomes spiritually inspired of God. Contact Expressions of Faith at P.O. Box 330127, Nashville, Tenn. 37203; or e-mail <watsonwr68@gmail.com>. God bless!
