For thought and meditation

[rl69]

I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ.—Galatians 1:6–7 (http://harvest.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4f108f827aed8d503b5fca9fa&id=463462b303&e=3dd732485b)We have all heard good news/bad news jokes. Before we can fully appreciate the good news, we have to know the bad news.

The literal definition of gospel is good news. But part of telling people the good news of the gospel is making them aware of the bad news. That means telling people they are sinners. Of course, people don’t like to hear that. I’m a what? I’m not a sinner! I’m a good person!

We have to define what it means to be a sinner, because the Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/x-apple-data-detectors://5)). Yet there are preachers today who don’t want to tell people they’re sinners. They claim that most people know they’re doing wrong. But do they? I think a lot of people believe everything is fine as long as they try to live a good life.

We have to break the bad news: “I’m sorry to tell you this, friend, but you’re a sinner. You’ve broken God’s commands. You’ve fallen short of His standards, and there is nothing you can do to make this right. But God loved you so much that He sent Jesus to die on the cross for you, and if you will turn from that sin and put your faith in Christ, you can be forgiven.”

The bad news helps us fully appreciate the good news. Anything less than this is a false gospel that will give false assurance. That is why Paul wrote, “I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God. . . . You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all” (Galatians 1:6–7).

We must be careful to preach the real gospel

[Pine Baron]

"You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all".
Boy is this relevant to today. thank you, rl.

[Boaz]

I posted this 2 days ago in 'thought and meditation' , I'll just re post it .

A simple truth many refuse to acknowledge .
GOD offers grace and salvation . Jesus Christ the son of GOD died to pay for that salvation .

Ephesians 2;8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”

Now here's the truth many avoid , struggle against , refuse to hear . If GOD does not know you through your faith you will NOT have salvation ...everlasting life . Trying to live life as a 'good person' is nothing . If you do not know GOD he will not know you . Faith and only through faith in him will he know you .

Matthew 21; 21-23

Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Find GOD , get your name in the Lamb's book of life . When you stand before GOD with the testimonial of your mouth Jesus Christ the son of GOD will pass judgement . The truth .

[Blackwater]

Ah! Now THIS is the MEAT of the scriptures! Many folks are so comfortable with the milk, that they've come to resent the "meat." But it's the meat that brings us closer to God in reality. Christianity was NEVER meant to be "easy." It's always been hard. The early Christians could be executed just for their belief! How "soft" we've come to be these days! But tough times always come, so we might realize the error of our ways. Blessed be the name of the Lord in loving us enough to correct us.