The majority of mainstream Christian leaders these days are emphasizing social events in their communities instead of the clear teaching and preaching of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Although the Bible is very clear about our responsibility to assist and aid the orphans, widows, and poor, this by no means negates our primary responsibility which is to preach the gospel!
The Bible is very clear. The gospel has power to save and change lives (Romans 1:16). We can feed hungry stomachs, educate the illiterate, house the homeless, and treat the diseased, but if we do not address the elephant in the room – their spiritual problem; we are simply ignoring the greatest need they have. How selfish and stupid it is for us to focus on the momentary suffering and ignore the eternal!
We shouldn’t apologize for clear teaching and firm preaching of the Bible. We need churches in every community, around each country that has a passion for souls and dedication to Christ’s Great Commission (Matthew 28:17-20). This is precisely what Chile and every other country needs.
If you use these social gospel ministries to provide an opportunity to give a clear presentation of the gospel, excellent!! But, let’s not get off track from our God given purpose as Christians.
Be sure to check back in a day or two… I will continue to write about this topic. Also, leave a comment and let me know what you think.
Great post! From what I have seen the message is confusing on both the liberal side and the “fundamental” side. The liberal side often feeds the hungry, builds houses, etc while they water down the message or have no message at all. At the same time, most of the “brethren” we might run with preach the Gospel but don’t hardly lift a finger to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, help the sick, etc. Jesus did both! He preached about the bread of life after He fed 5,000. He presented BOTH “proof” and “truth.” What a shame that it seems like few camps, churches, pastors, missionaries do both when Jesus majored on both. They major on tithing with it’s few dozen verses and omit the hundreds of verses from the OT to the NT dealing with good works and the things that involves. Preach the Gospel – Yes, at all times!!! W
Sorry – ended it too soon by mistake.
We should just make sure while we’re preaching to people about the spiritual shelter of the love of God, how He’s a friend that sticketh closer than a brother, etc that we don’t walk off and leave them cold, hungry, and alone. God knew people would not only want to hear it, but also see it. That’s why we can’t miss the Biblical tie between good works and the Gospel. They’re both needed! When John the Baptist was in prison and wanted proof Jesus was the Messiah Jesus said go and tell John that He had done “both” – given them proof and truth. May we all do the same.
May the Lord be glorified both here and in Chile.
God bless my brother!