"For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." -Saul of Tarus

"If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. " -CS Lewis

Funny, but I agree with Lewis, and yet, there are so many pulpits in our day declaring we need to be less heavenly minded, and more earthly minded. I fear there will always be this conflict within the kingdom of God.

We must be able to clearly see from the Bible the Gospel is not a social gospel. It is the good news of Christ crucified. The good news will change a sinner's heart, and so this same person will become a better citizen in this world, because he now knows his truest citizenship is in heaven with his first love, Christ, his Savior and King.

Paul the Apostle said: "....but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. ...and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power." 1 Corinthians 1:23-24,17

There's a simple message, (pure and powerfully simple), and it is that God has made a way for rebels to become His adopted sons and daughters.

He has sent His only Son to die as the Lamb of God on a Cross, in order to take away the sins of the world.

He has good news indeed for sinners, who will one day be judged for every sin we have committed, if we neglect this good news, and shun it.

He will forgive every transgression in the death of His Son, Jesus Christ. And not only that, He shall impute to us the flawless righteousness of His most Beloved. We simply need to turn to Him, trust Him with even the smallest faith, even a mustard seed of faith, and then our souls will be free from condemnation and hell.

That is worth shouting about, don't you think!

And because of this Gospel, (this grand news for sinners), we now hate our sin, and love righteousness, and so live by faith for the glory of God.

We long to help our fellow man, and we love our neighbor, and we even love our enemy now. For we were enemies of the Lord, but the Lord had mercy on us, and forgave us. So with a grateful heart we now take this Gospel, this good news, this awesome message to a world lost in darkness and sin, and sgare with heartfelt thanksgiving. For God will have us share this Gospel from a heart of compassion and gratitude, to a dying world under His wrath, which we also were at one time under.

That's the Gospel. Pure and simple. May we endeavor to look to Christ, as Paul tells us in his epistle to the Colossians:

" If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

May the Holy Spirit embed these 4 powerful verses into our minds, and burn them deep in our hearts, so that we will be motivated to love our Lord, and in like manner love our neighbors. And so do mighty works by His grace and Spirit here, in this age, looking forward with great anticipation for the return of Jesus, our God, Redeemer, and Friend, where all things will be made righteous, good, and lovely for all eternity. And all sin, hatred, lying, killing, filthy self-seeking pride will be obliterated. Amen.