May 21
17
s Our Message Offensive?
Paul called his message “the offense of the cross” (Galatians 5:11). Again and again he warned that the true Gospel of God’s grace and glory would meet with great opposition from the religious world and the natural world. “The preaching of the cross is foolishness” (I Corinthians 1:18). “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God” (I Corinthians 2:14).
Our Lord said, “Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you” (I John 3:13). He also said, “They shall put you out of the synagogues (organized religion): yea the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service” (John 16:2). If what we preach is NOT offensive to the religionist and to the worldling, then it is NOT THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST. I repeat, it is not the Gospel! ~Todd Nibert