Another Gospel

PLUMBLINE TODAY
Another gospel 

August 12, 2012

by Patricia Hamel

The apostle Paul spoke to the congregations of Galatia saying he was amazed that they had so soon turned to a different gospel.  He said it was not another gospel at all but that there were deceivers troubling them to get them to turn from the Lord. Today also we find there are those who pervert the gospel and preach  another gospel other than the gospel of Christ.  

There are some very basic foundational teachings for those that follow Christ and we cannot and must not sacrifice them to please those that are preaching unity at the expense of the truth.  We must know what we believe so that when someone comes along with doctrines that are not of the Lord we will know the difference.  Paul goes as far as to say, let them be accursed.  Now words like that today would get one in hot water in many churches.  Yet, there are truths in God's word that we must not sacrifice for the sake of unity. 

 

Paul states the gospel that he first heard was not mans gospel but that he received it through the revelation of Jesus Christ.  Truly it is Christ that must reveal himself to man through the drawing of the Holy Spirit.  We are called by the grace of God and it is not anything to do with our goodness but only through the mercy of God.  Paul was called to preach to the Gentiles and really had an experience with the Lord.  He did not immediately talk to men but was with the Lord for three years learning from Him the deep things of God.  He really was Holy Ghost taught and this really changes one.  Too often we think if we are not sitting in a church twenty-four seven that we have not done the right thing when in reality this is far from the truth.

Today what would we do with one who got saved and did not get into church for three years.  The religious of our day would say they were backsliders or unsaved.  On the contrary God was doing a deep and lasting work in Paul's life.  God had called Paul to a specific people at a specific time. God calls the apostle and not man and it is the Lord who will grow him up and as we see with Paul it was a quick growth in the Lord.  This does not mean that God cannot or will not set one with others more mature, spiritual Fathers and Mothers in the faith and mentor them in the Lord.  Having a spiritual Father when it is of the Lord brings much fruit to the life of the one learning and to the spiritual Father also.  We are just stating that we cannot, must not put God in a box for it is we who are ever learning that God is God and we are the sheep of His pasture.  We cannot decide nor judge how God works in the life of another.  Sadly in Christendom today this is not the case and many are judged as backsliders because they are not sitting in the pew on Sunday morning when in essence God has spared them the religious system of this world.

One is aware that many do not and will not ever think this way and to them this kind of talk is just not the Lord.  There are many today that do not sit in the organized structures of man and yet are part of the true church of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Many are hidden ones that the Lord has strategically set aside for His purpose and plans and He is doing a lasting work in their lives, a deep work outside of the religious structures of men for His purposes.  They will march only to His orders and they will come into submission to Jesus and their true brothers and sisters in the Lord submitting to one another in the fear of God.  They are servants of Christ and will not give their allegiance to man, a church board or church membership.  This rocks the thinking of many. 

God called Paul for His purposes and there are those of you who have been called by God.  Many of you feel set aside right now in your small corner but you need to keep seeking the Lord and asking Him to set you where He would have you to be.  We are not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together but Jesus did say that where two or three are gathered He was there in the midst of them. At times you may be in a small home group or meeting elsewhere and at times corporately come together with others of like precious faith in a large meeting place to worship the Lord and fellowship together.  Pray for Divine connections and be open to those that He would set you with and do not look at the outward appearance but see the heart.  He does choose the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.  Not mighty or noble are called.  Be open to the God opportunities He puts in your path and walk wisely and take advantage of the opportunities He puts before you. 

Do not despise small beginnings but know it is God that must grow a man or woman up and that you must work out your salvation with fear and trembling.  Pray, seek His face, call on His name with your whole heart and in due time as you walk in humility and learn the lessons from God's school of learning He will raise you up.  Be strengthened daily in His Word and call on the name of the Lord.  Doors of opportunity are there no matter how small and again the Lord is saying, do not despise small beginnings but always abound in the work of the Lord by entering daily into His presence.  You will be blessed as you do take time and have as a foundation your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ who is the chief cornerstone.  Lean heavily on the rock and in due time you will be changed into His image.  In all ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. 

⁶ I am astounded that you are so quick to remove yourselves from me, the one who called you by the Messiah’s grace, and turn to some other supposedly “Good News,” ⁷ which is not good news at all! What is really happening is that certain people are pestering you and trying to pervert the genuine Good News of the Messiah. ⁸ But even if we — or, for that matter, an angel from heaven! — were to announce to you some so-called “Good News” contrary to the Good News we did announce to you, let him be under a curse forever! ⁹ We said it before, and I say it again: if anyone announces “Good News” contrary to what you received, let him be under a curse forever!  Galatians 1:6 (CJB)