Saturday, June 18, 2011

Christ Is Preached (Phil. 1:15-18)

Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.
(Philippians 1:15-18, NKJV)

I don’t think it’s a surprise to hear our world is full of “preachers and teachers” spouting their own version of the gospel. They call themselves born-again Christians and yet tell their congregations that the Bible isn’t God’s final truth. That there are many ways to get to heaven. That Jesus didn’t live a sinless, perfect life. Oh, how the enemy must be clasping his hands with glee.

False teachers. False prophets. Just as Paul and Peter and John wrote about.

It’s hard to know such skewed teaching is being sent through the airwaves, but we can have confidence that God is in this. He’s in control. And somehow, I pray that those who listen to those false teachers—those who really seek truth—will be able to see beyond the words. That they’ll read and study the Bible for themselves. That they’ll seek men and women of faith who are preaching the true gospel message.

And as I’ve written many times, it may seem the enemy is winning battle after battle, but we know Who wins the war (John 16:33).

Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly.

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