MAKING THE GOSPEL RELEVANT

The gospel of self esteem has run its course. Fad religion only fits the current fad. When we understand that trying to make the Bible “relevant for the times” is to totally misunderstand the message of the gospel. Man is totally lost in and of himself. No matter how good he “feels” or how “bad” he feels, without Christ he is lost and destined for a Christless eternity.

The Crystal Cathedral is filing for bankruptcy (cf. Orange County Register News). When it met the “needs of the day” it prospered. Others have emulated Dr. Shuller's message of self-esteem with a more up-to-date twist and have beaten him at his own game.

The real need facing the world in general, and Americans in particular, is Jesus Christ. He is sufficient for all people of all times. Knowing Him teaches us the real lessons of life. Paul says, “...I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” Philippians 4:11,12.

The relevant message for today is “ The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9

When the message of “feeling better about yourself” and the “wisdom of this world” has fully run its course and the mega church fads that explode onto the forefront of American religiosity have experienced the same fate as the Crystal Cathedral, here is what we have left.

“For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: "I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND BRING TO NOTHING THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE PRUDENT." Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” I Corinthians 1:17-20