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CURRENT RADIO SERIES Lifeworks   CURRENT TV SERIES All Things New

Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.   --Jude 1:3 As we share the Gospel with the people around us and take it to the ends of the earth, we need to be aware that there are people out there who seek to distort or dilute the pure message of Christ. Any belief system or teaching that does either one of these things is a false system that we can’t trust. Many people want to add works or rules to the Gospel; that is, they distort it to fit their own ideas of what it takes to be saved. Others try to water down the Gospel by removing or downplaying the need for confession and repentance. The problem is that when unbelievers hear multiple versions of the Gospel, they don’t usually know which one to believe. Or even worse, they just simply choose the one that sounds the best! There will always be those who try to make the Gospel less…or more…than it is. The challenge for us as believers is to make absolutely sure that we are clear when we present the truth of Christ. That means being truthful with people about their sin and need of a Savior. Beware of the teaching, even in some so-called Christian circles, which says that everything will be fine if you just try to do your best, because God loves you no matter what and will accept your best efforts. That’s not the Gospel! Nor is it the Gospel that somehow we can work our way to heaven. It’s only when people come to realize their desperate need for Christ that they are truly coming to grips with the message of Jesus Christ.  And it’s only when people realize God’s grace covers their sin that they can fully appreciate the Gospel message. The Bible calls us to stand firm for the truth. Don’t stand for a distorted or diluted Gospel. Be clear in presenting the truth of God’s saving grace for the sin of mankind. Faithful Ministry by Dr. Paul Chappell “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 1:12–14 One of the great privileges of my life was spending some time with Dr. Lee Roberson in his later years. When Dr. Roberson gave his life to God, he meant it! As a young man, he turned down a lucrative recording contract to preach the gospel. Then after more than fifty years of ministry as a pastor, he became an evangelist, traveling across the country well into his nineties, reaching the lost and challenging Christians to be active in their service for Christ. He was greatly talented, but the most important characteristic of his life was that Dr. Roberson was faithful in using his talents for God. The importance of faithful, diligent, consistent service for the Lord cannot be overstated. The greatest need of our day is not more talent, but more faithfulness. The world measures success by how much is accomplished in things that can be measured. God measures success by how much is accomplished in things that truly matter. “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). God needs nothing from us. His abilities and resources are not improved by the contributions that we can offer. He graciously allows us to be part of His work despite our inability to do anything at all for Him apart from His power. What He wants from us is consistent, dedicated, devoted, faithful service. Whatever gifts and talents God has given you will mean nothing if you are not faithful to use them for Him. As Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. used to say, “The greatest ability is dependability.”   Today’s Growth Principle:  Acceptable service to God is not measured by talent and ability, but by faithfulness.