what it's not and what it is

The following was inspired by a thought-provoking conversation with a couple of fellow Christians over an authentic Mexican meal. We were glorifying God with our tastebuds and our conversation. :)

Galatians 1:8 issues a sobering warning - "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse!" Yikes! 

That begs the big question - what isn't the Gospel, and what is the Gospel?

Let's start with what it isn't. People often go to extremes, and both extremes are extremely wrong. On one side of the spectrum, you have "the health and wealth" version which promises only earthly prosperity in this life if you seek God. Do we really think that our righteous God can't see right through our ulterior motives? Let it be clear - the Good News is not about your body's physical health or your bank account amount. On the other end of the spectrum, you have "the doom and gloom" version which preaches all pain and no gain. Do we forget that God's presence is described as being "the fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore"? Let it be clear - the Good News is not ultimately about the bad news of sin and sorrow and Satan. 

Both of these lopsided versions are a false Gospel, and the person who preaches either one to anyone is in major trouble. 

So, what is the Gospel we ought to preach? It is CHRIST eternal, incarnate, crucified, resurrected, and enthroned. It is an abundant life, but not the way you might assume. It's your sin-sick soul that is healed and your spiritual bankruptcy that is solved. God in all His glory is your ultimate reward. It is an awful present and future without Jesus, but it doesn't have to be. God is not just just; He is just as much love! He loves to love! The Good News is the worthy Redeemer seeking you that you might seek and find and enJOY Him for Him forever.