Jenny ran out of the face wash she uses, so I popped into Clicks today to see whether they had the product. I took a picture of the old tube to easily identify what I needed to purchase. The product is “Nivea Daily Essentials – Refreshing Face Wash Gel – Deep Cleaner – Normal & Combination Skin”. I looked on the rack where the face washes were but could not find it so I asked a gentleman working there if he could help me. He went to another self and we saw Nivea products that were similar but not the same. He then asked a lady working there if she could help. She led me to another shelf and took a product off the shelf saying, “This is what you are looking for.”
My response was, “But the picture I have looks different.”
Without many more words she said, “This is the same as the one on the picture.” I took what she gave me thinking, if it’s wrong I’ll bring it back. Back at home Jenny looked at the purchase and smiled. She took the empty container and slipped a plastic sleeve downwards and the two containers we identical. The plastic sleeve made all the difference. I was uncertain when the lady said it was the same thing until Jenny removed the sleeve. It shows you how easy it is to buy the wrong product because other Nivea products had a similar sleeve over the container.
You need an expert to tell you which product is the correct product. The gentleman was not an expert in lady’s face washes, but the woman was … and so is Jenny. Today we enjoyed a Zoom Session with Edwin and his family who are visiting Angela and her family in Illinois. It was great to see the family together. As we chatted the conversation drifted towards a theological topic relating to the end of the world. What caused this was Nathan saying they are going to be studying the Book of Revelation at the Men’s Bible Study Group. He felt this Book is very difficult to understand. I said it was easy if you have the keys to unlock the Book.
Not solely, but Revelation is used to determine an Eschatological View. There are three main views known as Post-Millennial, A-Millennial and then Pre-Millennial. I mentioned that many used some of Revelation to get to Pre Millennialism. Pre-Millennialism is complicated and links to Dispensationalism, which to me is pushing Scripture to achieve a view point. Roy responded that Pre-Millennialism and Dispensationalism only appeared on the theological scene once the Scofield Study Bible came onto the shelves. This is a one-man translation that was shaped by his theological and doctrinal ideology. It’s an interpretation of the Bible … but how is it wrapped? What sleeve has been pulled over it? Does the presentation look so appealing that the content is not examined properly?
Always check the wrapping. You might be deluded, derailed or indoctrinated by the way things are presented … especially the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ! We cannot get away from the fact that our Lord warned us in advance what will happen into the future.
Matt 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. 25 See, I have told you ahead of time.
Why is it that there are so many churches today? Is it solely because everyone wants to have their own church? Is it because the church can be used as a cash cow to make quick money? I would say yes to both questions, but there is more to it. Who do the false Christs and false prophets work for? How would they be able to produce these “great signs and miracles” that could deceive the elect of God, if it were possible? They work for and serve their lord and master who is the devil … Satan.
The Gospel is often wrapped in sleeves that deceive the hearer. Far too often, the Gospel is camouflaged with entertainment. This could be loud, high powered music and singing, dancing and other forms of excitement to work people up, getting them into the ‘mood’ for a weak or even an unbiblical Gospel message.
At other times the Gospel cold be weakened by humour. It’s almost like, “laugh your way into heaven.” Ten or more years ago, this form was a major attraction. The Gospel could be dressed in politics. The country of choice is not important, but the message is. Politics is used to edge into the heart because some of the information used might be appealing to the audience.
Then we have the all popular “Prosperity Gospel” which focuses on money and wealth with the promise that the more you give the more you’ll get. Often, poor people and those in debt as well as the greedy fall for this gospel.
Of late, there is also the New Reformation Gospel where the office of Apostle and Prophet is reintroduced. The hierarchical structure is all about power and control. The gospel is also wrapped to please man. Paul wrote against this in 1 Thessalonians:
1Th 2:1 You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2 We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.
At other times the Gospel is wrapped to drive a sinful agenda. Look at how God speaks through Jeremiah:
Jer 14:14 Then the LORD said to me, “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds.”
The true Gospel is focused on getting people to repent and believe in Jesus’ blood sacrifice for their sin. It does not ask the individual for money … it asks the individual to give their soul to God because of Jesus and to become like Him.
Dear God, thank You for the Gospel Message that is the Power of God to soften the hardest heart and save the lost soul. Help me to hold firm to Your true Gospel. Help me to share it with other. Please frustrate the efforts of those false preachers and teachers who use wicked methods to win converts. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.