© 14 Colin Melbourne
Fads and Fashions
Fads don’t work, don’t last, and don’t satisfy.
They come and go like clothes fashions and toy crazes.
Fancies for the fickle, bored, and vacant.
They lose attraction once you have the Glory inside: The personal revelation of the Gospel of the LORD Jesus Christ.
Fads cannot flourish where believers’ attention is on Him.
What on Earth is this?
Can you imagine Paul, John and Peter, reacting to the fads slithering their way into fellowships today?
They’d shake their heads, sigh in exasperation, go back to the beginning, and point people to what Jesus has accomplished for believers.
The Message that Works
The Apostle’s message is still confirmed by genuine signs wonders and miracle healings. The normal result of Gospel preaching amongst receptive hearers. 1 Co. 2:1-3 KJV;
And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
Paul was a Hebrew scholar who studied under Gamaliel. (Ac. 22:3) His head was packed with Old Covenant scriptures. He could display Bible knowledge continually day and night.
But he refused to: Instead he proclaimed the sacrifice of the LORD Jesus Christ for sinners, that; whosoever believes on Him is made a righteous child of God, instantly, and by faith alone.
His message was Christ crucified; bearing our sins, infirmities and diseases; and Christ resurrected for our justification and healing.
The simple message of substitution a child can understand.
The secret to Dr. Osborn’s unprecedented success as a miracle evangelist, is the message TL, Daisy, and LaDonna have preached around the world to millions. It is the same message for people everywhere: The Gospel Message of Christ. It’s all you need, because it is The Message that Works.
That’s Christ’s Message: Now He will Confirm It!
Paul understood it was insufficient to merely proclaim this Truth to sinners, they need to witness a demonstration of God’s Spirit and power in their midst. 1 Co. 4:20 KJV.
For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
Unless God confirmed his message with both conviction, and signs and wonders, Paul believed he had not preached the whole Gospel of Christ. Rom. 15:18-19 KJV.
For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
Side-shows lose fascination when the spotlight is on the heart of the Gospel.
God Never Changes
From Genesis to Revelation we perceive Christ and the Gospel plan in every scripture; His purpose never changed, nor His desire for you.
He wants the same today as He wanted from the beginning.
He wants you.
He wants you to share His love.
He wants your friendship and love.
He’s already accomplished all that needs to be done for His Plan to function perfectly.
He’s provided everything that is required to fulfil His will for you right now.
Only Believe!
Just one thing He expects in exchange: Trust His Word.
Believe what God says.
Adam forfeited Paradise by doubting His Word.
You will return to the garden of God’s Presence by simply trusting His Word.
Discover what happens on the inside when you repent from unbelief, convinced of the veracity of His Word: You have the proof that nothing can remove, gainsay, nor deny.
It’s there in your heart, in your spirit, the core of your being: God’s Gift to those who trust His Word.
When you have this, you won’t follow fads, you will follow the LORD Jesus Christ. Eph. 4:14-15 KJV;
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.
Smith Wigglesworth became England’s greatest Evangelist. Mighty signs and wonders accompanied his preaching, just as in Bible days.
Smith’s message was Christ and the power Jesus promised and sent at Pentecost. Read, enjoy and develop Ever Increasing Faith.
© 14 Colin Melbourne