Reflections on the Church and the Simple Message of the Gospel
Understanding Our Calling and the Heart of the Good News
When people hear the word “church,” many think of a building—with a steeple, stained glass, and pews. But the church isn’t just a place or a structure. It’s all about people who love God. It’s about people learning to follow Jesus. It’s also about people supporting each other as a spiritual family. The Bible describes the church as a “spiritual house,” built out of living stones—that means us!
Why Reflect on the Church?
Over time, I’ve found myself thinking deeply about the state of the church today. This reflection didn’t come from a place of criticism or authority, but from love and care. Like many, I noticed that sometimes the church falls short. It doesn’t always live up to its potential as a community of hope and truth. Sometimes, we get sidetracked. We focus on the wrong things. We forget what Jesus really taught. We lose sight of why we gather in the first place.
Henry Blackaby, a Canadian evangelical pastor, once said something important. Just calling yourself a “Bible-believing church” doesn’t automatically mean you’re teaching the Bible correctly. The way it’s intended to be taught matters. That’s a challenging thought. It makes us wonder: Are we sharing the messages that matter most? Or are we getting caught up in things that don’t last?
The Heart of the Message: The Gospel of the Kingdom
At the core of the church is the message of Jesus—what the Bible calls the “gospel,” or “good news.” When Jesus walked on the earth, He shared a simple message. It was powerful: “Turn your life around, because God’s kingdom has come close!” (Matthew 4:17). He talked about a new way to live—one marked by love, forgiveness, healing, and belonging. He showed that God’s kingdom welcomes everyone, especially those who feel lost, broken, or forgotten.
The good news Jesus brought wasn’t just about going to heaven one day. It was about real change—now and forever. He promised freedom, peace, and a new life. The gospel is described in the Bible in different ways. These include “the gospel of grace,” “the gospel of peace,” and “the glorious gospel.” It’s always about hope, forgiveness, and a fresh start because of what Jesus has done.
But Jesus also warned that pursuing Him wouldn’t always be easy. He said the road to real life is narrow, and few find it (Matthew 7:14). His invitation to “repent and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15) is just as urgent today as it was then.
What Are We Really Teaching?
It’s important to ask: Are we staying true to the message Jesus gave us? Sometimes, churches fall into the trap of preaching a “different gospel.” They focus on things that don’t really line up with Jesus’ teachings. The Apostle Paul warned that sharing a watered-down or distorted message is a serious mistake (Galatians 1:8).
Think about the Beatitudes—those famous “blessed are…” sayings in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. They show what God’s kingdom is all about: humility, mercy, peacemaking, and a heart that longs for righteousness. But how often do we hear about these things in church today? Sometimes, we avoid tough topics like sin, salvation, and the need for God’s grace, because they make people uncomfortable. But without them, we miss the whole point of needing Jesus!
Getting Back to the Basics
When I first started pursuing Jesus, I had a hunger to know what was true. I read the Bible and asked questions. That desire for truth hasn’t gone away. In fact, it’s even stronger now. Sadly, many people today don’t know what the Bible actually says. This creates a situation where they can be misled. Messages sound good but don’t align with God’s Word.
Jesus knew we’d face challenges in keeping His message front and center. Pursuing Him means checking what we believe against what He actually taught. We need to let go of things that don’t match up, even if they’re comfortable or familiar.
Hope for the Church
Even with all its flaws, I still have hope for the church. The true message of Jesus is powerful. It sets people free. It brings healing. It offers a life that can’t be found anywhere else. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). If we accept His invitation, we become citizens of a new kingdom. This kingdom values love. It values truth and lasting hope.
The church isn’t perfect. Jesus loves it. His Spirit empowers it. It has a mission to share the good news with the world. Our job isn’t to fit in with whatever the world says is important. Instead, we are to shine as lights. We show people where to find real hope, grace, and second chances through Jesus.
So let’s get back to the real message. Let’s be people who know and love the truth, who live it out, and who invite others in. The gospel changes lives, heals hearts, and brings glory to God. May we have the courage to hold onto that, and never let it go.
afrancinegreen.com 