Why Simplicity and Truth Still Matter in the Church
Sometimes, with all the noise and busyness of modern life, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters—even in church. Over the years, I’ve found myself wondering if we, as followers of Jesus, have become so focused on programs, trends, and traditions that we’ve drifted away from the core message Jesus gave us.
What Did Jesus Actually Do?
Let’s rewind and take a look at Jesus’s ministry in simple terms, using Matthew 4:23 as our guide. In that one verse, we see Jesus doing three big things:
· Teaching in synagogues: He showed up where people gathered to learn and worship, and shared wisdom straight from God.
· Preaching the gospel of the kingdom: He explained, in everyday language, that God’s kingdom—His presence, love, and leadership—was finally available to regular people.
· Healing every disease and affliction: He cared deeply for people, meeting real needs and showing compassion to everyone, no matter how broken or sick they were.
Jesus taught, He preached, and He healed. In essence, He met both the spiritual and practical needs of the people. His message wasn’t complicated: it was about hope, forgiveness, and restoration for everyone.
What Was His Message?
When the Bible talks about Jesus preaching “the gospel of the kingdom,” the word “gospel” literally means “good news.” The good news is that God’s love and grace are available to us all, not just the super-religious or the people who seem perfect. It’s about:
· Repentance (turning away from what hurts you or others)
· Redemption (God buying us back from the messes we’ve made)
· Restoration (making us whole again)
This message was so powerful and practical that people came from all over to hear it and experience it firsthand.
Why the Basics Still Matter
Over time, churches can get caught up in so many other things—style, popularity, programs, or even avoiding “uncomfortable” topics. But Henry Blackaby said it well: just calling yourself a “Bible-believing church” doesn’t mean you’re actually teaching the Bible’s core truths.
Ask yourself: When was the last time you heard a sermon about the Beatitudes (Jesus’s teaching on how to really live blessed lives), or on grace, salvation, or the Holy Spirit? Sometimes, we avoid talking about sin, even though recognizing our brokenness is step one to receiving God’s healing.
Are We Missing the Point?
If we water down the message, or focus on things that don’t really matter in the big picture, we risk preaching “another gospel”—one that isn’t what Jesus intended. The real gospel is about a changed heart, a new life, and hope for everyone, no matter their past.
Sometimes, it means asking tough questions and being honest about where we’ve missed it. But that’s okay. The good news is always an invitation to start fresh, not a guilt trip.
Back to Basics: Living Out Jesus’s Mission
If you’re hungry for truth, don’t be afraid to go back to the basics—just like Jesus did. Read His words, look at His actions, and let His compassion and authority shape your life. The church (and the world) desperately needs to see the simple, powerful love of God in action.
God’s message is still good news. It’s still about freedom, forgiveness, and hope. It’s still for everyone. Let’s keep it simple, keep it true, and keep it about Jesus.
God bless.
Minister A Francine Green I July 2025
afrancinegreen.com 