A Layman’s Look at Restoring the Essence of Christianity
Introduction
Have you ever turned on Christian TV or attended a church service and wondered, “Is this really what Christianity is all about?” Maybe you’ve noticed a shift in the focus—less about faith, love, and hope, and more about money, success, and material blessings. If you’ve felt this way, you’re not alone. Many believers and seekers have begun asking a big question: Whatever happened to the gospel?
What Is the Gospel, Really?
Let’s break it down. At its core, the gospel simply means “good news.” It’s not just any news—it’s the best news ever: that God loves us unconditionally, that Jesus came to save us, and that through faith we can experience forgiveness, purpose, and eternal life. The gospel is about hope, grace, and transformation. It’s about real change—not just in our circumstances, but in our hearts.
When Jesus walked the earth, His message wasn’t about getting rich or living a trouble-free life. He talked about loving God and loving others. He healed, He forgave, He served, and He sacrificed Himself for humanity. That’s the heart of Christianity: love in action, grace given freely, and hope offered to all.
Has the Message Changed?
So why does Christianity sometimes seem so different today? If you tune into certain programs or visit some churches, it can feel like the main focus is on money—donating to ministries, receiving financial blessings, or chasing prosperity. If you didn’t know any better, you might think being a Christian is all about getting rich.
Let’s be honest: Money is mentioned a lot nowadays in Christian media. Ministries and churches need financial support to keep running, pay their bills, and serve their communities. There’s nothing wrong with that. But when appeals for donations, promises of wealth, and talk of material success start to overshadow the actual message of Jesus, something vital gets lost.
Why the Shift Toward Money?
It’s tempting to think that if you have enough faith, God will reward you with money, health, and happiness. This idea—sometimes called the “prosperity gospel”—says that God’s blessings are shown through material wealth. But that’s not the gospel Jesus preached.
Money is a necessary part of life, and it can be used for good. But when it becomes the main focus of Christian teaching, it can lead believers away from what really matters. It’s easy to get caught up in promises of financial breakthrough and forget the deeper blessings of peace, joy, and purpose that come from knowing God.
The Bible itself warns us that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). Jesus said, “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). These teachings remind us that our true treasure is not in our bank accounts, but in our relationship with God.
What’s Missing from Today’s Message?
When money takes center stage, the most important part of the gospel can get pushed aside. The gospel isn’t about what we can get—it’s about what God has already given. God’s love, forgiveness, and grace are more valuable than anything money can buy. The message Jesus shared was about selflessness, humility, and serving others, not about personal gain.
If all we hear from Christian leaders is about giving to get, we’re missing the point. Christianity is not a transaction—giving money in hopes of getting blessings in return. It’s a relationship—receiving God’s love and sharing it with others.
The Real Heart of Christianity
So what is the heart of the gospel? It’s simple, but powerful:
- God loves us—No matter who we are or what we’ve done, God’s love is constant and unconditional.
- Jesus saves—Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made a way for us to be forgiven and reconciled with God.
- Grace is free—We don’t earn God’s favor by giving money or doing good deeds. It’s a gift, given freely to anyone who believes.
- We’re called to love and serve—Jesus taught us to love our neighbors, help the poor, forgive others, and put others before ourselves.
This is the message that changed the world. When people truly understand and believe this, lives are transformed—not by material wealth, but by spiritual renewal and purpose.
The Danger of Focusing on Money
There’s nothing wrong with having money or supporting ministries financially. In fact, generosity is a Christian virtue. But when the pursuit of wealth becomes the goal, it can lead to disappointment, greed, and spiritual emptiness.
Some people might walk away from Christianity altogether if they feel it’s just about money. Others might become discouraged if the promised prosperity never arrives. The result is a shallow faith that lacks the depth and power of true relationship with God.
Jesus warned that chasing after wealth can distract us from what really matters. “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Matthew 16:26). Our souls matter more than our wallets.
Bringing Back the True Gospel
So how do we get back to the heart of the Christian message?
- Focus on the teachings of Jesus. Read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) and see what Jesus actually said and did. His life was a model of love, humility, and sacrifice.
- Look for churches and ministries that put people first. Choose to support communities that serve the poor, care for the sick, and welcome everyone without judgment.
- Practice generosity without expecting anything in return. Give because you love, not because you hope to get back.
- Share the message of hope and grace with others. The world needs the good news of forgiveness, healing, and restoration—not just promises of wealth and success.
Why the True Gospel Matters
The world today is full of struggles—loneliness, anxiety, fear, uncertainty. People are searching for meaning and hope. The gospel offers real answers, not just temporary fixes. It tells us we’re loved, forgiven, and called to a higher purpose.
When Christianity becomes about money, it loses its power to change lives. But when we rediscover the heart of the gospel, we can find peace, joy, and purpose that lasts. This message is for everyone—not just those who can afford to give, but for those who need hope the most.
Conclusion: A Call to Rediscover
The question, “Whatever happened to the Gospel?” is a wake-up call for all of us—to look past the noise and rediscover what really matters. Let’s remember that Christianity is not about wealth or success. It’s about faith, love, and the life-changing power of God’s grace.
Let’s encourage our churches, leaders, and media to keep the message pure, to focus on what Jesus taught, and to serve others with kindness and humility. And let’s do our part—living out the gospel in our own lives, loving our neighbors, and sharing hope wherever we go.
In the end, the true gospel is good news—news that brings healing, joy, and everlasting hope. May we never lose sight of it, and may it always guide us in everything we do.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 