A Layman’s Reflection on Returning to the Heart of the Gospel
When Jesus stood with His disciples in Matthew 16:18 and declared, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it,” He was laying the foundation for a movement that would change the world forever. But what did He really mean? What “church” was Jesus talking about? And what does reclaiming authentic Christianity look like for us today—especially in a time when politics, division, and confusion seem to cloud the message?
Back to the Basics: Who Do You Say That I Am?
Let’s start at the heart of the matter. Just before Jesus made His promise to build His church, He asked Peter, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This wasn’t just a smart guess or a popular opinion—it was revealed knowledge from God Himself. Jesus explained, “On this rock”—the truth that Jesus is God’s Son—“I will build My church.”
So, authentic Christianity isn’t built on politics, popularity, or traditions. It’s built on the revelation of who Jesus is. Everything else—our worship, our teaching, our outreach—flows from this simple but profound truth.
Why Authentic Christianity Matters Today
Look around. America is divided, not just politically but spiritually. Churches are split over issues that often have little to do with the gospel. Some pursue prosperity, others get caught up in culture wars, and many find themselves distracted by conspiracy theories or misinformation. But Jesus never said, “I will build My political party.” He said, “I will build My church.”
This is a wake-up call. The gospel—the good news that Jesus came to save, heal, and restore—isn’t just for a select group or a particular political viewpoint. It’s for everyone. And if the church is to fulfill its mission, we must return to what makes Christianity authentic: Jesus at the center, love as the motive, and truth as the guide.
The Wisdom of Scripture
The Bible is clear that wisdom doesn’t come from clever arguments or popular trends. Proverbs 12:5-7 says, “The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.”
This isn’t just ancient wisdom—it’s a blueprint for living. When we follow the teachings of Jesus and the Word of God, we gain wisdom that helps us see through deception, stand firm in tough times, and bring hope to a hurting world.
Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16, saying, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” It’s the Holy Scriptures that make us wise for salvation and equip us for every good work. Authentic Christianity requires us to be rooted in God’s Word, not tossed around by every new idea or trend.
The Danger of Deception and Division
In recent years, we’ve seen how easily people can be led astray by conspiracy theories and false information. Some believe that political victories will bring about God’s kingdom, while others get caught up in movements that sound good on the surface but have hidden agendas. The Bible warns that “God’s people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6).
Even inside the church, division can creep in—conservative vs. liberal, traditional vs. progressive. But is Christ really divided? Jesus prayed for unity among His followers, not for them to split into factions. The greatest conspiracy wasn’t perpetrated by a political party; it was the plot to crucify Jesus, an innocent man, for the sake of power and control.
The Call to Justice and Compassion
As we seek to reclaim authentic Christianity, we must remember that Jesus cares deeply about justice and fairness. He reached out to the hurting, the marginalized, the broken-hearted—regardless of race or background. The Lord “loves justice and hates robbery and wrongdoing.” Real Christianity isn’t about power; it’s about serving others, standing up for what is right, and offering hope to those who need it most.
We live in a time when the gap between rich and poor is growing, and many feel left behind. The church’s call has always been to preach a gospel that transforms lives, not just offers comfort. When we fail to sit at the feet of Jesus and learn from Him, we miss the point.
The Problem with False Dichotomies
Society loves to split everything into two sides—us vs. them, conservative vs. liberal, rich vs. poor. But many of these divisions are false dichotomies. A dichotomy means a sharp division between two things, but life is rarely so black and white. Marxism, for example, is often presented as the enemy of Christianity, but the real enemy is anything that distracts us from Jesus and His truth.
The Black Lives Matter movement is another example. While the slogan speaks to the dignity and worth of every person, the organization behind it may have agendas that conflict with biblical values. We must be discerning, seeking to understand, but never compromising the gospel for any human movement.
Politics Is Not the Answer
Perhaps one of the greatest dangers facing the church today is the belief that politics holds the key to God’s plans. While it’s important to be engaged and informed, we must never forget: Jesus never ran for office, and He never called His followers to build His kingdom through elections. Politics can be deceptive—and when Christians place their hope in political leaders, they risk being disappointed and led astray.
Many felt let down after the 2020 election, trusting in prophecies and pundits instead of trusting in God. The aftermath left wounds and confusion. But the truth is, God’s purposes go beyond the ballot box. His church will stand, not by political power but by the power of His Spirit.
Returning to the Whole Counsel of God
To reclaim authentic Christianity, we must return to preaching and living “the whole counsel of God.” This means sharing the full message of the Bible—not just the parts that fit our agenda. It means listening to the voice of God, seeking wisdom, and letting love guide our words and actions.
As a Black woman, mother, grandmother, and Christian minister, I see the pain and struggles of those around me. People are searching for answers, longing for hope, and trying to make sense of a broken world. It’s not enough to offer quick fixes or political solutions. We must point people to Jesus—the One who gave His life to bring healing, deliverance, and salvation.
A Call to Wake Up and Stand Firm
So, what does it mean to reclaim authentic Christianity? It means waking up to the reality that Jesus, not politics or ideology, is the foundation of the church. It means returning to the gospel, letting Scripture shape our thinking, and living with compassion and justice. It means standing firm in faith, even when the world is divided.
Jesus said, “I will build My church.” That promise still stands. The gates of hell will not overcome God’s people when we stand together on the truth that Jesus is Lord.
Let’s return to the wisdom keys of Proverbs, the charge of Paul to Timothy, and the example of Jesus Himself. Let’s be people who love God, love others, and refuse to let deception or division take root in our hearts. In doing so, we will reclaim authentic Christianity and fulfill the calling to be the church—the body of Christ—shining light in a dark world.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 