Paul of Tarsus used the phrase “my gospel” numerous times in his letters. He was referring to the message that he preached.

While there’s nothing wrong with Paul’s gospel, I do have concerns about what’s missing from our gospel—that is, the gospel that many Christians are hearing today.

I believe an entire book can be written on this subject. But I’d like to focus on five elements that seem to be missing from our gospel that were a large part of the gospel presented by Jesus and the apostles.

Of course, your mileage may vary. And if it does, that’s great. But a large portion of the Christian world today has neglected a number of vital elements of the gospel. Here is one of them:

The Greatness of Christ

Some Christian groups present a Christ of Romans and Galatians. He’s come to save the lost.

Others present the Christ of the Gospels. His earthly life must be imitated.

Some groups present the Christ of the cross. His death is emphasized above everything else.

Others groups present the Christ of Easter. His resurrection is emphasized beyond all else.

All of the above emphasize the Christ of time.

But there is the Christ who exists before time.

And there is the Christ of the present and the future.

And all are the same Christ.

Creation was created in the Son of God before time and when He was made the Firstborn of all creation (Col. 1). Further, God the Father chose all of His people in Christ before time (Eph. 1).

After His resurrection, the Lord Jesus Christ sat at the right hand of God as Lord of heaven and earth. Today, He intercedes for us, acts as our High Priest, loves us as our Shepherd, and lives out His indwelling life in and through us.

As the Alpha and Omega, time is within Christ. Jesus knows no beginning and no end. All of creation is moving toward Him being Head over all, in all, through all, and to all, “that He might fill all things” (Eph. 4:10 NASB).

In the end, all things will be summed up in this incredible Christ (Eph. 1:10; 4:10).

And this is the Christ who has taken up residence within you and me.

From Revise Us Again by Frank Viola, author

In a number of movements in the Christian faith, God’s people are taught by both precept and example to preface many of their decisions with the words “God told me.”

“God told me to start attending Pastor Fielding’s church.”

“God told me to marry Felicia Norris.”

“God told me to buy a Volvo.”

“God told me that I’m a prophetess.”

“God told me to break up with Rotunda.”

“God spoke to me and told me to rebuke my aunt Nina.”

God told me … it’s central to the vocabulary of a number of Christian traditions.

Several years ago, I made a disturbing observation about this type of language. That in well over half the cases when I’ve heard a person use the words “God told me,” what they said later turned out to be what the person wanted, and God got the rap for it.

Before you read on, please keep in mind that I believe that God speaks to His people in a variety of different ways. So this chapter doesn’t have in view whether or not God speaks to His children. He certainly does. What I’m addressing here is the tendency of many Christians to announce that God has told them something.

From Revise Us Again by Frank Viola, author

Frank Viola, author, is working on a new article defining the word heresy.

The article will probably release in the Fall. It’s co-written with another Christian author.

Viola is fast working on several new projects in addition to this one.

Frank Viola Author has just published Who Is Your Covering?