“Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed.”
Galatians 1:8-9 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/gal.1.8-9.NLT
Paul gives strong words to those who preach and teach the message of Christ to others. Change or alter it and be cursed. Mislead others with a false message and be cursed.
Paul emphasizes the absolute importance of message integrity when it comes to the good news of Jesus Christ.
Reflection
I preach and teach, sharing the message of Christ nearly every day with others. It is humbling, a sacred trust, honor, privilege, and joy to know the Holy Spirit is speaking through me with God’s word to others.
The message of Christ is not something to be altered or changed. After all, it is the way of salvation and redemption for anyone and everyone who believes in Jesus Christ.
We should be creative in sharing the good news effectively. However, our creativity should never alter the message of Christ by adding, changing, or taking things away from it.
Everyone who shares the word of God with others should be very concerned if we have “new ideas” or “new truths” that are not consistent with the word of God and the Church's understanding over the centuries.
Encouragement
If we listen to the Holy Spirit's guidance vetted against God’s word, we will preach and teach Christ with message integrity.
Heed Paul’s words.
Be creative in how you share God’s word.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you with message integrity every step of the way.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for Paul's strong words about staying true to you and your message in our preaching and teaching.
In our creativity, let us never compromise message integrity.
Holy Spirit, please help us.
In Your name, Jesus, we pray,
Amen
Ed McDowell