Ignorance of the gospel

Generally, there is much ignorance about Jesus. The churches have to bring enlightenment by informing the general public (Mark 16:15). If you doubt there is ignorance, knock on some doors, ask what the person knows about Jesus, and see what answers you get.

The stereotyped ideas and closed-mind attitudes are appalling. Mention Jesus’ name and oftentimes the hearer will put Him in that little box called “religion.”

Some will say “I’ve got my religion” (usually it’s a Christian denomination) when they ought to say “I belong to Christ!” Mention eternity to others and they’ll answer “I’ll be right” when it’s obvious they know nothing about Jesus and what He said.

For non-believers, the mental picture they get at the name of Jesus is of echoing cathedrals, ministers bedecked in flowing robes performing rituals as dead as that fish you had for dinner last night. TV channels love to keep showing this every Easter and Christmas. No wonder people don’t want to be part of that! It no more represents Jesus than the New York lifestyle represents the whole United States.

There is an old saying in Australia – and it probably emanated from England: “Never talk about politics or religion.” Many believe it, and are unwilling to even discuss or listen to the reasons why Jesus came to Planet Earth and His purpose.

Because of that “don’t discuss it” belief, many Christians think they should not talk about Jesus – and they don’t! That is contrary to what the Lord said in Mark 16:15.

So the biggest task today for the Body of Christ is to educate people - in the same way that giant take-away food company with a Scottish name does. They keep the product in the public eye. This despite the fact they are already established in most major cities of the world.

There wouldn’t be many kids in Australia or the US who don’t know about McDonalds and what they represent. It took big money to fill those restaurants via TV ads and giant signs. Christians must promote Jesus in a similar but spiritual way – and also by their lifestyle.

Churches collectively have the money to educate the public about the gospel – if they will truly unite and do what He told them to do.

The money is there. The problem is, it finances buildings, investment properties, electronic instruments, putting on big conferences - things which have very little impact on people outside the church who need to hear the message.

Assuming the change comes, and the true gospel is indeed heard, many will reject it – but Jesus said so. He said many would take the broad road that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13). Nevertheless, the Christian’s instruction from God is to go, to take the message and make sure that not one person in the district will go to the coffin ignorant of Jesus’ great salvation. Do it individually, even if the church won’t.

Every pastor ought to take to the streets with a tape recorder, or knock on doors and experience that ignorance personally.

There needs to be a Christian revolution: the world must be told the gospel – and the world starts in your neighbourhood. It requires boldness, courage, a change in thinking and a drastic, radical change in how the church money and time is spent.