1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

Well I declare! That is an old timers saying. I do not hear it any more. It was used in response to seeing or hearing something extraordinary. In most cases it was used as an expression of surprise. Sometimes it was used as sarcasm.

What I do not hear enough is what came next in Paul’s declaration, the simple gospel.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

I hear much about things which have nothing to do with salvation. I mostly hear about the abundant life and then a misrepresentation of what that even means. I hear about faith from men who have no clue what true faith means. Oh, and do not miss out on the gospel of prosperity.

Recently we lost one of our most prolific evangelists. His formula for success was to preach the simple gospel and stayed clear of what you will hear in the marketplace these days.

Matthew 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

They are marketing a gospel which is not free. Salvation is a gift from God, it sets you free from the power of sin.

What kind of friend would demand you pay for his time?

That is not the Lord my God. He paid to have me as a friend. It cost Him His life. Why? It is simple.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.