How not to preach the Gospel
 
Having watched the funeral service for Margaret Thatcher this morning, my heart broke as I witnessed a lesson in, 'how not to preach the gospel'.  With St Paul's filled with many; the Queen, politicians and other influential people, and with the eyes of the world watching, it was such an opportunity for so many to hear the good news of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ.
 
Having heard David Cameron, the Prime Minister of the day reading John 14:1-6, I was then disappointed listening to the sermon which followed delivered by the Bishop of London (although it started well).  In it he had the opportunity to communicate the meaning of this passage of scripture and in particular verse 6 where Jesus said, "...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." 
 
Whilst there were some good things said within his message, Bishop Richard Chartres did not explain the scripture that was read.  What Jesus was actually saying is so profound; He is telling us that He alone is the way, He alone is the truth, and He alone is the Life.  Then He says, “No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Jesus made it unequivocally clear that the only way to God is through Him.  It is an absolutely clear statement to the world that we will not be reconciled to God other than through the blood of Christ who paid the price for our sin - for me and for you; that if we come to Him in repentance and believe on Him then we will be saved.  That is the only way we will have peace with God, forgiveness of sin and eternal life with Him in heaven.   That’s it; there is no other way. 
 
I was so saddened – to see all those people listening to a confusing message.  All those who were present could have heard the truth of the gospel; those who in positions of power and influence could have had the opportunity to turn to Christ.  Why is our nation in such a state? – because it has turned its back on God.  Only when we see men and women turn to Christ will we see individuals souls saved, lives changed and nations changed. 
 
I don’t know exactly what Margaret Thatcher would have expected to happen by having John 14:1-6 read, but how I would have liked to have had the opportunity to communicate the truth of it to those listening today.
How not to preach the Gospel
Wednesday, 17 April 2013