Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 242 BOCNEWS.com FEBRUARY 2017 The True Gospel Of Christ, A Hard Sell! The Apostle Paul warned in the strongest pos- sible terms about the attitude of God toward those who would pervert the “GOSPEL of Jesus Christ.” We can understand this, as it cost God His “only begotten Son,” and Jesus a horrible death by crucifixion. The apostle Paul states: “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the Grace of Christ unto another Gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the Gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other Gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be Accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if ANY MAN preach any other Gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be Accursed." Galatians 1:6-9 Many months ago, having been troubled by the present “state of affairs” of the religious com- munity of ours, I expressed to my LORD stating; “Preaching the TRUE GOSPEL of Jesus Christ - Hard SELL!” Having had a spiritual relationship with the LORD over 45 years, and an alumnus of Colorado Christian University, the Founder/Pastor of Christ’s Church Apostolic, Inc. for over 36 years, I have become Greatly Troubled with some of the 20th/21st Century Christian Theology. I’m reminded of the words spoken of my LORD “Jesus, who is called the Christ,” nearly 2,000 years ago, He stated, “you shall know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH shall make you FREE.” During recent studies, I came across the state- ment spoken more than a century ago, speaking to the then-largest congregation in all Christendom, Charles H. Spurgeon said, “I believe that it is anti- Christian and Unholy for any Christian to live with the Object of Accumulating Wealth. You will say, ‘Are we not to strive all we can to get all the money we can?’ You may do so. I cannot doubt but what, in so doing, you may do service to the cause of God. But what I said was that to LIVE WITH THE OBJECT of accumulating wealth is Anti- Christian.” END OF QUOTE Over these many years, the messages being preached in many religious gatherings in our nation and around the world has changed from the Gospel of the 1st Century—indeed, a “New Gospel” is being preached/taught to many congregations today. This mes- sage has been ascribed by many names, such as the “name it and claim it” Gospel, the “blab it and grab it” Gospel, the “health and wealth” Gospel, the “prosperity gospel,” and “positive confession theology.” Or, as I ascribe, “Call and Haul it” Gospel. No matter what name is used, the essence of this message is the same. Simply put, this “prosper- ity gospel” teaches that God wants “ALL” believ- ers to be Physically Healthy, Materially Wealthy, and Personally Happy. Teachers of the “Prosperity Gospel” encourage their followers to pray for and even demand Material Flourishing from God. Having heard these messages over the years, I remember saying to the LORD early in my pastor- ate, “I would Love to Believe and Teach/Preach this, but it’s Not According to Sound Biblical Doctrine!” I know that by my taking this Public Stance it might cause me some personal attacks/ opposition. However, as an “ambassador” of Christ, I have a Divine obligation to represent/echo my LORD’S thoughts/positions. My dear “Brethren,” I feel “constrain by the Holy Spirit” to declare God’s TRUTH as He, I’m convinced, has given me concerning this matter. All of my public ministry life, I have had/held to this position: “I want to be Biblically Sound and Theological Correct in my stance and my presentation of the Gospel Message!” As its pastor, I have cov- enanted with Christ’s Church Apostolic, Inc., ‘to Seek the MIND of Christ and the LEADERSHIP of the Holy Spirit in all I do.’ Scriptural Support for my position: Psalm 34:19; “Many are the Afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord deliv- ers him out of them all.” - (who want afflictions?) - “HARD SELL!”) Cor. 15:19; “If IN THIS LIFE ONLY we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the MOST PITIABLE.” - (our primary focus is beyond this life? - “HARD SELL!”) II Timothy 3:12; “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will Suffer Persecution.” (come, don’t you want to get persecuted?) - “HARD SELL!” I Peter 4:1-13 “Therefore, since Christ Suffered for us in the flesh, Arm yourselves also with the same mind, … Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the Fiery Trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but REJOICE to the extent that you Partake of Christ’s SUFFERINGS, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. - (fiery trial - rejoice for sufferings?) - “HARD SELL!” The apostle Paul wrote, “We are Afflicted in every way, but not crushed; Perplexed, but not driven to despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; Struck Down, but not destroyed” (II Corinthians By Al R. Combs, Founder / Pastor CCAI Al R Combs Continued on Page 16 SCRIPTURE