The early church grew in large part because the gospel message could be understood by everyone. Rich, poor, slave, free, educated, uneducated — the power of its simplicity made it available to every culture, ethnic group and era.
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Psalm 119:130 says, “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”
That’s it.
Not “understanding to the scholars.”
Not “understanding to the elite.”
Not “understanding to the professionally religious.”
To the simple.
‘Red flags’
But today, people are trying to twist the gospel to include all their pet preferences, but to do that, they have to complicate things. I’m amazed watching progressive “pastors” or self-professed “teachers” mangle the Scriptures in all directions to justify their personal cause, whether it be sex, gender, abortion, politics or other positions.
So much so that that’s one of the most significant red flags for me. The minute someone starts with, “But the real meaning of that Greek word isn’t what people think,” or “in the Roman culture of the time,” or “that only has to do with temple prostitutes,” or other supposed “insight,” I start checking out of the conversation.
Yes — we need to know the history and context of the time the Scriptures were written — that’s pretty straightforward and simple. But the minute they try to convince you that you’ve missed the obvious, or don’t understand what’s plainly in the Scripture, they’re just trying too hard.
Not designed ‘to impress’
Scripture was never designed to impress intellectuals. It was designed to transform ordinary people. And if you want a New Testament companion verse, this one is powerful:
“I thank you, Father… because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.” — Matthew 11:25
Jesus wasn’t anti-intellectual. He was anti-pride. The gospel is profound — but it’s not complicated. We’ve complicated it.
And here’s another one that reinforces the point:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful…” — 2 Timothy 3:16
Useful. Not mysterious for mystery’s sake. Not locked behind spiritual gatekeepers. Useful for teaching, correcting and training. Practical. Accessible.
Full story.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was published by Christian media expert Phil Cooke and originally published by philcooke.com.
