Can you really imagine Paul, the first century Apostle setting up shop in say Philippi or Corinth, and with a glimmer in his smile say: “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. You have been going it alone for so long and now God says, ‘I am here to help you. You have failed in your priorities, you have failed in your love lives, you have failed in your businesses, you have failed in all your getting by, all because you have ignored Me, the perpetual helper in the Skies.’ ”

Of course this is a little stretched. But it is common fare in these unholy days of unsanctified messages. Pulpiteers are pleading with the masses to embrace God, who will be the Big Fix-it for them. One need not go far, turn your TV on at night or visit your local Lifeway bookstore, and you will see precisely what I am saying. Sometimes the self-help approach, with God to boot, message is superficially spiritualized. In today’s market of Christian publishing any fool with an experience can sell a book or a series of books. This is what is passing for Biblical Christianity.

Where, oh Where, is the real Paul?

Where is the Paul that thundered in Athens and reduced all to rubble challenging men before an everlasting judgment? Where is the Paul who with tears in his eyes ministered in Ephesus not shunning to declare the whole counsel of God? Indeed, in that section Luke reminds us that Paul testified, preached, declared, and warned. Where is the Paul, who even when absent from the brethren exhorted them in difficult matters? Where is the Paul that was finally martyred? He is missing from too many pulpits in the land.

Paul boldly announces the love of God. Paul unashamedly preaches the gospel. Paul unmistakably announces Jesus as the Savior of the world. But this message is about eternal verities. It is about our greatest need of all. Our only hope is God’s grace, which, is pronounced most clearly in Christ and His atonement. Where are the exponents today of this rich Pauline gospel? Where are the preachers who will herald the Kingdom of God? Where are God’s spokesmen that speak His Words?

We need a re-engagement with the mighty scriptures. Otherwise, God help us All!