What Did Jesus Preach?

The predominant focus of mainstream Christianity is the undeserved crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and the subsequent forgiveness of sins that is available through accepting that sacrifice. While this selfless act was and is unquestionably momentous, and its effects exceedingly far-reaching, many would be shocked to find out that the Bible defines the gospel differently than what they have always been told. A thoughtful reading shows that accepting Christ's blood in payment of our sins—as foundationally important as it is—is actually not the focus of the "good news" that He brought and that the apostles continued to preach.

In addition to dying for our sins, Jesus Christ came to earth as a messenger from God the Father:

Behold, I send My messenger [John the Baptist], and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming," says the LORD of hosts. (Malachi 3:1)

Jesus did not speak His own words, but the words that the Father gave Him (John 8:38-42; 12:49-50; 14:24). His message was not primarily about Himself, but rather the good news that the Father ordained to be announced on earth. While Jesus Christ was categorically the most important individual ever to walk this earth, the Bible shows clearly that the gospel that Jesus brought was not simply about Himself. Read His statements, and prove this for yourself:

» And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. (Matthew 4:23)

» And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. (Matthew 9:35)

» Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:14-15)

» [Jesus] said to them, "I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent." (Luke 4:43)

» Now it came to pass, afterward, that [Jesus] went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings [gospel] of the kingdom of God. (Luke 8:1)

» The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail. (Luke 16:16-17)

» And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)

The inspired Word of God makes it abundantly plain: The "good news" that Jesus Christ brought was about the Kingdom of God! The "gospel of Jesus Christ" is simply the message of good news that Jesus preached—not a message about Jesus. It is not primarily a message about the events in His life and of His becoming the Savior of the world—although it most certainly does include all that. But if the events of His life are not seen in the context of what He said, the resulting "faith" will be full of error and ultimately disastrous!

The announcement of "good news"—the very best news that could be heard today—which the Father gave through Jesus Christ, was about His Kingdom being established on earth.

But what is a kingdom? It is essentially a nation, with all of its citizens, land, and laws, ruled by a government. In biblical usage, a kingdom can also mean a family from a single parent grown into a nation.

A kingdom has four basic elements: 1) a king, supreme ruler, or governing agent; 2) territory, with its specific location and definite boundary lines; 3) subjects or citizens within that territorial jurisdiction; 4) and laws and a form of government through which the will of the ruler is exercised. If we ignore any one of these essential elements—if we ignore the message that Jesus Christ brought from the Father—we will have a distorted faith, one that will not bring salvation.

Next:  Who Will Be King?  (3/12)

 

Was the Book of Enoch BANNED from the Bible...!? | Live Free with Josh Howerton

Dec 7, 2025

Live Free with Josh Howerton

In this Christmas episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton, Paul Cunningham, and Carlos Erazo explore the growing interest in the Book of Enoch, angelology, and viral claims that the Bible was “altered” or banned. They walk through the history of the biblical canon, explaining why Jude’s reference to Enoch doesn’t validate the entire book. They dive into the perspective that has gained attention on platforms like Joe Rogan’s podcast to bring clarity to Christians. This episode calls believers to trust God’s Word, resist fear-driven speculation, and focus on the truth & authority already revealed in Scripture.

I think, therefore I am paid.

I think, therefore I am paid.

10 Differences between Catholics and Protestants

Mar 2, 2023

Dr. Taylor Marshall Podcast OFFICIAL

SUBSCRIBE here: http://youtube.com/c/drtaylormarshall... In this video, Taylor Marshall compares and contrasts the teachings of the Catholic and Protestant religions. Topics covered include the history of the two faiths, the different sacraments, and the role of faith in daily life. If you're looking for information about Catholics and Protestants, this is the video for you! Taylor Marshall provides an in-depth look at the differences between the two religions, shedding light on their history and teachings. This video is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about Catholicism and Protestantism. Dr. Taylor Marshall's book: Ant!christ and Apocalypse: https://www.amazon.com/dp/099965862X Dr. Taylor Marshall's book: Infiltration: The Plot to Destroy the Church from Within: https://amzn.to/35fGp6k

LGBTQ+ Numbers EXPLODING in Gen Z - What’s Really Driving It?

Dec 10, 2025

This deep dive with Rav Arora and Geoffrey Miller on the Illusion of Consensus breaks down the data on Gen Z’s sex recession, shifting sexual identities, and the widening gap between public presentation and private behavior. Miller unpacks how social media culture, evolving labels, and political identity shape modern sexuality while long standing patterns in orientation and mate preferences remain stable. The discussion explores generational differences in sexual activity, female sexual fluidity, and the rise of socially constructed categories that complicate today’s landscape. It offers a clear, research driven look at how cultural change interacts with human behavior across Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z.

Can You Say, "Evil Democrats" ?

Can You Say, "Evil Democrats"?
@laraleatrump https://t.co/7KdIoJGerY

— AJ (@Rooofer) December 12, 2025

The Antichrist is Coming

Dec 4, 2025

Pastor Jack continues right where he left off last time regarding the anti-Christ and the beast. Hear about the image of the beast being given "life" and how there will be 10 rulers that will govern the globe that the anti-Christ will subdue to rule the world.

Watch Part 1:    • Signs of The Coming Antichrist   CONNECT WITH PASTOR JACK: Website: https://jackhibbs.com/ Instagram: http://bit.ly/2FCyXpO YouTube: https://bit.ly/437xMHn Twitter/X: https://x.com/RealJackHibbs CALLED TO TAKE A BOLD STAND: https://boldstand.org/ DAZE OF DECEPTION: https://jackhibbs.com/daze-of-deception/ Did you know we have a Real Life Network? Sign up for free today for more exclusive content: https://www.reallifenetwork.com/

Transforming Your Mind:

These [in Berea] were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." - Acts 17:11

Romans 12:1-2 - Transforming Your Mind:

Biblical Insights on Spiritual Renewal and God's Will

(1) Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. (2) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

New International Version copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

These verses summarize what must occur during the conversion process. The apostle Paul presents our marching orders directly. We are to sacrifice our bodies while we still live, that is, submit ourselves wholly to God and to His way of life, which is only reasonable, since having redeemed us, He owns us completely. In addition, we are to reject this world's attempts to pull us back into its ungodly lifestyles, despite its many allurements. Instead, we are to engage in the transformation of our minds into perfect alignment with God's will.

Paul calls it "the renewing of your mind." This renewing is not making the mind new in the sense of time. For instance, to say one has a new bike suggests that it was recently purchased; someone else has not used it. The renewal of Romans 12:2, however, speaks to quality. We might understand it better by using the terms "refresh," "revive," or "rejuvenate." When a tool—say, a chisel—is old and dull, a craftsman will renew it by cleaning off the rust, sharpening the edge, and perhaps putting on a new handle. Essentially, this is what God is doing in renewing our minds. He is taking an old, ill-used mind, cleaning it, sharpening it, and putting it to use in His work.

Consider that another spirit has had many years to shape our minds to follow his way (Ephesians 2:2; Revelation 12:9). Satan the Devil's way of life is that of pride, vanity, lust, greed, envy, deceit, murder, adultery, and covetousness—all the evil things that we are supposed to be putting off. While he had a hold on us, Satan impressed his ungodly way on our minds, but now God has called us and is now in us by His Spirit, transforming us, refreshing our minds, so that we can change the quality of our minds from carnal to spiritual. The transformation that we are undergoing will take us from the self-absorbed, degenerate, sensual mentality to the outgoing, pure righteousness of God's own mind.

The last part of Romans 12:2 can be paraphrased as "so that you may test or experience all the benefits of His will." Without His mind being formed in us through the Holy Spirit, we would have no way of truly understanding His will or His way. Our minds must be transformed so that we can have even the capacity to understand the differences between God's way and Satan's way, as well as the overwhelming benefits of living as God prescribes. Only then, as it says in Deuteronomy 30:19, can we truly "choose life." This process is happening in us so that we can make the choices that will allow us to live eternally.

— Richard T. Ritenbaugh

To learn more, see:
What Is Real Conversion? (Part Five)

Leviticus 19: 35-37

God's Demand for Honest Weights and Measures in Society

 

Leviticus 19:35-37 - God's Demand for Honest Weights and Measures in Society

(35) "You shall do no injustice in judgment, in measurement of length, weight, or volume. (36) You shall have honest scales, honest weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin: I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt. (37) "Therefore you shall observe all My statutes and all My judgments, and perform them: I am the LORD.""

New King James Version copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

In earlier times, food and other goods were measured out by weight using a balance. A standard weight (typically made of stone) was placed on one side, and the material being measured was put on the other. When the balance was level, both buyer and seller knew that the amount had been measured correctly.

However, human nature being what it is, it did not take long for the unscrupulous to use one stone for a standard when buying and a different one for selling. In this way, they could "tip the balances" in their favor by using weights that were advantageous to them. Using such a "double standard," as it came to be known, might materially benefit the individual, but it was highly destructive to the overall society because it bred distrust and suspicion. Thus, God's Word makes it clear that universal and unchanging weights and other measurements are crucial to the smooth functioning of a group of people:

• Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is His delight. (Proverbs 11:1)

• Honest weights and scales are the LORD'S; all the weights in the bag are His work. (Proverbs 16:11)

• Diverse weights and diverse measures, they are both alike, an abomination to the LORD. (Proverbs 20:10)

• Diverse weights are an abomination to the LORD, and dishonest scales are not good. (Proverbs 20:23)

As with most of God's instructions, though, over time the Israelites paid them little heed. Before Israel's fall, these principles were commonly violated, and God links these practices with deceit, violence, wickedness, and oppression (Amos 8:5-6; Micah 6:10-12; Hosea 12:7). Their dishonest dealing was part of the same pattern of unfaithfulness wherein the people were more interested in their own well-being than in their covenant responsibilities to God and man. Whatever the motivation, the overall result was societal breakdown as the individual exalted himself against God and his fellow man.

Actual balances are rare these days, and Western civilization has seen to it that we have standard weights and measures, so the instructions in Leviticus may seem to have little relevance now. However, godly principles are timeless, and though the application may not be the same, honest weights and scales are still crucial for a smooth and peaceful society. When God re-gave the law to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land, He broadened His instructions regarding honesty in measurement:

You shall not have in your bag differing weights, a heavy and a light. You shall not have in your house differing measures, a large and a small. You shall have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure, that your days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD your God is giving you. For all who do such things, all who behave unrighteously, are an abomination to the LORD your God. (Deuteronomy 25:13-16)

The fact that one's "bag" (pocket or purse) and one's "house" are specified indicates that not just the measuring at the shop or depot is important. Honest and balanced measuring is needed everywhere—in the home and anywhere else one goes with a "weight" in one's pocket. Anytime something must be weighed, God demands that the scale or balance we use must be as accurate as possible. He does not use "abomination" lightly, yet that is how He consistently describes using varying standards when weighing or measuring. Thus, we must take great care not to use a lenient standard to measure ourselves or our friends and a harsher one for someone else. Having differing standards will contribute to the breakdown of society through distrust, suspicion, disunity, or even oppression.

Our carnality moves us to weigh things in our own favor or according to our preferences. We are inclined to cherry-pick evidence that tips things to our advantage and discard or minimize facts that could tilt matters away from us. But with God's Spirit and the new heart and eyes that He has given, we have the wherewithal to use honest weights in relation to others.

Anytime there is a group—such as a church—it is natural and easy to "weigh" it, especially in relation to any group we are not part of. When such measuring is done, great care must be taken not to use differing standards—a light one for our particular group and a heavy one for another. After all, the "society" at risk for disruption is not some human enclave but the spiritual Body of Christ! The relationships in it must be protected if the Body is to grow, and that begins with not despising. A "just weight" is God's delight, as Proverbs 11:1 says, because it indicates that the individual is working for the good of all and not just the good of one.

— David C. Grabbe

To learn more, see:
A Just Weight Is His Delight

That Islam is “peace and tolerance” is the most popular lie in the world today.

 

Islam

That Islam is “peace and tolerance” is the most popular lie in the world today. Intellectuals in the West who defame Christ parrot the most fatuous praise of Muhammad, in spite of his legacy of murder, pillage, and rape. A Sesame Street-type Arabic TV program features children training to be suicide bombers and chanting “Death to Israel”—for peace, of course. 

That our leaders promote this lie, and that so many believe it without one fact to support it, bodes ill for America and the world. We only ask Muslims for one example of where and when Islam ever brought peace and tolerance—and please don’t threaten us with death (the standard Islamic persuasion) for asking!

Westerners naively accept Allah, who inspired Muhammad, as the God of the Bible. Yet Allah has no son, and rejects the Trinity (Surah 4:171, Qur'an), is unknowable, and was the pagan idol/god of Muhammad's tribe before he was born. Allah tells Muslims, "Take not the Jews and Christians for friends...slay the idolaters [infidels] wherever ye find them. ...Fight against those who...believe not in Allah nor the Last Day" (Surah 5:51;9:5,29,41). But the triune God of the Bible wants men to know Him (Jer:9:24
), a knowledge essential to salvation (Jn:17:3
). Jews are His "chosen people" (Ex:6:7; Lev:20:26
; 1 Chr:16:13
; Ps:105:6
, etc.) and Christians are His dearly loved children (Rom:8:16
, Rom:8:21
; Gal:3:26
; Eph:1:5
; Eph:5:1
, etc.). —Dave Hunt, TBC "Islam's Peace," March 2003 and "Islam and the Gospel," April 1999

Key Scripture verses related to "Islam"

• Matthew:4:3-6
  ; Mat:8:29
  ; Mat:14:33
  ; Mat:26:63-64
  ; Mat:27:54
  
• Mark:1:1
  ; Mar:15:39
  
• Luke:1:35
  ; Luke:22:70
  ;
• John:1:34
  ; John:3:18
  ; John:8:58
  ; John:9:35-37

What the Bible says about Reconcilation with Brother

 What the Bible says about Reconcilation with Brother

(From Forerunner Commentary)

Isaiah 1:4 The prophet Isaiah is saying the same thing in more detail as what Peter says in Acts 3:19:"Repent." That is how the breach, the separation, between God and man will be healed. That is how atonement is made. Atonement is not all something that Christ does. There will never be oneness with God until man does something with his free-moral agency. The problem in Isaiah 1 is a hypocritical people just going through the motions. They were observing the rituals: burning incense, making the sacrifices. Yet, at the same time, their daily lives were filled with all kinds of unlawful acts—business shenanigans—that, according to God's law, is taking advantage of others. They were lying about the weights and balances, selling shoddy products, and as a rule, not conducting business in an upright way. They were murdering one another's reputations through gossip, and lying to one another using charm and deceit. God is saying that their lives were full of hypocrisy. In the same way, people who today claim to be children of God, who attend Sabbath services and holy days yet have a heart full of greed, covetousness, anger, hatred, bitterness, envy, and so on, are simply hypocrites. As it pertains to us, what we see in Isaiah is that there must be a relationship between worshipping God and our character in its practical aspect out on the streets, in our homes, in the way that we conduct business. We might say our character away from church, out of the eyesight of God's people, must reflect what we profess to believe. How can those who treat their fellows with contempt, greed, envy, jealousy, anger, hatred, and revenge, do those things through the week and then come to church services before God, thinking that somehow or another they are not separated from Him? Jesus says in Matthew 5:23-24, "If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." That is quite plain. Because of all these things, God treated His people Israel in the same way as pagan idols treated their worshippers. Remember, the idols are not alive; they do not have ears that can hear, eyes that can see, or mouths that enable them to speak. So idol worshippers made their lamentations, their prayers, and their praises to their idols, and the idol never responded. God says, "I am going to be just like an idol to you. When you talk to me, I am not going to talk to you, and when you look at me, I am not going to look back at you. I am not going to see you." So in this way, He became as one who is dumb and deaf. He did not respond to their prayers. It is essential to note that God, in His wisdom, knew before creating mankind that mankind would sin. If there were to be both reconciliation and character building, He would have to provide a means that would not only satisfy the legal requirements, but also contain within it the moral and spiritual influences that would motivate a man to cooperate on his own. We play a major part in this because God has given us free-moral agency. By and large, the Protestant world has convinced Americans, Canadians, and Western Europeans that Christ did it all for us. It is a bald-faced lie! But sometimes, we who know better act as though it all depended on God. God gave us free-moral agency so that we can respond to Him, put His Word into practice, and exemplify before others what God is like. It would be nice to say that we live lives like Christ so much that we could say of ourselves what Christ said: "If you have seen me, you have seen the Father" (John 14:9). There is a Person who was really at one with God. What God is trying to do with the things that He has provided—namely, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the gift of His Holy Spirit—is to motivate man to repent—to change, to turn to God, to resist the desire to continue in sin—to work at building character and learn to live by faith. John W. Ritenbaugh Reconciliation and the Day of Atonement