Spiritual Air Freshener: Hot Rod Gospel

Hot rods are typically old, classic American cars with large engines modified for speed. The commonality of all hot rod builders is that their car or truck modifications yield them the loudest, fastest engine with the most chrome, coolest interior, and rim swag you have ever seen.

I am seeing more and more of a modification in the Gospel message being preached from pulpits today. The modifications are occuring because pastors want the swag factor to their pulpit, their messages and their invitations. I call this "Hot Rod Gospel". Paul's words in Galatians concerning the Gospel message speaks directly to modifing or "swagging up" Redemption's story.

Paul writes:

“I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. But do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I could not be a servant of Christ. But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ,” (Gal. 1:6-12).

So, Paul is very clear by laying down the truth that there is no other Gospel! He speaks clearly to modifications by warning not to depart, accept a perverted version, or preach "Hot Rod Gospel" for the popularity of your church members. For eternity sake...preach the Jesus revealed, Gospel truth!