View Book:

The Gospel of Repentance is NOT the Gospel of Encouragement

---



Book 3 - in the “God’s Truth” Series

The Gospel of Repentance is NOT the Gospel of Encouragement

The Encouragement Gospel Can Be Powerfully Misleading – Away From The Heart of Repentance. The Church of Truth Is About Repentance, Depending on God, Dying to Self & Fully Surrendering to Jesus. Here’s Why.

By Mr. Elijah J Stone
and the Team Success Network

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

CHAPTER 1 – The Deception of the Encouragement Gospel
CHAPTER 2 – Repentance: The True Foundation of the Church
CHAPTER 3 – John the Baptist’s Message: Repentance Alone, Not Prosperity, Encouragement, Psychology, or Self
CHAPTER 4 – The Whole Counsel of God: Preaching What Is Hard, Not Just What Is Easy
CHAPTER 5 – Depending Fully on God, Not on Self-Reliance or Positive Words
CHAPTER 6 – The Cross and the Call to Die Daily to Self
CHAPTER 7 – Learning From the Saints: Living Examples of Humility, Surrender, and Truth
CHAPTER 8 – Prayer Before Preaching: Why Hours of Intercession Are Required for the Church of Truth
CHAPTER 9 – The Last Days and the Danger of Half-Gospels
CHAPTER 10 – Returning to the Church of Truth: Repentance, Surrender, and God’s Word Alone

 

 

Chapter 1 – The Deception of the Encouragement Gospel

Why Feel-Good Messages Can Be Spiritually Dangerous
When Comfort Replaces Repentance, Souls Are Left Unprepared for Eternity

The Trap of Empty Comfort

Encouragement in itself is not evil. Scripture tells us to build one another up. But when encouragement replaces repentance, the gospel is stripped of its saving power. People feel good, but they are not transformed.

Jeremiah 6:14 warns: “They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.” This describes exactly what the encouragement gospel does—it soothes wounds without healing them.

Key Truth: Comfort without repentance is deadly, because it hides the disease of sin.

What the Encouragement Gospel Looks Like

The false encouragement gospel focuses on affirming people, entertaining them, and making them feel positive. But it avoids the hard truths of sin, judgment, and the call to holiness.

Some common marks of this false gospel include:
• Endless motivational slogans without mention of sin.
• Promises of blessing without repentance or obedience.
• Entertainment-driven sermons that avoid offense.
• A focus on earthly happiness over eternal salvation.

2 Timothy 4:3 warns: “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”

Jesus Preached Repentance, Not Just Encouragement

The very first message of Jesus was not “be encouraged.” It was “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 4:17).

Even when He spoke mercy, He coupled it with a call to change. To the woman caught in adultery, He said: “Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11). Jesus did not flatter people into complacency—He called them to transformation.

Key Truth: A gospel without repentance is no gospel at all.

The Danger of Soft Words

The encouragement gospel is attractive because it avoids offense. It tells people they are fine as they are, even if they are far from God. But this is a lie that leads to destruction.

Proverbs 14:12 says: “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” Smooth words cannot save souls. Only the truth—spoken in love, but never watered down—can bring life.

Encouragement without truth is like telling someone in a burning house that “everything will be fine” without urging them to escape.

True Encouragement vs. False Encouragement

True encouragement strengthens us to repent, endure trials, and cling to Christ. False encouragement avoids conviction and keeps people comfortable in sin.

Here’s the difference:
• False Encouragement: “You’re fine just as you are. God only wants you happy.”
• True Gospel: “God loves you too much to leave you in sin. Repent and live.”

John 16:8 says: “When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment.” The Holy Spirit always convicts before He comforts.

Key Truth: Real encouragement doesn’t flatter you—it draws you closer to Jesus.

Reflection Questions

• Have I been more drawn to sermons that make me feel good than to ones that challenge me to repent?
• Do I prefer preachers who comfort me, or those who tell me the hard truth?
• Am I more concerned with being encouraged, or with being made holy?

What This Chapter Means for You

The false gospel of encouragement is spreading quickly because people want comfort more than conviction. But comfort without truth leaves us unprepared for eternity.

The true gospel always begins with repentance. Without turning from sin, there can be no forgiveness, no transformation, and no salvation.

Ask yourself: Am I being encouraged into complacency—or convicted into change?

Call to Action

Pray this today:
“Lord, deliver me from false comfort. Show me the areas of my life where I’ve accepted soft words instead of Your truth. Give me courage to embrace repentance, even when it’s uncomfortable, and draw me closer to Jesus every day.”

Key Truth: Better to be convicted now than condemned later.

 

 

 

Chapter 2 – Repentance: The True Foundation of the Church

Why Repentance Is the Starting Point of Faith
Without Turning From Sin, There Is No Entering God’s Kingdom

Repentance Comes First

Every true move of God begins with repentance. Before Jesus came, John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way by preaching repentance. Repentance isn’t just an optional step—it is the entry point into God’s kingdom.

Matthew 3:2 records John’s words: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Without this first step, everything else collapses.

Key Truth: Repentance is the foundation stone of the gospel. Without it, nothing lasting can be built.

What Repentance Really Means

Many confuse repentance with just feeling bad or guilty. True repentance is much deeper. The word means “to change one’s mind and direction.” It’s a turning away from sin and a turning toward God.

Acts 3:19 says: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Repentance is not punishment—it is freedom.

Why Repentance Is the Door Into Life

Imagine trying to enter a house without a door. No matter how hard you try, you won’t get in. In the same way, no one enters eternal life without repentance.

Jesus said in Luke 13:3: “But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” These are not optional words—they are eternal warnings.

Key Truth: Repentance is God’s mercy, giving us a door to leave death and enter life.

The Encouragement Gospel Avoids Repentance

False gospels skip repentance because it offends. They promise blessings without change, peace without confession, and comfort without surrender. But that is not the gospel of Christ.

Jeremiah 23:17 warns: “They keep saying to those who despise me, ‘The Lord says: You will have peace.’ To all who follow the stubbornness of their hearts they say, ‘No harm will come to you.’”

Encouragement without repentance is nothing more than deception.

The Fruit of True Repentance

Real repentance shows itself in action. It produces change that others can see. John the Baptist said, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8).

Some signs of real repentance include:
• Humility before God.
• A hatred for sin, not just its consequences.
• A desire to walk in holiness.
• Obedience to God’s Word.
• A love for others that flows from a changed heart.

2 Corinthians 7:10 sums it up: “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”

Reflection Questions

• Have I truly repented, or only felt sorry without changing?
• Is there fruit in my life that shows I’ve turned from sin?
• Do I avoid the call to repentance because it makes me uncomfortable?

What This Chapter Means for You

Repentance is not about shame—it is about freedom. It is the doorway into life with Christ. The encouragement gospel skips this, leaving people with empty words instead of salvation.

If you want to walk with God, you must pass through this door. Repentance is how chains break, hearts change, and eternal life begins.

Call to Action

Pray this today:
“Lord, I repent of my sins and turn fully to You. Show me where I need to change, and give me strength to walk in obedience. Thank You for giving me this door of mercy, and for welcoming me into Your kingdom through repentance.”

Key Truth: Repentance is not harsh—it is God’s greatest kindness, opening the way to life.

 

 

 

Chapter 3 – John the Baptist’s Message: Repentance Alone, Not Prosperity, Encouragement, Psychology, or Self

The First Preacher of the New Covenant Set the Standard
Anything Beyond Repentance Is a False Gospel

The Message That Prepared the Way

Before Jesus began His ministry, God sent John the Baptist to prepare hearts. John’s message was clear, uncompromising, and direct: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 3:2).

John wasn’t interested in popularity or comfort. He preached in the wilderness, dressed in camel hair, eating locusts and honey. His ministry was not about style, but about truth.

Key Truth: God prepared the world for Jesus by sending a preacher of repentance—not a preacher of comfort.

Repentance, Not Counterfeits

John’s message stands in direct contrast to many false gospels today. We must never forget this:

“John the Baptist came to preach the baptism of repentance, not the baptism of prosperity, not the baptism of encouragement, not the baptism of psychology, not the baptism of self or self-reliance.”

Each of these counterfeits replaces God’s truth with human desires. But John made it clear: repentance was the only path forward.

Why the Baptism of Repentance Matters

Repentance is not just an idea—it was John’s call to action. He baptized those who confessed their sins, symbolizing a turning away from the old life and preparing for the Messiah.

Mark 1:4 says: “John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Repentance is the foundation of forgiveness and the way we prepare our lives for Christ to enter.

Key Truth: Only repentance opens the door for Jesus to truly transform a life.

The False Baptisms of Today

The encouragement gospel and others like it are modern “baptisms” that lead people astray. They look spiritual, but they deny the heart of the gospel.

Consider these false replacements for repentance:
• Prosperity Gospel – promises wealth instead of holiness.
• Encouragement Gospel – promises comfort without correction.
• Psychology Gospel – replaces sin with self-help terms.
• Self-Reliance Gospel – tells you to trust yourself instead of God.

Galatians 1:8 warns: “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!”

The Humility of True Repentance

John called people to humility, not pride. He told them to bear fruit in keeping with repentance (Matthew 3:8). His message stripped away excuses and exposed the heart.

In contrast, the false gospels all exalt self—self-comfort, self-help, self-focus. But the true gospel humbles us before God and points us to Jesus.

John 3:30 sums it up: “He must become greater; I must become less.”

Key Truth: Repentance is the only baptism that lowers self and lifts up Christ.

Reflection Questions

• Which of these false gospels—prosperity, encouragement, psychology, or self—has influenced me the most?
• Have I fully embraced repentance as the starting point of my faith?
• Do I want a gospel that makes me feel good—or one that makes me holy?

What This Chapter Means for You

John the Baptist set the pattern for all true preaching. The only baptism that prepares us for Jesus is the baptism of repentance. Every other gospel is a counterfeit designed to distract, deceive, or destroy.

The question is simple: Will you cling to the comfort of false gospels, or step into the cleansing waters of true repentance?

Call to Action

Pray this today:
“Lord, remove every counterfeit gospel from my life. Strip away prosperity, comfort, psychology, and self-reliance. Teach me to embrace repentance, to humble myself before You, and to prepare the way for Jesus to reign fully in my heart.”

Key Truth: The baptism of repentance is the only baptism that leads to Christ.

 

 

 

Chapter 4 – The Whole Counsel of God: Preaching What Is Hard, Not Just What Is Easy

Why True Preaching Must Confront Sin and Judgment
Selective Sermons Create Weak Disciples, but the Full Word Produces True Followers

The Danger of a Half-Gospel

Many preachers today choose only the “easy” parts of the Bible—verses that encourage, inspire, or entertain. But God did not give us part of His Word; He gave us all of it. To ignore the hard parts is to distort the message.

Acts 20:27 says: “For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.” Paul didn’t shrink back from the uncomfortable truths. Neither should we.

Key Truth: A half-gospel cannot save—it leaves people unprepared for eternity.

Why We Must Preach the Hard Things

The Bible speaks clearly about sin, hell, judgment, and the cost of discipleship. These are not popular topics, but they are central to the gospel. Without them, repentance loses meaning.

Jeremiah 23:29 says: “Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?” God’s Word is meant to confront, break, and rebuild—not just to soothe.

The Effects of Soft Preaching

When churches avoid preaching sin, repentance, or judgment, the result is shallow discipleship. People may attend services but never truly encounter God. Their faith is weak because it was built on comfort, not conviction.

The effects include:
• Churches full of listeners, but few true disciples.
• Christians who fall easily in trials.
• Lives that look unchanged from the world.
• A gospel that entertains but does not transform.

2 Timothy 3:5 warns: “Having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”

Jesus Preached the Hard Truths

Jesus never watered down His message to keep crowds happy. He spoke of hell more than anyone else in Scripture. He told His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23).

John 6 records that when Jesus preached hard truths, many disciples turned away. He let them go. Why? Because He would not compromise truth for popularity.

Key Truth: A true preacher values souls over crowds, truth over popularity.

Preaching the Whole Bible Today

We must follow the example of Paul, Jesus, and the prophets. To preach the whole Bible means declaring both comfort and conviction, grace and truth, blessing and judgment.

2 Timothy 4:2 commands: “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” True preaching is balanced, not selective.

Reflection Questions

• Have I avoided parts of the Bible because they are uncomfortable?
• Do I prefer sermons that entertain me—or that challenge me?
• Am I willing to hear God’s whole counsel, even if it convicts me deeply?

What This Chapter Means for You

The church cannot afford to preach only half of God’s Word. To withhold the hard truths is to rob people of real salvation. The gospel requires repentance, surrender, and obedience—and those cannot be preached without confronting sin.

If we want true disciples, we must return to the fire of God’s Word, not the fluff of human wisdom.

Call to Action

Pray this today:
“Lord, give me courage to hear and obey Your whole Word. Remove from me the desire for soft messages, and teach me to love Your truth, even when it convicts me. Let my life be shaped by the full gospel, not a half-truth.”

Key Truth: The whole counsel of God produces whole Christians.

 

 

 

Chapter 5 – Depending Fully on God, Not on Self-Reliance or Positive Words

Why Self-Help Cannot Replace the Cross
Trusting Ourselves Leaves Us Empty—Trusting God Changes Everything

The Illusion of Self-Reliance

The world tells us to “believe in yourself,” “speak positive words,” and “manifest your destiny.” But the Bible never teaches self-reliance—it calls us to God-reliance. Our strength fails, but His never does.

Proverbs 3:5–6 says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Key Truth: Trusting yourself leads to collapse—trusting God leads to life.

Why Positive Thinking Is Not Enough

Positive words can motivate for a short time, but they cannot break chains of sin. Speaking affirmations does not cleanse guilt, heal the heart, or give eternal hope. Only God can do that.

Jeremiah 17:5 warns: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.” Self-help leads us away from the true Helper.

Depending on God Alone

The Bible consistently calls us to place our dependence on the Lord. We are weak, but His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Dependence is not weakness—it is wisdom.

Psalm 28:7 declares: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” This is the source of true encouragement—depending not on ourselves, but on Him.

The Difference Between Self-Help and God’s Help

Self-help says, “You can do it.” God’s help says, “You can’t do it without Me.” The first flatters our pride; the second humbles us into dependence.

Here’s the contrast:
• Self-Reliance: Based on human ability, pride, and effort.
• Positive Words: Empty affirmations that avoid sin and surrender.
• God-Reliance: Humble trust, prayer, and obedience that bring real transformation.

Isaiah 40:31 says: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.”

Key Truth: Self-help leaves you empty—God’s help lifts you higher.

Dependence Is the Heart of Repentance

Repentance itself is an act of dependence. It says, “I cannot save myself—I need You, Lord.” Without repentance, we cling to self. With repentance, we cling to God.

John 15:5 reminds us: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Reflection Questions

• Am I relying more on self-help than on God’s help?
• Do I secretly believe that positive thinking can replace true repentance?
• Have I fully surrendered my plans, words, and strength to God?

What This Chapter Means for You

Depending on yourself may sound empowering, but it leaves you vulnerable, limited, and broken. Depending on God brings peace, guidance, and supernatural strength.

Repentance shifts your trust from self to God. That shift is what opens the door for His Spirit to guide, heal, and transform your life.

Call to Action

Pray this today:
“Lord, I repent of trusting in myself. I choose today to depend fully on You. I renounce the lies of self-reliance and empty positive words. Teach me to trust You with all my heart and to walk daily in Your strength.”

Key Truth: True encouragement is not in self—it is in full dependence on God.

 

 

 

Chapter 6 – The Cross and the Call to Die Daily to Self

Why Following Jesus Always Costs Something
True Discipleship Means Dying to Self, Not Living for Comfort

The Forgotten Call of the Cross

Many today preach a gospel of comfort. But Jesus never promised comfort—He promised a cross. To follow Him is to embrace death to self.

Luke 9:23 says: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” This is not an optional verse—it is the heart of discipleship.

Key Truth: Without the cross, there is no Christianity.

Dying to Self Daily

To die to self means to surrender our desires, our pride, and our independence. It is choosing God’s will over our own, every single day.

Galatians 2:20 explains: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Why the Encouragement Gospel Hides the Cross

A gospel of encouragement avoids the message of dying to self, because it offends human pride. It tells people they can have Jesus and keep their old life. But Jesus said the opposite.

Matthew 10:38 warns: “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”

Key Truth: Any gospel that avoids the cross is a false gospel.

What Dying to Self Looks Like

This call is not vague—it is practical. Dying to self means:
• Saying no to sin, even when it’s hard.
• Choosing obedience when it costs us.
• Forgiving when we’d rather hold a grudge.
• Serving when we’d rather be served.
• Putting Christ first in every decision.

Romans 12:1 calls us to this life: “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

The Freedom Found in the Cross

Though the cross sounds painful, it brings life. When we die to self, we are freed from sin’s control and selfish desires. True joy and peace come only when Christ rules in us.

2 Corinthians 4:10 says: “We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” Dying to self makes room for Jesus’ life to shine through us.

Reflection Questions

• Am I avoiding the cross and clinging to comfort?
• What area of my life still resists dying to self?
• Do I see daily surrender as a burden, or as the way to true freedom?

What This Chapter Means for You

The encouragement gospel avoids sacrifice. But the true gospel calls us to the cross. Only by dying to self can we live fully in Christ.

The daily cross is not a punishment—it is the path to freedom. When you surrender everything, you gain everything in Him.

Call to Action

Pray this today:
“Lord Jesus, I choose to take up my cross daily. Teach me to die to my pride, my desires, and my plans. Replace them with Your will. Let my life display not myself, but Christ living in me.”

Key Truth: The cross is not the end of life—it is the doorway into true life with Christ.

Chapter 7 – Learning From the Saints: Living Examples of Humility, Surrender, and Truth

Why We Need the Lives of the Saints in a World of Lies
The Christian Orthodox Saints Show Us What True Repentance and Holiness Look Like

The Missing Role Models in Our Lives

Many of us grew up with athletes, celebrities, or self-made men as our “role models.” But none of them teach us how to die to self, repent, and live for Jesus. We were never given the Christ-like role models we truly needed.

This is why the lives of the saints matter. The Christian Orthodox Saints are examples of men and women who lived fully for Christ—humble, prayerful, and surrendered.

Key Truth: The saints are role models of holiness that point us to Jesus.

Why the Saints Matter

The Bible itself calls us to look at examples of faith. Hebrews 12:1 says: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.”

The saints are part of that cloud of witnesses. Their lives are testimonies of what it means to follow Jesus fully. They show us how repentance looks in daily life—not just in words, but in actions.

Reading and Watching Their Lives

You don’t need to wonder where to start. You can read about the saints in books, and you can watch their stories in videos and documentaries online—even on YouTube.

These stories give us real pictures of humility, prayer, fasting, obedience, and surrender. Instead of learning from worldly role models, we can sit at the feet of those who lived wholly for Christ.

Philippians 3:17 reminds us: “Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.”

What We Learn From the Saints

The Christian Orthodox Saints teach us truths our culture has forgotten. Their lives show us:
• Humility – putting Christ above self.
• Repentance – constant turning of the heart back to God.
• Prayer – hours daily spent with the Lord.
• Fasting – disciplining the body to strengthen the spirit.
• Endurance – holding firm under persecution, trials, and suffering.

2 Thessalonians 2:15 says: “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you.”

Saints as Our Guides in a Deceptive World

We live in the last days, when false gospels and lies are everywhere. The saints anchor us. They remind us what sincerity, humility, and genuine surrender look like. They strip away the entertainment-driven gospel and show us the narrow road.

1 Corinthians 11:1 says: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” That is exactly what the saints did—they followed Christ so closely that their lives still point us back to Him.

Key Truth: The saints are not distractions—they are guides, showing us how to walk the narrow path of repentance.

Reflection Questions

• Am I more influenced by worldly figures than by holy role models?
• Have I taken time to read or watch the lives of the saints?
• What would change in my life if I imitated the humility and surrender of the saints?

What This Chapter Means for You

You need role models of true repentance and holiness. The Christian Orthodox Saints are those role models. Their lives are not just history—they are examples of how to live for Jesus today.

By reading about them, and even watching documentaries about their lives on YouTube, you will gain a footing into what it means to sincerely follow Christ in humility and surrender.

Call to Action

Pray this today:
“Lord, teach me to learn from the lives of the saints. Help me to study their humility and devotion, and to imitate their repentance and surrender. Let their example inspire me to walk more closely with You every day.”

Key Truth: In a world of false role models, the saints give us a true picture of life in Christ.

 

 

 

Chapter 8 – Prayer Before Preaching: Guarding the Pulpit With Intercession

Why Preachers and Prayer Warriors Must Labor Together in Prayer
Without Prayer, the Word Can Be Distorted and Lead People Astray

The Weight of Preaching God’s Word

Preaching is not a light task—it is the delivery of God’s eternal truth. Every word spoken from the pulpit has power to guide souls toward heaven or leave them wandering in deception. That is why prayer must come first.

James 3:1 warns: “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” Preachers carry a heavy responsibility, and without prayer they are vulnerable.

Key Truth: Preaching without prayer opens the door to deception.

Why Hours of Prayer Are Needed

We cannot assume that good intentions are enough. Prayer prepares the preacher’s heart, cleanses their motives, and aligns their words with God’s will. Without deep prayer, human opinion seeps in, and the message becomes mixed.

Acts 6:4 shows the apostles’ priority: “We will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” Notice that prayer came before preaching.

The Role of Prayer Warriors

It is not only the preacher who must pray, but also the intercessors of the church. Assigning prayer warriors to labor in prayer before and during the sermon creates spiritual covering and protection against lies.

Some vital roles of prayer warriors include:
• Interceding for the preacher’s purity of heart.
• Praying that no falsehood slips into the sermon.
• Asking God to open the hearts of listeners.
• Guarding the church from deception and distraction.

Ephesians 6:18 says: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

The Danger of Prayerless Preaching

When prayer is neglected, pulpits become platforms for personality instead of truth. Sermons can sound entertaining, motivational, or comforting—but without God’s Spirit, they mislead.

Jeremiah 23:16 warns: “Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.”

Key Truth: Without prayer, even sincere preachers can preach lies.

Making Prayer the Foundation of the Church of Truth

The Church of Truth cannot exist without this discipline. Preachers must never step onto the pulpit without hours of prayer, and congregations must never allow sermons to go unguarded by intercession.

Colossians 4:2 commands: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Prayer guards the message, the preacher, and the people. It ensures that only God’s Word goes forth.

Reflection Questions

• Do I pray for my pastor and preachers before they speak?
• Have I trusted words from the pulpit without asking if they were birthed in prayer?
• Am I willing to labor in prayer so that the church remains guarded by truth?

What This Chapter Means for You

Prayer is not optional—it is the lifeline of true preaching. Without it, even good churches can drift into deception. With it, the Word pierces hearts with truth and power.

The Church of Truth must be built on prayer and repentance, or it will not stand. Every sermon must be bathed in intercession.

Call to Action

Pray this today:
“Lord, raise me up as a prayer warrior for Your truth. Protect every preacher in the Church of Truth. Let every sermon come from You alone. Guard us from deception, and keep our message focused on repentance and full surrender to Jesus.”

Key Truth: Prayer is the shield that keeps preaching pure.

 

 

 

Chapter 9 – Exposing the Encouragement Gospel: How Smooth Words Hide Eternal Danger

Why Nice-Sounding Messages Can Be Spiritually Deadly
Encouragement Without Repentance Leaves Souls Unprepared for Eternity

The Appeal of Smooth Words

People love messages that make them feel good. They flock to preachers who tell them “everything will be fine,” “God just wants you happy,” and “don’t worry about sin.” But smooth words are not the gospel.

Isaiah 30:10 warns: “They say to the seers, ‘See no more visions!’ and to the prophets, ‘Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions.’” This is exactly what the encouragement gospel does—feeds illusions instead of truth.

Key Truth: Smooth words may soothe, but they cannot save.

The Encouragement Gospel Defined

The encouragement gospel is not the same as biblical encouragement. True encouragement strengthens believers to endure trials and remain faithful to Christ. False encouragement avoids truth and gives false comfort.

Jeremiah 6:14 exposes this: “They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.” Telling people they are fine when they are not is spiritual malpractice.

Why It Is Dangerous

Encouragement without repentance is dangerous because it:
• Numbs people to sin.
• Makes repentance feel unnecessary.
• Trains hearts to prefer comfort over conviction.
• Prepares no one for judgment day.

2 Timothy 4:3 says: “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” We are living in that time now.

Biblical Encouragement vs. False Encouragement

The Bible does encourage us, but always within the context of repentance, holiness, and obedience. Real encouragement says: “Yes, it’s hard, but God is with you. Stay faithful. Keep turning from sin.”

False encouragement says: “Don’t worry about sin. God understands. Just relax and be happy.” One strengthens you in the truth. The other lulls you into destruction.

Hebrews 3:13 gives the true picture: “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

Key Truth: Real encouragement calls us deeper into holiness, not further away from it.

Exposing the Lie Saves Lives

If the church does not expose the encouragement gospel, many will be deceived into thinking they are saved when they are not. This false peace is more dangerous than outright unbelief.

Ezekiel 13:10 shows this clearly: “They lead my people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash.” False encouragement builds walls of lies.

Reflection Questions

• Do I prefer preachers who comfort me, or those who call me to repent?
• Am I more drawn to smooth words than hard truths?
• Have I confused false encouragement with biblical encouragement?

What This Chapter Means for You

The encouragement gospel is dangerous because it replaces repentance with reassurance. It feels good in the moment but leaves you unprepared for eternity. Smooth words may keep you comfortable on earth, but they cannot protect you before God’s throne.

The only safe encouragement is the one that calls you back to Jesus, holiness, and repentance.

Call to Action

Pray this today:
“Lord, open my eyes to false encouragement. Remove every lie that tells me I am fine without repentance. Give me courage to embrace the truth, even when it convicts me. Teach me to find encouragement in holiness, not in deception.”

Key Truth: Encouragement without repentance is not love—it is a lie.

 

 

 

Chapter 10 – Returning to the Church of Truth: Repentance and Full Surrender to Christ

Why the Church Must Return to Its Only True Message
Repentance Is the Foundation of God’s Church, Not Comfort or Entertainment

The Church of Truth Defined

The true Church is not built on human wisdom, psychology, or entertainment. It is built on the gospel of repentance and the lordship of Jesus Christ. Anything else is a counterfeit.

Matthew 16:18 reminds us: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” The “rock” was not comfort, but the truth that Jesus is Lord.

Key Truth: The Church of Truth preaches repentance, not reassurance.

Why Repentance Must Be the Core

Repentance is not an optional side topic—it is the entry point into God’s kingdom. Without repentance, there is no forgiveness of sins, no intimacy with God, and no salvation.

Luke 24:47 says: “Repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” This was Jesus’ final command for the mission of His church.

What Happens When the Church Drifts

When the church drifts from repentance, it quickly falls into deception. False gospels rise: prosperity, encouragement, psychology, self. Instead of calling people to die to sin, they tell them they are fine as they are.

The results are:
• Crowds but not disciples.
• Enthusiasm but no holiness.
• Big buildings but no power.
• Comfort but no conviction.

2 Timothy 4:4 warns: “They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”

The Call to Return

The solution is simple but costly: return to repentance and surrender. The Church of Truth must be willing to preach sin, holiness, judgment, and the cross. It must be willing to lose the crowd to keep the truth.

Acts 3:19 says: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” True refreshment comes only after repentance.

Key Truth: The Church of Truth is a church on its knees, not a church chasing applause.

Full Surrender to Christ

The heart of repentance is surrender. We cannot cling to self and follow Christ at the same time. To return to the Church of Truth is to let go of our will and embrace His fully.

Romans 12:2 calls us to this: “Do not conform 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.”

Reflection Questions

• Am I part of a church that preaches repentance—or one that avoids it?
• Have I personally made repentance and surrender the foundation of my walk with Jesus?
• What would it look like for me to help restore the Church of Truth in this generation?

What This Chapter Means for You

The Church of Truth is not defined by its size, wealth, or influence—it is defined by its faithfulness to God’s Word. Repentance is not popular, but it is essential. Without it, no one can see the kingdom of God.

The question for every believer is simple: Am I willing to be part of a church that preaches the whole truth, even if it costs us comfort, applause, or popularity?

Call to Action

Pray this today:
“Lord Jesus, bring me back to the true Church of repentance and surrender. Remove every false gospel from my ears. Make me a disciple who lives Your truth and helps restore the Church to its foundation in You.”

Key Truth: The Church of Truth will always be marked by repentance and surrender to Christ.