If Jesus were here in the flesh, there would be many places of relgion; virtually all denominations, and many churches of Christ where he could not preach. Most pulpits today would be closed to him. Certainly this would not be due to a lack of knowledge on his part; it would not be for lack of ability, but among other things, for the following reasons:

[1] Because most religiously affiliated people today subscribe to the philosophy, "don't condemn the religious beliefs of other people." But we read the words of Jesus, "why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your traditions?" Jesus said that! He said it of some of the beliefs of the people of his day. He said their tradition made the "commandment of God of none effect" (Matt. 15:6). He condemned the "beliefs" of the Sadducees on the subject of the resurrection (Matt. 22:23-33). He condemned the "belieff" os the Pharisees at nearly every turn (Matt. 5:21-48) - and he did this because he loved the souls of those people - but they were wrong.

[2] We also hear today, "don't call the names of religious bodies or sinful people." Jesus could not preach for such people because he said, "Woe unto you, scribes, Pharisees, hypocrites ..." (Matt. 23:13-15). He once told Peter, "Get thee behind me, Satan" (Matt. 16:23). When one is acting as the agent of the devil, he needs to be exposed as such. "Oh, but that was Jesus; he had the right to so speak," we hear. Did not Paul say, "you follow me, even as I follow Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1)? Does that not include the preaching as well as the conduct of Jesus?

[3] "The world needs a social gospel today" is the cry of many. But Jesus wa not concerned with preaching such a gospel. Instead, he preached a saving gospel, and commanded his disciples to do likewise (Mk. 16:15-16). He once told some people, "ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves and fishes and were filled ..." (John 6:26). Still, we find that satisfaction of the flesh to be the nt factor in most preaching today. Most of it is totally devoid of any teaching that will save the soul, for it is aimed at satisfying the cravings of the fleshly man. And the attitude prevails, "if that is what men want, that's what they should have." No, we need to hear a gospel that will save the soul; not one that will cater to the whims of the flesh.

What a shame that the greatest preacher who ever lived would not be allowed in many pulpits throughout the land today! Men need to realize that they will one day stand before Jesus - but it will not be to hear him as a preacher. Rather, it will be as a judge; a judge that will render to every man according to his deeds (2 Cor. 5:10). The very word they do not want to preach and hear will be their judge! We need the kind of preaching that Jesus delivered! - Bill Moseley