| Several years ago the senior citizens in the congregation where I was preaching took a trip to a nuclear reactor nearby. One of the ladies brought me a sample packet of a “pellet of uranium” used in nuclear reactors which she obtained during the tour. Of course it was only simulated, as might be expected. The pellet was not much larger than a Tylenol tablet, and according to the statistics on the package, one pellet of uranium, which costs $5, provides as much energy as 149 gallons of oil, 1,780 pounds of coal, or 157 gallons of regular gasoline. It is not my purpose right here to argue for the advantages and/or disadvantages of nuclear over fossil fuel energy. It is the incredible power contained in that tiny pellet that is so striking.
As I considered this little pellet with such lethal punch, I was reminded of the words of Paul: “I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16). As I held this “Simulated Uranium Pellet” in my hand, I was aware that this particular pellet was actually useless insofar as providing any power. It was interesting to look at, it was neatly packaged, and it probably looks a lot like the real thing. BUT IT HAS NO POWER! So it is with “simulated” gospels (Paul calls them perverted, or “different”). Compared to “sound doctrine,” they are neatly packaged, they are interesting to look at, and in many ways, they are similar to the REAL THING. But friends, ONLY THE GOSPEL has the power to save. All facsimiles and simulations are of no value whatsoever when it comes to meeting the needs of the soul.
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