The Simple Gospel...

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23 NKJV The simplicity of the Gospel is perhaps why so many can't or won't accept it. As we age, we become skeptical, cynical, doubtful--we lose that childlike quality of faith. We cease to take things at face value, always seeking an underlying motive. Jesus Himself stated that we must receive the Kingdom of GOD as a little child in order to enter Heaven (Mark 10:15 & Luke 18:17) Children are typically very trusting, very accepting and extremely non-judgmental. They love unconditionally... Our status in life & our education sometimes get in the way as well. It's hard for us to overcome our own intelligence & sense of reason and accept simple truths. Jesus also explained to Nicodemus in John 3 about the spiritual birth, or being born again, saying the Gospel was available to "whosoever believes." The Pharisees were well-educated, familiar with the Law and considered to be leaders in the community. How could someone of his caliber accept the teachings of a lowly carpenter turned teacher? He did... Oh, we say we believe in GOD and the teachings of Jesus but our actions say differently. Even the demons believe (James 2:19) but believing in GOD is not enough--we must place our faith in Jesus, asking forgiveness for and turning from our sins. We deserve punishment--eternal separation from GOD and sentenced to a hellish torture. But, GOD loves us enough to offer us a free gift of salvation if only we will overcome our foolish pride and ask for it. The Christian life is not merely a list of "thou shalt nots"--it is a deeply personal and intimate relationship with the Creator of the universe, the One True GOD. He desires to fellowship with each of us individually. There is no cookie cutter approach that works for everyone. GOD made us all uniquely individual, so each relationship is also unique. We must cease to judge others because we see their sin as greater than our own. That is between them & GOD, just as our sin is between us and GOD. Let's work to keep it simple. The message is, was, and always will be, the same. Jesus came to earth and willingly sacrificed Himself in order to reconcile man once again to GOD. He rose again and lives eternally at the right hand of the Father, interceding on our behalf. Still, each person has a free will & has to choose for him/herself whether or not to accept GOD's gift of grace. Our job is to tell the story. We never know how or when GOD will use our individual story, our testimony, to impact the life of another & potentially change their eternal destination. "And they overcame him (the accuser of the brethren) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony..." (Revelation 12:11) My own story is not pretty, yet I share it when the opportunity presents itself & I've seen it minister to others. There is great comfort in knowing we are not alone in the struggles of life. Share your story & keep the message simple. GOD will honor your efforts & allow you to see the fruits of your labor--either here or in eternity to come... Blessings! Tony