Many Christians cannot give a short explanation of the gospel. They know the vibe of it with thoughts like, Jesus is important, sin is forgiven, I need it. But asked to put it into a simple explanation, the uninitiated could understand, well that’s hard. Imagine a doctor who devoted their life to medicine, but couldn’t tell you clearly what treatment they’re prescribing – but just a feeling. It wouldn’t inspire confidence.
Christians devote our lives to serving Jesus. It makes sense that we should be able to explain why we serve Jesus to someone who asks us. All Christians should be able to explain the gospel. Can you?
At St. James this term we’re learning together a simple gospel explanation. It is something that you can commit to memory so that if someone asks you why you’re a Christian, you can say something more than a vibe, but helpfully share the gospel with that person. It’s something kids and adults can both easily learn.
It’s based only 1 verse in the bible. In fact, you might even have the verse already memorised – John 3:16. It means you only need to remember 1 verse of the bible to be able to share the gospel with someone.
John 3:16: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
Everyone can learn one verse of the bible and learn to share the gospel.
“For God” – Write the word ‘God’
God is our creator. As creator God also tells us what is good and how to best live in his world.
“loved the world” – Draw a circle
God loved everything in the world, especially humans. We were created to love him and our neighbour. And he loved the world so much…
“that he gave his one and only Son” – Draw a cross
God showed he loved us by sending his Son Jesus. Jesus died on the cross. This was necessary because even though God loves us, we failed to love God or love our neighbour. This deserves God’s judgement. But when Jesus died, and then three days later rose from the dead, he made a way that we can be forgiven and made right with God.
“that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life”
– Draw legs and words perish & eternal life
We can choose to keep not loving God, by rejecting his Son, Jesus. John 3:16 says that we will perish. That means we will be judged for our lack of love.
But whoever believes in Jesus and trusts him for forgiveness will have eternal life and live forever with him.
I believe this!
Will you take up the challenge? Taking up the challenge might seem scary, because it means if you’re asked you won’t have an excuse for being vague or vibish. Instead, you’ll be able to clearly articulate what you believe as a Christian. As scary as that might sound though, you’ll be bringing glory to God as you speak the truth, honouring Jesus and his sacrifice for us by not being ashamed of him and giving the people you’re sharing with an opportunity to find out more about what it might mean for them to place their faith in Jesus.
