" The Simple Gospel Truth "

1st.Corinthians 1:17 & 2:4-5   "For CHRIST sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of CHRIST should be made of none effect . . . And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the SPIRIT and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of GOD."

     We live in a world enamored by complexity. existential and esoteric interpretations of life and literature not only abound but are embraced as "true light" to be grasped if one is to find peace and enlightenment. The Apostle Paul made it clear that the Gospel he proclaimed, although profound in depth and implication, was simple to teach and comprehend. Sadly, many have turned GOD's truth into something much more complex than it is. Yes, the Gospel is theologically deep and its ramifications great, but it is not difficult to understand - nor should we make it so.

     Consider the following words written by Dr. A.T. Pierson at the beginning of the 20th. century, for they ring true for us today: "The preaching that lacks simplicity makes the cross of none effect, by lifting it above the level of the average man. When the Gospel is robed in unsanctified rhetoric, attention is diverted from the CHRIST to the 'Chrysostom,' the golden-mouthed orator. Such preachers, like the Pharisees, 'have their reward.' they call forth a cold, intellectual assent, awaken an aesthetic pleasure, kindle a sentimental glow, perhaps even an enthusiastic ardour and fervour; but they fail to pierce the heart with the sword of the SPIRIT, which is the WORD of GOD. That sword proves living and powerful, not when worn in the sheath of scholarly culture, or when swung in the air to show the flashing gems with which learning decks it, but when drawn from its scabbard and thrust naked into the hearer's heart. A Scotch preacher has said that it is always some WORD of GOD that smites the sinner, and that man's words only feather GOD's arrow, that it may 'carry' straight to the mark."

     We have considered the need for simplicity in proclaiming the truth -  specifically, the Gospel message. In a day in which many glorify complexity and embrace uncertainty, we must be careful not to make the cross of CHRIST "of none effect" through our use of "vain words" and the "wisdom of the world."

     How can we effectively proclaim the truth with simplicity ? First, we must boldly declare that truth does exist and that it can be known. Truth exists in the spiritual and moral realms just as it exists in the physical realm. JESUS CHRIST is "the TRUTH." GOD's WORD is truth. the Gospel is truth. And, truth is communicated through language. One author rightly declared, "Language is GOD's vehicle for conveying truth." GOD uses HIS WORD, the Bible, to declare that a relationship with HIM comes only through faith alone in the person and work of JESUS CHRIST. The Gospel message is simple and clear: We all are sinners who need a SAVIOR, and Salvation is available by JESUS' death, burial and resurrection. Second, we must emphasize the power of GOD's WORD when we communicate the truth to others. As a living Book, it is more accurate than even eyewitness testimony or personal experience (2nd.Peter 2:19). It knows us better than we know ourselves (Hebrews 4:12-13). First Thessalonians 2:13 reveals the starting point for truth: Man must receive GOD's WORD as IT truly is - the very communication of GOD to man. Third, we must define the Gospel and other Christian terms clearly. Many today have no knowledge of Christianity or Christian vocabulary. We need to be plain about what Salvation is and is not. May we ably communicate GOD's truth to this lost world. MDC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
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