I think it's safe to say that we all enjoy the simple things in life!
What about your morning cup of coffee?
A very simple pleasure, however, for many a sheer necessity!
For Brian and I, as many of you already know, one of our simple joys is our truck dates!
Simple, yet so very cherished!
How about holding a newborn baby?
Simple, but, oh, so heart-stirring as you marvel at all the preciousness God knit together within that tiny little body!
One of my favorites. Watching, as well as listening, as wave upon wave crashes onto the shoreline.
Simple, yet a thunderous noise and a spectacular sight of God's majestic handiwork!
What about The Gospel of The Lord Jesus Christ?
You may be thinking, "Barb, how in the world does that fit into the category of simple things?"
The Gospel IS simple.
However, sad to say, we, in our humanness, have managed to make it complicated.
I was twenty-six years old before someone shared with me the TRUE meaning of The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Gospel
plain and SIMPLE
is
the death,
the burial,
and
the resurrection
of
Jesus Christ.
NOTHING MORE
NOTHING LESS
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures."
I Corinthians 15:3-4
Simple, but, oh, so glorious!
Simple, but, the most supreme act of love ever demonstrated!
Simple, and yet such amazing grace that saved a wretch like me, who once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see!
Simple, yet totally life changing, not just in this world, but even more importantly, for all eternity.
But man, in his reasoning and rational thinking, has a difficult time accepting the simplicity of The Gospel.
There just HAS to be more to it. It just CANNOT be that easy, and therefore, so much has been tacked onto the simple Gospel message, and thus confusion abounds.
Many believe it's The Gospel plus baptism. No, the Bible clearly teaches that baptism takes place after salvation. Baptism is NOT part of The Gospel message.
Good works MUST be part of the Gospel. Wrong! Doing good things for others is wonderful, but NOT part of The Gospel.
Prayer HAS to be part of the Gospel. No! Prayer is VERY important. BUT, not part of the simplicity of the Gospel!
Okay, attending church must be part of The Gospel. Nope! Not mentioned one time in the Gospel.
"Barb, why is it so important to personally understand what The Gospel is and what The Gospel is not?"
Very good question!
Because understanding and BELIEVING The Gospel is the ONLY way to be forgiven of your sins, have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and be 110% sure, with no doubt whatsoever, that you will go to Heaven when you die.
Simple
but so
IMPORTANT!
The most
critical decision
you will
ever make
in your
entire life!
Even a child can understand and grasp the SIMPLE TRUTH of The Gospel.
In fact the Bible says,
"Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.”
Luke 18:17
What exactly does that verse mean?
We need to believe the Gospel just like a child does!
A child usually doesn't ask a ton of questions or argues for hours on end about why The Gospel is just a made up myth!
A child won't come up with a zillion excuses why they just can't believe The Gospel at this particular moment in their life!
A child has the mind-set, "if that's what Jesus did for me, then I believe it!"
Period. End of conversation.
In other words, since the Bible clearly teaches that Jesus died on the cross of Calvary for the sins of the entire world, He was buried and three days later arose victorious over death, then I believe it!
No questions asked. End of conversation! Child-like faith!
My friends, please know that I am NOT trying to bully you into believing The Gospel.
I am NOT repeating myself over and over because I think you are ignorant or that I am "holier than thou" or that I have all the answers.
That is the furthest thing from my mind.
I am sharing my heart with you.
I just know what it was like to live for years thinking that The Gospel was complicated. Just for "certain" people to understand. For "perfect" people. For "religious" people. Certainly not for a sinner like myself.
Friend, I want you to understand that is SO WRONG!
The Gospel
is for
ALL
people!
Having a personal relationship with Jesus and being assured that your sins are forgiven and that Heaven will be your home one day is as simple as believing The Gospel.
But you need to make it personal.
Jesus died for YOUR sins. Jesus was buried for YOU. Jesus rose from the grave for YOU.
I still remember the first time someone told me I was a sinner. I stiffened up and said something like, "Why are you calling me a sinner? You don't even know me. I'm a good person. It's not like I ever killed anyone!"
I knew I wasn't perfect. VERY far from it! And if I would have been honest enough at the time, I probably would have agreed I had done bad things, but to actually call me a sinner! No way!
That was before someone showed me what the Bible has to say!
The Bible teaches we are ALL sinners and one sin is just as bad as another sin.
But there is no sin so great that it cannot be forgiven.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
Romans 3:23
None of us can measure up to the Lord's standard of holiness and that is exactly why we NEED Jesus to be our Saviour. Jesus is the ONLY one Who has never sinned, and yet He was willing to take ALL of our sins upon Himself when He died on the cross. AMAZING LOVE!
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
II Corinthians 5:21
So once you realize you are a sinner and that Jesus died for your sins on the cross and rose again, you just talk to the Lord. That's what prayer is!
Tell Him you believe He died, was buried and rose again for YOU!
That's The Gospel!
Share with Jesus that you know you are a sinner and You are trusting Him to be Your Saviour. The Only One capable of forgiving you of your sins and taking you to Heaven one day. Tell Him you are asking Him to be the Lord of your life and that you desire to live your life for Him. You do NOT need to impress Him with fancy words. He's simply interested in what's in your heart. It’s that simple. It's THE GOSPEL!
If you have ANY questions about The Gospel or about trusting Jesus as your personal Saviour, PLEASE contact me either through the prayer request tab on the home page or send me an email message at barb@castingyourcare.org.
The blood of
JESUS
can cleanse
your deepest sin!
The blood
that cleanses
from ALL sin
will NEVER
lose its POWER!
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May God Bless You,
Barb
Linda
August 28, 2016 at 4:20 amOh, the simple, wonderful things in life! I love my morning coffee (always made by Dave, who has a coffee machine that only he knows how to use!!); love the sound of waves pounding to the shore - and seeing the beauty of God's handiwork in flowers, birds, butterflies etc. Hope you managed to have a truck date this during this last week. Dear Barb, love that you openly share the gospel in simplicity. Our salvation truly is a precious gift from our God - amazing grace.
Sending much love and prayers across the ocean. ❤️
Barb
August 30, 2016 at 4:47 pmOh my treasured friend, I love how you said that you love your morning coffee that only Dave can make in the coffee pot since he is the only one who knows how to use it!!!
So many simple yet beautiful gifts which our loving Lord has bestowed upon us. Of course the most important one being salvation!
I really don't know how people live without the Lord? I remember the days before I was saved and I cringe to think of living in them now!
YES we did make it on a truck date last week. A breakfast truck date as well as a dinner truck date and I even made it to church last weekend for the ground breaking service for our new worship building and student life ministry center.
Very simple things at one time, but precious blessings in the days in which I'm currently living in!!
I love and greatly appreciate you my dear friend, Barb