Mark 1:14-15 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
I think we can make the gospel too complicated.
My husband and I recently visited the Billy Graham Training Center in Asheville, NC. Serving as a conference hub that hosts various speakers and artists, it pays tribute to the man who bears its name. And it reminds me of the beautiful simplicity of the good news of Jesus Christ.
My eyes welled with tears as I watched the introductory video in the center’s chapel. Snippets of Billy preaching at numerous crusades throughout the country (and the world) flashed on the screen while hundreds of people came forward in response to his simple message: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Billy believed his “one purpose in life” was to help people find a personal relationship with God through knowing Jesus. And as I watched the film, I realized that one purpose continued, even after his death. He was still preaching the simple gospel to everyone who toured the center.
The gospel’s simplicity makes it easy enough for anyone to understand, yet its depth challenges the deepest of thinkers. As someone recently remarked, God doesn’t treat us as pets. He offers us the most important, profound thing in the world and it’s fitting that we search to find it. I love apologetics and think all followers of Christ should know why they believe. But we don’t have to acquire extensive biblical knowledge or philosophical insight to be bearers of the good news. Just a willing heart.
Jesus proclaimed the gospel of God, telling everyone to repent of their sins and believe. Believe the good news that he is their way back to God. He is the path to healing and hope. The path to forgiveness and freedom from guilt. The path to knowing God, and finding purpose in our lives.
Never underestimate what God can do with one simple man or woman willing to present the simple message of the very, very good news. I’m glad Billy Graham didn’t.
Friend, the kingdom is at hand and folks in your sphere need to hear the simple message!