Category: The Gospel in a Minute

Gospel in a Minute: Jesus Is Alive and Communicates with Us

Gospel in a Minute

Because Jesus actually rose from the dead, he is alive and communicates with us. The Star Wars series of movies presents its version of god in a Buddhist way as an impersonal force that includes both good and evil. That is not the God of the Bible.

The Bible reveals that God is a Person who is good and loving and who communicates with people.

The Bible records the history of God’s interactions with men and women in which he clearly communicated with them through direct words, visions, angelic visitations, prophets, the scriptures, and last, but certainly not least, by his indwelling Holy Spirit.

The eternal Logos became a human named Jesus who lived for some thirty-three years, interacting with his family, friends, neighbors, disciples, and even his enemies. He spoke as no one else had. (John 7:46) His personality and spirit magnetically drew those whose hearts were open to God, but repelled those who were hardened. When he met people, he often called them by name, as with his disciples and Zacheus. When Mary Magdalene searched for his body after the crucifixion, he appeared to her in a risen bodily form she did not immediately recognize until he spoke her name, “Mary.” Instantly she knew him and was overjoyed, running to tell the other disciples that he was indeed risen from the dead. Because Jesus is alive, he is still able to communicate with his disciples. Later, after his ascension into heaven, he appeared and spoke personally to the apostle Paul, bringing about his dramatic conversion.

He also visited me some fifty-three years ago. I was a seeker, who was not at all convinced in the truth of the resurrection, but I wanted to know. After I observed someone I loved and respected, now my wife, transform from being a standard Roman Catholic to becoming a “born again” follower of Christ, I asked the Lord, if he were real, to come into my life and reveal himself to me, too. That is just what he did.

Paul said that if we turn to the Lord, he will remove the veil that hides Christ’s identity from our eyes. (2 Corinthians 3:16)

Because I opened myself to him, the risen and living Jesus communicated with me via his Holy Spirit that he is indeed who the Bible says he is. I am not sure how he did it, but I sensed his presence so strongly that I was instantly transformed inside and filled with joy. My life was changed, moving me from doubt to faith in an instant. I now know that he is truly alive, and knowing and believing that gave me eternal life, too.

I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life. John 5:24 (NLT)

You, too, can know the risen Lord. He is no respecter of persons. Anyone who comes to him will be received by him. He will not turn you away. (John 6:37) Will this be your day? Will you open your heart to the risen Lord and ask him into your life as I did some 53 years ago? Will you ask him to reveal himself to you so that you too can believe and be saved?

Prayer

Jesus, I want to know you. I ask you to come into my life and reveal yourself to me so that I can believe and be saved. I want to be forgiven for my many sins and experience what it is like to be in right standing with my Creator. I want to experience your love and life and be with you forever. I give myself to you. Amen.

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Gospel in a Minute: The Gospel Is Our Only Hope During Times of Judgment

Gospel in a Minute

Peter concluded his Acts 2 gospel presentation by declaring unequivocally that Jesus is Messiah and Lord, and he gave them instructions for what to do.

Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” Acts 2:40 (NLT)

Principle: We All Deserve to Be Judged without Mercy. The Gospel Is Our Only Hope.

 

None of us wants to be judged for our sins. We all know that we are guilty, and the Bible teaches us that the “wages of sin” is death. One of the unchangeable attributes of God is his justice. He hates sin and cannot wink at evil doing. He has no favorites, but judges equitably. Although his patience is phenomenal, it eventually comes to an end, at which time the fury of his wrath against sin and hardened sinners will be unleashed. Mercifully, God often introduces redemptive judgments before releasing his pent up fury. The purpose of redemptive judgments is to coax us to repent from our sin and turn to him for mercy by believing the Good News.

The Gospel announces that Jesus bore the brunt of God’s wrath against sin on the cross on our behalf so that we who believe can escape unharmed. This is the Lamb of God ministry.

Those who put their faith in this good news and their allegiance in the risen Christ Jesus, who is the Lord, will be saved. (Romans 10:9-10) Those who refuse the message consign themselves to judgment. (Acts 10:36)

When God’s judgment is unleashed, the Gospel message is easily seen to be our one and only hope.

Let’s be sure to share it with those who need to hear. The time of God’s judgment is upon us.

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Forgiveness… on what basis?

Gospel in a Minute

I have heard it said that God forgives us because it is his “job.” It is amazing to me how cavalier people can be regarding God’s mercy, as if they know for certain that he will forgive anything and everything and that they have nothing at all to be concerned when they one day face God. I believe this attitude reveals a woeful lack of appreciation for God’s justice and an absence of a proper sort of fear of the Lord.

Jesus warned his disciples:

But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear. Luke 12:5 (NLT)

Jesus was anything but reassuring when it came to God’s justice. That being the case, how could Jesus so blithely grant forgiveness to a person, as in the following passage?

Jesus climbed into a boat and went back across the lake to his own town. 2  Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.”  Matthew 9:1-2 (NLT)

The Pharisees who were present accused Jesus of blasphemy, realizing that granting forgiveness before God is a divine prerogative. They condemned him for assuming to have such authority, not realizing who he was. But how is God himself able to forgive without violating his perfect justice? On what basis did Jesus forgive this man and others?

The answer is simple. When Jesus forgave anyone in the gospels, he made an advance draw from his account, guaranteeing he would have to be crucified. He would soon pay an incalculable price by dying on the cross as the Lamb of God to satisfy God’s wrath against sin and purchase our forgiveness.

Never forget: God does not forgive because it is his job. He forgives because he loved us enough to allow his only Son to die for us.

Have you told God how much you appreciate what he did for you?

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Be Appropriately Provocative

Gospel in a Minute

Paul concluded his testimony by relating how God commissioned him to take the gospel to the Gentiles, which angered his listeners.

I saw a vision of Jesus saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem, for the people here won’t accept your testimony about me.’ ...‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles!’” 22  The crowd listened until Paul said that word. Then they all began to shout, “Away with such a fellow! He isn’t fit to live!” 23  They yelled, threw off their coats, and tossed handfuls of dust into the air. Acts 22:18-23 (NLT)

Principle: Be Appropriately Provocative

Why did Paul say what he knew would inflame his listeners? Surely he was not naive! Was he led by the Spirit? That we cannot know for sure, but we would assume so. Paul addressed one of the major sins of Judaism, its racist assumption that God did not include the  Gentiles in the blessings of Abraham. In their pride, Paul’s hearers hated the idea of non-Jews being part of God’s plan. Paul knew his statement would anger his listeners, but he said it anyway in order to highlight the sin that was dragging them to hell.

In today’s politically correct world, Christians are warned that we must color inside the lines and not say certain things – or face the consequences.

What are the egregious sins of those who hate the gospel today? Abortion and homosexuality immediately come to mind. Call out these biblical sins and we will surely set off an explosion of hatred and persecution, and yet these sins, and others, must be confronted if our listeners have any hope of repentance and forgiveness from God.

Gospel preachers must be unafraid to be appropriately provocative, regardless of the consequences. It’s part of the cost of discipleship. It is one of the reasons we need to be led and baptized in the Spirit.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses [Greek: martyrs], telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NLT)
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How Much Will This Cost?

Gospel in a Minute

Paul continued his testimony by explaining how God called him to put his faith in Christ into action.

“Then he [Ananias] told me, ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and hear him speak. 15  For you are to be his witness, telling everyone what you have seen and heard. 16  What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord.’ Acts 22:14-16 (NLT)

Principle: How Much Will This Cost?

Hearing and understanding the gospel must result in obedience, or I am merely a consumer of religious stories.

Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name. Romans 1:5 (NLT)

Consumer Christianity has mass marketed a version of Christianity that only requires church attendance, not obedience.

Disciples are called to formally and publicly declare their allegiance to Christ through water baptism and to be a witness to others of the truth of the gospel for a lifetime. If we correctly share the gospel, our hearers will know that following Christ is like signing a blank check, which the our Lord will fill in and cash as he sees fit.

Paul was warned that he would face hardship and suffering as Christ’s servant and messenger; nevertheless, he made an immediate surrender to Christ and the call God placed on his life. When we share the gospel we must make certain our hearers understand the enormous price tag associated with being a disciple.

If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26 (NLT)
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What’s the Point?

Gospel in a Minute

Paul continued his testimony by relating what his encounter with Christ meant.

“I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’ “And the Lord told me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything you are to do.’ Acts 22:10 (NLT)

Principle: What’s the Point?

Here is where the “rubber meets the road” in Paul’s testimony. It is all well and good to have a religious experience. Plenty of celebrities bandy about the name of God in their award acceptance speeches, but a bigger question is, “What difference does knowing God make? What’s the point?” Many people who profess to be Christians live as though they are not. That was not the case with Paul. His encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus profoundly altered the course of his life. The key is his using the word “Lord.”

The point of the gospel and a good testimony is that Jesus is the Lord.

In fact, if we were forced to reduce the gospel to three words, these three would suffice. Paul immediately comprehended that the One he encountered was and is the Lord.

When we share our testimonies, we should make sure we include how we too came to this realization. Knowing that Jesus is Lord is vastly different from knowing him as savior. Being forgiven makes no demands upon us, but when we surrender to Jesus the Lord, are lives are no longer our own.

Perhaps this is a good time for each of us to consider if this is actually our story. If not, now is the time to make Jesus our Lord, too.

Prayer

Jesus, I never completely realized that your being the Lord means that my life belongs to you now. I surrender to you every aspect of my life from this day forward. Help me to faithfully love and serve you. Amen.

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Share How God Showed Up

Gospel in a Minute

Paul continued his testimony by introducing the supernatural part of his story.

As I was on the road, approaching Damascus about noon, a very bright light from heaven suddenly shone down around me. 7  I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8  “‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked. “And the voice replied, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting.’ Acts 22:6-8 (NLT)

Principle: Share How God Showed Up

A testimony is essentially the relating of how God intersected a life.

Unless God intervenes, we are headed for hell. We don’t need any help to pull that off. That was certainly the case with Paul. He was “hell bent” on persecuting Christians in an attempt to stamp out what had become known as the Way. He was the chief enemy of the faith and perhaps the most unlikely of all people to have an encounter with the risen Christ, and that is exactly the point.

This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. 16  But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15-16 (NLT)

A good testimony invites people to consider that God is real, cares about us, and is able to communicate effectively. Most people are unaware that this sort of thing can happen, and, even if they know it can, they do not believe it will.

If we have successfully made people realize we were just as unlikely a candidate for divine intervention as they are, our testimony may require them to come to terms that the gospel might be for them, too. When I share with people how God intersected my life and revealed to me that Jesus is truly who the Bible says he is, I always tell them that God does not turn away any sincere seeker. If our listeners will honestly turn to God and ask him for help, the Lord will not turn his back on them.

A testimony offers people hope that God will intersect their lives, too.

However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. John 6:37 (NLT)
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Share Your “Back Story”

Gospel in a Minute

Paul continued his testimony by telling his listeners that he previously was an enemy of the gospel.

And I persecuted the followers of the Way, hounding some to death, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prison. 5  The high priest and the whole council of elders can testify that this is so. For I received letters from them to our Jewish brothers in Damascus, authorizing me to bring the Christians from there to Jerusalem, in chains, to be punished. Acts 22:4-5 (NLT)

Principle: Share Your “Back Story”

If people are meeting us for the first time, they have no context for understanding how Christ has impacted our lives. After establishing solidarity, It is important for us to relate what we were like before we became followers of Christ. People need to know that we were not always as we are today. We had a life before Christ of which they know nothing.

Sharing our “back story” is another way for us to establish common ground with our listeners and sets the stage for relating how Christ gives purpose to our lives and transforms us.

People may argue with our doctrine and conclusions, but they cannot deny our personal story. Related properly a testimony can be a powerful corroboration of the gospel.

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Establish Solidarity

Gospel in a Minute

Paul was in Jerusalem when hostile Jews attacked and falsely accused him. In order to quell a riot, Roman soldiers took him into custody. On his way to the military outpost, the commander granted Paul permission to speak to the crowd.

Paul provides us with a model for sharing our own testimonies.

Then Paul said, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and I was brought up and educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. As his student, I was carefully trained in our Jewish laws and customs. I became very zealous to honor God in everything I did, just like all of you today. Acts 22:3 (NLT)

Principle: Establish Solidarity

People generally think that followers of Christ are at least a little weird. I became a disciple during what was called the “Jesus Revolution” or “Jesus Movement” back in the early seventies. Society labeled those who turned to Christ during that great awakening as “Jesus Freaks.”

Anyone who is not like everyone else arouses suspicion. When we promulgate a message that runs counter to the accepted norm, we become a threat. Gospel communicators must be aware of these two barriers by first establishing solidarity with the audience.

Since Paul was addressing Jews, he first established that he was a Jew. People need to know that we understand them. Not only was Paul Jewish, he also had been a man of stature in the community, having studied under the finest teachers. In other words,

Paul told his listeners that he understood them and was like them.

Secondly, Paul complimented them on their zeal, however misplaced. As mentioned in a previous article, if we can find common ground with our listeners, it helps a lot. It is rarely a good idea to launch an attack on those whom we are trying to convert. Even though his antagonists were in the wrong, he found something for which to praise them: their zeal for Jewish beliefs.

We also should look for what we can acknowledge as being good in our listeners in an effort to establish solidarity prior to sharing the gospel.

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Be Glad for a Hot or Cold Response to the Gospel

Gospel in a Minute

After Paul addressed a crowd in Athens, his listeners responded as follows.

When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.” 33  That ended Paul’s discussion with them, 34  but some joined him and became believers. Among them were Dionysius, a member of the council, a woman named Damaris, and others with them. Acts 17:32-34 (NLT)

Principle: Be Glad for a Hot or Cold Response to the Gospel

Lack of interest is not what we hope to obtain when we present the gospel. Far better that a person become hostile than simply ignore the greatest gift ever offered. This agrees with Jesus’ warning in Revelation.

I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16  But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! Revelation 3:15-16 (NLT)

Even though Jesus spoke these words to the church, the principle still applies to all. If people actively resist the gospel, it is because they are seriously listening and do not like what they hear. There is hope for such a person. Perhaps the Holy Spirit will bring them around as they continue to ponder the implications of the gospel. The “lukewarm” disinterested person, however, does not have much hope at all. His or her mind and heart are not engaged.

We should be glad for a “hot” response by those who readily receive the gospel. We should also be glad when we encounter hostility, knowing that at least the message is being heard.

Be assured that God’s word will accomplish his desired end.

It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. Isaiah 55:11 (NLT)
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