April 10, 2013 Keep It Simple

by David C. Egner

2 Corinthians 1:12-14 New International Version (NIV) Paul s Change of Plans 12 Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted oursel ves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity[a] an d godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God s gra ce. 13 For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. And I hop e that, 14 as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jes us. We are not writing any other things to you than what you [can] read or understan d. 2 Corinthians 1:13 James Madison, fourth president of the United States, was instrumental in the dr afting of the US constitution. He warned against creating laws so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood. Based on s ome of the complicated government forms I ve read, that s advice that still needs to be heeded a little more often! Sometimes when sharing the gospel, we make it more complicated than it needs to be. We can be glad that the Bible presents the good news of salvation in clear, easily understood language. Jesus said to Nicodemus, an educated Pharisee, that G od so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). He later said, I a m the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me (14:6). The apostle Paul said it in straightforward language to the jailor in Ph ilippi who asked how to be saved: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved (Acts 16:31). God s precious love story is simple. He sent His Son to rescue us from sin and dea th. Wonderful news that even children can understand. Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart every word; Tell me the story most precious, Sweetest that ever was heard. Crosby Through faith in Christ, we receive God s pardon and escape sin s penalty.