A couple years ago, I thought it’d be a good idea to gather the ten most important Bible verses, arrange them in a suitable order, and memorize them. You know, the ten Bible verses that best deliver the gospel message (I was thinking something like the Roman Road).
After beginning, though, I realized it doesn’t take ten verses to share the gospel. I also realized I already knew enough verses to share the gospel (you probably do to). Here’s what I use:
Romans 3:23 >> John 3:16 >> Acts 16:31
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” -Romans 3:23
“For God 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
“…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved…” -Acts 16:31
I like this set up because it’s the perfect sales pitch (in a good way). Romans 3:23 reveals the problem. John 3:16 gives the solution. Acts 16:31 calls you to a specific action.
What could be better? Don’t bother trying to make up the gospel message in your own words – just tell it like it is, the way God wrote it.
Serving Suggestions:
(1) If you haven’t memorized these three sections of Scripture, I encourage you to go for it. Even if you know all the sections, practice a couple times repeating them in order (including the references).
(2) Share this with someone else. Teach (or remind) someone of the gospel, the good news.
Twitter Updates
Interesting idea (and post). Have you ever considered writing something on gender and/in the gospel? (Or have you already?)
Thank you. Hmm… no, I haven’t previously written on gender. How so? I mean, in what way were you thinking to consider the topic?
I’m always open to post ideas.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
“Don’t bother trying to make up the gospel message in your own words – just tell it like it is, the way God wrote it.”
When we move to Germany we will use a simple version of the Book of Luke to try and help people improve their English. We say the Word is the teacher and we are the illustration.
I actually have a difficult time writing sermons because I am taking a text and trying to explain it. I would rather throw the scripture out there and let people ask question. This probably explains why I am better in a small group setting.
That’s too cool… teaching English through the Bible.
Interesting you’d mention about questions in sermons. I’ve seriously considered doing Q&A during a talk. I’m not sure exactly how it would work out, but I wonder why no one (that I know of) really does them.
I’m also a big fan of smaller groups. The dynamics are different – more intimate and specific.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
Great list! In seminary, we had to create a gospel tract using only Isaiah. Seemed impossible, but really, the whole “Roman Road” is in there. Pretty amazing.
Thanks for commenting on my blog. Hope you have a great New Year!
Wow, just out of Isaiah… that is amazing. I’ll have to try that sometime. It’s wonderful how the gospel message is woven through out the Bible. It’s almost as if God knew what He was doing even though He had so many different writings actually penning the Scripture. It shows the divine hand at work.
Thank you for reading and commenting – I enjoyed your blog as well.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
As a minimalist by nature, I love the simplicity of the Gospel. There’s so much in so little. I love when Jesus restructured the 10 commandments to love God, and love your neighbor. BEAUTIFUL!
Brett,
Yes, it’s quite amazing really. The gospel can be as complicated as you want. But I’m with you (and Einstein): “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
-Marshall Jones Jr.
Wow, this was a really quality post. In theory I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real effort to make a great article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and never seem to get something done.