Writing Prompt: In your own words, explain the Gospel to a non-believer.

This was more difficult to complete than I realized! Despite my experience in children’s ministry, I stared at my blank screen in discomfort. How can I put this in my own words? It was a thought-provoking exercise to write it out, then spend time in God’s word making sure what I was Biblical accurate. Here is the result of my inadequate, late- night meanderings!  

The Gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sin, but what does that mean? The Bible is the Word of God revealed through His Holy Spirit, so it contains no mistakes. The truth found in scripture can be seen in the world around us and is evident throughout history! To me, God’s Word gives the best explanation for our origins, gives life meaning, dictates morality, and reveals our destiny.

God is the only supreme, Holy entity outside of time, and He created the universe and everything in it. He created human beings in His image, higher than the animals. Because He is triune (Father, Son, and Spirit), He is relational, and we were created for perfect communion with Him. All creation was perfect, with no death or pain. He gave the first humans (Adam and Eve) free will. He placed the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the garden of Eden and commanded they should not eat of the Tree of Knowledge. Satan, the fallen angel, tempted them to eat of it anyway so they could gain the knowledge of God. With their free will, they willingly gave into that temptation. This was the first sin- disobedience toward God. When sin entered the world, a curse covered on the universe. Death and pain became the norm. Perfect communion was broken between God and humanity. Since then, every human is born under the curse of sin. No person’s innate nature is good, and our punishment is eternal separation from God.

Because we are created in God’s image, any human is capable of contributing good and beautiful works to this dark world. However, these good works are not good enough to pay the penalty and lift the curse. This is why after Adam and Eve were cursed, God immediately gave a promise that He would one day send a Savior for humanity. The Old Testament is the story of how God interacts with His chosen Jewish people, teaches them the moral law, and foreshadows the coming Messiah Savior. The prophecies detail how all humanity would have the opportunity of salvation through the Jewish Messiah. The New Testament shows us that Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of those prophecies. He was 100% God and 100% man, the “second Adam.” 2,000 years ago, He was born of the virgin Mary, God in flesh. He lived a sinless life but died a torturous death by crucifixion to pay the penalty for sin: past, present, and future. He conquered death by resurrecting 3 days later and appeared to many witnesses. He later ascended into heaven and reigns on the right hand of God the Father to this day. Jesus will return one day to restore this broken world and defeat Satan forever. Jesus sent His Holy Spirit to live inside all who confess their sin and believe in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He has allowed all humanity to accept his salvation and lordship. There is nothing we can do to earn salvation, it is a gift freely given and undeserved. Even though we are born selfish, born into rebellion against a Holy God, He loves us and wants to restore communion with us. If we die without repenting (turning away) from our sins and accepting that gift, we will forever be separated from God in eternal hell.

Romans 10:9 ESV says “…if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Jesus was a real person, God in the flesh. During His life, he claimed to be God, claimed to be the promised Messiah. You either believe He was who He said He was, or you think He was a madman. You cannot believe he was “just a good teacher.” You cannot try to “balance the scales” by doing more good in your life than bad and trust that “whatever god is out there” will accept all people who try to be “good.”

Humans are made in God’s image, so we are triune in a way: body, spirit, soul. Once you accept Christ, your sin is forgiven and your soul is sealed for eternity. You cannot do anything to make Him change that. However, we still live in a broken world and your spirit and body are capable of sin. As the Holy Spirit guides believers through life, our spirit is constantly sanctified (becoming more like Christ.) Our bodies are subject to the curse of pain and death, but one day he will redeem our physical bodies by giving us new, sinless ones. Jesus says in John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

In Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus says: “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

My Bible study goal for 2022 is to read through the entire Bible in chronological order. My small group at church is following the same reading plan, and so is my family! This is the first time since high school that I have committed to a year-long reading plan or Bible study alongside other believers. Accountability is not only vital for success but makes the study experience more enjoyable! We did not actually start the reading plan on January 1^st, so it will most likely take longer than 2022 to finish. I am determined not focus on “catching up” with the dates on the plan, instead staying faithful to the study itself.

I have read the Bible cover to cover at least once in my life. The first time was in high school after joining a challenge issued by my youth pastor. It took me longer than a year, but I finished it. A closer knowledge of the Lord can be acquired any time Scripture is studied! However, looking back, I would not read cover to cover again, and would not recommend it to others. It gets difficult to understand event continuity (especially with the Old Testament.) Also, reading daily without discussion or referencing any commentaries/historical context can often lead to confusion or misinterpretation. My enthusiasm during Genesis and Exodus waned once I hit Leviticus. By the time I trudged through the book of Numbers, my eyes had crossed. While reading Kings and Chronicles, I suffered from déjà vu because they contain many of the same accounts and genealogies. I learned much from reading the prophets but was still confused without understanding the historical context for the messages they were delivering from God. 

The 66 books of the Bible are organized by genre, not chronology. Reading through chronologically helps me understand the holistic story of God’s people. Genealogies and lists of Old Testament ceremonial laws are important, so finding the best way to study faithfully is helpful! No matter how many times I re-read the Bible, I always come away with something new. This is because Scripture is the living Word! Hebrews 4:12 says: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

I purchased a new ESV Bible at the beginning of the year in anticipation of this study! Not only is it beautiful but practical! It gives me plenty of room to take notes on each page. I use highlighters, colored pencils, mechanical pencils, and sometimes no-bleed pens.

I have been sick for the last two weeks, and the gloomy winter weather does not entice me to feel better. I am in the third trimester with my first child, and being sick at the same time is no fun! I ache to return to routine! Despite the rough last two weeks, one word has been quietly circulating in my mind: gratitude. Every day I have continually thanked God for my blessings without consciously thinking. I am grateful for many things, but three in particular: my sickness could have been worse, my child is safe, I have a wonderful husband and family to take care of me! 

I have never considered myself an ungrateful person, but I am more conscious of my blessings now than I ever used to be. The fact that I did not have to fight off depression and selfishness by actively striving to find things to be grateful for means I have come a long way! The last four years have brought me much joy as well as trials. However, I do not worry as much as I used to. God is the ultimate provider and comforter! I often struggle to see the “light at the end of the tunnel.” But having faith means I follow Jesus as He leads towards the light instead of trusting my frail human perspective. It’s humbling and inspirational when I listen to stories of the struggles other people face while maintaining a grateful spirit. The weight of my problems seems light by comparison. 

When you are facing a difficult situation, the last thing you want to hear is “count your blessings,” “look on the bright side,” or “it could always be worse.” Maybe you have received this advice at an inappropriate time or in a dismissive manner? I know I have. I have also been guilty of delivering this well-meaning advice improperly. We must be careful how we deliver messages of hope to those who are hurting. However, the message is true no matter how imperfect the method of delivery is: gratitude is an antidote. James 1:7 ESV says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” I often forget that none of us deserve the blessings we have. As I remember this, my perspective shifts from one of complaining to one of gratitude.   

Scripture has so much to say about worry, anxiety, and thankfulness! Here are a few of my favorites:

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness…” James 1:2-3 ESV

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1 ESV

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

This hymn is one I grew up singing in church. I am grateful that my current church still makes room for old hymns alongside contemporary worship music. 

Count Your Blessings by Johnson Oatman

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done…

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by…

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high…

So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end…

Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done…