Crossinator

Continuing in the God Series at church this week, we talked about making the Bible and its concepts overly complicated. The Gospel is fairly simple,

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." John 14:6-7

The thrust of the message was that we complicate the Gospel and in doing so don't manage to do anything to promote it.  We think we must be prepared to present the four Spiritual laws, the Romans Road to Salvation, or some other salvation message before we can talk to anyone about Christ. 

Chris used a familiar story in Matthew 14, in the feeding of the 5,000, but included the context and highlighted this phrase from verse 14:

... He had compassion on them and healed their sick.

Jesus had just learned about the beheading of John the Baptist and wanted to find some solitary retreat.  Unfortunately the crowds followed Him around and the solitary retreat included 5,000 men (estimates vary for the exact number).  Instead of being angry, He had compassion.  Not only did He spend lots of time healing the sick He then miraculously fed them all!

Yes, we are called to bring everyone to a saving relationship with Jesus, but this should be done through single acts of compassion, being a friends, mourn with those who mourn, be a living sacrifice, and ultimately love!  (Romans 12)

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:24

Let me close with this great quote from St Francis of Assisi:

Preach always, when necessary use words.