The Simplicity of the Gospel
The simplicity of the Gospel— how does it feel to read those words? I would guess if we all shared our thoughts, we’d have an array of responses. However, the truth is, despite the profound depth of God, His word, and His ways, there is a simplicity of the Gospel we all must comprehend so we can have gospel-centered conversations with those in our areas of influence.
Our rehabilitation promoters at ASELSI in Chichicastenango often look for opportunities to share about Christ with our families. Recently, however, we realized a need to also be sharing these truths with the children we serve. Regardless of ability or disability, all have the right to hear the gospel in a way they can understand and choose for themselves what they will do with God’s gift through his son, Jesus Christ. Unlike what many have expressed as the belief here, people with disability are not saved because of their disability or special angels, but need to come to faith as everyone else and realize their purpose as God’s image bearers.
This week as our team received training from a visiting occupational therapist on just how to do that, I was struck by the following ideas and questions. These are ideas and questions that will not only better help us share Christ with children with disabilities, but also may encourage you as you act as God’s ambassador in your area of influence. Taking time to think of the answers to these questions may deepen your faith as well.
1. The Gospel is simple. Four key questions we need to answer?
- Who is God? (Creator, Maker, Holy)
- Who is Jesus? (God’s Son. Fully God and Fully man, yet without sin)
- Who are we? (Sinners)
- Why do we need Jesus? (Took the punishment we deserve to restore our relationship with God because of our sin)
2. Take these truths and as you have relationship with others, you can gear conversations back to Gospel truths.
- Pain and suffering (Jesus suffered for our sins).
- Sadness and tears (He sees all our sorrows, He is acquainted with grief. One day He will wash all our tears away).
- Anxiety, fear, and worry (He is our provider, He holds all things in His hands, He will never leave us nor forsake us).
Imagine what would happened if we could easily grasp the simple truth of the gospel and share these truths with others? Imagine if it weren’t about following the rules or taking the right step, but surrendering to Him and living as the people He called us to be? Imagine a church equipped to love God and love people, including people with disabilities.