THE K.I.S.S. principle for sharing the GOOD NEWS!

 

I had a wonderful experience with one of my discipleship groups. We went to pray at a courthouse for a particular issue that was facing one of our group members. I remember the night well. Stephanie and I joined these three members and I asked each of them to pray. They confessed they had never prayed out loud before, in front of people. But, I encouraged them to try it and each of them did. It was a rainy cold night and awkward for them, but I will treasure their GENUINE CONVERSATION with the Lord, more than I ever did some formal prayer. 

I thought about this night of HEARTFELT PRAYER when I was reading this scripture today:

"Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn't talk to you as I would spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in Christ. I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you  weren't ready for anything stronger." (1 Corinthians 3:1-2, NLT)

I often think of this as I am preaching and certainly when I am talking to NEW BELIEVERS. There are so many RELIGIOUS WORDS we use and we never take a moment to explain them. Do you know what justification means, sanctification, glorification, redemption, grace, mercy, atonement? When I am preparing my sermons I do them with my own words, and my own explanations. That is great for those who did not grow up in the church, reading the KJV bible. But, I also know some who WANT those FLOWERY WORDS. If that is you, I am not your guy. Even when I taught math it was that way. I had many of my math colleagues use all sorts of precise technical language to teach, not me. I always want to reach the audience of those who do not understand instead of those who do. 

Paul once said, he doesn't try to flatter people with fancy speech. (1 Corinthians 2:1-4) I think that is a great goal for all of us as we go to MAKE DISCIPLES WHO MAKE DISCIPLES. at the risk of sounding a bit blunt, "KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID!" Do you remember that? THE KISS principle? I am sure now-a-days the KISS principle is not politically correct. As a matter of fact, I think some have changed it to KEEP IT SUPER SIMPLE. LOL! I think we should take that to heart while we are sharing Jesus. Something as beautiful and precious as the GOSPEL does not need our flowery speech to PRAISE GOD! 

Just tell your story, in your words, with heartfelt love. That is all you need to do. AND when you pray, you also don't need to impress anyone. The conversation is just between two close friends who deeply love each other. 

Let's Keep It Simple Stupid!" LOL

Heavenly Father, I praise you that you are not looking for flowery, fancy, academic style speeches or prayers. We don't need to impress you because you are God and we are your creation. I thank you for the pure simplicity of the Gospel message. It is a message we can all understand. Thank you for that and thank you for your love, kindness, and patience with us. Amen!

_____________________________________________

If you haven't repented of your sin, accepted what Jesus did for you on the cross, dying for your sins, or if you have not committed your life to Jesus, TODAY could be that day. give your life to the Lord. 

"because, 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. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10, ESV)

If you gave your life to Jesus today, text the word "faith" to (765)-896-4302 and we will follow up with material for you and join you in your walk of faith!