January 25, 2009
“I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did — Jesus crucified.” 1 Cor. 2:2 The Message
Is your message simple …?
You had an old life .. the one you were born with .. the one you tried successfully and unsuccessfully to look normal on the outside .. the one where no matter how hard you tried there was something missing deep inside. And then a new life was made “plain and simple” to you: Jesus offered you forgiveness .. forgiveness you can find nowhere else .. forgiveness that is absolutely unconditional .. past-present-future .. forgiveness that makes your life free and really alive. Your old life was complicated: Sins .. family secrets .. hidden closets of shame .. guilt stains .. baggage and life-issues. That’s exactly where Jesus met you and meets you still when those “old things” try to creep into your real life in Christ. Jesus doesn’t clean up your old life. He offers you His life .. a new life unlike any life you can live on your own. Your message .. your life .. is supposed to be simple so that the world you “live in” everyday might see a difference .. and maybe .. just maybe .. you might offer to someone just like you the same offer Jesus offered you .. sins forgiven .. a grace-filled family .. and a faith-filled life in Christ. God isn’t forcing you to become someone you’re not. Jesus knows every struggle and every strength in your life. He knows where you make life complicated and where you long for life to be full and free. He knows your old fears and exactly where they try to silence your new life. And still .. He has promised to be your life .. your strength .. and the source of your hope as you face this day. Will you let Him make His message simple through your life today? It only takes a moment …
“I’m sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me.” Acts 26:18 The Message
Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped sent M-F to Jesus Followers and friends of Priority One (ken@priorityone.org)
