Someone asked me to spend 5 minutes this morning explaining the gospel to a group of 11 to 14-year-olds. I've done 'bridge to life', a helicopter rescue from the middle of the Atlantic, 'Do and Done' and 'Two ways to live' but I wanted to sum up something of the richness of the gospel to tell a BETTER STORY than the world is telling. Here's what I ended up going for - 5 BFs that the good news of Jesus brings:
Better Foundation - as young people can often hear the message that they are a matter of random chance or that their value is determined by material wealth, popularity or exam success, God's word the Bible says that they are made in God's image. As such, they are of infinite value and as Christians, they are sons and daughters of God and God is pleased with them. This is a better foundation to build their lives on than what others think of them or even what they think of themselves.
Beautiful Freedom - since the Garden of Eden, God has been about giving freedom (even Adam and Eve could do everything apart from one thing) and in Christ, young people's sins are forgiven and they are free to live for God, not needing to be worried about what others will think of them (although that's still a battle most of us are fighting).
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8.1-2
Better Friend - Jesus promises to be with his followers to the end of the age by his Spirit (Matthew 28.20), wherever they go and whatever they do. They are known and loved by the Creator of the world and he will never, ever leave them.
Bigger Family - When I was 21, I toured the States. I found my extended Christian family in Pennsylvania, Houston, San Diego and Niagara Falls. God has given us the church to encourage one another and to spur one another on (Hebrews 10.24-25). It's not perfect, but I do love the church.
Brighter Future - God has a plan for our lives, for the world and for eternity. He promises to give me fullness of life as I follow him and a glorious eternity with him.
His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 3.10-11
That's a better story than any other stories I know about. What's your idea for explaining the gospel? Anything I missed that you would have added in?
