The Gospel, In A Word

We live in a society of 'sound bites.'   Translated:  we like to encapsulate complexity in just a few words -- or -- an image.

And so, in that regard, how might one encapsulate the Gospel;  what's the 'soundbite'?  Why in a word -- it's The Word -- Jesus!

But some of us don't want it 'that simple'; we want the 'essence' convoluted and complex.   Once while Craig Barnes was pastoring National Presbyterian Church, a parishioner confronted Barnes:  "You are the most repetitive preacher I have ever heard."  Fearing that perhaps his preparation, had 'worn a bit thin,' Craig asked for details.  "Well it's like this" the parishioner spouted.  "Every week it's the same thing:  Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!"  "Well if that's the repetition" Craig rejoined.  "Don't come next week because you'll hear it again.'  Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. 

And for good reason: Jesus is scripture's 'sound-bite,' the Gospel, in a Word!  The Apostle Paul's use of the phrase 'in Christ' is illustrative.  Why Paul uses 'in Christ' at least 216 times.  Why “In Christ… you were chosen by God before creation. (Ephesians 1:4)…In Christ…you are loved by God with an inseparable love. (Romans 8:38-39)…In Christ…all the promises of God are ‘yes’ for you.” (2 Corinthians 1:20)…In Christ…you are being sanctified and made holy. (1 Corinthians 1:2)…In Christ…everything you really need will be supplied. (Philippians 4:19)…In Christ…the peace of God will guard your heart and mind. (Philippians 4:7)…In Christ…you will be raised from the dead at the coming of the Lord…”  (1 Corinthians 15:22)” – John Piper adapted     In Christ…in Christ!  

Frankly, being in Christ -- knowing and transmitting Jesus - is the most profound reality that can be encountered.  And so rather than fretting about not knowing the intricacies of the Bible -- or the depths of theological discourse -- we should focus on what 'we already know': the Living Word of God -- Jesus.  

Prior to Billy Graham, Billy Sunday was the greatest evangelist of his day.  Though a bit theatrical, Billy Sunday was effective in reaching thousands of people for the Savior.  Why in Columbia, S.C. alone, Billy Sunday reached over 479,000 persons in 79 different meetings during a 6 week crusade.   Not surprisingly persons wondered: what was the secret of Billy Sunday’s success.  Was it was his athletic prowess as a former baseball player; his oratorical skill? Actually, according to one biographer, Billy Sunday’s success was found within his first pulpit at Chicago's Pacific Garden Mission; why within eyesight of Sunday (and every preacher mounting the pulpit) was a demonstrative plaque (based on John 12:21) Sunday insisted be installed.  It read:  "Sir:  we would see Jesus."   For Billy Sunday knew, Jesus -- and Jesus alone -- was the essence and meaning, of all.  

Jesus is the essence and meaning, of all.  And so may we live repetitive lives, recounting the soundbite of scripture, the Gospel, in a Word -- Jesus.

Jeremy Camp captures this essence, this soundbite of Truth, in his classic contemporary song:  "Just Give Me Jesus":  "In the morning, when I rise...Give me Jesus...You can have all this world.  Just give me Jesus.  [And] when I am alone...Give me Jesus...You can all this world -- Just give me Jesus.  [And] when I come to die...Give me Jesus...Just give me Jesus...You can have all this world....Just give me Jesus."  - Jeremy Camp

Though such assertion is simple, it is not simplistic.   For in a convoluted world -- God knows -- we don't need more complexity; God knows we need more clarity -- a resource to connect 'all the parts and pieces' -- with symmetry and startling grace.

'In a Word' -- Jesus is the resource -- for in Jesus Paul reminds us:  "...all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him, all things hold together."  (Colossians 1:16-17).

And so that's the soundbite.  The encapsulation of everything.  The Gospel, in a Word --  Jesus!