Friday ~ July 6, 2012

Da Bomb

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)

Of course the gospel is the 'good news'- the greatest story ever told. But have you ever pictured the gospel as a bomb? Or more specifically, like a grenade? Does it really matter who throws a grenade? I don't think so. Whether a soldier or a sissy heaves it, it's going to explode either way. Whether it's the highest-ranking general or a lowly private, a flabby old man or a scrawny teenager, it will still detonate.

The same is true with the gospel! No matter who is proclaiming the message, the gospel will always blow up.
Why? Because the good news is "the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..." Whether it's Billy Graham, your pastor or you giving the gospel, the message will explode in the hearts of those who hear it- forcing them to either reject it or receive it!

I have two questions that I want you to answer in all honestly.

1. Are you ashamed of the gospel of Christ? Most Christian teens are too embarrassed to share. They would never admit that, but the truth is that they care more about their friend's opinion than they do about his/her salvation. This should not be! The gospel is the greatest message in the universe- there is no shame in being concerned about the eternal destination of your friends.
2. Do you know how to use a grenade? It's really not very difficult: just pull the pin! Many times well-meaning Christian teens who are motivated and unashamed forget to pull the pin! What do I mean? Simple- these teens care about their friends, but when they attempt to share the gospel, they muddy up the message. Oftentimes they end up turning off more teens than they turn around, simply because they've never learned to give the gospel lovingly, clearly and concisely.

The Gospel is "da bomb!" Don't be ashamed to give it or unprepared to pull the pin. It is waiting to blow your friends out of the kingdom of darkness into the arms of Christ!

Questions:

1. What are some ways the gospel has changed your life?
2. What are some ways that sharing the gospel has changed your life?
3. How can we be more effective at "pulling the pin?"