A few years ago. a very good friend suggested that the only way to reach an alcoholic with the gospel was to simply tell them about Jesus. Leave out all of the church jargon. He said if I would write a book entitled "Simply Jesus," he would use it as a teaching tool all across America in AA groups. I should have written the book. Perhaps there is still time.
If simply telling an alcoholic about Jesus can lead them to become Christian, surely it will work with anyone. Thinking about it, I know it is true.
If you use religion as the lure to a better life, you have a religious non-Christian. If you use a local church to win the person, you have a church attender or member who may or may not be a Christian.
This is very important. Christian theologians all through the ages up to and including today, are close to being in unanimous agreement that it is Jesus who saves --- not religion and not a "church."
If --- and I emphasize the word "if" --- you can agree with me that simply telling someone about Jesus will suffice to win them to Christ, then what do you tell them about Jesus? My suggestion is that you keep it simple. Simple is the keyword. The simpler the better. Try this: Jesus was born, he lived a perfect life, he taught great lessons, performed miracles, was crucified (you may have to explain this), died, was buried in a tomb (a cave), and came to life again in a recognizable but special body. He was seen alive by more than 400 people before he ascended (went up) to Heaven. Tell them he did all this for them!
It may be that a few of the folks you tell about Jesus will want to read about him. I suggest you start their reading program with the gospel of Mark. It is the first that was written; but more importantly, it is the shortest.
If you find this short essay worthy of more attention, make a mental note to check your inbox occasionally for an email from me. I may continue to add to this essay enough material for the subject to become a treatise and then a book. After all, nothing, absolutely nothing, is more important than living successfully in the present and in the world to come, having life everlasting. "Simply Jesus" is the way because he is truth and he is life.
