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Layman's Terms

"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."--Galatians 6:14

 I was challenged this week to try and explain the story of the good news of Jesus in layman's terms.  Let's just say it was difficult.  So much of how I relate to people about Christ is through Bible verses.  I'm not claiming it's bad to know scriptures.  I am trusting in their power to not return empty, but what is equally important is that I understand them in a personal way.  

 So I then got to thinking, have I begun to take for granted the revelation of Jesus Christ that was given to me by the Father? (John 6:44)  In some ways, the miracle that I have found relief from suffering because of Jesus is old news--but oh how I wish it wasn't!  

 As I began to dial back my explanation of how I have peace through Jesus, Galatians 6:14 ran through my mind.  Might I not boast in anything but the death and resurrection of Jesus!  I no longer owe anything to this world.  I'm free from its prison.  The conversation changed after that and rightly so.  All I cared to know or understand was Jesus, and the cross, and the empty tomb.  

 In other words, let's keep this simple, folks. 

 PS--A favorite book of mine about this is "Don't Waste Your Life" by John Piper.  It's a doozy of a read, but very rewarding.
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