The gospel, simply explained
Sometimes the most helpful thing we can do is keep things simple.
Or, as we used to say in the 90’s, break it down Barney style.
Some of you may not have even been born yet, so let me explain. Barney was a children’s show in the 90’s where a big purple dinosaur helped teach kids simple life lessons. He had a way of making things so clear that even the youngest kids could understand.
Sometimes we assume people understand things that have never actually been explained to them. And sometimes the truths we think we already know are the very ones we need to hear again.
I have been in church my whole life, and in many ways that has shaped my assumptions. When church has always been part of your life, it’s easy to assume it has been part of everyone else’s life too. Things that seem like common knowledge to me might be completely foreign to my children, or even to other adults.
When I explain something, I try not to worry about sounding like I’m oversimplifying. I just remind myself not to assume everyone already understands it.
The same thing can be true when it comes to our faith.
We often assume people know what grace means. We assume they understand what Jesus did on the cross. We assume they know how someone becomes a Christian. But the truth is, many people have never had someone slow down and walk them through it.
Recently I was at a Wednesday night Bible study at our church. We had Bibles laid out on the tables, and a couple had come after attending a Sunday morning service. The gentleman opened his Bible and began following along with the teacher. A few minutes later he raised his hand to answer a question and then sheepishly admitted, “This is the first time I have ever read the Bible.”
For a moment the room went quiet. I could tell I wasn’t the only one surprised.
Wait… what?
But it reminded me of something important. We often assume people know more about God than they actually do. Just because someone is in church doesn’t mean they know the gospel. Just because someone knows Bible stories or Christian language doesn’t mean they have ever understood what it means to follow Jesus. Just because someone knows about God doesn’t mean they know Him.
Knowledge is not the same thing as faith.
Just like my kids sometimes need things explained step by step, people often need the gospel explained clearly and simply. Not because they are incapable of understanding it, but because no one has ever taken the time to explain it.
And sometimes the person who needs that reminder is us — or our children.
For those of us raising kids in church, this matters even more. Our children hear Bible stories. They learn songs. They grow up around Christian language. But familiarity with church is not the same thing as faith in Jesus. At some point, the gospel has to be explained clearly and personally so they understand what Jesus has actually done for them.
The truth of the gospel is simple.
Grace. Faith. Jesus.
Maybe what our kids, our friends, or even our own hearts need most is the gospel explained simply… Barney style.
Reflection
What do you know, or think you know, but aren’t actually living?
What truth do you need to remind your heart of today?
Prayer
Lord,
Help me not just to know the truth, but to live it. Remind my heart of the things I so easily forget. When I start assuming I have it all figured out, slow me down and bring me back to what matters most.
Help me return to the simple truth of Your grace again and again.
Amen.
One day at a time. Lifting our eyes back to Jesus. Abiding to thrive.
xo Paula
Mommy Needs Jesus 
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