How Should the Gospel Be Presented?

The apostle Paul was a brilliant orator and communicator. He was deeply schooled in biblical law, as well as in the wisdom of Greece. If anyone could have leaned upon his own intellect, it would have been Paul. Yet, as you read the accounts about Paul’s encounters with powerful government leaders in the Book of Acts, you’ll find that he kept his presentation simple.

Keep it simple.

Paul would typically begin with his personal testimony, and then he would always zero in on what happened when Jesus died on the cross. He said to the Corinthians, “And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:1–2).

“For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:17–18).

In the Book of Romans, Paul reminds us about the distinct power in the simple message of the life, words, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

Don’t underestimate the raw power of the gospel.

• Don’t underestimate its appeal.
• Don’t be ashamed of its simplicity.
• Don’t add to it or take away from it.
• Just proclaim it and stand back and see what God will do.

Your One-Minute Message

Your personal testimony can be a powerful example of the transforming power of Christ to others. It doesn’t have to be long and detailed. By focusing on three key points, you can share your testimony in just one minute.

“But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!”—John 9:25 NLT

Three Keys of a One-Minute Message

1. My Life before ChristDon’t glorify your past, but mention how you were before Christ:
   • “I had a void in my life nothing could fill” (see Ecclesiastes 3:11).
   • “I felt separated from God” (see Isaiah 59:2).
   • “My life was dominated by sin and with pleasing myself” (see Luke 15:11–24).

   Share how you never felt you could become the person you ought to be.

2. My Life Changed by ChristNow summarize how you came into a relationship with Christ. Be sure to mention the key elements of the gospel:
   1. “I realized that I’m a sinner and that I fall short of God’s glory” (see Romans 3:23).
   2. “I recognized that Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins” (see Romans 5:8).
   3. “I repented or turned away from my sins” (see Acts 3:19).
   4. “I received Jesus Christ as Lord of my life” (see Revelation 3:20).
3. My New Life in ChristTalk about how your life is noticeably different now that you are in Christ. Put into your own words the following benefits of being in Christ:
   • “I now have peace in my life” (see Romans 5:1).
   • “Now that I’m a Christian, I know I have a purpose for living” (see Jeremiah 29:11).
   • “I now have the assurance that I’m going to Heaven” (see John 3:36).