Preparing the Sacrifice

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.  It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”]

1 Corinthians 1:25-31 NIV

Whether we write fiction or non-fiction, we authors tend to desire to show our prowess in wordsmithing. We love to use all those techniques that good writers should use: personification, simile and metaphor, word images, engaging plot or narrative, hooks, and segues. But, we are also encouraged through Scripture to keep the gospel uncomplicated and relevant.

Jesus, the master storyteller, did just that. His parables were easily relatable, using plots that His listeners could identify with, and aimed at those listening. Sometimes he used stories to illustrate the arrogance and misguidance of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Other stories simply helped listeners to realize how important they were to the Lord, and how God cared about their problems, whether poverty, marginalization, physical handicaps, or family brokenness.

When asked by new believers or curiosity seekers what book of the Bible I recommend, I always say John’s gospel. For the reasons above. It’s clarity and presentation of the very human Jesus who was also divine. John 3:16 gives the gospel in less about twenty-five words (dependent upon which version you read.)

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

NIV

As Christian k, let's avoid clouding the gospel message by drawing attention to our genius rather than the wonderful news that Jesus died for us to give us eternal life.