The Gospel, Not the Gimmicks

Words by Phillip Walker | Image by Al Blanton

Roses are red, violets are blue, I love you, and Jesus loves you too!

I used to write corny illustrations like this all the time when I first began in ministry. I incorporated video clips from movies, skits, and dramas set to music, and I even wrote raps for my sermons. I was constantly trying to think of ways to grab the audience's attention during those crucial first moments of speaking. I wanted them to lean into the sermon, to listen, and to be changed.

To be clear, there's nothing wrong with trying to capture your audience's attention. A great communicator works hard at doing just that.

But somewhere along the way, I began to trust my "attention-getters" more than the Gospel message. I never said it out loud, but I spent more time on my illustrations than on the content of my message.

Romans 1:16 says, "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek." My illustrations, stories, and creative ideas do not save. Reminding people that Jesus died and was resurrected for their benefit is what brings salvation!

What's the Gospel? It's good news! I deserved hell because of my sin, but Jesus, in the richness of His mercy, gave me grace, resulting in eternal life. I can love God and His people because He first loved me.

These days, when you hear me speak, I may still rap, tell a story, or share an interesting quote. But after that, I try my best to ensure my content points people to the Word of God.

If you're a pastor, I want to encourage you to rely on the message of the Gospel and the work of God to bring His people to salvation.

If you're a Christian, please be bold in sharing your testimony. But don't be fooled—your miraculous story of being saved from drugs or coming out of a terrible situation is incredible, but it's not the story that saves. Your story is meant to point others to Jesus. It's His story that changes hearts and lives!

If you're struggling to accept the Gospel message, remember this: He loved you first. He knew all about your hurts, habits, and hangups, and still chose to offer you eternal life! 78