the simple Gospel.

To our broken, hopeless world:

There is more.

From the beginning, we've seen war, jealously, anger, violence, depression, anxiety, rip apart something that was originally designed to be perfect (Genesis 1-3). We refuse to communicate with one another. If it's someone else's way, therefore, it is the wrong way. We are a selfish people, corrupted by consumption and pride. Therefore, we separated ourselves from our Maker, our Father, and our God.

But, there is more.

Even in the midst of this behavior, God was faithful to provide. God showed his love for us, for while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Not only did Christ die on a tree for the sake of our sinfulness, but he rose again defeating death so that we don't ever have to be separated from God. And even before this, he became flesh and dwelt among us, living as an example of righteousness (John 1:14). And again, as a sign that he was fully God and fully man, he performed miracles that gave glory to God (John 2:1-11, John 4:46-47, Luke 5:1-11, Mark 1:23-28, Mark 1:30-31, Mark 1:40-45, Matthew 14:15-21). There are even more miracles and incredible things that Jesus did, but it would be impossible to contain them in writing (John 21:25).

And because of this, there is more.

By Jesus being the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world, we now have the opportunity to pursue a relationship with Christ. Despite death being the fate that we deserve (Romans 6:23), God loves his people beyond what they do and desires to be with them (John 3:16). The love of God is not artificial. There is nothing extra you have to do in order to receive it. Solely by confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believing that he died on the cross for your sins, and raised from dead three days later, is the only thing we must claim to reign true in our lives to receive God's love (Romans 10:9). This is the Simple Gospel. There are no tricks. No loopholes. No traps. It is only an abundance of hope for people who don't deserve it.

From this hope, there is more.

Now, there is an army of believers on this earth proclaiming that they have found hope in the midst of hopelessness. Recently, 65,000 college students joined together in worship of the King of Glory and were sent off as ambassadors of Christ. Many have been transformed and encouraged by the message I just shared with you. I'll say it again:

THERE IS MORE!

What we see on this earth, the hurt we experience, the pain we feel, the restlessness of the world is not what is to reign forever. Jesus is what is to reign forever! We are promised that our King is returning to claim dominion of this world and make it anew. Sin will be no more (Revelation 21:4).

This hope is not something that only existed in the time of Jesus' life on earth. The Gospel is timeless. We know it is true because the message that it preaches is still applicable to the way the world is today. And it was written thousands of years ago! We are still battling the same problems and craving the same solution of hope and revival. Don't you know that this solution has already come? Don't you know that is why 65,000 college students made a commitment of surrender for 2020 and beyond? Don't you know that is why we are roaring the message of the Gospel across the nations? Hope is here! Love is here! Redemption is here!

But let me ask you, if you're not roaring, do you really believe in the power of the Spirit inside of you? The Gospel was never meant to be quiet. The Spirit that dwells in the hearts of believers is far more powerful than the spirit of death that is on earth. Satan is going to do everything in his power to not make this the "Roaring 20s." He desires us to hold our tongues and ignore the fire that has been placed in our hearts. But the Spirit of God has proved him wrong before, and will continue until Christ returns.

Let's make this the "Roaring 20s" not because we are careless in the midst of prosperity, but rather that we are prospering with hope in the midst of carelessness in the world. Reveal to them that there is something to care about outside of material or emotional satisfaction. News flash: it isn't actually satisfying. The only thing we can rest in is the Gospel. The Simple Gospel. It's not a trap. It's not a scheme. It's hope. Let your roar be heard and your Light be shown.