“He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’” – Matthew 18:2-3

This past Sunday I experienced the incredible blessing of baptizing my youngest daughter. She is only 9 years old, so before I baptized her I wanted to make sure she clearly understood the Gospel and had truly come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. So, I made a clear and simple presentation to her, and encouraged her to spend some time thinking about it before we prayed together. My amazing little girl not only spent time thinking, but she took a little notebook and wrote several pages expressing the Gospel in her own words, including her personal need for salvation. When we prayed the prayer of salvation together, I had no doubt she knew what that prayer meant.

I think many of us are often kept from sharing the Gospel with others because we do not see ourselves as theologians. We are afraid we cannot answer every single question. But the Gospel is simply the Good News of God’s salvation for all sinners. This is something that not only can everyone understand, but something everyone needs to hear. Some have compared the Gospel to a pool which is shallow enough for a toddler to wade but deep enough for an elephant to swim. It is true that the details of the Gospel have incredible depth. However, the simple truth of the Gospel is something even a child can understand: Through the person and work of Jesus Christ, God fully accomplishes salvation for sinful people, and brings us into a restored relationship with him for all eternity. So don’t be afraid to share the Good News. Believe me, not only will those around you understand it, but they desperately need it!

Heavenly Father and Almighty God, thank You for Your incredible love for us! A love so deep that Your one and only Son took our place on the cross. Help us to understand that, deep down, every person knows they are sinful, and every person feels that separation from their Creator. Then give us a love for others that drives us to passionately share Your Salvation with those around us.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon