Gospel in a Nutshell

John 3:16 has been described as the Gospel in a nutshell.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (KJV)

That is indeed Gospel. That’s good news to share.

We were members of Sterling Avenue Baptist Church in San Bernardino back in the late 1970’s. Our church pastor was evangelistic Jim Nelson. I credit him for my appreciation of the writings of Charles Spurgeon. Brother Jim had the full set of sermons by the ‘Prince of Preachers’ in his library and he loaned me some of those books. I readily recall something else special about our pastor.

He sent church members out to knock on doors. We shared Gospel scripture. Not many churches today have regularly scheduled prospect visitation. Everyone is busy and we don’t want to intrude in a person’s home-life. Yet, Gospel truth is needed for all now; just as much as then. Maybe scripture we shared isn’t the Gospel in a nutshell. Then again, maybe it is.

The following scripture passage seems to ring a bell. It just could be what we shared.

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV).”

I just love the repetitive according to the scriptures.

Jesus Christ died for our sins; he was crucified, buried and he arose.

That’s Gospel!