Keeping the Gospel Simple: A Call to Share
Summary
This morning, we gathered with heavy hearts, remembering the sudden losses in our community—the Coleman family, who lost a beloved husband and father, and the Haskins family, grieving a young life gone too soon. These tragedies remind us of the fragility of life and the urgency of sharing the hope we have in Christ. As we approach Resurrection Sunday, we’re called not just to celebrate, but to invite others into the life-changing message of Jesus. Our faith isn’t about church programs, social causes, or denominational labels—it’s about the simple, powerful truth of the gospel: Christ died, was buried, rose again, and offers new life to all who believe.
Too often, we complicate what God intended to be clear. We add requirements, traditions, and preferences, making it hard for people to see the heart of the gospel. Paul warned the Corinthians not to be led astray from the “simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” Jesus said, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all people to myself.” The gospel is for everyone—rich or poor, educated or not, from every background. It’s not about aligning with affinity groups, political parties, or social movements. It’s about lifting up Jesus and letting Him draw people to Himself.
Keeping it simple means looking to Jesus, listening to Him, living for Him, and lifting Him up. It means sharing our story of how Christ has changed us, inviting others to experience Him, and refusing to let church become about anything other than Jesus. The gospel doesn’t need to be updated or dressed up; it needs to be shared. We must remember that we were once lost, too, and extend grace to those still searching. The power of the gospel is not in our presentation, but in the person of Christ Himself.
Let’s not be content with a faith that entertains but doesn’t transform. Let’s not measure our spiritual health by the size of our church or the popularity of our programs, but by our devotion to Jesus and our willingness to share Him with others. The world doesn’t need a new gospel—it needs the old, rugged cross and the empty tomb. As we prepare for Easter, may we keep it simple, saint, and let the good news of Jesus shine through our lives.
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Key Takeaways
- Simplicity in Devotion to Christ
God calls us to a sincere and pure devotion to Christ, not a complicated religion filled with man-made requirements. When we add layers of tradition, preference, or social expectation, we risk obscuring the heart of the gospel. The power of our faith is found in keeping our focus on Jesus and His finished work, not on external markers of spirituality. Simplicity doesn’t mean shallowness; it means clarity and authenticity in our walk with God. [17:14]
- The Gospel Is for All People, Not Just Some
Jesus’ promise to draw all people to Himself means the gospel transcends ethnicity, class, and background. We must resist the temptation to limit our outreach to those who look, think, or live like us. The church is not a social club or a political movement, but a family formed by grace, open to everyone in need of a Savior. Our mission is to share Christ with all, not just the “easy” or “familiar” people. [18:37]
- Beware of “Different Gospels” and Divisions
Paul warned against accepting a “different gospel”—one that distorts or dilutes the message of Christ. Today, we face the same danger when we align ourselves with affinity groups, denominations, or political ideologies above Jesus. The true gospel is not about social causes, personal preferences, or church brands; it’s about salvation through Christ alone. Unity in the body comes from a shared devotion to Jesus, not from external labels. [26:19]
- Transformation Comes from Experiencing Jesus, Not Just Attending Church
Many people are disillusioned with “church” because they’ve experienced programs and entertainment, but not the transforming power of Christ. The size of the church, the charisma of the preacher, or the quality of the music cannot substitute for a real relationship with Jesus. True change happens when we encounter Christ, apply His word, and allow the Holy Spirit to shape us from the inside out. [34:33]
- The Gospel Needs to Be Shared, Not Updated
The world doesn’t need a modernized or watered-down gospel; it needs the timeless truth of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Our job is not to make the gospel more palatable, but to faithfully share it—through our stories, our invitations, and our lives. The gospel is good news precisely because it addresses the bad news of our brokenness, and it is powerful enough to save anyone who believes. [47:02]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Community Prayer and Tragedies
[04:30] - Supporting the Coleman Family
[06:24] - The Importance of Sharing Christ
[08:35] - Personal Reflections on Loss
[10:09] - “Are You Ready to Kiss?”—Introducing the Theme
[11:58] - Keep It Simple, Saint
[12:34] - Palm Sunday and the Triumphal Entry
[17:14] - Simplicity and Devotion to Christ
[18:37] - Jesus Draws All People
[25:09] - Complicating the Gospel: Different Gospels
[26:19] - Divisions and Affinity Groups
[32:08] - The Dangers of Overcomplicating Faith
[34:33] - Transformation vs. Church Experience
[38:34] - The Simple Gospel Explained
[42:07] - The Stakes of the Gospel
[47:02] - The Gospel Needs No Update
[52:56] - The Gospel Is for Everyone
[57:55] - Treating the Gospel as Strategy
[59:23] - How to Lift Jesus This Week
[01:01:01] - The Necessity of Christian Community
[01:02:00] - Closing and Romans 1:16-17 Declaration
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Keep It Simple, Saint”
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### Bible Reading
- 2 Corinthians 11:2-3
“I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”
- John 12:32
“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
- Galatians 1:6-9
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!”
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### Observation Questions
1. In 2 Corinthians 11:3, what does Paul say he is afraid of for the church in Corinth? What does he mean by “sincere and pure devotion to Christ”? ([17:14])
2. According to John 12:32, what does Jesus say will happen when He is “lifted up”? Who does He say will be drawn? ([18:37])
3. In Galatians 1:6-9, what is Paul’s warning about “different gospels”? What does he say should happen to anyone who preaches a different gospel? ([26:19])
4. The sermon mentioned that the gospel is for all people, not just some. What examples did the pastor give to show how we sometimes limit who we share the gospel with? ([18:37])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul was so concerned about the church being “led astray” from the simplicity of devotion to Christ? How does this relate to the way we sometimes complicate faith today? ([17:14])
2. Jesus said He would draw “all people” to Himself when lifted up. What does this say about the reach of the gospel, and how should it affect the way we see others—especially those different from us? ([18:37])
3. Paul’s warning in Galatians is strong—he says even if an angel preaches a different gospel, let them be accursed. Why is it so dangerous to add to or change the gospel message? ([26:19])
4. The sermon talked about how transformation comes from experiencing Jesus, not just attending church. What’s the difference between being part of church activities and actually being changed by Christ? ([34:33])
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor challenged us to “keep it simple” by looking to Jesus, listening to Him, living for Him, and lifting Him up. Which of these four is hardest for you right now, and why? What’s one step you could take this week to grow in that area? ([18:37])
2. Have you ever found yourself making faith more complicated than it needs to be—maybe by adding rules, traditions, or expectations? What’s one “extra” you could let go of to focus more on Jesus Himself? ([17:14])
3. The sermon said the gospel is for everyone, not just people who look, think, or live like us. Is there someone in your life you’ve overlooked or avoided sharing Jesus with because they seem “different”? What would it look like to reach out to them this week? ([18:37])
4. The pastor warned about “different gospels”—like making church about social causes, politics, or preferences. Are there ways you’ve been tempted to put something else above Jesus in your faith? How can you refocus on Christ alone? ([26:19])
5. The message said, “Let’s not be content with a faith that entertains but doesn’t transform.” Have you ever gone through the motions at church without real change? What would it look like for you to experience Jesus in a fresh way? ([34:33])
6. The pastor encouraged us to share our story of how Christ has changed us. Have you ever written down or practiced sharing your testimony? What’s one way you could share your story with someone this week? ([59:23])
7. As we approach Easter, what’s one practical way you can “lift up Jesus” in your home, workplace, or neighborhood? Who is one person you can invite to hear the good news? ([59:23])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you keep your faith simple and focused on Jesus, to give you courage to share the gospel, and to let the good news shine through your life this week.
Devotional
Day 1: The Simplicity of Devotion to Christ
A sincere and pure devotion to Christ is at the heart of the Christian life, yet we often complicate our faith with unnecessary rules, traditions, and expectations. Instead of focusing on outward appearances or religious activities, God calls us to keep our relationship with Jesus simple, authentic, and centered on Him. When we strip away the distractions and return to the basics—loving, trusting, and following Jesus—we find clarity, peace, and purpose. Let your faith be marked by a genuine love for Christ, not by the trappings of religion or the opinions of others. [17:14]
2 Corinthians 11:2-3 (ESV)
"For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ."
Reflection: In what area of your life have you made following Jesus more complicated than it needs to be, and how can you return to a simple, sincere devotion to Him today?
Day 2: Christ Draws All People to Himself
Jesus declared that when He is lifted up, He will draw all people to Himself—not just a select group, but every ethnicity, background, and status. The gospel is not exclusive; it is for everyone, and our mission is to share this good news with all, not just those who look or live like us. As you reflect on the sacrifice of Christ, remember that His love breaks down every barrier and invites all to come. Let your heart be open to reaching out beyond your comfort zone, knowing that Christ’s invitation is for the whole world. [18:37]
John 12:32 (ESV)
"And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."
Reflection: Who in your life or community have you overlooked or excluded from your prayers or invitations to know Jesus, and how can you reach out to them this week?
Day 3: Guard Against a Different Gospel
It is easy to drift from the true gospel by accepting distorted versions that focus on social, political, or cultural agendas rather than the saving work of Christ. Paul warns us to reject any message that adds to or subtracts from the gospel of grace. Stay vigilant and rooted in the truth that salvation comes by faith in Jesus alone, not by works, affiliations, or human traditions. Let your faith be anchored in the unchanging message of Christ crucified and risen, and be wary of anything that distracts from that core. [26:19]
Galatians 1:6-9 (ESV)
"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed."
Reflection: What “different gospels” or distractions have you encountered, and how can you refocus your heart on the true gospel of Jesus today?
Day 4: Remembering God’s Grace and Our Need for the Gospel
We were all once far from God, dead in our sins, but by His rich mercy and great love, He made us alive in Christ. It’s easy to forget where we came from and to judge others who are still struggling, but the gospel is for perfectly imperfect people. Remembering our own story of grace keeps us humble, compassionate, and eager to share the hope we have found. Let gratitude for God’s mercy move you to extend grace to others and to never lose sight of your continual need for the gospel. [52:56]
Ephesians 2:1-5 (ESV)
"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—"
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear your story of God’s grace, and how can you share it with humility and love this week?
Day 5: Living and Sharing the Simple Gospel
The gospel is not just a theory to be debated but a strategy to be lived and shared. It is the power of God for salvation, and it transforms lives when we present it simply and boldly. Don’t wait for perfect circumstances or eloquent words—share how Christ has changed your life, invite others into community, and lift up Jesus in your daily actions. The world doesn’t need an updated gospel; it needs to see the gospel lived out with conviction and joy. [59:23]
Romans 1:16-17 (ESV)
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'"
Reflection: What is one specific way you can lift up Jesus and share the gospel with someone in your life this week?
Quotes
When it comes down to trying to share the gospel and talk about Easter Sunday or talk about Palm Sunday to pass the best that that's really did really does not interest me and so when I come here today I think about this whole idea are you ready to kiss are you ready to keep it simple saint so but what happens nowadays that when it comes to the church and it comes to resurrection Sunday or it comes to Easter Sunday or it comes to Palm Sunday and we start talking about the gospel and inviting people and evangelism what happens is is that things have gotten so complicated that people don't hear a clear message or a clear gospel or a clear purpose amen. [00:14:10] (48 seconds)
What I want to do today is enhance our comprehension of the gospel to enhance our appreciation and our communication of the gospel are we tracking together so y 'all are excited now about the gospel are y 'all excited online about the gospel just type or type in the chat I'm excited I'm excited past I'll read it later smile at me watch this now when we talk about Christ entry we talk about Christ resurrection we really are talking about the gospel of Jesus Christ are we tracking together and we're talking about going to share the gospel of people who don't have the gospel share with them good news about who Christ is what Christ has done but watch this now we often don't view it as a celebration because we don't have a proper comprehension or appreciation for what Christ has done for us. [00:14:57] (51 seconds)
But I'm afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.And boy, in the King James, it says a the simplicity of devotion to Christ.You know, what's happened today is, is that when it comes to Christianity, when it comes to following Christ, when it comes to serving the Lord, when it comes to the gospel, we've made it so complicated that people really don't know what it means to serve the Lord. [00:17:14] (34 seconds)
How many of you all can articulate to your family to your kids to your friends to your nieces to your nephews to your co -workers to to people to store how many of you all can communicate to them the gospel write down Romans chapter 6 verse 23 we good Romans 6 verse 23 for the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. [00:39:52] (33 seconds)
The gospel is not only designed to explain our lives, but to excuse the failures of our lives.We don't need a deeper gospel. We need greater devotion to the gospel.Christ did not come for those who were needless, but for those who are needy.If there is not a problem, why do we need the gospel?When you understand how Christ reached down to save you with the gospel, then you will reach out to others with the gospel.If the gospel is not part of the solution, then you still have a problem. [00:58:41] (39 seconds)
If you hired employees to come work for your company, would you allow them to define when they came to work, how they came to work, what they did at work, and how they talked to other people about the work?Then why would we take Christ who created the heaven and the earth?I don't need to go to church.I'm going to tell Christ when I'm going to come to work.I'm going to tell Christ what the Bible ought to say.I'm going to tell Christ what I'm going to do and how I'm going to do it and when I'm going to do it. I'm going to tell Christ what acceptable morality standards are. I'm going to tell Christ what it means to be accountable.If we don't do it with our own companies, why do we do it with the church? [01:00:15] (47 seconds)
Hey guys this the word of God we want to keep it simple keep it simple saying sometimes we complicated the death the burial and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. [01:03:00] (15 seconds)
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