Keep It Simple Stupid….

If you ever get confused as to what God wants from you, or if you ever find yourself straying from the truth, read these words in Acts chapter 20. Paul’s words clearly point out our duty and responsibility. It’s easy to forget how simple the Gospel is. We want to add to it, or make it out to be more complicated so it’s seems more appealing to others. But the bottom line is that it holds its own power. It convicts or condemns according to the condition of the hearer’s heart. We are to never allow ourselves to think, believe, or convince others that it’s anything other than what it actually is. Paul makes it clear how we are to present it. As the popular books from the 1990s are titled, “keep it simple stupid”. That’s Good advice for the Gospel as well. Repentance, turning to God, having faith in Jesus alone, are the only important topics we need to be consistent in with our witness. Anything else brings the chance of leaving the hearer confused. That’s the last thing we want to do with such a simple message. Consistency and simplicity makes for an effective message. Never forget this.

18 When they arrived he declared, “You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now 19 I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews. 20 I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes. 21 I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike–the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.22 “And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me, 23 except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. 24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus–the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.25 “And now I know that none of you to whom I have preached the Kingdom will ever see me again. 26 I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, it’s not my fault, 27 for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know.28 “So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock–His church, purchased with His own blood–over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders. 29 I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. 30 Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. 31 Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you–my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.32 “And now I entrust you to God and the message of His grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those He has set apart for Himself.33 “I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. 34 You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. 35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”36 When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. 37 They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye. 38 They were sad most of all because he had said that they would never see him again. Then they escorted him down to the ship. Acts 20:18-38