Canyon Ministries
[Originally published as Give Them the Gospel]
On the occasion of a funeral, my lead pastor shared four little words with me as I was about to lead the service. He looked me right in the eye and said, “Give them the gospel.”
Our life is defined entirely by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus (the gospel). It shapes all of eternity and provides the context of our existence. God’s Word is centered upon the gospel of Jesus, the Christ. Genesis provides us with the historical account of our origins, our problem, and the solution.
Embedded immediately in Genesis 3:15, the gospel is presented as the result of and solution to the problem of sin. Upon that foundation, the entire Bible rests securely. The remaining pages of God’s written Word continue the gospel focus right to the very end of Revelation and the proclamation of the imminent return of Christ.
The earth also proclaims the gospel. Every scientific discipline provides us with the means to observe the gospel in creation. Grand Canyon speaks boldly of the effects of sin and the restoration of God. It provides a lens into our past and shouts the certainty of the future. God’s Word provides us with the key to observing our world in such a manner. Romans 12:2 instructs us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
Grand Canyon is certainly about adventure and beauty. But that is only the beginning. It is a majestic centerpiece set upon a bountiful table of fellowship. The conversation it draws forth is one of confession, repentance, and restoration and leads us to eager anticipation of our King’s return.
For the creation waits with eager longing for the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for the adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:19–23)
Wherever you go today and whatever you do, be sure to give them the gospel, and begin by living it!
PRAISEALLUJIAH!
Jon
