The Gospel in One Verse: Romans 6:23

How would you answer if a friend or family member were to ask, "How can I become a Christian?" or "Can you tell me what it means to become a Christian?" One simple way to present the "good news" of salvation through Jesus Christ is presented below. You can read or quote Romans 6:23, write it on a piece of paper, then draw the diagram as you explain the key words in the verse.

- STEP 1

Quote or read Romans 6:23 and write the verse on the top of a piece of paper (a napkin, whatever is handy).

- STEP 2

Circle the word "wages" and write it in the diagram. Talk about how wages are earned based on the work we have done.

- STEP 3

Circle the words "of sin" and write them below the word "wages." Ask, "What is sin?" Explain that sin is willfully rebelling against God or just ignoring Him.

- STEP 4

Circle the word "death" and write it below the words "of sin." Death refers to physical death, disease and pain but it primarily refers to separation from God because of sinfulness. Draw the two sides of a great chasm and the stick man. Explain that sin separates man from God.

- STEP 5

Underline the word "but" and write it down.

- STEP 6

Circle the word "gift" and write it on the right side of the canyon across from the word "wages." A gift is a free choice, it cannot be demanded, purchased, or earned.

- STEP 7

Circle the words "of God" and write them below the word "gift." Explain that God is the giver of this gift.

- STEP 8

Circle the words "eternal life" and write them below "of God." Explain that "eternal life" means living forever with God in heaven, but it also means new life while living on earth.

- STEP 9

Talk about all the different ways that men have tried to connect with God ... religion, morality, good works, etc.

- STEP 10

Read the last phrase of the verse, "in Christ Jesus our Lord." Underline "Christ Jesus" and draw the cross as a bridge from God to man. Explain that Jesus is God and that He created a bridge to man because man couldn't reach to God. Explain that the cross is a symbol of death. Jesus died to cancel the "wages of our sin." Draw an arrow from the cross to the word "death" and put an "X" through the word 'death."

- STEP 11

Challenge: Ask the person where they are standing, on man's side, on God's side or in between. Then ask, "Where would you like to be?" If they want to receive eternal life through Christ, offer to lead them in a simple prayer: "Lord, forgive me of my sin, come into my life. I want to follow you. I receive now the free gift of God, eternal life. Amen."

Taken from Ministry Skills for Small Group Leader