When we think about having a Gospel Focused Family, we need to first focus upon gospel essentials.  What is essential for your family member to understand in order to respond to the gospel?

Your family’s greatest need is the gospel.

Concerns

You might have concerns about sharing the gospel with your family.  These are common concerns:

1. What if I don’t present the information correctly?
2. Wouldn’t a trained professional be more trustworthy?
3. What if I turn them off to Christianity?

While concerns are normal, you must realize there are extreme benefits to sharing the gospel with your family.  Your children will remember what is intentionally celebrated.  You can help make their experiences stick.  Since parents are the most constant figure in a child’s life, they are the ideal to share the gospel and to disciple their children.

The Gospel of GRACE

God’s greatest news is his gospel of GRACE.

Let’s use the acrostic GRACE to remember how to share the gospel with your family.

• God – Life is all about God.  He is the only worthy one (Rev. 4:11).  Since he has the might as Creator, he has the right as Lord (Col. 1:16).  God’s great holiness is matched by his great love (Ps. 8:3-4).  The gospel must start with God.
• Rebellion – God made it good and we turned it bad.  We messed it up (Rom. 3:23).  Our sins have caused us to be separated from the Holy God (Is. 59:2).  God’s punishment for sin is death (Rom. 6:23).  Our rebellion against God has us in serious trouble.
• Atonement – Atonement means to make reparation.  Jesus reconciled us to God (2 Cor. 5:18).  Through Jesus’ life, he lived sinless in obedience to God (Heb. 4:15).  Through Jesus’ death, he became a substitute for our punishment (Rom. 5:8).  Through Jesus’ resurrection, he defeated death and provided eternal life (1 Cor. 15:55).
• Conversion – Jesus is the way (John 14:6).  He can change us on the inside.  To become a Christian, we must willfully trust in Jesus alone for salvation (Acts 4:12).  God’s gift of salvation is a free gift of grace (Rom. 6:23).
• Eternity – This life isn’t it.  For believers, we are promised that one day, we are going home (John 5:24).  Jesus is able to give sinners new life (2 Cor. 5:17) and the promise of life eternally with him.  Your salvation is only as secure as the hands that hold it (John 10:28).  Salvation in God’s hands will last for eternity.

Your family need the gospel of GRACE.  Will you share it with them?