Have
you ever watched a TV advertisement for a product that appears SO AMAZING and
the price SO CHEAP that it seems just too good to be true? At first you’re
probably skeptical, but as you listen to testimonial after testimonial, you
begin to believe that this might indeed be a miracle product – the very thing
you’ve been waiting for, whether you knew it or not.

And
it gets better – the price is just a fraction of what you would spend on
similar products that don’t work as well. But wait – there’s more! If you call
within the next five minutes you’ll get not one – not two – but three bonus
gifts that alone, are worth the purchase price. Operators are standing by, but
supplies are limited, so you MUST ACT NOW!

So
you succumb and place your order, but when the item arrives you are deeply
disappointed. It looks and works very differently from what you saw displayed
under the bright lights of a TV studio. With a sigh you realize you have been
tricked by slick advertising that greatly oversold the item. It leaves you
feeling foolish and betrayed, and you resolve never to fall for that kind of
deception again.

It’s
bad enough if that happens with a vacuum cleaner or a piece of jewelry. But it
is tragic if untruthful advertising misrepresents something as important as the
gospel. But sadly, it does happen.

The
gospel is good news, the best possible news anyone can hear. It promises a new
life beyond death, a life rich in joy, peace, friendship and real love. It’s
the good news of a life in communion with God, who loves you and wants you with
him no matter who you are, where you’ve been or what you’ve done.

The
gospel is the best and only hope for humanity. It is the best and only hope for
you, for me, and everyone we care about.

That
is why we preach it, calling on all people everywhere, as far as the Spirit
gives us opportunity, to turn to Jesus in faith so all can truthfully know him
and know the Father – and so they can come to know for themselves that they are
beloved children of the Father, in Jesus.

It’s
not slick advertising for a product that can’t measure up. It’s the gospel
truth. And it means God knows your name and your sins and loves you anyway. In
Jesus, the Father has already done everything necessary for your salvation and
redemption. You are included. He loves you and will never let you go. The Holy
Spirit will heal your mind and heart and set you on a new path with Jesus — a
path of rest, peace and hope. Trust your Savior. You won’t be disappointed.

I’m Joseph Tkach, speaking of LIFE.