Luke 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Luke 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

Here are two verses about the same thing. One expression is simple while the other is more complex. The common element which both contain is understanding. Neither tells the whole story. Both need more detail to make all the pieces fit. One is a simple approach, the other is more complex.

This year is almost over. I began this year trying to simplify the gospel. In the past week or so I have used a different, more detailed approach. Both require you to understand what is being offered. It is my hope that someone might come to understand the offer of salvation and understand its elements.

In this understanding each of us must evaluate our needs and determine what it is going to take to best achieve those needs. Is your life empty and you need Jesus to fill it? Are you filled with regret and seek forgiveness? Do you desire to know this God who is your creator? Do you want to be loved perfectly? Each and every one of us has a different story and a way in which the gospel reaches us.

I do not know the thousands who read my devotionals. I do not know how often or why anyone might come across these words. I cannot control the understanding. I can however offer up the telling in different ways. Whether I am making this something that you understand is not up to me. God is the author of your salvation. I am but a witness.

The best way to tell anyone the gospel with understanding is face to face.