Wording of This Tract

[Ryan&Amber2013]

Hi all. So what are your honest thoughts on the wording of this tract? I'm looking for new tracts to use at my work that are relational and not abrasive. I have to be careful at work not to offend others.

An intimate message from God to you.

The words you’re about to read are true, and they will change your life if you let them.

This letter comes from the heart of God to tell you that he loves you, and that he is the Father you’ve been looking for all your life.

The promises God makes in these words from the Bible are directed to his children—those who have placed their trust in God’s Son, Jesus, as their Savior. And the good news is, you too can become a child of God! Be sure to read the last page of this pamphlet to find out more.



My Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you (Ps 139:1). I know when you sit down and when you rise up (Ps 139:2). I am familiar with all your ways (Ps 139:3)—even the very hairs on your head are numbered (Matt 10:29–31).

You were made in my image (Gen 1:27). In me you live and move and have your being, for you are my offspring (Acts 17:28). I knew you even before you were conceived (Jer 1:4–5). I chose you when I planned creation (Eph 1:11–12). You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book (Ps 139:15–16). I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live (Acts 17:26). You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps 139:14). I knit you together in your mother’s womb (Ps 139:13), and brought you forth on the day you were born (Ps 71:6).

I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me (John 8:41–44). I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love (1 John 4:16). And it is my desire to lavish my love on you (1 John 3:1), simply because you are my child and I am your Father (1 John 3:1). I offer you more than your earthly father ever could (Matt 7:11), for I am the perfect Father (Matt 5:48). Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand (James 1:17), for I am your provider and I meet all your needs (Matt 6:31–33).

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope (Jer 29:11), because I love you with an everlasting love (Jer 31:3). My thoughts toward you are as countless as the sand on the seashore (Ps 139:17–18), and I rejoice over you with singing (Zeph 3:17). I will never stop doing good to you (Jer 32:40), for you are my treasured possession (Ex 19:5).

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul (Jer 32:41), and I want to show you great and marvelous things (Jer 33:3). If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me (Deut 4:29); delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart (Ps 37:4), for it is I who gave you those desires (Phil 2:13).

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine (Eph 3:20), for I am your greatest encourager (2 Thess 2:16–17). I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles (2 Cor 1:3–4). When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you (Ps 34:18); as a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart (Isa 40:11). One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes, and I will take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth (Rev 21:3–4).

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus (John 17:23). In him, my love for you is revealed (John 17:26). He is the exact representation of my being (Heb 1:3). He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you (Rom 8:31), and to tell you that I am not counting your sins against you (2 Cor 5:18–19). Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled (2 Cor 5:18–19). His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you (1 John 4:10): I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love (Rom 8:31–32).

If you receive the gift of my son, Jesus, you receive me (1 John 2:23), and nothing will ever separate you from my love again (Rom 8:38–39). Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen (Luke 15:7). I have always been Father and will always be Father (Eph 3:14–15). My question is: will you be my child (John 1:12–13)? I am waiting for you (Luke 15:11–32).

Love, Your Dad



(Almighty God)



FINDING OUR WAY HOME. We were born cut-off from God because of our sin (Isaiah 59:2), but God the Father made a way for us to come home through his Son. Jesus bore upon himself the weight of our sin, nailing it to the cross so that we could be born into his family (Romans 5:10).

Jesus IS THE WAY TO THE FATHER. His resurrection to life from the dead signaled the victory for us! In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

WILL YOU RECEIVE HIS GIFT? Tell God that you trust in his Son. The words below can help you express your thoughts to God.

"Father, I know I can’t save myself, and I know you’ve promised to save those who repent and put their faith in Jesus alone. I trust you to forgive my sins so that I may receive eternal life. Thank you for sending your Son to die in my place and make my salvation possible."

 

[timfost]

Hi Ryan,

I'm so thankful for your concern for the lost and your willingness to reach out to them.

I think Heidelberg 2 puts forth a helpful guideline:

"Q. How many things are necessary for you to know, that in this comfort you may live and die happily? A Three things: First, the greatness of my sin and misery. Second, how I am redeemed from all my sins and misery. Third, how I am to be thankful to God for such redemption."

Do the tracts deal with these three things? The tract starts out with how much God loves them. We need to be careful here. God loves His image and loves mankind as His image bearer, not because people are so great of themselves. In part, since there is a prevailing theology now that says "God loves you for who you are," I stay away from this kind of presentation. Rather, scripture says God loves the world thus, by giving us His Son that whoever believed in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. A gospel presentation should begin with sin (see Acts sermons). Man shouldn't believe because his life will be so improved by God. Man should believe because he is not right with God and feels God's wrath against him, no longer able to bear the alienation that sin has brought. Further, we realize it is further sin and adding to our guilt to not believe in Him. Even more amazing is that as God, while requiring us to believe, graciously joins a promise that upon believing he removes the guilt of that sin that has beaten us down so severely.

I don't think the tract appropriately deals with sin. If the seriousness of sin is not felt, neither will the need for the Savior.

There are also some theological problems. For example, it says: "I chose you when I planned creation (Eph 1:11–12)." How can we tell a lost soul that they were elected? Rather, we need to hold out the promises of the gospel and assure them off their election only when they confess Christ.

I could write some more, but hopefully this helps.

Again, not trying to be negative, just saying this tract seems to start at the wrong place in addition to being less than accurate.

Does this make sense?

Blessings, brother!

 

[Von]

I have to be careful at work not to offend others.

If you want to spread the Gospel, you will offend in any case. Why not go all the way?

 

[Ryan&Amber2013]

Hi Ryan,

I'm so thankful for your concern for the lost and your willingness to reach out to them.

I think Heidelberg 2 puts forth a helpful guideline:

"Q. How many things are necessary for you to know, that in this comfort you may live and die happily? A Three things: First, the greatness of my sin and misery. Second, how I am redeemed from all my sins and misery. Third, how I am to be thankful to God for such redemption."

Do the tracts deal with these three things? The tract starts out with how much God loves them. We need to be careful here. God loves His image and loves mankind as His image bearer, not because people are so great of themselves. In part, since there is a prevailing theology now that says "God loves you for who you are," I stay away from this kind of presentation. Rather, scripture says God loves the world thus, by giving us His Son that whoever believed in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. A gospel presentation should begin with sin (see Acts sermons). Man shouldn't believe because his life will be so improved by God. Man should believe because he is not right with God and feels God's wrath against him, no longer able to bear the alienation that sin has brought. Further, we realize it is further sin and adding to our guilt to not believe in Him. Even more amazing is that as God, while requiring us to believe, graciously joins a promise that upon believing he removes the guilt of that sin that has beaten us down so severely.

I don't think the tract appropriately deals with sin. If the seriousness of sin is not felt, neither will the need for the Savior.

There are also some theological problems. For example, it says: "I chose you when I planned creation (Eph 1:11–12)." How can we tell a lost soul that they were elected? Rather, we need to hold out the promises of the gospel and assure them off their election only when they confess Christ.

I could write some more, but hopefully this helps.

Again, not trying to be negative, just saying this tract seems to start at the wrong place in addition to being less than accurate.

Does this make sense?

Blessings, brother!

Thanks so much for the feedback. I've decided to get this one by Kevin Deyoung. I'm sure you'll like it.

Full Text:

If You Only Read One Page...

The Bible tells the story of God’s steadfast love for his stubborn people. In some ways it’s a sad story, because human beings have made the world such a sad place. But ultimately, it is a happy story. The Christian story is about the good news that God so loved the world he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Some people have heard of John 3:16, but fewer people know the rest of the story. It goes something like this...

Creation: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The first man and woman enjoyed a perfect relationship with God. Everything in the universe was good.

Curse: But everything fell apart. Adam and Eve rebelled. Because of Adam’s sin, we are all sinners, doing and thinking what is bad for us and displeasing to God.

Christ: So God sent his Son, Jesus Christ —full of grace and truth, power and perfection, humility and holiness—to make a way for sinners to be reconciled to God.

Cross: Jesus died for our sins on the cross, bearing the punishment we deserved. He rose again on the third day in demonstration of his power over sin and death.

re-Creation: Just as God raised Jesus to new life, so God is making all things new. In the end, God’s people will live forever, free from pain and full of joy in God’s presence.

Commitment: This good news is for those who turn from their sin and trust in Jesus. None of us deserve God’s mercy, but we can get right with God through Jesus Christ.



Creation:

A glorious God creates a good world.

Genesis 1:1, 31a — In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth . . . And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.

• There is only one God. He is good and glorious, loving and holy.

• God made us in his image, to worship him, be in relationship with him, and reflect his character.

• God made the world perfect, a paradise where we could enjoy God and his gifts.



Curse:

Human beings rebel against God.

Romans 5:12 — Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned...

• Adam, the first man, disobeyed God’s command. He wanted to choose good and evil for himself. He disregarded God’s authority and rejected his love. As a result, Adam and Eve were expelled from paradise.

• The world is cursed because of Adam’s sin. Things aren’t the way they are supposed to be. The world is now full of suffering, pain, and evil.

• We sin everyday in thought, word, and deed by disobeying God’s commands. We worship our jobs, our money, and our comfort more than God. We love people and things more than we love the God who made us.



Christ:

God comes to us in human flesh.

Mark 2:5-7 — And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “My son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

• Jesus is fully human. He had a real body, desires, and emotions.

• Jesus is fully God. He was more than a prophet and moral teacher. He demonstrated his divine status and authority by forgiving sins and exercising power over nature, the Devil, disease, and death.

• Jesus is the Christ, the long-awaited Messiah. He is the Son of God and one with God the Father. Jesus is worthy of our worship, trust, and affection.



Cross:

Jesus dies for our sins and is raised to life again.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 — For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures...

• Jesus died on the cross to take upon himself the wrath of God so that we might be reconciled to God. God forgives us, not because of our good works, but because of the sacrifice of his Son on the cross.

• Jesus was a kind of second Adam, fulfilling what the first Adam did not. He obeyed God in place of our disobedience and died the death we deserved as our substitute.

• By his death and resurrection, Jesus demonstrated his Lordship over all things. In coming back to life, Jesus showed that even death itself had been conquered.



re-Creation:

God is making a new people and a new place.

Revelation 21:5 — And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.”

• God makes us new creations in Christ so that we die to our sinful ways and can learn to love God and our neighbor.

• Through Jesus, God has already begun to exercise his reign right here on earth. Those who follow Jesus are to be agents of change, hope, and renewal.

• At the end of history, God will finish this work of recreation. Those who have not received Christ will be eternally punished for their sins. Those who belong to Christ will live forever in a new paradise where we will be free from suffering and enjoy God forever.



Commitment:

Those who trust in Jesus Christ will be forgiven and made new.

Acts 2:37-38 — Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

• God’s forgiveness is entirely an act of grace. We cannot earn it. We receive God’s mercy through faith solely because of Christ’s work on our behalf.

• Being a Christian means we renounce our old ways of thinking and living; we trust Christ alone as our Savior, obey him as Lord, and love him as our greatest treasure.

• Following Jesus means living for him, obeying his commands, and believing his promises. God gives us power through the Holy Spirit and teaches us by his Word (the Bible) so we can live in this new way.



So what do you believe about this Story?

Maybe your response is apathy: “I’ve heard this all before— big deal.” Maybe you like the parts about Jesus, but haven’t thought of yourself as a sinner in need of forgiveness.

Perhaps you are confused, wondering how anyone can be saved by grace alone. Or maybe you figure since you’ve been to church before you don’t have to think about your relationship with God. Being a Christian may just seem like a cultural thing you inherit from your family or from growing up in a certain place.

These are honest responses, but they are not Christian responses. Those who believe in the Story of God’s good news will respond with:

Understanding: “I know I am a sinner, separated from God and can do nothing to earn his favor.”

Faith: “I believe Jesus is God’s Son, that he died for my sins and rose again from the dead.”

Repentance: “I am sorry for my sinful thoughts and actions. I turn from them and trust in Jesus alone for forgiveness.”

Purpose: “I want to live for Jesus, be a new person, and learn to love others.”

Hope: “I will live forever with God in the joy of his new creation.”

If you believe the Story summarized in these pages, we encourage you to do the following:

1. Talk to a Christian who can tell you more about Jesus Christ.

2. Start praying to God. It’s okay if you don’t know “how to do it.” Just speak from your heart. God will listen. Ask God to reveal himself to you.

3. Get a copy of the Bible and read it for yourself. We encourage you to start with one of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John).

4. Join a Christian church where the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection is believed and the Bible is taught.

 

[Chad Hutson]

In part, since there is a prevailing theology now that says "God loves you for who you are," I stay away from this kind of presentation.

Amen to this! In the area I live in, we are inundated with the feel good, God loves you, God wants to help you, God wants to fix your life, etc. presentation of the gospel (which is not the gospel). I tell our people that we must always begin the gospel message where the Bible begins it: we are sinners under God's judgment. We must have the bad news before the good news can be considered "good." I would not endorse the first example of a tract, but the one from DeYoung appears to be (without seeing the whole thing for myself) more appropriate and solid.
John Newton: "I am a great sinner and God is a great Savior."

 

[StephenMartyr]

Finding good tracts is hard

 

[C. M. Sheffield]

Referring to God as "Dad" makes me grimace a bit. I think it probably would for most unbelievers as well. But that's just my

I would recommend Chapel Library for a wide range of solid tracts.

 

[StephenMartyr]

I'll take a look! Thanks for the link.