We first met at a quiet coffee shop with petite cups and sturdy napkins. Connected by a mutual friend, Ashlyn asked if I would mentor her. She wanted to grow her faith and learn how to share the life-changing good news of Jesus with others.
I was excited to see her hunger. She sought a clear understanding of the core components of the gospel so she could explain to another why a Savior is needed to restore our relationship with a holy God.
Several conversations, coffees, and prayers later, she selected verses from the book of Romans, where God’s story of grace unfolds with honesty and hope. But presenting an unbeliever with a list of verses may be a little daunting for someone unfamiliar with the Bible. Perhaps a visual element could help communicate these verses clearly.
What’s simpler than writing the gospel on a napkin?
Ashlyn picked one up, drew a long road across it, and added simple signs along the way. Next to each sign, she wrote a verse marking the way from separation to salvation. It was a joy to see her writing the fruit of our meetings.
Here’s the path she traced:
God and Man: “For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God … and their foolish hearts were darkened” (Romans 1:21).
Everyone: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
God says: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
God did: “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
I do: “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
Assurance: “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’” (Romans 10:13).
To do this yourself, keep it simple by drawing a single road across the napkin. Add six signs along your road.
By each sign, write a short phrase:
- God revealed
- “All have sinned” (circle “all”)
- “Sin = Death”
- Draw a cross with a heart and write “But God”
- “Confess, believe and be saved”
- “Everyone” (circle it).
Then pause, listen, answer questions, and pray for more opportunities to share.
Sharing the gospel doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Trust that God will use His Word to accomplish what He purposes (Isa. 55:11).
Friend, when will you simply draw the gospel on a napkin for another?
Prayer: Lord, we ask for confidence in Your truth as we interact with others. Help us to boldly—yet simply—share how Jesus bridged the gap between each of us and You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Want More?
Read Romans 8. Write out verse 1 and speak it over yourself daily. Make a list of what changes in a believer’s life because of the Spirit. What does Paul say about suffering and glory? What does he say about God’s everlasting love?
