Sunday, April 23, 2017

Pastor's Ponderings, April 24, 2017


What’s The Good News?

When I greet my daughters, I often ask, "What's the good word?" According to WordReference.com, this is a colloquial greeting meaning "Hello, how are you? What good news do you have to share?”  While we may be only interested in the latest tidbit of conversation, novel points of view, or tantalizing discoveries, there is a great word in the Bible for all those who want a fresh perspective on life.

An article in Ligonier Ministries defined the word “gospel.” This word is the English translation of the Greek word euangelion, and it means “good news.” In fact in the Bible, Jesus, in spite of His audiences desire for Him to stay with them, referred to His message as the good news that He had to go forth and preach (Luke 4:42-43).  One of the most important scriptures in the Bible is John 3:16. This scripture announced that knowing the needs of the world and because of His divine love, God gave His only Son to save the world.  It is easy for all of us to receive our freedom and forgiveness from all of our sins, especially since all of us have at one time or another disobeyed or sinned against God (Romans 3:23). 

There is an elegant simplicity to the Good News of Jesus Christ.  All we really have to do is to believe that God raised Jesus from the dead and say it from our heart and we will be saved (Romans 10:9-10).  Once we have made that great confession, as an added bonus, God promises to abundantly bless us or give us His divine favor (2 Corinthians 9:8).

All of the revivals, Bible study, sermons, theological treatises, great cathedrals of worship and door-to-door soul winning comes down to the simple Good News.  Now we can happily answer the question should it ever be asked of us, “What is the good word?”  God loved the whole world and gave His Son, Jesus, and we can believe this for our salvation.  This is good news indeed!

Luke 4:42-43
New International Version (NIV)
42 At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them.
43 But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”

John 3:16
New International Version (NIV)
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 3:23
New International Version (NIV)
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 10:9-10
New International Version (NIV)
9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

2 Corinthians 9:8
New International Version (NIV)
8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.



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