Good News

I picked up the paper this morning to look for good news. I found none.

There were stories about death and destruction, crime and misery, drugs and sex, but no good news. Floods and tornadoes, poison gas and destructive bombs, alcohol abuse and drug addition, disease and death were everywhere. Can you remember the last time you read or heard some really good news?

There are good things to report, but it is assumed that the public is not interested. Bad news sells newspapers. Television is no different. Man’s inhumanity to man is the main ingredient of the nightly news. The networks scramble to see who can dig up the most dirt on someone, or find video of some gruesome tragedy. No matter where it happens, it must be shown in our living rooms minutes later. And, the bloodier the better!

Would you like to hear some good news?

God loves us (John 3:16). Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Heaven can be ours (John 14:1-3). We are victors through Him (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Christians are bearers of “good news.” That is exactly what the gospel is. When Paul wrote to the church at Rome that it was his intention to preach the gospel there, he was telling them that it was his desire to proclaim the good news in their city (Romans 1:15-17).

What is this good news? It consists of three fundamental facts: Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and resurrected the third day (I Corinthians 15:3, 4). It involves three divine commands: faith in Jesus (John 8:24), repentance (Luke 13:3), and baptism (Mark 16:16). And, it offers three glorious promises: the remission of our sins (Acts 2:38), the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38), and eternal life (1 John 2:25).

It is the good news of Jesus Christ which instills hope and optimism in our hearts.

No matter how bad things may seem, we know God has something better in store for us. Further, His message can make a difference in the lives of others. There would be far more good news to report in our world if the good news of Jesus Christ was heard, believed, and obeyed more often. It is toward that goal we strive each day.