Good news (noun) – someone or something that is positive, encouraging, uplifting, desirable, or the like.
That’s a generic definition which isn’t bad, but the good news I want to share about this morning is life changing (eternally). It’s good news for everyone! Good news is always words of encouragement to those who hear it. But there is good news and there is bad news.
Good News and Bad News
Let me set the backdrop first. It’s the ole’ question, “Do you want the good news first, or the bad news first?” Well the news is this, that God created man and woman and provided them with heaven on earth. Adam and Eve had it good! This is good.
Behind the scenes there were fallen angels, the leader of them was Lucifer. The most beautiful and talented (musically) ever! Well, he got a little too big for his britches and couldn’t remain in the heavens. So then Lucifer, the serpent, the devil, decided he was going to get back at God through God’s creation – man and woman, Adam and Eve! This is bad.
More Bad News
So he deceived them, there was some finger pointing, but all were responsible. They had sinned. Adam and Eve had turned their back on God. They knew what was right and didn’t do it. Now mankind was eternally separated from God. Now no more heaven on earth so to speak.
Romans 3:23 niv
…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
But Then There was Some Good News
God had a plan. And it was far more detailed than anyone could imagine (just think of SMART Goals and Critical Path planning to the millionth degree). He did it to show that he still loved His creation. This was good!
John 3:16 niv
“For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.
Sad But Very Great News!
So He prepared the way for His son Jesus, to be the sacrifice for our sins – that which separated us from God and eternity with Him. It is known that the penalty for sin is death. More accurately, eternal separation from God. And the penalty could only be paid by a perfect sacrifice…Jesus Christ. This is sad but good, that God was willing to sacrifice His son Jesus Christ on our behalf. No one else is qualified to pay that price except God Himself.
And Though This is Bad…
Romans 6:23
For the wages (penalty) of sin is death (eternal separation from God)
This is Good…
Ephesians 2:8-9 AMP
8 For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; 9 not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation].
The Heavenly Father (God) sent Jesus Christ (God in the flesh), to show us He loved us, to live as a perfect man, and to take on the penalty of death (death on a cross) on our behalf.
John 14:6 niv
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father (live eternally/go to heaven) except through me.
So now all we have to do is acknowledge what He has done (died for OUR sins). So then thank Him for what He has done. Believe what He has done (and that He loves us). And then ask Jesus to be a part of our everyday-walking-around-kind-of-life now. This is good.
Good News is Knowing that You Have Eternal Life with God
If you have never asked Jesus to be a part of your life, here is an example of a prayer you can pray,
Experience the Good News of Jesus Christ
“Father God, thank you for what you have done for me. I know I am not perfect, and because I’m not perfect Jesus had to be a sacrifice for my sins. I accept what You have done for me, and so now I know (but can’t fully understand) that I am forgiven for my sins. I accept that and want you to be a part of my everyday life, to be my Lord and Savior. Thank you for loving me and now making me a part of your family, to now live eternally with you. Amen!”
Challenge of the Day: If you prayed that prayer for the first time, tell someone. And email me at Scott@youreverydaylife.org so I can pray for you and share some next steps with you. And a challenge for those of you who have a personal relationship with Jesus – share this good news with someone who needs it. It could mean life eternally for them. So be it (Amen).
Bonus Song:
