2 Chronicles 33:14-34:33 / Romans 16:10-27 / Psalm 26 / Proverbs 20:19
Who doesn’t love to hear good news! Have you ever had someone say to you, “Which do you want first? The good news, or the bad news?” I’m one who prefers the bad news first so I can end with the good. I’m also hoping the good news will somehow outweigh the bad. Bad news is never easy to receive. But some are not even able to receive good news because their hearts are not prepared to believe something good is available for them.
Have you ever heard the Gospel referred to as The Good News? I heard that term many times as a child of the 70’s. I haven’t heard it as much lately. As a matter of fact, I don’t hear the word “Gospel” that much these days either.
Romans 16:25 states Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed His plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time.
Some translations refer to the Good News as the Gospel, as mentioned above. Most would assume this is the message about Jesus Christ, but what is included in this Good News message?
The Greek word for Gospel is euangelion (yoo-ang-ghel-ee-on) and it means the glad tidings of the kingdom of God soon to be set up, and subsequently also of Jesus the Messiah, the founder of this kingdom. After the death of Christ, the term comprises also the preaching of (concerning) Jesus Christ as having suffered death on the cross to procure eternal salvation for the men in the kingdom of God, but as restored to life and exalted to the right hand of God in heaven, thence to return in majesty to consummate the kingdom of God.
If someone tells you they are preaching The Gospel, they are sharing the Truth about Jesus Christ the Messiah who has already come. Not everyone believes he has come, and not everyone believes that there is a Messiah to come, or that Jesus Christ was God in the flesh.
However, when we share Truth from God’s Word, we are sharing words that are backed by His Spirit, so they are “alive” and able to draw a person’s heart toward truth. Hebrews 4:12 states For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
We don’t have to try to convince anyone of Truth. The Truth is powerful enough to convince all on its own just by us being willing to share. If someone is ready to hear, they will receive. If one is not ready to receive, the words have still go into their hearts and will be considered. Who knows what the fruit of your sharing may be.
The bottom line is there is no need to stress out about trying to make someone believe your message. It is Holy Spirit’s job to convince, the Father’s heart to draw and our job to speak. If you knew your only role was speaking, would that make it easier to share when you sense there is an opportunity? We are not responsible for the outcome, only for the delivery. So, when it’s on our heart to share, just share, pray, and leave the results up to God. No one enjoys being hounded about any message, whether it’s the Gospel or a marketing campaign
