GOOD NEWS

For 2,000 years people all over the world have experienced the life-changing, good news story of Jesus, the Son of the living God.

In a letter to the church in Corinth, the Apostle Paul states what this good news of Jesus really is. He doesn’t give every detail, but he does give us what’s most important:

"I passed on to you as most important what I also received: Christ died for our sins in line with the scriptures, he was buried, and he rose on the third day in line with the scriptures. He appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve, and then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at once—most of them are still alive to this day, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me…" 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 (CEB)

This is good news, just as good as it was in the first century when Paul wrote those words—Jesus died, Jesus was buried, Jesus was raised, and Jesus was seen.

Because of his power over sin, death and hell, the good dream God wanted from the beginning is once again coming true!

As N.T. Wright says,

“[The gospel] is not about how humans go to be with God. It's about how God comes to be with humans and what happens when he does.”

The good news is that in Jesus, God has invaded this world to get to us and he’s offering us our real lives back while he makes all things new. Right now.

Lives full of love, joy, peace, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness. Lives with no shame, fear, guilt or regret. Lives freed up from all the baggage so we can REALLY live, free to join God in loving everyone, everywhere, even our enemies, with no strings attached.

It’s what Jesus called, “the kingdom of God,” or “the kingdom of the heavens.” That’s why Jesus came—to make life WITH God and the life OF God available to all people everywhere.

NOW IS THE TIME

Notice the first words Jesus himself proclaimed about the gospel:

"…Jesus came into Galilee announcing God’s good news, saying, “Now is the time! Here comes God’s kingdom! Change your hearts and lives, and trust this good news!” Mark 1:14-15 (CEB)

“Now is the time!” Not after you die.

“Change your hearts and lives.” Not sit around and wait to die.

“Trust this good news.” Not tolerate this good news for a nice payoff later.

TRUST this good news. Begin living like it’s true that you are God’s much-loved child and his life is available to you right now.

What if the gospel is NOT that we can accept Jesus into our lives but the news that Jesus has accepted us into his life?

What if the gospel is not to “be a Christian” but to actually live and love like Jesus in our world as his kingdom comes, his will is done on earth as it is in heaven?

What if every day is full of meaning and significance? What if every second you breathe today is an opportunity to live life with God? What if every person you meet is someone God loves and longs to experience his life, too?

Jesus said this good news is more valuable than anything else on offer: “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure that somebody hid in a field, which someone else found and covered up. Full of joy, the finder sold everything and bought that field.

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he found one very precious pearl, he went and sold all that he owned and bought it.” Matthew 13:44-46 (CEB)

So… are YOU trusting this good news today?

If a conversation would help, please let us know!

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If you want to explore more about this good news, check out these resources: