One of my favorite phrases is "Good news."

One of my favorite phrases is "Good news." We all like to receive "good news" in general, don't we? But you may know that the New Testament speaks of the message of "good news," which is all about who Jesus is and what he did for us in his mission as the Savior. He ushered in the kingdom of God. And that kingdom has grown, populated by people down through history, and around the world. He called these people out of the world into a relationship with himself. He secured all the benefits of salvation for them, and they enjoy those benefits in union with him, by faith. Then he sends his people back into the world to reach others with this same "good news."

In the book of Hebrews we read "For good news came to us..."

I'm curious. How did the "good news" come to you? Maybe a close friend opened up to you about their relationship with Jesus and shared "the good news" from the Bible with you, and your heart responded in faith. Perhaps you had faithful parents who nurtured you from a young age to live your life in relationship with Jesus. Perhaps you went to a Christian worship service or concert, and as others worshiped the Lord, you found your heart stirred and eager to join in, and you were changed in that moment to become a worshiper of the Lord. Maybe you just read the Bible or heard a sermon and it struck a chord in your heart and you began a new life of faith. Maybe it was a combination of ways that the "good news" came to you.

I'm always glad to talk to people about the "good news” that leads people to know Jesus. Of course, it includes "bad news." What bad news? Well, because of my sinfulness I have "a bad record," (I cannot count how many bad thoughts, words, and actions I've committed) and "a bad heart," (when I'm honest I see my selfishness, sensualism, pride and rank unbelief) and a "bad master" (I'm a slave to my sins and bad habits.)

But then comes the "good news." Jesus offers me his perfect record. He gives me a new heart. He becomes my good master. Then he moves me to share the “good news” with others.

I'm glad that the "good news" came to me. Thank you Hu Brom, Tom Doyle, Susan Yenchko, Erika Ingram Zajdel, Jim Morrison, Leah Deffenbaugh, (and others).

What about you? Are you glad the good news came to you, too?

Musing’s from Pastor John, November 7, Click to Email Pastor John