Bad News Bears
Bad News Bears
In our walk of faith, we often encounter both good news and bad news. But have you ever stopped to consider the difference between carrying the good news and bearing the bad news? This distinction is crucial in understanding our role as believers and our relationship with God.
Let's start with a sobering truth: we were made in the image of God, but sin has marred that image. God's wrath is a topic that many find uncomfortable, but it's essential to understand it correctly. Contrary to popular belief, God doesn't send people to hell out of hatred. His plan, as stated in 2 Peter 3:9, is that no one would perish, but that all would come to repentance.
When we choose to live separately from God, there comes a point where He respects our free will and allows us to have it our way. This is a profound demonstration of His love and respect for our choices, even when those choices lead us away from Him.
The concept of fearing the Lord, as mentioned in Proverbs 9:10, might seem at odds with God's love. However, this fear is about reverence and awe, not terror. It's the beginning of wisdom and understanding of the Holy One.
In today's world, we often see people creating their own truth and challenging anyone who disagrees. But here's the bad news: when we choose to live without God, He doesn't stop us. We revert to our base nature, born in sin, and our shape becomes that of iniquity.
Romans 12:1 reminds us that we are to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This is our true worship. But before we can fully embrace this good news, we must confront and bear the bad news.
The book of Romans, written by Paul during his third missionary journey, addresses this very issue. It's crucial to understand that before the events of Pentecost in Acts 2, there were diverse groups of people who walked with Jesus but realized they needed more than just a moment with Him. They had to confront the bad news before they could fully embrace the good news.
This brings us to a common confusion among Christians, especially Protestants. We often mix up what is good news that we spread and what is bad news that we must bear. It's like the humorous story of Boudreau at the horse races, mistaking last rites for an anointed blessing. We, too, can misinterpret spiritual signs and actions if we're not discerning.
Romans 2:1-11 addresses this issue head-on. It warns against judging others while doing the same things ourselves. It reminds us that God's judgment is based on truth, and His kindness is intended to lead us to repentance. We're cautioned against hardening our hearts, as this stores up wrath for the day of judgment.
Importantly, we're told that God will repay each person according to their works. This isn't about earning salvation, but about the fruits of genuine faith. There's no favoritism with God; both Jew and Gentile are held to the same standard.
The passage goes on to emphasize that merely hearing the word of God or attending church isn't enough. We must be doers of the word. This applies especially to those who teach others – we must practice what we preach, lest we dishonor God and cause His name to be blasphemed among unbelievers.
At the heart of this message is the distinction between religion and relationship. True faith isn't about outward observances but an inward transformation. It's not about following rules but about a heart change brought about by the Holy Spirit.
So, how do we bear this bad news? By recognizing that while we carry the good news of salvation, we must also bear the weight of acknowledging our sin and need for a Savior. As 1 Peter 2:24-25 reminds us, Jesus bore our sins in His body on the cross so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness. By His wounds, we are healed.
The beautiful truth is that we don't have to bear the weight of sin itself – Jesus has done that for us. We simply bear the news of our need for Him. It's like the old hymn says: "I once was lost in sin, but Jesus took me in, and a little light from heaven filled my soul."
The early church grappled with these very issues. In Acts 15, we see Peter standing up for the inclusion of Gentiles in the faith, recognizing that God had given them the Holy Spirit just as He had to the Jewish believers. This moment of revelation led to the understanding that salvation comes through the grace of the Lord Jesus, not through adherence to religious laws.
In our own lives, bearing the bad news means acknowledging our sinfulness and need for grace. It means recognizing that we can't save ourselves through good works or religious observances. But it also means embracing the incredible good news that follows – that through faith in Jesus, we are cleansed, forgiven, and brought into relationship with God.
How do we bear this news? Through faith in Jesus. Yes, we're sinners, but there is grace. As the song goes:
"I once was lost in sin but Jesus took me in
And then a little light from heaven filled my soul
It bathed my heart in love and wrote my name above
And just a little talk with Jesus made me whole"
In our moments of doubt, fear, or when our path seems unclear, we're invited to have a little talk with Jesus. He knows our every care, and communion with Him makes everything right.
As we navigate the complexities of faith, let's remember to bear the bad news honestly – acknowledging our need for a Savior – while joyfully carrying the good news of God's grace and salvation. In doing so, we embrace both the gravity of our condition and the magnificence of God's love, finding in this balance the true essence of our faith.
In our walk of faith, we often encounter both good news and bad news. But have you ever stopped to consider the difference between carrying the good news and bearing the bad news? This distinction is crucial in understanding our role as believers and our relationship with God.
Let's start with a sobering truth: we were made in the image of God, but sin has marred that image. God's wrath is a topic that many find uncomfortable, but it's essential to understand it correctly. Contrary to popular belief, God doesn't send people to hell out of hatred. His plan, as stated in 2 Peter 3:9, is that no one would perish, but that all would come to repentance.
When we choose to live separately from God, there comes a point where He respects our free will and allows us to have it our way. This is a profound demonstration of His love and respect for our choices, even when those choices lead us away from Him.
The concept of fearing the Lord, as mentioned in Proverbs 9:10, might seem at odds with God's love. However, this fear is about reverence and awe, not terror. It's the beginning of wisdom and understanding of the Holy One.
In today's world, we often see people creating their own truth and challenging anyone who disagrees. But here's the bad news: when we choose to live without God, He doesn't stop us. We revert to our base nature, born in sin, and our shape becomes that of iniquity.
Romans 12:1 reminds us that we are to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This is our true worship. But before we can fully embrace this good news, we must confront and bear the bad news.
The book of Romans, written by Paul during his third missionary journey, addresses this very issue. It's crucial to understand that before the events of Pentecost in Acts 2, there were diverse groups of people who walked with Jesus but realized they needed more than just a moment with Him. They had to confront the bad news before they could fully embrace the good news.
This brings us to a common confusion among Christians, especially Protestants. We often mix up what is good news that we spread and what is bad news that we must bear. It's like the humorous story of Boudreau at the horse races, mistaking last rites for an anointed blessing. We, too, can misinterpret spiritual signs and actions if we're not discerning.
Romans 2:1-11 addresses this issue head-on. It warns against judging others while doing the same things ourselves. It reminds us that God's judgment is based on truth, and His kindness is intended to lead us to repentance. We're cautioned against hardening our hearts, as this stores up wrath for the day of judgment.
Importantly, we're told that God will repay each person according to their works. This isn't about earning salvation, but about the fruits of genuine faith. There's no favoritism with God; both Jew and Gentile are held to the same standard.
The passage goes on to emphasize that merely hearing the word of God or attending church isn't enough. We must be doers of the word. This applies especially to those who teach others – we must practice what we preach, lest we dishonor God and cause His name to be blasphemed among unbelievers.
At the heart of this message is the distinction between religion and relationship. True faith isn't about outward observances but an inward transformation. It's not about following rules but about a heart change brought about by the Holy Spirit.
So, how do we bear this bad news? By recognizing that while we carry the good news of salvation, we must also bear the weight of acknowledging our sin and need for a Savior. As 1 Peter 2:24-25 reminds us, Jesus bore our sins in His body on the cross so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness. By His wounds, we are healed.
The beautiful truth is that we don't have to bear the weight of sin itself – Jesus has done that for us. We simply bear the news of our need for Him. It's like the old hymn says: "I once was lost in sin, but Jesus took me in, and a little light from heaven filled my soul."
The early church grappled with these very issues. In Acts 15, we see Peter standing up for the inclusion of Gentiles in the faith, recognizing that God had given them the Holy Spirit just as He had to the Jewish believers. This moment of revelation led to the understanding that salvation comes through the grace of the Lord Jesus, not through adherence to religious laws.
In our own lives, bearing the bad news means acknowledging our sinfulness and need for grace. It means recognizing that we can't save ourselves through good works or religious observances. But it also means embracing the incredible good news that follows – that through faith in Jesus, we are cleansed, forgiven, and brought into relationship with God.
How do we bear this news? Through faith in Jesus. Yes, we're sinners, but there is grace. As the song goes:
"I once was lost in sin but Jesus took me in
And then a little light from heaven filled my soul
It bathed my heart in love and wrote my name above
And just a little talk with Jesus made me whole"
In our moments of doubt, fear, or when our path seems unclear, we're invited to have a little talk with Jesus. He knows our every care, and communion with Him makes everything right.
As we navigate the complexities of faith, let's remember to bear the bad news honestly – acknowledging our need for a Savior – while joyfully carrying the good news of God's grace and salvation. In doing so, we embrace both the gravity of our condition and the magnificence of God's love, finding in this balance the true essence of our faith.
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