Give The Gift Of Good News
Luke 2:8-17
Story of lepers who had good news… they needed to share. (2Kings 7:3-11)
Four leaper’s situation was hopeless, and they faced almost certain death.
Went to enemy camp at dusk but found the enemy had fled & left everything.
They, at that time, had good news for their starving friends/family within the city.
Those four lepers had a real choice. They were saved from starvation, but others...?
They chose to share their good news! (2Kings 7:9)
“We’re not doing right. This is a day of good news & we are keeping it to ourselves.” (2Kings 7:9 NIV)
We too have Good News… God sent a Savior who is also Immanuel. (Lk 2:10)
Today is a day of good news... Immanuel... God with us. (Mt 1:23)
Like the four leapers, our situation was hopeless & we all faced death.
There is no one righteous… for all have sinned… (Rm 3:10, 23)
The penalty for our sins is death & eternity in hell. (Rm 6:23a)
God gave an amazing gift of love & life... His Son as the sacrifice for our sins. (Jn 3:16)
The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. (Rm 6:23b)
God has provided the means of salvation for the world... Good News of great joy!
God sent His Son… not to condemn, but to save the world thru Him. (Jn 3:17)
Repent (Acts 2:38), receive Jesus as Savior, you’ll receive H Spirit… God with us.
Most Christians in America never share the good news… we’re not doing right!
As you go, make disciples (Mt 28:19)… by living & sharing the good news.
The world is in “darkness” & looking for answers to difficult questions.
Talk is cheap… they want to see the truth walked out in your life.
Jesus taught truth, & He then lived it... He was life & light. (Jn 1:4)
Spirit-filled, loving, mature Church is God’s plan for piercing the darkness.
God gives His abundant grace that you may abound in good works (light). (2Cor 9:8)
If you live your faith, it will bring criticism, reproach, & persecution. (2Tim 3:12)
Give yourself without reservation… Christ gave His all for you!
One light (Christ in you)… will make a difference.
On that first Christmas, shepherds were faithful to share good news of great joy. (2:17)
If God can use lepers & shepherds, He can use even us to share the good news.
You are the light of the world... let your light (Christ in you) shine. (Mt 5:14-16)
Does your face say you have great joy because of the awesome good news?
Lord, restore to me the joy of your salvation. (Ps 51:12)
This Christmas season, meditate on what God with us means to you.
Shepherds realized they were divinely called to witness to the birth of the Messiah. (2:17)
You too are divinely appointed… as Father sent Me, I am sending you. (Jn 20:21)
Each believer has the responsibility to share the good news. (Mt 28:18-20)
Often, we remain quiet while the lost are dying... we are not doing right!
Why are you living in Marion at this time? Divine appointment? (Acts 17:26)
Acquaintances (work, school, neighbors) are not “chance” encounters.
Christ will return soon in great glory and light. (Lk 21:27; Mt 25:31)
Until then, His disciples are to reflect His light… to share His love & light.
Faithful disciples will shine with joy, kindness, & love… pointing others to Jesus.
One life lived for Christ w/courage, joy, love, & truth will pierce the darkness.
Love others as Christ has loved you (Jn 15:12-13)… in love, go & make disciples.
You may not be a missionary or evangelist, but you can share Good News as you go.
Today is a day of good news (Lk 2:10)... Immanuel... God with us. (Mt 1:23)
Most Christians in America never share the good news… we’re not doing right!
Christmas season presents unique opportunity to easily direct the conversation to Jesus Christ… why He came & who He is. It is good news… don’t keep it to yourself.
12-19-10