January 19, 2000
GRACE & PEACE:
Sharing the good news:
Every Christian's opportunity
___"They spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child." Luke 2:17
___Sharing the good news about Jesus began with the shepherds at his birth in Bethlehem. Jesus' earthly ministry ended on the same note. Following his resurrection and prior to his ascension, he told his disciples: "This is what is written, 'The Christ will suffer and risefrom the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.' You are witnesses of these things" (Luke 24:46-48).
WILLIAM M. PINSON JR. Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
___The bad news about us as human beings is that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) and the "wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). The good news is that "the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" for "God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:l6). The good news centers in the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension and coming again of Jesus.
___In the incarnation, "the Word was made flesh, and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). In all the philosophies and religions of the world, the word remains word--"let me tell you how to live"--but through the incarnation, the Word becomes flesh--"let Me show you how to live."
___In Christ's crucifixion, "God demonstrates his love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). In some marvelous way, the death of Jesus on the cross makes possible our being freed both from enslavement to and the penalty of sin so that we are free to live the life he has showed us to live.
___In his resurrection, we have access to the power of the risen Christ to live as he commands us to live. We can declare with Paul the missionary apostle, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).
___In his ascension, we have assurance that he is "able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them" (Hebrews 7:25).
___In his coming again, we have hope because "when the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory" (Matt. 25:31) and "he who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new" (Revelation 21:5).
___The good news is that salvation is by grace and available to all who turn from their own way and by faith commit to the way of Christ. (Ephesians 2:8-10). Our opportunity is to believe and then to share with everyone everywhere the good news.
___Every aspect of the Baptist General Convention of Texas is committed to sharing the good news. The upcoming Evangelism Conference in Fort Worth, for example, affords opportunity to learn how better to share and be inspired to do so. Please plan to attend.
___And please pray that every follower of Christ will be a sharer of the good news about him.
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