The Bad News and the Good News

A pastor was sitting next to a businessman on a plane. The pastor had his Bible open reading it. The businessman had a newspaper that he was perusing. As the businessman read the newspaper, the pastor, to stir a little conversation spoke up and said, “I’m reading the Good News and you’re reading the bad news!”

As we look around our world it seems that we are inundated with “bad news”. We are constantly hearing about so many things that are problematic to our world. We hear about global warming and its effects on our environment. We turn on the television and another conflict is breaking out somewhere in the world. Poverty and hunger continue to ravage certain parts of the earth. Plagues and natural disasters are an ongoing plot. Floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and fires seem to break out when one least expects them. Disease and sickness are rampant. Multitudes flee home and country hoping to find rest and refuge in another community or region. Political conflict is a never ending topic of discussion. Pollution, drug abuse, racism, overpopulation and terrorism; one problem after the other it seems and there is no end in sight.

Is there an answer to any of this? Is there a solution? As issues arise, men in position hack away at the branches of the world’s problems. Decades pass it seems and we are no further ahead in solving any of these predicaments that fill hearts with fear and trepidation.

The Bible, tells us the real problem: “The earth is given into the hand of the wicked:” (Job 9:24) To be concise, it is the hidden man of the heart that is the problem. In order to change the world around us, this world that we all live in, there must first be a change inside, in the heart of man. Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” (John 3:7)

On the cross Jesus died, taking our sins upon Himself . Through His death, burial and resurrection we are forgiven, cleansed from sin and made righteous in His sight. For those who believe and repent and confess Jesus as Lord…problem solved! When there is genuine change on the inside, in the heart of man there can begin to be change for the better in our world at large. Sin is the problem. Jesus is the answer. Be a Christian in this world of sin. Be a Christian in your home but also be a Christian in this world. Jesus said “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

Friend, I encourage you to be a bright and shining light in this world. Be that shining city on a hill. You are exceptional in your relationship with Jesus Christ. You are the beginning of change in this world. Come visit us at Light Ministries Church in Lewistown. We welcome you.

Pastor Gary Bailey

Light Ministries Church

Lewistown, PA

To contact: email Pastor Gary @ gbmin@me.com