Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

~Acts 8:35 NIV

Thomas’s doctor gave him the choice of good or bad news first. He thought about it and chose the bad news. He listened to the doctor, but the cancer diagnosis came as a shock, along with the negative thoughts that affected his physical and mental state. The physician tried to share the good news concerning treatments and the survival rate, but Thomas was too busy processing the bad news. The diagnosis was a death sentence to him, and with that, all hope seemed lost.

Just like the bad news Thomas received, humanity also received a death sentence in Romans 3:23, or at least that’s what it seemed.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

~Romans 3:23 ESV

Sin will disguise itself as self-gratification as it takes root in the heart. Once sin makes the heart it’s home, it will spread throughout the soul, affecting every emotion, thought, and action. This enemy will slowly take over as hatred, selfishness, and evil desires become the norm. Eventually, the corruptible body will die, and all that remains will be the soul, and after this comes the judgment of God. It says in Hebrew 9:27 NIV, “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.”

Romans 3:23 and Hebrews 9:27 are comparable with the news Thomas received, for both of these Scriptures appear to be a death sentence for humankind. However, just like the physician in Thomas’s life, God also has good news to share with us.

If the reception of good or bad news is comprehended, it will depend on how it is delivered, how it is perceived, and how it is accepted.

~Ed Chappelle

If the reception of good or bad news is comprehended, it will depend on how it is delivered, how it is perceived, and how it is accepted. Romans 3:23, when read by itself, is bad news; however, this is not the final verse. Romans 3:24 follows behind Romans 3:23 as the good news. In fact, it is the best news ever.

For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

~ Romans 3:23-24 ESV

The good news is, eternal life is a free gift of God’s grace, and He can redeem our mortal bodies, change our actions and attitudes, and set us into service for Him. Do You know of someone who would benefit from hearing the best news ever?

The good news is, eternal life is a free gift of God's grace. #VineWords #DiagnosisGoodNews #EdChappelle Click To Tweet

Our Heavenly Father has commissioned us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Whatever format you choose to do this, make sure it lines up with the Holy Spirit. Check with the Lord as you pray, so you will know what is the most effective way to share the good news with those He sends you to. God has made you a harvester of souls.

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so the sower and reaper may rejoice together.”

~ John 4:34-36 ESV

The condition of our world is deteriorating, and the harvest fields are white. Whether you are the sower or the reaper, go forth and tell the world that Jesus is the answer to all of our problems. Deliver the good news with the love of God, and you too will rejoice as you witness souls coming to the Lord.

Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

~Mark 16:15 ESV

Who in your sphere of influence can you witness to? Are you willing to be God’s harvester of souls?

Heavenly Father, I ask You to reveal to us the hurting and hopelessness this world is experiencing. May we look up and see that the fields are ready for harvest. You have commissioned us to go forth in the power of the Holy Spirit. Help us to boldly proclaim the Good News about our Savior Jesus Christ. Give us the words to speak as You lead us in truth. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.

Copyright 2020: What the World Needs: Author Ed Chappelle: All Rights Reserved

Meet Our Contributor

ED CHAPPELLE

Ed Chappelle is the Founder/Administrator/Lead Writer for Come to the Table Facebook ministry, a place where people of faith are encouraged to connect with others and share testimonies, articles, and prayer needs. He is an ordained minister.

Ed is a devotion writer for VineWords: Devotions and More. He is a contributing author to Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships (VineWords Publishing).

Some people say Ed’s genealogy can be traced to Noah. Ed and his wife Kym are known for their animal rescue ministry, Critter Care. Their “family” includes dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs, sugar sliders, ferrets, geckos, bearded dragons, tropical fish, and a plethora of God’s creatures.

Ed served in the United States Air Force for over four years, earning the rank of Sergeant. He was eight years old when Apollo 11 went to the moon. His love for his country, the armed forces, and space exploration compelled him to write the popular tribute, Man on the Moon.

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