Good News in a Wicked World

There’s an old saying in the news world, “If it bleeds, it leads.”

In other words, if there’s death, destruction, violence, murder, or war it receives top billing. And this is especially true in TV news broadcasts. And lately, we’ve seen plenty. Especially in Ukraine.

However, in the midst of a wicked world filled with evil people bent on killing and carnage, there’s some good news.

How about these headlines.

North Carolina Gas Station Owners Sell Gas at Discounted Price to Help Struggling Customers

NBA Star Bismack Biyombo to Donate His Entire Salary This Year to Construct Hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Christian ministries serving as ‘God’s distribution system’ amid Russia’s war in Ukraine

Liberty U sophomore impresses ‘American Idol’ judges, says he sings ‘for the glory of God’

How to find the goodness in every situation

In addition to these feel-good stories how about even better news? Mark Nichols Posey posted on facebook that there were “4 baptisms in Nikopol, Ukraine in the last 7 days. To God be the Glory!”

Furthermore, The Christian Chronicle reports that Christians across the United States are finding ways to support Ukraine beyond just “thoughts and prayers.” People are reaching out with words of encouragement on social media, which our friend Dave who recently fled from Ukraine to Romania, said means a lot to them. In addition, various organizations are raising money to help impoverished people. Those fleeing the country as refugees are finding help, support, and financial assistance from around the world.

The word “Gospel” used 100 times in the New Testament means “Good News.” God sent Jesus on a recuse mission into a perverted and profane world preaching the Good News of the Kingdom” (Matt. 4:23). When he came to his hometown of Nazareth, He entered the synagogue and read these words of from Isaiah 61:1-2.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Jesus finished by saying, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Indeed it was. Jesus not only preached the Good News, Luke says, “He went about doing good” (Ax. 10:38).

Just prior to his ascension back to Heaven, Jesus commissioned His disciples to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mk. 16:15). Throughout the book of Acts, this message of life, light, and love was spread throughout Judea, Samaria, and all across the Roman Empire. Even to the palace of the Roman Emperor.

The apostle Paul said he was “not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.” Why? Because it is “the power of God unto salvation” (Rom. 1:16). Salvation? Yes! From the burden, bondage, and blame of sin. Now, that’s Good News.

Even in the midst of our cancel culture, political corruption, and the chaos pervading our world, there is Good News. There are good people. There are God’s people. There are people hearing the Gospel message, believing in Jesus, and being baptized for the remission of sins. Even now in Ukraine.

Let us neither be complacent by our life of ease nor discouraged and disheartened by the evil around us. Let us embrace the Good News. Be the Good News. And share the Good News.

–-Ken Weliever, The Preacherman