Saturday Scriptures with Sahara - Give Me Some Good News!

In today's society, it seems like everywhere we turn we are introduced to some type of bad news. Before we go to bed at night, many of us watch the evening news; and usually the first thing we hear about is bad news. When we wake up in the morning, many of us read the newspaper; and normally, the first thing we read about is bad news. When we come home from work, and ask our spouse about their day, frequently, the first thing they talk about is the problems they encountered while at work; more bad news.

With so much bad news in the world; it's no wonder so many people have a gloomy outlook on life. It's no wonder so many people have a negative attitude towards others. It's no wonder so many people live their lives with no joy or hope.

Today, I am going to share with you, not some more bad news, but some good news that we find in the bible. The Bible is filled with good news that we need to hear and meditate on.

The first piece of good news that we find in the Bible is that Jesus Christ died on the cross so that we can recieve salvation.

Before Jesus took His last breath on the cross, mankind was sinking in sin. In fact (Eph. 2:1) teaches that mankind was dead in their sins. But listen to the good news of what God did for us...

-(Eph. 2:4) “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions.”
-(Rom. 5:8) “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
-(Col. 2:13) “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins…”
-(2 Cor. 5:21) “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”

What does this mean? Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again, and through His sacrifice, we can have our sins washed away and be free from the bondage of sin, so that one-day we can live in heaven!

The second piece of good news that we find in the Bible is that if we are living our lives for Jesus, we can have assurance of our salvation.

What does the Bible say about assurance of salvation?:

-(John 5:24) "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.
-(1John 5:13) These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life.

The Bible clearly teaches that we can know (eidete; perfect tense; here and now present certainty) that we have eternal life. We can know that we are in a saved relationship with God.

How do you know if you are saved?

If you have given your life to Jesus Christ by:
(a) Believing in Him
(b) repenting of your sins
(c) confessing Him to others
(d) being baptized for the remission of your sins; and If you are living a faithful and Godly life; and walking in the light, then you can have assurance of your salvation!

Isn’t that great news? What a great burden that has been lifted off our shoulders.

The third piece of good news that we find in the Bible is that one day Jesus is coming back to take us to heaven.

Read (John 14:1-4). From this passage, we notice that Jesus is preparing a place for us and He is coming back to take us with Him.

Today, we have seen three pieces of good news:

(a) Jesus Christ died on the cross so that we may receive salvation.
(b) If we are living our lives for the Lord, we have assurance of our salvation.
(c) One day, Jesus is coming back to take us to heaven.

In closing, every day we should fill our souls with good news; especially good news from the Bible!

Let's pray:

Dear God, I am a sinner and need forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ shed His precious blood and died for my sins. I am willing to turn from sin. I invite Christ to come into my heart and life as my personal Savior. Amen

May God bless you,

Sahara