Because We Care – It’s All About the ConversationSample

WHY CHRISTIANITY IS GOOD NEWS – NOT BAD 

Today we’re discussing the way Christianity is good news, not bad. Out of interest, have you had any good news recently? 

To what extent would you say that coming to faith in Christ was good news for you? 

If you had to summarize the gospel in one word, what word would you choose, and why? 

Think or write down a list of positive things the Christian faith brings (1) in people’s lives, and (2) to entire societies. 

When Christians explain this good news to people, sometimes they seem to hear the message as if it were bad news. Why do you think that is? 

As you read John 3:16-17, consider the following: Is telling people they are sinners separated from God's good news? Is this a part of the gospel message, and if so why?

Our sin and separation from God are not the good news, but instead the context within which the good news is understood.

Then consider these as you read Romans 3:22-24. What does God give us? Through whom is it given? By saying it is received by faith – what is the intended contrast? (It is not received through good works / the law). How many is this gift relevant to? How many could its benefits be available for?

Please watch the video, continue to read below, and then meditate on today's Scripture references.

CONSIDER: 

What is the most important point in the gospel (noting John 3:16 or the 4 points Creation, Fall, Redemption/Jesus, Restoration)? 

What is the most important point to make with a person when trying to explain this message to them? (How about whatever point they don’t understand or see as a reason to believe?)

Do you think most people already understand they are separated from friendship with God because of their sin – or does this need explaining to them?

Are people generally happy to be told the Bible says they are ‘sinners who are therefore separated from God and going to hell’ – or are they prone to being offended by this? Why might some feel offended?

How could we help people understand this idea of ‘broken relationship due to sin’ without implying they are being judged by us?

In John 8:7, instead of telling the Pharisees they were sinners, he said, ‘Whoever is without sin cast the first stone.’ Why was this wiser than telling them they were sinners?

Here are three simple questions that could help a person understand the Christian idea of sin and how it separates us relationally from God:

1. Do you have standards of behavior that you expect of yourself?

2. Do you always live up to your own standards?

3. If this good and loving God exists, do you think his standards would be higher or lower than yours?

And that’s all the Bible says. We’re all falling short of God’s standards for us – and this is a problem for us because it’s a problem to God!

Is the Christian message really good news to talk about with others, and why?

What parts of the message are more difficult to communicate, and why?

What are some keys to communicating without judgment?

What positive stories could we tell of Christian influence in people’s lives and in history, to help people see more clearly the truly positive results of this faith? (Revise the list you created at the start of today’s devotional).

REFLECTION:

What do you take away from this devotion today?

List 5 non-church friends who you desire to encourage to consider the Christian faith this year, and think about what you could do next to encourage them on this journey?

PRAYER POINTS:       

• For a deeper love for those who do not yet know the hope of Christ.       
• For wisdom to find ways to open up meaningful conversation.       
• For the 5 friends who you are praying for, that they'll consider faith in Christ.

Be encouraged as you share the gospel!