We have good news, and we have great news.
Which do you want first?
October 30th, 2022
Heritage Sunday
The Greek word translated Gospel means “good news.”
The word had a long history in the Greek language
Originally meant the reward given to a messenger for bringing good news.
Then it went on to mean the sacrifices made to the gods when good news was received.
Finally, it meant the good news itself.
We will start with the good news:
1. God has a kingdom, and Jesus was sent into this world to bring this good news (Luke 4:43) - But he said, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent."
2. The extraordinary nature of this kingdom is good news (2 Timothy 1:10) - It has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
3. This kingdom is such good news you will sacrifice everything to be a part of it (Matthew 13:44-46) - "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field... Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”
Now for some great news:
4. This kingdom is not out of reach – it’s close (Matthew 4:17) - From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
5. You don’t have to buy your way into the Kingdom. In fact, money just gets in the way (Luke 18:25) – “Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
6. This kingdom is available to the broken and persecuted (Matthew 5:3, 10) - "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. . . Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
7. Everyone can be great in this kingdom (Matthew 18:3-4) - And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
8. This kingdom is so great you are born all over again to be a part of it (John 3:5) - Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.”
9. People have been added into the kingdom for 2,000 years (Acts 8:12) – “But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”
The kingdom is good news now and will be even greater in the future:
10. Jesus said the church is just the beginning (Matthew 16:28) – “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
11. One day the kingdom of God will overcome the kingdom of this world (Revelation 11:15) - The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever."
12. There will be nothing to spoil the greatness of this kingdom (Matthew 13:41) – “The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil.”
13. Pray for the future fulfillment of the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:10) – “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
14. Live as citizens of kingdom ruled by the King of kings and Lord of lords (Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 12:28) - For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves... Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.
