No News is Bad News

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17 NAS)

We have heard the saying ‘No news is good news’, and we know in certain circumstances, this may not be true. Such a saying is usually true only in times of crisis where no reported news of injury or death is good news or when sales are closed without any complaint throughout the warranty period. In the context of spreading the gospel, however, without the good news, the death toll can only increase and that’s bad news!

The Bible states clearly that the good news of salvation in Christ must be proclaimed in the whole world before the Lord returns (Matthew 24:14). But how can the unsaved call on Christ in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher (Romans 10:14)?

We know faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). If we, however, prove ourselves to be hearers but not doers (James 1:22-25), then in vain we have been called to be God’s witnesses (Acts 1:8). Let us hear this, therefore, if we have been foolish and senseless to have eyes but do not see, and ears but do not hear (Jeremiah 5:21). Give ear and listen to the voice of God! Hear His words carefully, whoever has ears (Isaiah 28:23; Mark 4:9)! The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward us. He does not wish for anyone to perish but for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Let us therefore take care what we listen to, for by our standard of measure, it shall be measured to us, and more will be given besides (Mark 4:23-24).

Wail, everyone! The day of the Lord is near and will come as destruction from the Almighty to all who are unsaved (Joel 1:15; Isaiah 13:6). Listen to what the Lord is saying, and do not hesitate to proclaim to the world the good news (Matthew 28:18-20)! The Lord has given us His Spirit to dwell within us. He has anointed us to bring good news to the afflicted, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners, and to comfort all who mourn (Isaiah 61:1-2). Let us hear and obey, for there is no other Way by which men can be saved apart from Christ (John 14:6).

How then shall we reach the world for Christ? There are so many ways—through missions, personal evangelism, meeting the needs of others, living out Christ in our lives, sharing the reality of the risen Christ and more. In whatever way we choose to reach out to others for the Lord, what’s most important is to get through the message of the good news accurately to the pre-believers (2 Timothy 2:15). For the word of God, in which the good news is heard, is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4: 12). Let us therefore be sensitive to the prompting of the Spirit in us, and let Him guide our hearts as to the best ways to reach out to the unsaved. Let us remember always that unless the word of Christ is preached, the good news cannot be heard, and faith cannot take place, which end for the unsaved can only be bad news!

Dear Lord, forgive us for being negligent in sharing your good news to those who are yet unsaved. We know Lord that unless they hear Your good news, faith cannot find its way into their hearts, and the end can only be bad news. Help us therefore Lord to desire to reach out and touch lives in ways beyond the conventional, to go the extra mile in meeting the needs of others, and to reveal more of Christ in our lives. Thank You dear Lord for the empowerment of Your Holy Spirit in us to bring good news and comfort to the afflicted, bind up the brokenhearted, and set the captives free.