We have really messed up! The message is not popular, but it is relevant, spiritually vital. We are a rebellious bunch–the whole lot of us. This message is “bad news”. Nonetheless, one must hear it, realize its truth, own it.
Good news is relative! News is not good if it doesn’t meet a need. I once heard someone claim that finding a $1000 bill laying on the parking lot as he walks into the work is not good news for Bill Gates. (The person continued by explaining that Gates can make more money if he keeps walking and gets to his desk quickly since he makes more than $1000 per second at work.)
Finding pennies, nickels, dimes, and even quarters is not good news for some people–they walk right on by. Apparently they don’t need/want the money, it is too much trouble to stoop down at pick it up, or it doesn’t have enough value to justify the effort.
Good news is personal. Oh, you say someone inherited $100,000? No big deal! Oh, you say I inherited $100,000? When can I get my hands on it!
Some people are not interested in the good news of salvation in Christ because they don’t know they need it! We must not shun this part of the gospel. Church must never be about “feeling good”. The gospel is offensive. The demands of discipleship are difficult. Salvation is not free, nor cheap.
That is not to say that we should be offensive! We must know what we know, and share it! We are walking disasters (still) but in Jesus Christ is peace, security, comfort, and hope. That is good news for the world!