Seems like all we hear these days is bad news. Riots, pandemic stats, violence, etc.… Makes us want to shut it all off and just go away for a while. We long for some good news, something that lets us know that it is not all doom and gloom. We want to hear that someone is building up rather than tearing down, that progress is being made in something that matters. Well, do you realize that God is doing a thing on this earth that defies the very gates of hell? That lives are being saved and that the enemy of our souls is losing ground? Here is an example:
“Friday, August 7th, the Amdu missionaries (Ethnos360 in Papua New Guinea) completed the chronological teaching (Creation to Christ) for the very first time in the Amdu language. Since then, a good number of the people have shared clear testimonies about God forgiving their sin and giving them eternal life because of their faith in Jesus. From an older lady, ‘I can’t stop thinking about all you have taught us. My heart is just so light!… Jesus came and died and his blood took away my sin.’
Then, a few days later the Wantakia (Ethnos360 in Papua New Guinea) team wrapped up the teaching and presented the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. As a result of meeting with folks who attended the lessons, the missionaries are hearing new believers express their delight in and thanksgiving for what God has done through Jesus Christ.”
– Rex Schaffner
Also, August 23rd, we witnessed the baptism of Noah, a Chinese exchange student, at Dave and Mary Lou’s pool. He has come to know Christ through the faithful witness of believers here in Jackson County! He is now a brother in the Lord and will be heading back to China as an ambassador of Christ. We also have sent out our first Cornerstone Community Church missionaries, the Bellers! They are now in the DR serving with Freedom International. I am excited to see what God does through Riley and Margaret!
You see, it’s easy to focus on the bad news (it does sell better than good news after all), but God is not done with His work on this planet. God is still building His church. The following verses are examples of the purpose and plan of God.
(Isiah 55:11) So is my word that goes out from my mouth It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
(Matthew 16:18) And I tell you that you are Peter and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
These verses and many others give us hope. Hope that the evil and darkness of this world will not overcome the light and beauty that God desires to bring to a fallen humanity. We have hope because He IS building His church, and His word WILL NOT return to Him empty. The awesome thing is that we get to participate with Him. We have been given that message of hope and reconciliation. We are to be bearers of the light in this dark place and as things get harder our light will shine brighter.
What is the goal? Read this:
God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death” or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Revelation 21:3-4
Amen?! What good news. These are words of hope and expectation as we move forward in time. So let’s not grow weary in doing good. God has promised that we will reap a harvest at the right time if we don’t give up (Gal. 6:9). I just thought we could all use some good news in the middle of a lot of bad news.
Cornerstone Community Church 