What's the Good News?

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending a preaching workshop, where we had the opportunity to learn different ways in which to progress as faithful stewards of God's Word.

One speaker shared with us a sermon over just one verse:

"The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God" -Mark 1:1

During his teaching, he encouraged us to ask "what's the good news?"

He was speaking specifically about the good news mentioned in the first verse of Mark. But this is a good question to ask of any text we are reading and studying. Whether we are reading one of the Gospels, the Epistles or Old Testament Scripture, it can be tremendously helpful to ask, "what's the good news?"

How does this text that I am reading point to the Gospel of Christ? If it doesn't point directly to the Gospel, does it help establish the need for good news? In other words, is it helping me to understand why I need the Gospel? If the text is about God's character, how does it help me be confident in His power to deliver good news that is truly good.

As you read your Bible, I encourage you to continue looking for ways in which it relates to Mark 1:1, "The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God." Not only can this be rewarding in seeing all the connections of scripture, but in reminding ourselves of the enduring nature of God's word and the faithfulness with which He fulfills His promises to His people.