Can we preach the Good News without the bad news?

PalmTreeClimber · Jan 21, 2019

redleghunter said:
In Romans chapter 1 verse 18 through chapter 3 verse 20, Paul gives a very dire picture of the sinful and unrighteous human condition that we are under the wrath of God. This after first in chapter 1 verses 1-17 showing the hope that is the Gospel. So he starts out by proclaiming the power of the Gospel (the good news) before telling his audience the very bad news and our state as sinners who do not seek God and none who are righteous before a Holy God.

Then in Romans chapter 3 verses 21 through Romans chapter 4 verse 25 he brings us back to the Good News of being justified as a gift by God's grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.

Paul’s epistle to the Romans shows “the bad news” of all have sinned and the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.

So why do some Christians, even pastors and preachers avoid telling hearers of the Good News about the “bad news” which condemns us. Frankly if we don’t we are really not preaching the Gospel.

I invite everyone to read Romans chapters 1-5 to get a good picture of how Paul presents the Power of the Gospel to save, then the bad news of how we are all condemned before a Holy God and then takes us on a long discussion about how we are reconciled—Justification.

Romans 1 NASB

Romans 2 NASB

Romans 3 NASB

Romans 4 NASB

Romans 5 NASB

So why do some who claim they are preaching the Gospel omit the bad news of condemnation?

Can we preach the Good News without the bad news?

Nope... the point of the Bad News up front is so that we can really value the Good News. And here is the most important part after that.. We need to Live a life of Gratitude after listening to the Good News. If we only have Good News, without the Bad News, then we will end up abusing Grace...

redleghunter · Jan 21, 2019

Hazelelponi said:
When people started talking about the prosperity gospel I decided perhaps I needed coffee. lol.. I've yet to drink a cup this morning.

but yes, I can type out the concept of what I was saying again .

I think the issue is two-fold and both often become conflated. Just like throwing the baby out with the bathwater both aspects of this issue often get thrown out when only one is perhaps an incorrect approach.

Mankind is wicked and so steeped in sin that we can't even recognise the depth of our depravity. If this isn't pointed out accurately and adequately people will be left wondering what they even need a Savior for and you will loose them.

At the same time, berating people for personal sins seems to be more harmful than anything and has left many deeply hurt and feeling as if they can't be saved, personally.

I think the later needs left up to God as a result, or not broached until someone has come to the saving knowledge of Christ. If you tell someone that something, they have tried to quit a dozen times is a sin and leave them feeling as if it's something their salvation hinges on and they must stop doing, you will leave them feeling hopeless and unable to be saved and potentially drive them away.

Not only that but this might bring up insecurities in them and leave them feeling undesirable or unwelcome among God and His people.

Some things are best left to God's conviction or at the very least til after they are saved and can recognise that it is through Christ we overcome our individual sins and challenges as a Christian.

I believe these are two issues at play within this topic and one is appropriate and the other is often broached poorly and often well prior to when it's appropriate.

hopefully I said it as well as I may have the first time.. lol. But I agree, bullying people into the Kingdom doesnt work.

You make a good point that making one’s sins personal is not the approach. It is to convict them that we are all sinners and condemned.

redleghunter · Jan 21, 2019

PalmTreeClimber said:
Nope... the point of the Bad News up front is so that we can really value the Good News.

I believe that was the point of the OP.

But Paul starts out with the Power of the Gospel to save. Then shows we are all condemned and then preaches the Grace of God. A reaction to this unmerited favor, God’s Grace, does evoke gratitude.

However we should not lose the salient point God is providing reconciliation in and through Christ.

redleghunter · Jan 21, 2019

Norbert L said:
The problem with the bad news is who gets to decide how to define what condemnation is?

I believe Paul defines it in Romans?

redleghunter · Jan 21, 2019

grasping the after wind said:
One is saved by accepting Christ not by fearing hell. It is the fear of the Lord and not the fear of hell that is the beginning of wisdom. Wanting to avoid hell fire will not save one, so what evangelical purpose would it serve to preach to unchurched people about hell? Do we think that hell is the only thing we need saving from?

Where did the OP mention to fear Hell?

I think Paul spoke of God’s wrath and condemnation.

redleghunter · Jan 21, 2019

DamianWarS said:
the bad news is implicit and where it can be spoken explicitly it doesn't have to be in order for the gospel to be productive. Of course, it gets exposed eventually but we shouldn't feel the need to preach it at every encounter. Christ tells us to be as wise as serpents and as gentle as doves... we need to be careful not to confuse these roles.

Paul is writing a letter that he knows will be read by many and to a believing audience. I don't think it would be wise to use it as a blanket model of evangelism, however. Certainly, with large audiences, the good news contrasted with the bad news is effective and responsible but one on one is different.

What if your neighbour doesn't accept the same terminology that you do and not only rejects the bad news but is offended by it. Should we continue evangelizing to them with the good news and the bad news? I get it, the truth hurts, but it's not our victory so we shouldn't have such a tight grip on its method so long as we are true to Christ in it.

When presented to a neighbor one on one what do you tell them?

eleos1954 · Jan 21, 2019

redleghunter said:
In Romans chapter 1 verse 18 through chapter 3 verse 20, Paul gives a very dire picture of the sinful and unrighteous human condition that we are under the wrath of God. This after first in chapter 1 verses 1-17 showing the hope that is the Gospel. So he starts out by proclaiming the power of the Gospel (the good news) before telling his audience the very bad news and our state as sinners who do not seek God and none who are righteous before a Holy God.

Then in Romans chapter 3 verses 21 through Romans chapter 4 verse 25 he brings us back to the Good News of being justified as a gift by God's grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.

Paul’s epistle to the Romans shows “the bad news” of all have sinned and the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.

So why do some Christians, even pastors and preachers avoid telling hearers of the Good News about the “bad news” which condemns us. Frankly if we don’t we are really not preaching the Gospel.

I invite everyone to read Romans chapters 1-5 to get a good picture of how Paul presents the Power of the Gospel to save, then the bad news of how we are all condemned before a Holy God and then takes us on a long discussion about how we are reconciled—Justification.

Romans 1 NASB

Romans 2 NASB

Romans 3 NASB

Romans 4 NASB

Romans 5 NASB

So why do some who claim they are preaching the Gospel omit the bad news of condemnation?

Can we preach the Good News without the bad news?

I think the sermon on the mount is good representation of what churches should be preaching as Jesus was teaching the multitudes. Difficult for churches basically only taking an hour or so ... for services ... if a person is new or doesn't attend regularly then will likely get lost. This could be why most preach the good news for the most part. I do think it would be better to not spend so much time on music and singing and spend more time in His word. Perhaps have a printed study guide whereas newcomers have something they could take home and use to catch up on what was covered previously. Church service just don't really provide enough time to adequately cover a lot of subjects ... but I understand why they limit the time ... I mean enough people fall asleep as it is ;o)

redleghunter · Jan 21, 2019

eleos1954 said:
I think the sermon on the mount is good representation of what churches should be preaching as Jesus was teaching the multitudes.

Good point. In the middle of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus did point out perfection was needed to enter the Kingdom of God.

Cis.jd · Jan 21, 2019

You can see the "bad news" in this thread
Is there a "second chance" for salvation.

Apparently we have christians here who think mentally handicapped/disabled people going to hell because even being mentally incapable isn't an excuse.

Zetetica · Jan 21, 2019

redleghunter said:
In Romans chapter 1 verse 18 through chapter 3 verse 20, Paul gives a very dire picture of the sinful and unrighteous human condition that we are under the wrath of God. This after first in chapter 1 verses 1-17 showing the hope that is the Gospel. So he starts out by proclaiming the power of the Gospel (the good news) before telling his audience the very bad news and our state as sinners who do not seek God and none who are righteous before a Holy God.

Then in Romans chapter 3 verses 21 through Romans chapter 4 verse 25 he brings us back to the Good News of being justified as a gift by God's grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.

Paul’s epistle to the Romans shows “the bad news” of all have sinned and the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.

So why do some Christians, even pastors and preachers avoid telling hearers of the Good News about the “bad news” which condemns us. Frankly if we don’t we are really not preaching the Gospel.

I invite everyone to read Romans chapters 1-5 to get a good picture of how Paul presents the Power of the Gospel to save, then the bad news of how we are all condemned before a Holy God and then takes us on a long discussion about how we are reconciled—Justification.

Romans 1 NASB

Romans 2 NASB

Romans 3 NASB

Romans 4 NASB

Romans 5 NASB

So why do some who claim they are preaching the Gospel omit the bad news of condemnation?

Can we preach the Good News without the bad news?

"The Good News" is a proclamation. It should be known by every single man, woman, and child. It is a way to be saved from our dreadful condition, which we brought on ourselves from Eden.

God has been incredibly patient with us and has given us thousands of years to figure this out. Guess what else? He is STILL giving us time, even now! Look at the condition of the world today? Look at the sin!

Still, God is patient, willing that none should perish. Yes, some will perish. It's sad.

DamianWarS · Jan 21, 2019

redleghunter said:
When presented to a neighbor one on one what do you tell them?

the gospel, but typically not all in one sitting.

PalmTreeClimber · Jan 21, 2019

redleghunter said:
I believe that was the point of the OP.

But Paul starts out with the Power of the Gospel to save. Then shows we are all condemned and then preaches the Grace of God. A reaction to this unmerited favor, God’s Grace, does evoke gratitude.

However we should not lose the salient point God is providing reconciliation in and through Christ.

Paul shows the Power of the Gospel to Save, yes, agreed, that is Good News. But ,if the Bad News is not spelled out, I doubt that we will value Christ the Redeemer, Christ the intercessor, Christ the LORD of our Lives. Because human nature always wants freebies without any change in lifestyle.

redleghunter · Jan 21, 2019

PalmTreeClimber said:
Paul shows the Power of the Gospel to Save, yes, agreed, that is Good News. But ,if the Bad News is not spelled out, I doubt that we will value Christ the Redeemer, Christ the intercessor, Christ the LORD of our Lives. Because human nature always wants freebies without any change in lifestyle.

Guess we were saying the same thing. My apologies. :sorry:

redleghunter · Jan 21, 2019

DamianWarS said:
the gospel, but typically not all in one sitting.

If I may brother...

I say to a neighbor Jesus is our Hope and Treasure. He died for our sins and rose from the dead to bring us to everlasting life. For all who believe in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

Neighbor says that’s cool but I’m a good person and God is good.

Where does the conversation go from there?

redleghunter · Jan 21, 2019

Cis.jd said:
You can see the "bad news" in this thread
Is there a "second chance" for salvation.

Apparently we have christians here who think mentally handicapped/disabled people going to hell because even being mentally incapable isn't an excuse.

That thread is a disaster.

PalmTreeClimber · Jan 21, 2019

redleghunter said:
Guess we were saying the same thing. My apologies.

no worries , Mate.. Iron sharpens Iron.. Keep the Faith..

Norbert L · Jan 21, 2019

redleghunter said:
I believe Paul defines it in Romans?

I'm thinking more along the lines of how the Bible gets extrapolated/interpreted and expressed to the public by us today, differing from one church to another.

DamianWarS · Jan 22, 2019

redleghunter said:
If I may brother...

I say to a neighbor Jesus is our Hope and Treasure. He died for our sins and rose from the dead to bring us to everlasting life. For all who believe in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

Neighbor says that’s cool but I’m a good person and God is good.

Where does the conversation go from there?

Except there are billions of people, so billions of factors and billions of neighbours and they all don't react the same way. What if the neighbour reacts hostile to the gospel where do you go from there? What if the neighbour legitimately scares you? What if they offend you? What if the neighbour reported you to the police and you were arrested?

There is no reason not to speak the gospel but there are reasons to do it differently. To some being gentle as a snake and wise as a dove gets them killed, to westerns we don't have to worry about such consequences, at best maybe we will get a really annoyed neighbour but maybe this has made us too careless. Jesus tells us to be as wise as serpents and as gentle as doves, and this is the platform the gospel is spoken on.

Our goal is to utter the words in the most life-giving way possible not in the most damaging way possible so it is wise to be intentional with the words we use.

redleghunter · Jan 22, 2019

DamianWarS said:
What if the neighbour reacts hostile to the gospel where do you go from there?

I guess offer to cut his lawn and wash his car?

DamianWarS said:
What if the neighbour legitimately scares you?

In what way? You mean if you offend him you might end up in his deep freezer in the garage? I hope a Jeffrey Darhmer is not in my neighborhood.

DamianWarS said:
What if they offend you?

You must have an interesting neighborhood.

DamianWarS said:
What if the neighbour reported you to the police and you were arrested?

For speaking the Gospel? Does he want me to report him for playing music too loudly or report him for not cutting his lawn?

DamianWarS said:
There is no reason not to speak the gospel but there are reasons to do it differently. To some being gentle as a snake and wise as a dove gets them killed, to westerns we don't have to worry about such consequences, at best maybe we will get a really annoyed neighbour but maybe this has made us too careless. Jesus tells us to be as wise as serpents and as gentle as doves, and this is the platform the gospel is spoken on.

I did not know there were different versions of the Gospel to preach.

Approaches sure. Bullhorn in driveway probably not the right approach. Asking a neighbor why he cleans his dirty car not a bad intro.

Handing a panhandler a Bible with a tract, some food and water and chatting probably good.

Telling a neighbor hey you know you are condemned already as a conversation starter, probably bad tactics.

martymonster · Jan 22, 2019

Well I guess I have to ask, what is the bad news?

Can we preach the Good News without the bad news?

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