News

<<information>>

This can either be welcome and good or unwelcome and devastating – items of significance may have long-term repercussions, affecting us or other people.

The spiritual bad news is we are all sinners and doomed to a lost eternity (Rom 3:23, 6:23). In contrast, the angel when announcing the birth of Christ to the shepherds said, “I bring you good news of great joy…” (Lk 2:10). Jesus declared, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me because He has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor…” (Lk 4:18). This

The gospel is the greatest news of all – don’t keep it secret

good news is the ‘gospel of salvation’ for fallen, guilty, condemned humanity, available through Jesus and the grace of the Kingdom of God (Mt 9:35; Lk 4:43; Jn 3:15-18; Act 8:35; Rom 5:8). Paul wrote, “It is good news that you are now walking with God” (1 Thes 3:6).

Job faced numerous hardships but recognized God's sovereignty, trusting in His goodness and mercy even amidst suffering (Job 1:14-22, 2:10). How do I respond to bad news? Do I trust that God is fully in control and only allows what is ultimately for my good? While troubles may come, He will provide help and comfort, so “I will bless the Lord at all times” (Ps 34:1; Rom 8:28; 2 Cor 1:4; 1 Thes 5:18).

We should empathize with others when they share their news about personal matters – “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Rom 12:15). However, it is important not to divulge confidential or damaging information to a third party. Engaging in gossip is not wise (Prov 11:12,13).

Increasingly many of the world newscasts we are bombarded with are biased and distorted, even being labeled ‘fake news’ as it can include false or exaggerated reports and propaganda that are slanted to give a wrong impression. In the garden, Eve accepted the serpent's fake news that she and Adam would not die if they ate from the forbidden tree and their situation would dramatically improve (Gen 3:4,5). Generally, media organizations have agendas and seldom report on the complete facts but are selective in their coverage, thus it is wise to have input from several sources to get accurate details and gain a balanced perspective. Discern the worldview of the reporters as they reflect and shape prevailing currents of thought to slant the truth. Mainstream media refers to the well-established large organizations often susceptible to government influence to spread their narrative. In contrast, alternative media challenge the dominant viewpoint advocating for a different perspective and freedom of expression when interpreting and speculating the ‘why’ of what happened.

The Bible condemns circulating what is untrue – “Do not spread false reports” (Ex 23:1). Hence, we should be careful to accurately share information without skewing it which gives a mistaken account. We are not to spread what is untrue (being a false witness) but “Speak the truth to each other” (Ex 20:16; Zech 8:16,17; Eph 4:25). We are not obligated to offer our opinion on everything!

The Bible warns that in the last days, some will not accept the true information of Scripture but turn aside to follow myths taught by teachers who tell the people what they want to hear (2 Tim 4:3,4). Unfortunately, some modern-day preachers have fallen into this trap of not presenting what the Bible clearly states yet the warning is not to add to or take away from its message (2 Tim 3:16; Rev 22:18,19). The early believers were commended for their research to ensure what they were taught lined up with Scripture (Act 17:11).