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I've Got Nothing
June 5, 2020
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This part of the newsletter provides my personal perspective as an introduction to the week's topic. I sat in front of a blank screen for the longest time. With every blink of the curser I was reminded of my promise to you— to always be smart, authentic, bold, and courageous.
I got nothin'!
I have no explanation for why people do what they do. I have no explanation for why what looks like a simple solution— stop killing Black people— is so hard. I'm not sure why everyone around the world knows America has a race problem, but few are willing to commit to change. In response to the question "Where is God?" I can only refer to last week's newsletter.
Here's all I've got...
I'm encouraged by peaceful protests. I'm encouraged that the faces I see in these crowds are a representation of America. I'm encouraged that big brands and companies are speaking out. Though dismayed by the violence, I am encouraged that people have awaken to the pain and despair that causes such violence and destruction.
God knows what's happening. Jesus is alive. We are making progress.
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"And now I want to remind you, my brothers and sisters, of the Good News which I preached to you, which you received, and on which your faith stands firm."
1 Corinthians 15:1 (GNB)
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Dear Lord, God Almighty. Let us remember your Good News. Fill our hearts with hope and fill our lives with progress. Amen.
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This week I decided to use a new Bible translation for our scriptures, The Good News Bible. Sometimes called the "Good News Translation," this version of the Bible was first published in 1966 to modernize the scriptures for "Modern Man." I normally use the New Living Translation which is similar but you may like the Good News Bible. My pastor apparently likes it so...there's that.
Good News. The Gospel. Godspel. Euangelion. Remember, the New Testament scriptures were written mostly in Greek. The word "euangelion" in Greek means "good tidings" and so "godspel" was the Old English word used in translation. Good news!
The Good News of Jesus Christ is that he rose from the dead. When followers wept over his death for three days, they were defeated, discouraged and probably feeling a little silly for having faith. Like those early Christians, some of us may struggle to maintain our commitment to the teachings of Jesus in times like these.
What does believing the Good News mean?
Like Paul said in the verse above, our faith stands firm on the Good News that Jesus resurrected from the grave. As such, our sins are forgiven because He died for us. He's coming back again. Accepting The Gospel means we believe this...all of it.
If we truly believe the Good News and accept Jesus as our savior, how should we behave right now?
Here's the real deal. Are you a follower of Christ? If so...
You must love— everyone.
"The second most important commandment is this: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment more important than these two.” Mark 12:31
You must forgive— everyone.
"Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you." Colossians 3:13
You must empathize with those in pain.
"Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep." Romans 12:15
You must speak out for justice.
"See that justice is done—help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights, and defend widows.” Isaiah 1:17
You must search your heart for sin.
"Create a pure heart in me, O God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me". Psalm 51:10
You must repent for any racism, bigotry, or misuse of the evil of racism for your benefit.
From that time Jesus began to preach his message: “Turn away from your sins, because the Kingdom of heaven is near!”
Matthew 4:17
You must follow the teaching of Jesus...all of them.
“If you love me, you will obey my commandments." John 14:15
You must put your faith into action.
"So it is with faith: if it is alone and includes no actions, then it is dead." James 2:17
That's all I got, folks. The "Good News" is that Jesus is alive and God is in control. If we follow His teaching and put true Christian principles into action, we can make lasting change in America.
Read Your Bible. Pray. Wash Your hands.
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