Good News, Bad News

Written By Betty Predmore

ACTS 13: 16-41 (June 20)

We have all heard someone say to us at one time or another, "Which do you want first, the good news or the bad news?"

Which one do you typically pick? Personally, I want the good news first, so I can have a little more time to brace myself for the bad news. I know it's coming. I know I won't like it. But I know I have to hear it and act on it, whatever it is.

Don't you with you only had to deal with good news? Wouldn't life be grand? Unfortunately, that is not the way of our world today. Nor was it the way of the world during the days of the apostles, Bad news has been around as long as good news has been around.

Paul finds himself with an opportunity in the synagogue to stand up and start speaking. Paul welcomed any chance he got to share the message of hope with anyone who would listen.

And what he did was give them the good news, then end with the bad news. (Paul was my kind of guy!)

He stood before the men of Israel and laid out a foundation of Jewish history, a foundation that they couldn't deny. He then went on to share the events in history which connected with the life and ministry of Jesus. (Here is where we start to hear the Good News.) Next, he proclaimed the resurrection of Christ. (More Good News)

Then Paul shared to all who were listening that it was through Christ, and only Christ, that their sins could be forgiven. "Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for you sins. Everyone who believes in him is made right in God's sight - something the law of Moses could never do." (Forgiveness of sins through Jesus? Now THAT is some GOOD NEWS!)

After he laid out this Good News to these men, he wrapped up his little speech with the Bad News. He warned them about what would happen to them if they rejected Jesus, and it wasn't pleasant. "Look, you mockers, be amazed and die!

Yes, that's right. The Bad News was that if you ignore Jesus, if you don't work towards repentance through a relationship with him, you will not spend your eternal life with him.

So, there you have it, the Good News and the Bad News. The news that Paul spoke in that synagogue so long ago still stands true today.

We find grace and mercy through Jesus. We receive the forgiveness of our sins through our repentance to him. It is our relationship with him that offers us an eternity on the streets of gold. Anything else is just Bad News.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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