The memory verse for Holiday Club was from Acts 1:8, in which Jesus commands his disciples to tell all people the Good News about Him. But what exactly is the Good News?
Most importantly, the Good News is how humans can have their Sin taken away by Jesus, because Jesus took the punishment for our Sin on the cross. We receive this forgiveness through (i) repentance and (ii) faith, which brings reconciliation with God, who then promises eternal life in heaven.
Yet there are many aspects of the Good News to enjoy in this life too. The first is knowing that the God of the universe loves us and accepts us unconditionally. The human heart longs to know that we are lovable and acceptable. Humans will to go crazy lengths to satisfy this longing. Christians need not run after this, as we know our God completely accepts us in Christ.
A second is knowing the best way to live. The reason there are so many human philosophies, and none of them can agree, is because they are attempting to understand the universe apart from God’s revelation of himself. The Bible is God telling us how He works, how his universe works, and how humans work. Going against the Bible results in catastrophe (e.g. anger, bitterness, discord, greed, etc), whereas following God’s word leads to the wise life (e.g. generosity, peace, forgiveness, love, etc). How awesome to have God’s ‘Owner’s Manual’ to living in this world!
Then comes perspective. Christians know this life is not as it should be, due to Genesis 3. Yet Christians also know that when bad things happen, whether it be due to natural circumstances, or another person’s sin, God uses those hardships to make us stronger and wiser, as well as more helpful to others.
Living for Jesus truly is the best way to live, not only for the life to come, but for this life too. No wonder the Bible calls it Good News.
