The W.A.Y. –How Do You Share The Good News?

By Minister Donnie Briggs

Television, the internet, and social media can take a large share of our lives. But have we become too busy to share the goodness of God with others? Please join Westa.org and the West Angeles Youth Bible Study Group as we explore the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Roman church, and its impact upon how we spread “The Good News”.

For the past two months our Youth Bible Study group (The W.A.Y.) has been dissecting Paul’s letter to the Roman church. The Book of Romans is arguably one of the Apostle’s most popular books of the New Testament. In fact, we could learn a lot about Paul, and his position on Jesus, God, and His people, from just reading verse 16 of Chapter 1, in which he states:

…For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes–the Jew first and also the Gentile – Romans 1:16 (NLT).

At first glance, one may think that Paul is simply excited about this Good News, or Gospel, and how it makes us right with God, but what one may not realize is that like any good rapper or poet, Paul is using word play in the opening lines of his letter to strengthen his argument, and to get his point across to his audience in a way they could understand.

You see, to those living in Rome, whenever they heard of this word “Gospel” (“Good News,” “Glad Tidings,” or “Good Message”; euangelion in Greek) it was usually in reference to:

● the Roman Emperor (i.e. Tiberias, Augustus, or Nero),

● the status of the emperor as Supreme Ruler and conqueror of the then known world,

● the emperor’s many victories, accomplishments and building projects, or

● the vitality of the empire itself.

However, when Paul used this term, “Good News” (Gospel), his goal was to make it known that he was referring to the true ruler and King, Jesus the Christ, whom through his own battle (sacrificial death), and triumph (resurrection) offered victory to those who would come to believe on His name and build His kingdom.

In essence, Paul very intentionally “jacked” a term that he knew was very common to his audience, and reassigned it to the subject of his letter — Jesus, the true Crowned King. Paul realized that he was serving One who was far greater than that of Caesar, and who had the power to do what Caesar in all of his accomplishments could never do — offer salvation to the believer — and in that, and in Him, there was nothing to be ashamed of.

I challenge you and your family to discover ways in which you can, boldly and unashamedly, profess the Good News of Jesus Christ to those in your communities, schools, and social media platforms. Discuss ways in which you can live your faith out loud, and empower others to do the same!

In the words of St. Francis of Assisi, “Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.”

Remain In His Grip!

Donnie Briggs is the Youth Pastor of West Angeles Church Of God In Christ, where Presiding Bishop, Charles E. Blake, Sr. is Senior Pastor.