"And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world,
and preach the gospel to every creature."
- Matthew 16:15

I cannot tell you how many times I have heard this in my short 30 years of living...

..."I've got some good news, and I've got some bad news."

You've heard it, right?  Probably something like a gazillion times.  Probably even said it many times yourself, haven't you?  I know I have.

Take for instance the time that my pastor was sick in bed and I was the one who took him a get well card.  I told him, "Pastor, I've got some good news and bad news for you today.  First, the good news.  The church voted to purchase this get well card for me to bring to you."

My pastor looked up at me and said, "That's very nice.  I really appreciate it.  Now, what's the bad news."

"Well," I continued.  "The bad news is the vote was 62-61." <Grin>  Just joking.

You know, in all seriousness, it seems that good news and bad news kind of travel together.  They are often found walking hand in hand. 

Which reminds me.  You and I likewise have two kinds of news to share with those around us.  It goes something like this...

"Lost Friend (Or neighbor, co-worker, family member, acquaintance or stranger) I've got some good news and some bad news.  First, the bad news.  You are a sinner.  The wages of your sin are death.  And if you died right now you'd spend eternity in a place called hell where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth and everlasting torment."

"What's the good news?  The Good News is that Jesus Christ, who was and is God, was born of a virgin and lived a perfect, pure life.  He died on the cross as a substitution for your sins.  He arose again three days later and now lives forever more.  And He offers you free forgiveness and eternal life if you'll just repent of your sins and receive Him by grace as your personal Lord and Savior."

You see, one can never really understand the "Good News" unless someone tells them the "Bad News."  The bad news is real bad.  In fact, it's the worst news someone could ever hear, that they are bound for everlasting damnation in a place called hell.

But, of course, the Good News is real good!  In fact, it's the best news someone could ever hear, that they CAN be bound for everlasting blessing in a place called heaven.

Christian, I know that for some people one of the hardest things to do is share the Gospel.  And yet, it's the most important thing you can do.  I'm telling you the truth, God has placed certain people in your pathway and laid certain people upon your heart, to witness to that will never hear the Gospel unless YOU are the one to tell it to them.  I can't witness to that next door neighbor of yours or your brother-in-law or that co-worker that works the same shift as you...

...but you can.

Just like you'll never tell my dad about Jesus or the cashier down at my hometown grocery store or my barber...

...but I can.

You see, God puts us where we are for a reason.  And that reason is to tell others about His Son.  We may very well be the only bearer of the Good News that Jesus Saves that some people may ever hear.  Will we get the message out?  Or keep quiet and let them slip painfully into eternal judgment?

Think about that today, my friend.  Let God show you who needs to hear the words.  And then get busy sharing what you know...

..."I've got some good news and I've got some bad news!"