I think in our particular time in America, when we have so many divisions—divisions on racial lines, divisions along political lines, divisions along so many lines—that it's very important for followers of Jesus to stand up for what we believe is good news in a bad world. I have written a letter that I have asked a lot of my friends to sign. It is a declaration to make 2017 "The Year of Good News." Would you read it and consider signing it, as well?
In a time of fake news, distracting news, divisive news, disorderly news, and, sometimes, depressing news, we—as Christians and as leaders—want to recommit ourselves to making sure that the Good News of Jesus cuts through it all. We call upon Christians in America to make 2017 "The Year of Good News."
Christians everywhere must share the message of Jesus with everyone they can at every opportunity they can. Pastors must preach the gospel boldly and pray intentionally for national revival.
Despite the divisions and distractions dividing our nation and disorienting our culture, we believe that the gospel of Jesus Christ remains the hope of the world and is more needed in our nation now than at almost any point in our nation's history.
This is not to diminish the important good works and example that the church as a whole provides, but it is to emphasize that Jesus has commanded us to "go into all the world and preach the gospel" and to "make disciples of all nations."
Our message is the Good News that God loved us so much He sent His Son to this earth on a rescue mission. Jesus, who is fully God and fully man, lived a perfect life, died a perfect death, and rose again from the grave.
We need a national miracle to heal our political, racial, and cultural divisions, and that miracle is found in the power of Jesus to change our hearts. Therefore, we commit to preach louder than our nation's politics, and we aim to make the message of Jesus Christ transcend the monopoly of our media. We confess our only hope of unity is on the level ground at the foot of the cross of Jesus, and our only hope of healing is in the victory achieved through His empty tomb.
The gospel is the timeless, God-honored, God-ordained message that can change a human heart for time and eternity. We accept Jesus' command to proclaim His message, wherever we are, to whomever we are around.
Because 2017 is such a critical year for America, it must become the Year of Good News. Click here to sign the declaration.
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