“Fake News” is defined as the
intentional dissemination of false or misleading information. This is not a new phenomenon and is as old as
time. If the Gospel is the Good News, then what is some of the fake news being
circulated? Let’s be good journalists
and ask the key questions any good cub reporter would.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
For what I received I
passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our
sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he
was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…
Things to think about:
WHO
· Who is Jesus
Christ?
o
Fake news says He was a good person, a wise teacher, a prophet,
but He is not God
o
The Gospel says in John chapter 1:1-3 – “In the beginning was the
Word, and the Word was with God, and
the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him
all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.”
o
Who do
you say He is?
o
Who
have you said earlier in your life?
· Who am I?
o
Fake
news says either “you’re a pretty good person” so just keep doing what your
doing and don’t think about it too much, OR “you’re worthless” and how could
God ever accept someone like you?
o
The
Gospel says in Galatians 4:6-7 – “Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit
of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave,
but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.”
o
Who do
you say you are?
o
Have
you always felt this way?
WHY
· Why do we
need Jesus?
o
Fake news says you don’t need Him! Just try to be a good person
and it’ll all work out. Besides, you don’t want to be one of those religious,
crazy, right-wing zealots who looks down their noses on other people.
o
The Gospel says in Romans 3:23 – “for all have sinned and fall short of the
glory of God” and in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the
gift of God is eternal life Christ Jesus our Lord.”
o
Why do
you believe you do or don’t need Jesus?
WHAT
· What do I
need to do to be a son of God?
o
Fake news says go to church, give some money, and try not to do
any of the really bad sins (or at least don’t get caught).
o
The Gospel says in Romans 10:9 - If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is
Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the
dead, you will be saved.
o
What do
you need to do to be a son or daughter of God?
· What happens after this life is
over?
o
Fake
news says nothing happens that’s consequential.
You die and you turn into worm food.
o
The
Gospel says in Matthew 25:46, “Then they will go away to eternal punishment,
but the righteous to eternal life.”
o
What do
you believe happens when you take your last breath?
o
What if
you’re wrong?
WHEN
· When do I
need to make a decision?
o
Fake news says you don’t. See talking points for Who am I? Why do
I need Jesus? What happens after this life is over?
o The Gospel
says in 2 Corinthians 6:2, “In the time of my favor I heard
you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. I
tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
o What is keeping you from saying Yes today?
o
When will be the right time if not
today?