Main Idea || If it’s not good news, you may have the wrong version of Christianity. Luke 16:16 (NLT) 16 “Until John the Baptist, the law of Moses and the messages of the prophets were your guides. But now the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is eager to get in.” Luke 1:1 (NLT) Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. Luke 1:2–4 (NLT) 2 They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. 3 Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, 4 so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught. People experienced how good the good news was. Your sins are . Luke 5:20,24 (NLT) 20 ... “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” 24 So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” is invited. Luke 5:27,32 (NLT) 27 ... he saw a tax collector named Levi ... “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. 32 I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” Even are loved. Luke 6:27–28 (NLT) 27 “...I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. Luke 6:33, 35–36 (NLT) “If you do good to those who are good to you… 33 ...why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! 35 “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. 36 You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. Luke 2:11 (NLT) 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! Luke 1:1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us… The people who were closest to Jesus were convinced they met good news personified. CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION: 1. You’ve likely never felt compelled to document the life of someone you knew personally. What does the fact that Luke and others documented the life of Jesus imply to you? 2. Some people have struggled with Jesus. Has anything about Jesus or his teaching ever struck you as less than good news? If so, what? Why? 3. In what ways… has the church made the good news not so good? have you made the good news not so good? has the good news become good for you?