Talk

There is Good News

Brad Jones

March, 17, 2024

In this talk, Brad Jones emphasizes how Jesus has the power to transform us so that we can go and tell people about what He has done.

Key Takeaway

The key that unlocks the most doors of opportunities to share the Gospel, is when people can see there's something different about us. It's the power of a transformed life.

If we aren't careful, we can grow numb to the Good News.

How can you share the news?

Have you received the news?

Are you embracing the news?

1. Jesus travels with Good News. (Luke 8:1-3, Luke 8:26, John 3:16-17)

The location Jesus sent them was geographically close, but it was also worlds apart culturally. Are we willing to step out of our comfort zone to get to a group of people who do not know Jesus to deliver the Good News?

Telling others about the Good News was a pattern and a priority of Jesus—He was intentional, He put in the effort, and He pursued others to follow Him.

2. Jesus can do for you what no one else (including you) can do for you. (Luke 8:27-31)

This man was in a desperate situation—facing shame, loss, and heartbreak. He lost control and it caused him to lose everything. So many people tried to help him, yet no one could help. So they gave up on him.

Many of us have been in this position—finding ourselves in the same position for a long time. But we can believe that God can heal and that we're never too far gone.

It was Good News for the man but bad news for the demons. The spiritual forces are begging with Jesus because they know who He is. (Romans 8:31) The Gospel isn't us doing more; it's accepting that Jesus did more for us than we could ever do for ourselves.

3. Jesus doesn't just want to help you. He wants to transform you. (Luke 8:32-35)

If we aren't careful, we can be more like the townspeople than the unclean man. We ask for God's help, receive it, and then walk away. We shouldn't just go to Him in times of need—we must seek complete transformation. He has the power to change physical appearance, but He also has the power to give us the right mind (Romans 8:6).

You could look fine on the outside but be sitting in utter turmoil on the inside. Jesus has the power to change that.

The townspeople were so fearful that they begged Jesus to leave. They were so close, yet they did not embrace Jesus. Instead, they rejected His presence and power because they feared the cost. Being around the things of God isn’t enough…we must take up residence.

4. Jesus has a glorious vision for your life (Luke 8:38-39).

Jesus' vision for our lives is better than the world's vision (Romans 8:6-7).

He saved us, and now He's sending you. If you have accepted Jesus as your savior, you are qualified.

Go back home to the people who know who you were and where you've been and let them see what God has done for you. That's the assignment.

We want to gather, scatter, and be prayerful.

Some of us may get on boats and move places, and others, will be called to go back home with a message. Pray for opportunities to share the Gospel. The key that unlocks most doors for the Gospel is the power of a transformed life.

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Acts 5:41-42

“

"If traveling with Good News is a priority for Jesus, then it should be a priority for you and me."

”

Brad Jones

Discussion Questions

What fear is causing you to be slow to embrace the Good News of Jesus?
What comforts are you clinging to that are keeping you from sharing the Gospel?
How can you relate to the story of the man in Luke 8:27-31?
Do you believe that God can heal? Or do you think you're too far gone?
Have you ever been like the townspeople—only asking God for help when you need it? How can you make Jesus more of a priority in your life?
Have you just been around the things of God and are familiar with the language? Journal your thoughts and reflect.
What did Brad Jones say makes you qualified to tell others about Jesus?
Who in your life has noticed the transformation in your life since you've accepted Christ? What did they notice?
How have you seen God radically transform the life of someone else around you?
Take some time this week to pray about where God wants to send you to tell others about Him and journal

Scripture References

26They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee.

27When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs.

28When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!”

29For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places.

30Jesus asked him,

“What is your name?”

“Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. 31And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.

31And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.

32A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission.

33When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.

34When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside,

35and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.

36Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured.

37Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left.

38The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying,

“Return home and tell how much God has done for you.”

So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

1After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him,

2and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out;

3Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

16For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

6The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

7The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.

41The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

42Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Brad Jones

Passion City Church Atlanta is pastored by Brad Jones. Together, he and his wife Brittany have been a part of the Passion Movement for over a decade helping carry the heartbeat of Passion Conference and Passion City Church. They live in Atlanta with their two children, Caleb and Addy.