Topical Bible: Bad News

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Definition and Context:
In the biblical context, "bad news" refers to reports or messages that bring distress, fear, or sorrow. It is often associated with events or circumstances that challenge faith, provoke anxiety, or signify judgment. The Bible addresses the concept of bad news both in terms of human experience and divine revelation.

Biblical Instances and Themes:

1. Human Experience of Bad News:
Throughout Scripture, individuals and communities encounter bad news that tests their faith and reliance on God. For example, Job receives devastating news about the loss of his children and possessions (Job 1:13-19). Despite the overwhelming nature of this news, Job's response is one of worship and submission to God's sovereignty (Job 1:20-21).

2. Fear and Anxiety:
Bad news often incites fear and anxiety. Proverbs 12:25 states, "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up." The Bible acknowledges the emotional impact of bad news but also offers encouragement through faith and trust in God.

3. Divine Judgment:
Bad news can also be a form of divine judgment or warning. The prophets frequently delivered messages of impending judgment to Israel and other nations. For instance, the prophet Jeremiah conveyed God's judgment against Judah, which was often met with resistance and fear (Jeremiah 6:10-14).

4. Response to Bad News:
The Bible provides guidance on how to respond to bad news. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's plan and remain steadfast in faith. Psalm 112:7 declares, "He will not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD." This verse highlights the importance of a firm trust in God as a source of peace amidst troubling circumstances.

5. Hope and Redemption:
While bad news is a reality in a fallen world, the Bible consistently points to the hope and redemption found in God. Romans 8:28 reassures believers that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This promise offers comfort and perspective, reminding believers that God is sovereign and works through all situations for His glory and their ultimate good.

6. The Gospel as Good News:
In contrast to bad news, the Gospel is heralded as the "good news" of Jesus Christ. It offers salvation, hope, and eternal life to those who believe. The proclamation of the Gospel serves as the ultimate antidote to the despair that bad news can bring, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ's death and resurrection.

Conclusion:
The Bible acknowledges the reality of bad news but consistently directs believers to find solace and strength in their relationship with God. Through faith, prayer, and the assurance of God's promises, Christians are equipped to face the challenges and uncertainties that bad news may bring.

Topical Bible Verses

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
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Library

The Lesson of Life
... You may say this is bad news. I do not believe it is. I believe it is good news,
and the very best of news: but if it is bad news, I cannot help it. ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xl the lesson of.htm

The Torments of Giant Bad Feelings
... Bad news will produce sad feelings. If you receive a letter today announcing the
wedding of a friend, you rejoice; if it announces a death, you sorrow. ...
/.../berry/adventures in the land of canaan/chapter ten the torments of.htm

God's Creation
... St. Paul speaks truth not in this only but in that blessed and glorious
news with which he follows up his sad and bad news. 'As ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxix gods creation.htm

Faustus Claims to Believe the Gospel, yet Refuses to Accept the ...
... Is this bad news the gospel? ... But no; whoever examines this news will not weep because
it is bad, but will laugh because it is not true. Footnotes: ...
/.../faustus claims to believe the.htm

The Wages of Sin (Chapel Royal June, 1864)
... This is bad news; and yet sinners must hear it. They must hear it not only
put into words by Moses, or by St. Paul, or by any other ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon iv the wages of.htm

Chapter xxxiv
... Bad news spreads quickly, especially if it be as disastrous as that which
we have here. As soon as the sons of Jacob receive the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm

How Joppa was Taken, and Tiberias Delivered Up.
... one person was saved to be a messenger of that news, but a fame was spread abroad
at random that the city was taken, as such fame usually spreads bad news about ...
/.../chapter 9 how joppa was.htm

The Great Commandment
... And perverse, indeed, must be our minds if we can twist the good news of Christ's
salvation into the bad news of condemnation! What says St. ...
/.../the water of life and other sermons/sermon xiv the great commandment.htm

"That is Your Fault. "
... Chicago. It was a terrible blow. When the children had been put to bed
that night he said to his wife, "Wife, I have bad news. I ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/that is your fault.htm

Moody's Little Emma.
... father first. He came out with the napkin in his hand. My friend said to
him: "I have got very bad news to tell you. Your little ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/moodys little emma.htm