Answers lie upon church’s shoulders

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.

It is more than a statement, song or declaration of faith.

It is an action that requires all of the body of Christ to rise up and respond.

It is a responsibility placed upon each believer in Christ individually and corporately.

It is a bold statement of belief, coupled with the power of the Holy Spirit to witness of His wonderful and matchless work in our lives.

It is our announcement to those in and around our sphere of influence that we believe in Jesus Christ.

We believe Him to be the Son of God, we stand upon His written word and our lives and speech will agree upon this truth.

We are a people, whose salvation is bought and paid for by the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, Jesus.

We will stand and declare His wonderful works to this generation.

We are living in troubling times. Belief systems are being tested, and the very core of people’s hearts and lives are under enormous strain.

The answers needed for today’s world and individual lives rests upon the shoulders of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, a task for which He has equipped us.

His expectation of us is that we use all the resources available to us from Him to accomplish His work in this world.

As Christians we know that there are mountains and valleys we walk through. However, we are not alone and we will make it through.

This faith is a living one. All we have to do is look into the faces of those we see to know that many do not possess that same truth and trust.

Burdens are heavy, and many are discouraged and depressed.

The experiences of life will come, good and bad. Some because of choices made, either by us or others that will impact our lives.

What can we do to make a difference? All things.

In Philippians 4:13, Paul writes, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Prayer, helping and encouraging one another, speaking the truth in love regardless of the opinions of man, and a willingness to be a bridge builder to others are only a few examples.

These and many others have nothing to do with religion but all to do with relationship.

Because we are in relationship with Him, our lives and actions should follow suit. Such a great task for us to take up, yes, but scripture reminds us that “with God, all things are possible.”

We are the lights representing Him in this world. Light reveals and exposes dark places.

A natural example can be applied in a spiritual context. When we drive our cars at night our lights must be on in order for us to see the road ahead.

Our lights should be turned on for another reason as well; that our vehicles are seen through the darkness.

If that light does not permeate the darkness of night, destruction may be at hand, for us and others also.

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world.”

Our light is to shine in the darkness regardless of our situation or circumstance.

Even when we are enduring testing or seemingly defeating trials in life, we can represent Him and His keeping, sustaining Grace that will bring victory.

Allowing that light to shine will set the example and the path for others to follow.

Seeing the Lord provide, strengthen and deliver will bring encouragement to the broken and wounded spirit of those in need.

It will shed His light of hope in their dark time.

Our God is alive, and His word remains forever settled in Heaven.

In the Old Testament book of Malachi 3:6 Scripture reads, “For I the Lord, do not change.” Laws of the land may bend and change, amended to suit the differing masses, however, God’s Word will not.

As the redeemed of the Lord, we must say so!

To take our place is to stand up for what we believe is right and just. We believe the principles set forth in scripture, which can be lived and impact outcomes in this world.

It is possible through God’s grace and strength.

Our lives and testimonies matter.

Through Christ, we offer life and hope to a struggling generation.

Let us not shrink back from the front lines of duty.

Who we are and our representation of the Lord makes all the difference in this world.

Redeemed, say so!

Patty Scahill of Austintown is a conference speaker and author.