In a world of darkness, the local church has an opportunity to rise up and shine the light of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Mike McDaniel reflects on churches’ response to heartbreaking tragedies from around the world.
“It is discouraging when you see what happened in Paris, what happened in Dallas and in Minnesota. All around us we say, what is going on in our culture? We look at it and say is there any hope? Is there any love? Is there any peace?”
As Christians we know that there is hope, and love and peace because we are loved by God. It is our responsibility to share that love with our communities in the midst of hurt and questioning.
“I think this time we live in the western world needs the church to be the church more than ever before.”
The church has a voice of peace, hope and love that needs to be heard, especially amidst great darkness.
“If there’s any voice of love, if there’s any voice of hope, if there’s any voice of peace – it’s found in the church. But if all we do is enter into the four walls of our church, shut our doors and curse the darkness on the outside, then we are in trouble.”
Instead of avoiding darkness, we can overcome it with the light of Christ. Pastor McDaniel points us towards the hope of ‘bright spots’ in our world today,
“Whenever you look and there’s bright spots out there of churches illuminating their communities; bringing hope and love to their communities, then I go, yes! This is a great day to be a follower of Christ; this is a great day where you can make an impact in this day and age.”
Pastor McDaniel shares his heart for restored communities that we should all emulate.
“I just want to see light and truth and hope and love restored in our communities again.”
