Use the news …

I was sitting at my favorite table in the coffee shop, earbuds in listening to the radio over the internet while getting some work done on my laptop when the brief story comes across the news … two people found dead in a shooting, reason unknown.

Found dead?

A 13-year-old boy and a 25-year-old man.

Why?!

A 13-year-old found dead at a shooting scene?

What is going on in the lives of these people … two people early in their lives … now dead.

Did anyone — ever — share the good news of Jesus Christ with them? Did they ever hear that there was a way to have life, real life, and have it abundantly through Jesus Christ? I have no idea, no information was given about the personal backgrounds of the two found shot to death. But how does a 13-year-old wind up shot dead with anyone else?

This world is broken. It is awash in sin. Oh how the world needs a Savior!

The news can sometimes be a great reminder about the truth we find in God’s Word. Further, it can be a great source of things to pray for, and a real motivator for ministry.

As the church, we need to shine through the brokenness of this world so that 13-year-olds and 25-year-olds see a better alternative in life than becoming entangled in situations that result in the elimination of their lives. We need to be passionate about being used by God to save as many as possible.

Let’s fill our church buildings with people from our communities who once were lost but now are found. Who once had lost hope, but now have eternal life through Jesus Christ. Who once were in despair, but now know purpose for living.

This world will be broken and ugly until Jesus Christ returns. But WE can share the message of reconciliation with the God who fixes all things, heals all wounds, transforms lives and is our very source of hope and life.

Let’s use the news to motivate us even further to proclaim the Good News and make an impact for the cause of Christ!

Scotty