Ridgell's Originals

A group of believers at a Bible study.  A man consumed with hate, not love.  Nine dead.

So what do we make of something that horrific.  Especially as a Christian who realizes that could happen to us.  And who believes in a very real sense, it did happen to us.

Remember that we live in a fallen world full of evil and darkness.  Do not let this tragedy be cheapened by making it a question of race -- of black and white.  As Christians, we know it is bigger than that.

Racism is evil.  Hate is evil.  Murder is evil.  These are the works of Satan.

We believe that God gave his Son to redeem this world.  We are the light shining into a dark world so God and Jesus may be seen.

We love God.  We love each other.  And we love our neighbors.

So pray for that church, for the families of the victims, and for the one who followed evil.

But more than that, I am calling Christians to action.

But not with the weapons of the world.  Not by having armed guards at church.  Not by legislation.  But by the power of Jesus.

Live your faith courageously in this world.  Do not let this discourage you or cause you to retreat.

Live your faith boldly in this world.

Make a friend of someone who is lonely.  Share a meal.  Demonstrate racial equality by how you treat all men.  Visit the hospital.  Pray with someone.

Speak about Jesus.  Do service in his name.  Give God glory in public ways.

Worship boldly.  Sing loudly.  Commune as family.  Speak God words together courageously.

Bring people to Jesus.  Invite to worship.  Share your story.  Serve coffee with a Jesus story.

Reclaim the fallen.  Go into the pigpen and beg the prodigal to come home.  And hold his hand till he gets there.

Do not apologize.  Do not retreat.  We are at war with Satan.  Attack.  Be willing to die for your faith.
I died with Christ to be born again.  And as a follower of Jesus I am called to go into a dark world and make other followers.  And so I will until I am home.

It is scary.  It is risky.  It is hard.

And it is what Jesus did when he came after you.  And he will be with us.

Live, love, serve, speak.

Now and forever.