Church, Time to Step Up!

It is during a disaster on the scale of what we see in New Orleans when the church truly has an opportunity to shine with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Church, it is time to step up. Thank God for FEMA and Red Cross, but if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you have a moral obligation to come to the aid of those in need. Remember the story of the Good Samaritan? That is our model.

So how can the average Christian help? 1) PRAYER. Please, church, spend much time appealing to the God who is sovereign over all to come and help those in need. Pray that God would use this devasting situation for His ultimate glory, bringing good out of evil. Do you believe that God hears and answers prayer? Then please pray during this time.

2) GIVE MONEY. Of course it is easy to give now days with credit card. www.redcross.org is a good place. In my own denomination (SBC), money can be given through the state conventions. Alabama's State Convention Website is www.alsbom.org. They say that 100% of the funds you give through here will go directly to the churches closest to the point of need. Of course this money will provide food and water and temporary shelter for the refugees. Here is an idea, work with your church to give a bigger donation from your church budget. There are many small churches sitting around with a surplus in your budget - use it!

3) REACH OUT. Over the course of the next several months, people are going to need you, church. Open your home, build relationships, and share Christ with those affected by Katrina. Don't allow such a powerful opportunity to pass.

At the Apologetics Resource Center, our job is to defend the Christian faith from those who would attack it, both inside and outside the church. The best and most visible defense of the Christian faith is a proper reaction to a disaster like this. Do you want to be a Christian apologist? Then, pray, give, and reach out to those whose lives were destroyed by this disaster.