A Church That Redeems | The Problem of Church
A Church That Doesn’t Retreat, But Redeems
In a world filled with brokenness, it can feel tempting for the church to stay quiet. Anxiety, division, and injustice surround us, and sometimes we wonder if our faith can really make a difference. But Jesus shows us another way.
In Luke 4:14-21, we see the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry. After His time in the wilderness, He returns in the power of the Spirit and declares His mission: to proclaim good news to the poor, bring freedom to the oppressed, and restore hope to the hurting. He wasn’t content to speak about change—He lived it out through action and compassion.
As followers of Christ, we are called to continue this mission in our communities today. A healthy church doesn’t retreat—it redeems. This redemption happens in three key ways:
Proclaiming the Good News
The message of Jesus is transformative, offering grace, forgiveness, and hope that nothing else can provide. It’s not about moralism or self-improvement—it’s about heart transformation. We are called to share this good news with those God places in our path.Acting Compassionately
Faith without action is incomplete. Jesus healed the sick, met needs, and showed love in practical ways. As the church, we too are called to meet the needs of those around us—whether through acts of service, words of encouragement, or financial support. Compassion brings the gospel to life in real, tangible ways.Speaking Up for Godly Values
Jesus cared deeply for those who were oppressed, and the church is called to reflect that same heart. Speaking up may feel countercultural or even risky, but when guided by Scripture and love, it allows us to stand for justice, mercy, and truth in a broken world.
The mission of the church begins in our own hearts. Before we can bring healing to the world, we must allow God to bring healing to us. Through prayer, reflection, and community, God prepares us to be agents of redemption in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and homes.
As a church, let’s commit to proclaim the gospel, act compassionately, and courageously speak up for God’s values. The world needs hope—and the church is the primary way God delivers it.
