Romans 5:20-21: Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

We live in a time of tumult.  Our World is a mess, our country is fragmented, our state continues to head in a direction away from Judeo/Christian ethics, and our region’s long-time stable industries are going away.

Fear of the future and the unknown is rampant.

In our community, coal industries are shutting down, we have an affordable housing crisis, crime, homelessness and drug use are often topics of conversation and news reporting. It is easy to complain about the county and city governments, our school district and healthcare providers.

That is the bad new

According to Romans 5:20, we should take heart. While the tendency is to focus on all the bad, we can remember that where sin increases, grace abounds all the more!

Northwest Colorado is a wonderful place to live. Recreation abounds. Proximity to world-class skiing, hunting, fishing, hiking, climbing and rafting is on our doorstep. Quiet remote living, the envy of many, is our reality.

While we have problems, we have a wonderfully generous community committed to “loving our neighbor”.

Consider, for just a moment, the number of compassion organizations:Community Budget Center, Interfaith Food Bank, YVcenter, 4Hope, Love INC,Connections, 4 Kids, Senior Social Center, REPS, Community Kitchen, Health Partnership, AA – NA, SEVEN, Celebrate Recovery, Porchlight Health and Harmonie House.

These organizations (and others), along with Young Life, Partners for Youth, and the many Bible preaching churches in Craig, ARE Grace Abounding!

Here at the Journey, my prayer is that we will continue to be a light and salt in our community.  Light, in this dark world, to lead people to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.  And salt, protecting, preserving, adding value and flavor to this desperate time.

While our government, agencies, and community organizations are working diligently to minimize the impact of the impending economic downturn and the myriad of social problems that exist, it is the church, I believe, that is the answer to the crisis.

The church of Jesus Christ, His representation on earth, has been given the mandate and resources necessary for human flourishing — SHALOM.  Empowered by His Spirit and enabled with His gifting (supernatural endowments), we are uniquely able to change our world.

Ephesians 3:20-21: Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Len Browning is the lead pastor at Craig’s Journey Church. He can be reached at pastorlen@craigjc.org