DEAR EDITOR:
There is a lot of confusion today about the church and the role it should play in a believer's life.
Some think it is a man-made institution, a charitable organization, etc. Some think it's not so necessary if you have a personal relationship with God.
It is the body of Christ, the pillar to support the truth.
It should be a powerful fellowship. This is what Christ wants it to be. We have lost sight of its purpose by being distracted by our own agendas. Its power should be spiritual and not political or social.
The church is devine in nature and originates from heaven. We need to align ourselves with God's goals.
Christ gave the commission to go and teach and reach others. He has given us the message to share with the world. And that is the power of God for salvation.
It can change the destiny of those who hear and believe. It is the church's responsibility to reach out to others. God flows through a congregation. We can't pick and choose which parts in God's word to believe, obey or cut out. If we do this, we cut off our devine power supply. We need this power to carry out the mission Christ has given us.
Each member of a church has a responsibility to carry out the power of the spirit or we cause a weakness in the church.
By each doing his or her part, we can see a church where God's power flows by prayers being answered, sick being healed and lost being saved.
Too many today are unwilling to make this personal commitment. We only get one trip through earthly life. The choice is ours, whether we live for the Lord or ourselves.
God's power can't come by our just sitting in a pew, expecting it to just fall from heaven. Let's have our churches become the power house of devine energy to evangelize the world. Let us begin today.
Eleanor Breegle
Niles