DEAR
CHRISTIAN FRIENDS
The Church In The Life Of Its Members
"Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision
nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free:
but Christ is all, and in all." Colossians 3:11
The Church in the life of its members is essential, not
because it brings him/her personal blessings or even inspiration,
but because with all its faults and failures, it is a divine
indispensable instrument for the Salvation of the World.
We must view The Church not as mere brick and mortar walled-in
a protection from the world, but where something is going
on to save the world. It is more than an army which the
"gates of hell shall not prevail against it",
but rather a storehouse from which much is offered freely
and daily for the up building of all mankind. No matter
how large or small, or how much is raised: or how much is
spent on buildings, meeting staff, fellowships, sports,
outings, etc., it is its' worship, prayer life, and study
that utlimatelly determine the value of the True Church
in the life of its members.
I pray that we will never surrender its value to the 'powers
that be' and follow the course of this world. I pray that,
the harder the life of the church and its members becomes,
the more God will give grace and spirit of unity, so that
in years to come we can perceive which things are insignificant
and which things are most important.
I am reminded here of an article I read, it read; "Some
people regard church only as a place to go to meet their
friends, to show off their new clothes, and to become friendly
with well-known members of the congregation. They remind
me of the story told about a woman who lived in Washington
D.C., and belonged to a church often frequented by the President.
One day she called the Pastor of her church and asked, "Do
you expect the President to be in church next Sunday?"
"I cannot promise you that," replied the preacher,
"but I expect God to be there, and I believe that should
be sufficient incentive for attendance."
Think on these things and may God bless and keep you both
now, and for years to come...
Yours in the Service of Christ,
Pastor Robert D. Reed, D.D., D.B.S.
