The Church is not only the community of the redeemed, it is also the redeeming community of the lost. We are not only commanded by our Lord and Savior, but also impelled by the indwelling Spirit of God to declare the message of God's redeeming love and reconciliation in Jesus Christ to all peoples. While this task is easier stated than carried out; Christ Himself promised us individually and corporately the power to get the job done (Acts 1:8). What we need most is a renewal of the understanding, practice, and commitment to the Great Commandments and Great Commission of the early church - of whom it was reported, "They turned the world upside down!" Many local churches are substituting a natural religion over true Christianity, mere attendance over soul-winning, and programming the best entertainment venues over true worship in spirit and in truth. Dr. Leach argues that we must ask ourselves afresh why we are changing the script given by our Lord, and Savior, Jesus Christ, and insisting that we build His church and kingdom without Him, using man-made standards, plans and blueprints? Displaying His love Jesus counsels, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (Revelation 3:19, 22).
The Church is not only the community of the redeemed, it is also the redeeming community of the lost. We are not only commanded by our Lord and Savior, but also impelled by the indwelling Spirit of God to declare the message of God's redeeming love and reconciliation in Jesus Christ to all peoples. While this task is easier stated than carried out; Christ Himself promised us individually and corporately the power to get the job done (Acts 1:8). What we need most is a renewal of the understanding, practice, and commitment to the Great Commandments and Great Commission of the early church - of whom it was reported, "They turned the world upside down!" Many local churches are substituting a natural religion over true Christianity, mere attendance over soul-winning, and programming the best entertainment venues over true worship in spirit and in truth. Dr. Leach argues that we must ask ourselves afresh why we are changing the script given by our Lord, and Savior, Jesus Christ, and insisting that we build His church and kingdom without Him, using man-made standards, plans and blueprints? Displaying His love Jesus counsels, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (Revelation 3:19, 22).
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