Devotion, November 14, the Church

I believe in the church. I believe in the church because of a pragmatic reason that has nothing to do with the truthfulness of the church’s message.  Of course, I believe that message to be true, but setting aside the truth question for a moment, look at what the church has accomplished.  The church is behind society’s noblest and best achievements.  It was the Christian church and Christian people who began public education in this country.  Many of our great colleges and universities, including Harvard and Princeton, were founded as Christian colleges.  There are hundreds of Christian colleges and seminaries today. Christians believe all truth comes ultimately from God and have been leaders in the educational field.

Hospitals, orphanages, homes for old folks; have you ever seen such an institution founded by an atheist?  Christians believe life is God-given and that we should care for one another.  Is there a Warsaw Atheistic League providing “Christmas for kids?” It is Christians who offer this ministry in our community. My own grandparents lived out their final years at the Barton Stone Christian Home in Jacksonville, IL founded and supported by the church. The church of Jesus Christ has done an enormous amount of good in the world.  Christians do good in the world because they believe in Jesus. I believe in the church. More on this theme Monday.

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son into the world to be our Savior. Thank You for establishing the church where your people can gather together to do good and to support each other. Thank You for Your promise that nothing will ever destroy Your church, not even Satan himself with all his power. Thank You for including me as a faithful member of Your church. In Jesus name, I pray, amen.