DEVOTION, Nov. 16, The Church, #2

What would happen in the world today if the influence of Christian missionaries were magically withdrawn from history?  Would the world today be a better place or a worse place if Christianity had not spread to every nation?  The world is certainly no utopia, and there is much need for progress, but think where we would be if Jesus had not established a church, and the church had not spread its influence around the world.  I believe in the church.

During the Dark Ages, almost one-third of the world’s population was killed by the Black plague during one twelve-year period.  It was a far worse pandemic than Covid. Who was it in those dark days who buried the dead, who cared for the sick?  More often than not, it was those who had made a vow to Christ to care for the sick and the needy, to sacrifice themselves for the sake of others.  I believe in the church.

Why are Gary and Judy Woods, and Lynn and Dori Cazier willing to spend themselves among the primitive Masaai tribes of Africa, seeking to lift them up in every way?  The love of Christ compels them to go.  The church of Jesus Christ provides the needed funding. There are other institutions and agencies around the world doing good, but I challenge you to name a single institution that has done more good for the human race than the church of Jesus Christ.  I believe in the church.

Father, again I give You thanks for the gift of Your church. I pray You will strengthen Your church around the world, and also our little church in Warsaw. Help us to be faithful to Jesus, to do what we can to spread His saving Gospel to others, devoting ourselves to doing good. In the blessed name of Jesus I pray, Amen.