What is the role of the New Testament church in today's society? Does the church really have a role? If so, is the church church fulfilling its role to society and to God? What impact should society have on the church?
These are interesting questions and questions worthy of our contemplation. The Bible has a good deal to say about the church and it's role in the world.
First of all, let us examine some of the avenues many churches have taken in recent years. Many have become involved in the political process. Some have taken on such causes as feminism, environmental issues as well as racial issues. Churches, today, have become wrapped up in building projects and real estate development.
Many preachers have attempted to build their own empire or even their own city or community. Many are more concerned with getting their name out to the world rather than the gospel out to the world.
What, then, is the role of the New Testament church in today's society? In a nutshell, the role of the church is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world so that others may be won to Christ.
It seems to me that the church has left it's role of preaching the gospel for a more socially acceptable role or a role that is financially more lucrative. Many churches seem reluctant to preach the gospel for fear of offending someone. Churches, today, want to limit or control what goes on in the service. When the preacher gets up they want him to spend his time using flowery speech and saying absolutely nothing and call it church. We don't want to offend Bro. Bigbucks I do not believe the Lord is satisfied with a "tickle my ear but stay off my toe" religion. The truth is sometimes we need our toes stepped on. It may not be pleasant, but if done in love and according to Scripture it could make our walk with God even more rewarding and fulfilling.
The church, over the years, has become a den of compromise. The one area where we can least afford compromise is in the church. The church's true role is not that of a "watered down" gospel. We must boldly preach the whole gospel just as it is to men, women, boys and girls just as they are.
Its not enough to merely preach the gospel, the church must lead by example. Yes, folks, we must live it! We must flesh it out. Christianity is more than an hour on Sunday morning - it's a lifestyle!
Society should have very little impact on the church. The church, however, should have a powerful and positive impact on society. For far too long the world has set the example for the church. It is the role of the church to set the example for the world and to reach out to those in our communities with love and compassion and share with them the gospel message.
The primary role and mission of the church while in this world is to bring mankind to the knowledge of the truth of the gospel, to learn the importance of submission and to prepare for eternal service. The church is not to be an outward organization but rather a living organism. The church is not a social club for the elite but rather a spiritual center for the elect.
God's church is not confined to a building nor should it be. The people are the church wherever they are. WE are the church! Let us stand up and BE the church God has called us to be.
Until next time...enjoy the journey!
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