The Church: Dead or Alive?

From what I hear and read today many seem to think that the church’s best days are behind us. The three institutions which the Lord ordained, the church, the home, and the family are under attack today as never before. Even within the church there are problems. I don’t like to see the “party spirit” in the church, and the Apostle Paul didn’t either. In I Corinthians 1, he spoke out roundly against it. We see what politics is doing to our country, and it causes an unstable government. It is even worse when it is in the church. Cliques in the church are the essence of worldliness.

I find it interesting to observe others’ perception of the church. Some place themselves in the position of forensic pathologist—examining the dead body and explaining why the patient died. A professor at an imminent university asked this question, “What confronts us now is, given the constraints of the separation of church and state, how do we empower the churches?” The question and premise are flawed to begin with. Our power in the church does not lie in the Constitution of the United States or the Supreme Court. No law passed by the Congress can either take away our mandate from God or give us power in any way to do the true work of God. Not by laws, edicts or acts of men is the church empowered. It is by the blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection power. These are the strengths the church must have. Without them, we are just another club. We believer’s really are “blood brothers” for the blood of Christ bought us, and His resurrection empowers us.

Many years ago while Russia was still under Communist control, Billy Graham was allowed to have a crusade. People came from all over the country. Choirs came to sing. The people slept in train cars, and sanitary conditions broke down under the strain, but they didn’t care. They wanted to glorify God by singing and being with other believers. God’s power and might will endure despite our many failures and adverse circumstances. We probably will not be called upon to give our blood, but we must give our lives thankfully and joyfully.

Once in a service I attended, a beautiful lady stood to sing. She had crutches and metal braces on both arms and legs. She was accompanied on the piano by her pastor who was blind! This is empowerment, and they epitomized the truths that we have just covered.

It is my prayer that we will be united in our goals and purpose, though some of our methods might differ. It’s a big world out there that needs our song. So, go forth, empowered, and change the world for Jesus!

Judy Malone, March 28, 2022