*”The Purpose of the Church” by Todd Parsley

The Purpose Of The Church

I recently read an article where a reporter was lamenting the fact that many of the physical needs that people have are not being met. This reporter was pointing to the fact that civil authorities are being taxed to the limit, and that those agencies who exist to relieve those who live on the streets are at their limit also. The reporter was trying to express that there are other sources of help available and she specifically mentioned “churches” and said, “After all, that’s the purpose of the church anyway!”
There are indeed a few religious groups that have benevolent aid as a regular, and even the major part of their work. They plainly advertise themselves as such. But is this the “purpose of the Church?” Please don’t misunderstand what I’m saying. I am not saying the church should not help people from time to time, but I think its important to be informed that the church that Jesus built was not given the sole task of going into all the world just to feed everyone, cloth everyone or house everyone. The church that Jesus built is a TEACHING body (John 6:44-45), and that which is to be taught is the gospel of Christ (Mark16:15-16). That Gospel is to be preached to the whole world, and every child of God is to be taught to live by what the Word demands. Sure, along the way there will be occasions of benevolence that arise that will involve the needs of some and the church will meet those needs. But benevolence is never to be the major sole work of the church. The church can never be just another relief agency for the community.
“Go into all the world and preach the GOSPEL to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has not believed shall be condemned.”
If we here at the Centerville Church of Christ can be of any spiritual assistance to you. Please let us know.
God Bless- Todd