Sermon Central
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The Church's Identity And Purpose
Contributed by Sermon Central on Dec 15, 2009 (message contributor)
THE CHURCH'S IDENTITY AND PURPOSE
In his book, The Family of God, Batsell Barrett Baxter says the following:
"There are some who think of the church as an organization like other organizations. It is true that the church is an organization, but it is not primarily an organization. Rather, it is a new way of life. Those who have the view that being a part of the church is like being a member of a lodge, a luncheon club, a political part, or even a business are seriously mistaken. Such people feel that they should give to the church the same kind of support and loyalty which they give to these other organizations. It becomes my church, as it is 'my club, or lodge, or party, or team.' The Christian’s loyalty to Church, however, should be unique, for in reality it is a loyalty to Christ and His way of life. The church is like no other institution on earth and a person’s membership in the church is like no other membership which he may sustain. The church is more like a vibrant, living organism, than it is like a cold, structured organization...
Some make the mistake of thinking that the church...exists for the entertainment and enjoyment of its members. On the contrary, the church exists in order that its members may have an intimate relationship with Christ and God, as well as a close relationship with mankind."
(From a sermon by Bill Butsko, Joy in Knowing the Shepherd, 12/10/2009)
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