I don't need any church...
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"I don't need any church!" exclaimed old Charlie. "I obey the Golden Rule and don't break any of the Ten Commandments." Charlie goes on, "So I stay home, read the paper, and sit by the pond and worship God in my own way." Charlie told his family this for years when they invited him to church.
One horrible day, Charlie was taken to the hospital with liver disease caused by his drinking. The family's friends from church, the pastor, and hospital chaplain all visited Charlie in the hospital. He realized that "sin" is a condition, and his illness was a result of it (1 John 1:6). We are all invited to have fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7). The visits, prayers, and Bible passages read to Charlie at his hospital bedside reminded him that there is still an opportunity to have an advocate with the Father in the crucified and risen Christ -- despite his stubborn ways. Charlie has a chance at new life despite his bad liver. This is the message of Easter.
One horrible day, Charlie was taken to the hospital with liver disease caused by his drinking. The family's friends from church, the pastor, and hospital chaplain all visited Charlie in the hospital. He realized that "sin" is a condition, and his illness was a result of it (1 John 1:6). We are all invited to have fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7). The visits, prayers, and Bible passages read to Charlie at his hospital bedside reminded him that there is still an opportunity to have an advocate with the Father in the crucified and risen Christ -- despite his stubborn ways. Charlie has a chance at new life despite his bad liver. This is the message of Easter.
