(L, M)br...
Illustration
(L, M)
This lesson is for those who say, "I don't need the church to be a Christian." In it are four marks of a living church.
First of all, the church is a community. John Wesley said that the New Testament knows nothing of solitary religion. Alone, no man can find and save himself. Individuals must come together to become persons.
Second, the church is a community of conviction. There may be differences of opinion, but there is always a focus around which the church gathers and is warmed -- the power of the resurrection.
Third, the church is a community of caring. Gifts of love and material resource are shared with all. This is the meaning of the offering.
Finally, the church is a community of grace. It claims nothing as its own. What it has it has received from God through Christ. Martin Luther said, "Sinners are not loved because they are lovely; they are lovely because they are loved!"
- Lincoln
This lesson is for those who say, "I don't need the church to be a Christian." In it are four marks of a living church.
First of all, the church is a community. John Wesley said that the New Testament knows nothing of solitary religion. Alone, no man can find and save himself. Individuals must come together to become persons.
Second, the church is a community of conviction. There may be differences of opinion, but there is always a focus around which the church gathers and is warmed -- the power of the resurrection.
Third, the church is a community of caring. Gifts of love and material resource are shared with all. This is the meaning of the offering.
Finally, the church is a community of grace. It claims nothing as its own. What it has it has received from God through Christ. Martin Luther said, "Sinners are not loved because they are lovely; they are lovely because they are loved!"
- Lincoln
