Me:  Howdy Prodigal!

Prodigal:  I was just talking with my friend about the church.  He doesn’t think he should go.

Me:  How did you answer him?

Prodigal:  I told him that I hear your cluckin’ but I can’t find your nest.

Me:  Well that is a good answer but let me give a list that might be helpful.

 

This is from the book You Can Change by Tim Chester

 

Here are some ways in which the church is a means of grace:

We remind one another of the truth.

We are taught the Bible by people whom God has gifted for this purpose.

We pray together for God’s help.

We model Christian change and holiness for one another.

We see God at work in the lives of others.

We remind one another of God’s greatness and goodness as we worship him together.

We are given opportunities for service.

We provide accountability for one another.

 

I have been hurt by the church too.  I can say this though.  Every institution has hurt people.  The positive thing about the church though is I have learned more and more about Christ.  I have seen miracles, and blessings happen among God’s people.  I have become friends with others who I would never would have met and are a blessing in my life.  Maybe if you want to see change, then God can use you to be that change in the church.

 

Psalm 119:23

Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.

 

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org