Abstract
I begin with exploring the word “church” and its meaning. Though there has been several perception from different circle of what the church is, and as I tend to agree that on several occasions the “church” did bend to these perceptions, (Stedman, 1995) closes this window of misinformation by clearly pinpointing what the church truly is. The church consists of a people with a common faith in Jesus Christ with a goal of making the world habitable. This paper analyses the purposes of this important institution called the church.
Introduction
Where the early church was established on the principles of love and justice, today’s church is just but a reflection of what it should be. Apostle Paul (1 cor. 12:15-24) asserts the church is interdependent that means it cannot function in isolation.
The global church is/should be viewed as an important institution in a world which is no longer predictable. Disasters, pandemics, economic insecurity, civil wars, terrorism, climate change just to mention but a few, (Kenyon, 2008) points out that the inevitable could be happening, that is His(God) visitation. The importance of the global church is drawn these pressing matters that needs to be addressed objectively. Objectively because they affect the social status of the population. (Stedman, 1995) asserts the energy in the church and when used as should be would put at bay the vices like political injustices, economy by keeping looters at bay through participation in formulating policies and their implementation to fight corruption.
One of the fundamental characteristics of the church is unifying the world. (www.crossroad.to/articles2/5globalchurch.html) unifying people irrespective of race, ethnicity, social status, political inclinations can/will only be possible if the church today realizes where it has fallen, wake-up to the occasion and do its divine duty. (Romans 12:2) the Apostle Paul reminds the church of its place in the society, a community well defined by character and moral standards by defying the persuasions and inclinations to the order of this present age.
The other very important characteristic of the global church is to preach love. (Stedman, 1995) Apart from preaching the gospel, the church has a divine responsibility to show love and instill hope to an already hopeless generation. As he progresses with his book, ‘Body Life’ Stedman shows how important love is and as an aspect of bringing people back to believing in Loving God. Love is the value that has been shelved by the world and instead only use the word ‘love’ for selfish gains. The church is called to demonstrate to the world the genuine love that sent Jesus Christ to the Cross. Love is the only prerequisite that truly heals the pains caused by social injustices to communities.
Another characteristics of world Christianity is truth. (Shearer,) reiterates on the advent of religion which has no power, any religion that does not uphold truth can never be Christianity. The has embraces cons and swindlers and Christians are the ambassadors to single out the truth. Truth at times hurts but it is the duty of a Christian develop a liking of truthfulness. Many denominations are benefiting from deceptive teachings, where they bend the of the gospel to agree with their greed. Lack of truth has broken family ties and has been instigating interethnic violence.
Conclusion
The global church has not been what it ought to be, but a complete drift from the genesis of the apostolic church but fighting hard to reclaim its lost/fading image. Your personal involvement in ensuring the church is felt within the community is paramount. Institutionalizing the church does not help but understanding who and the roles of the global church.
References
Ray C. Stedman in Body Life, Revised and Expanded, Discovery House Publishers / 1995 / Paperback Retrieved from http://www.christianbook.com/body-life-revised-and-expanded/ray- stedman/9781572930001/pd/30040#curr
Printed by John Kenyon in Christian Today International Copyright 2011 May 17,2008. Retrieved from, http://www.christiantoday.com
S.R. Shearer. In Political Christianity Written by, Antipas Ministries,112 Long Rd., #40 Centralia, WA98531
Retrieved from, http://www.antipasministries.com
New Revised Standard Bible Copyrighted 1946 and 1952 by The Division of Christian Education of the NCCC, U.S.A.
