Church History Revised

Revelation 2:1 "To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,'These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place--unless you repent. 6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God."

There should be no doubt the Church has a very special place in this world. Historically, the Church has accomplished what could not have been accomplished by any other organization or entity. Entire cultures and societies have been changed for the better by the influence of the Church.

We see this as powerful evidence of Jesus Christ working directly in the only organization He founded in His earthly ministry, the Church. The TRUE church, IS Jesus Christ working in the world. (This is why the Church is often referred to as the Body of Christ.)

And so we have greater personal freedom following in the wake of the Church. We have equality following in the wake of the Church, both by race and by gender. We see greater opportunity for education for all following in the wake of the Church, and we see the incorporation of impartial judgment of criminal and civil activities. We see charity and hospitals and care for the less-fortunate being a prominent example of the influence of the Church. We even see government structure following patterns of benevolent welfare practiced by the Church.

Indeed, it is difficult to imagine what this world may have become by now without the influence of the Church for the good of mankind.

I understand the Church has its flaws. Always has, always will. The main problem with the Church is the men who fill it. They are imperfect. And so the Church, even while serving as the best example of prospering benevolence and loving embrace of differences in the history of the world, has its problems. It is an imperfect institution populated by imperfect people. Sometimes, perhaps many times, we see the Church failing in its mission even with the best of intentions.

Who is in a better position to offer constructive criticism to the Church than its Founder, Jesus Christ? Who should listen to the constructive criticism He has to offer? Who has a greater interest in the SUCCESS of the Church than Christ?

-Pastor Bill