Christian Believer
I have asked former pastors to share a few thoughts on the meaning THE CHURCH, our theme for this Sunday night. Rev. Lehto has sent this response:

For me, the Church is many things, but primarily it is the the body of Christ.

That's what St. Paul said it was, and I find it a helpful metaphor. The body is made up of thousands of parts, some more presentable than others, but each is so very vital to every other, and with Christ as its head there is the image of a healthy church.

The Church has always been my primary arena for making friends. These are the people who are going to hold dear the values which I uphold, and are more likely to encourage me in my discipleship to Jesus Christ than detract, or even tear down. The friendships which I hold most dear have all been formed within the Church.

The Church, made up of its many, many members, is the vehicle through which the good news of God's love was passed on to me. The Church is the premier repository of Christian teaching. My mother, as a member of the Church, read Bible stories to me as a child. Then my Sunday School teachers, as a part of that same Body, taught me more about the Bible, about the Church, and how to live a Christian life.

The Church has inspired the music which I love most. I love many different kinds of music, but it is the great hymns and musical compositions inspired by the Christian faith that move and renew me.

The Church, working together as the Body of Christ, offers me a way to join with others in making a difference in the world in a way which I could not accomplish alone.

Ever since the ascension, Christ's only ears, mouth, hands and feet are those of the
Church, his Body. I'm glad that I'm a part of it.

Dick Lehto

Disciple II - Monday nights

Don't miss this LINK with photos of Philippi
click here / ANCIENT PHILIPPI UNEARTHED