Update on Joplin

The pickup for supplies at Crosspoint (for Joplin disaster relief) has been moved up. Please have your items here by Wednesday evening, June 1. Drop off at bins IN STUDENT MINISTRIES. (See this LINK for more info.)

Jesus loves the church

Yes, I've seen some bad stuff under the name of "church." Here's a few: abuse, division, quackery, mishandled funds, affairs and more. For this reason, some have said, "I'm a part of the invisible church." Or, "I don't believe in organized religion." Behind every statement like that is a hurt or disappointment. Someone somewhere in the church let them down.

But I've also seen some amazing, miraculous things in the "church." Just this weekend, here are a few stories from people. (Names changes to protect identity):

T.S. - former alcoholic, suicidal, marriage "on the rocks." Now? marriage restored, secure in Christ, solid Bible teacher
K.W. - rape victim, suicidal, raised by single parent. Now? secure in Christ, great leader, financially stable
R.K. - sexually abused as a child, disappointed and hurt by church leadership, struggled with homosexuality. Now? secure in Christ, training for vocational ministry, leading and helping others.

For every bad story about church, I could give you several good ones. No wonder Jesus loves the church and gave Himself for it.

You need to love it too. Don't love Jesus and dis' His bride. (see Eph. 5.25, 1 Cor. 3:16-17)