Has the Church Failed Christ ?

Churches are for the most part made up of sincere people like myself, who want to live in a way which will please Jesus. We believe His teaching is true, and His example second to none. Most of us would go much further than this to declare His love and Salvation, His friendship, His mediation and His Spirit's Power.

Because He is at the centre of our faith it is good to consider what the christians have done during the last 2000 years to continue His work in His Name. He said "These things will you do and greater things will you do because I go to my Father."

A few worrying questions.

I am told that the results of several surveys show that Christian marriages do not last any better than non-christian ones. I know that in my own marriage the teaching and encouragement of Christ has been a strong force to keep us together through good and hard times. Other Christians say the same. How is it possible for people with this help not to do better in love and faithfulness? How is it possible for people with this guidance not to do better in choosing the right partner ?

One would expect that a large proportion of Christians in a city would bring peace but a survey of cities in USA apparently showed that Dallas, with the highest proportion of Christians, also had one of the highest crime rates. The promise to us was "You are the salt of the earth". Has the salt lost its savour?

The rivalry and conflict between churches is another cause for sorrow and dismay. How difficult it is for churches to do anything together and how quickly we find we are criticising each other.

The inward looking focus of most churches must be regarded as un-christian. The balance of the law is summed up in "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself." Jesus came to fulfill the law and explained that your neighbour is the one whose need you are aware of. So half to God and half to the needy, but the average church spends 95% of its resources on ministers, buildings and itself and 5% on mission.

We still do not have the impact in ordinary lives that Jesus had. Jesus made the Jewish religion meaningful for ordinary working folk. How did He do it? Will He show us?

Church of the Internet

Practical Christianity is not another church. It seeks to work with christians in all churches to facilitate the 'love your neighbour' dimension which may be weak in church life in the West. It does not seek to govern, or to direct, but just to link those with under used talents and resources with 'neighbours' all over the world who are in need.

The result, if God wills, will be small groups of Christians, drawn together to pray and work to meet particular needs. This will only represent one facet of their christian lives, the need to worship and receive teaching being met in other ways.

How to help your neighbour

When Jesus was asked "Who is my neighbour?" He answered with a parable showing that my neighbour is the person whose need I am aware of ! Religious people did not respond to the need but the Samaritan did and fulfilled God's purpose. Go do thou likewise.

Matthew 25 referring to the sheep and the goats makes the point even more strongly saying that as we neglect to feed the hungry it is as if we neglect to feed Jesus.