Several years ago, the phone rang in my office at the church building and a very timid voice asked, “Is this the church that helps people?”

It startled me a bit at first, but I was glad that I could confidently say, “Yes, it is!” The young lady needed some food, and yes, we helped her with that need.

However, there are so many ways that the church helps people. And we would like to help you.

It helps people know the love of Christ. Paul said, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8).

How much do you know about the love of Christ? You can learn about it in his church.

It helps people learn about the salvation from sin that God offers. In Acts 2, there were thousands gathered who heard Peter and the other apostles teach the truth about Jesus being the Messiah. These same people had crucified Jesus. They were distraught over their sin.

Peter helped them to believe in Christ and showed them how to come to him by repenting of their sins and being baptized (Acts 2:38). Many of these sinful men complied with his teaching for the remission of their sins.

Did you know that the church could help you become free from guilt?

It helps people learn a way that will lead to a better life here and in eternity. While so many struggle with a selfish, materialistic way of life, drunkenness, drug addiction, etc.,

God’s word teaches a way that leads to eternal life with God. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6). It was Him who said, “I am come that you might have life, and that you might have it more abundantly.”

It helps people find the way to deal with frustrating problems. No, becoming a member of the church does not remove all of our problems, but it helps us endure them.

Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”(Philippians 4:11). Are you weak? The church can help.

It helps people to help each other. Life has lost any meaning for many people. God’s family has a mutual concern for one another. Do you want to go to a place where people genuinely care for one another? We can help as we “love one another” as He loved us (John 13:34).

It helps people who are discouraged. Yes, we are living in discouraging and frustrating times. The church exhorts and encourages one another. (Hebrews 10:24-25).

If you need a good dose of encouragement, come here for a visit.

These are troubling times and we always want to help. However, the church is really only able to help those who are willing to be helped. How can we help you?

by David Courington – www.forthright.net