WHY ARE CHURCHES EMPTY?
Sir-Surely the remedy for lack. of interest in our churches is not to bring in topics other than religion and the teachings of the Bible, but more fer-
vently and earnestly to preach the Gospel and let the churches stand on their own feet and keep to their recognised mission in the community. The suggestion that the church should institute discussion groups in other fields such as politics, social problems and so on is side-stepping the issue. Besides, are Christians not required by Christ and his Apostles to be separate from the things of the world and .to work to strengthen their minds in a spiritual direction and to endeavour to make others do likewise? If the churches cannot be filled otherwise ‘than by introducing worldly and material matter, then let them not claim to be teachers of Christianity. The truth is that the churches are not giving out the clear message of the Scriptures, which teach that the present age is running out and that Christ is about to return to take charge of this earth and bring in the Kingdom of God. Prior to this dramatic event there is to be a general apathy (towards the Word of God).among all peoples and nations and things will be very much as they were in the days of Noah, We read this in Matthew 24: 37 and elsewhere in the New Testament. As far as I can see, there is little hope of filling the churches, but to each individual there is. offered the hope of salvation if he will but search the Scriptures and obey its precepts-true Christianity.
ETHEL DACKERS
(Dunedin)
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 31, Issue 784, 30 July 1954, Page 5
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276WHY ARE CHURCHES EMPTY? New Zealand Listener, Volume 31, Issue 784, 30 July 1954, Page 5
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