What It's Really All About

[Cal]

Originally Posted by Evangelical

I disagree with the "social gospel" and the suggestion that the church is for helping the world even though that is an important and noble thing to do.

Jesus never gave such instructions.

The purpose of the church is clear:

Mark 16:15 "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

Evangelical, Have you ever heard the saying "Preach the gospel. And when necessary use words"?

The "social gospel" is a mischaracterization. As I said in an earlier post, the dichotomy between the spiritual and the natural in this case is an artificial one. Or, more precisely, only those who are falsely spiritual fret about the difference. The truly spiritual simply do whatever it takes, spiritual or natural--that is caring for other's spirits, or souls or bodies, and the things that keep all operating--and don't worry that much about differentiating. God will lead us into balance. But the Bible is clear that if you see someone in need you are supposed to have a heart to help them if you can, not excuse yourself because since you are spiritual helping people practically is beneath you.

The bottom line is the Church is supposed to express the nature of God. Is this not a central tenet of the LCM? Does God not care for the practical needs of people? Is this not in his nature? How can you express his nature and not express his practical care for people in some way?