EGM Times March-April 2023 Edition

EGM TIMES MARCH - APRIL 2023

V O L U M E 11 I S S U E 2

EXPOSING | ENCOURAGING | EMPOWERING

The Messiness of Church Hurt and the Hope We Have in Jesus – Lori Schumaker - 09

What is the Church? The Church is You - Addisson Wehner - 14

Here Is the Church, here is the Steeple - Lenette Lindsey - 21

The Church -Olamide Adeleye - 25

THE CHURCH

Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.

1 Corinthians 10:17

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09 THE MESSINESS OF CHURCH HURT AND THE HOPE WE HAVE IN JESUS -Lori Schumaker

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WHAT IS THE CHURCH? THE CHURCH IS YOU. -Addisson Wehner

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#OPINION

-George V Oommen

All Bible references are from New International Version, English Standard Version, New Living Translation, King James Version. EGM Times is published by Elohim Gospel Ministries, USA & India. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

EGM Times has no subscription price and is supported through contributions worldwide. Because all EGM Times editions are preplanned, we are unable to accept unsolicited manuscripts. For more information or to subscribe, visit: elohimgospelministries.com President: Evg. Jacob Vilgi Oommen Chief Editor: George Vilgi Oommen Associate Editor: Gideon Pingkihan Content Editor: Effie Ochago Design: EGM Media

STAY CONNECTED elohimgospelministries.com egminspirations.com

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CONFIDENT ANSWERS -Jacob Varghese

HERE IS THE CHURCH, HERE IS THE STEEPLE -Lenette Lindsey

25 THE CHURCH -Olamide Adeleye, Nigeria

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MEET OUR WRITERS

Lori Schumaker, USA

Addison Wehner, USA

Lenette Lindsey, USA

Olamide Adeleye, Nigeria

Lori is a wife, adoptive and biological mom, teacher, writer, and speaker. Her heart is to help women make sense of God and His unconditional love for them. Her blog at www.LoriSchumaker.com provides tools and resources to unveil a hope-filled life while growing in faith and relationship with the Lord. She is a regular contributor to several online publications and books, and the author of the award-winning Surrendered Hearts: An Adoption Story of Love, Loss, and Learning to Trust. You can connect with her on her website or through her IG account lori_schumaker

Addisson Wehner is a social media influencer, model, and dance teacher. She uses her platform to further the gospel of Christ by helping young women recognize their true value to the creator.

Chronic childhood health issues drawn her closer to God and prepared her for the work God has called her to do. Her biggest dream in life is to live one that is not only full of love, but also focused solely on giving God the glory every moment.

Her hobbies include spending time with her two dachshunds, reading lots of books, and going on walks or to the zoo with her husband.

Lenette Lindsey is a Bible teacher and author who loves Jesus and people with her whole heart. She’s passionate about empowering women and students to hold fast to the truth of God’s Word, walk in freedom, and share the powerful message of the gospel with those around them. She believes wholeheartedly that words really do matter, especially God’s Word. Lenette has a bachelor’s from Baylor University and a master’s from Dallas Theological Seminary. She has three adult children, and lives in Texas with her husband. You can connect with Lenette on s IG – lenettelindsey. Get to know Lenette better on her website: https://www.lenettelindsey.com.

Olamide Adeleye is a Barrister-at-Law, a chartered Arbitrator, a Writer, and a Poet, who currently runs her own legal practice and is the Principal Counsel at YBA & Co. Solicitors, Lagos, Nigeria. In ministry, she has served in various capacities (including pastoral) through the years beginning with the children’s ministry until she was called into the women’s ministry, both within and outside Nigeria. She is very passionate about children and also helping women to acquire the drive to thrive, and not to simply survive in all spheres of life. She is married and blessed with two children.

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EDITORIAL

Friends, In the final edition of 2022, we had a discussion on the topic “The Church.” We will continue the discussion on the same theme in this edition also. Founded on the day of Pentecost, as mentioned in the book of Acts, the church is still standing tall in the world today. The church had survived the trials and persecution of many powerful forces in the world. But through it all, it still stands tall.

The writers in this edition explain the different aspects of the Church from the word of God. I am blessed to read all of them while preparing for this edition. I am sure you will have the same experience as well.

I also hope you are finding insights from our new series, “Confident Answers” in partnership with SAFT apologetics. The SAFT team goes the extra mile to get the questions answered.

So if you have any questions, please email them to us at egmtimes@elohimgospelministries.com Happy reading. God bless you.

George Vilgi Oommen Chief Editor

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DID YOU KNOW? On January 24, 2023, the doomsday clock is moved forward to 90 seconds closer to midnight. The Doomsday clock is a symbolic clock maintained by scientists to represent the dangers humanity faces which may end up in complete destruction (also known as doomsday).

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THE MESSINESS OF CHURCH HURT AND THE HOPE WE HAVE IN

Jesus

– Lori Schumaker 09 / EGM TIMES

I first experienced the goodness of the Church and a community of believers in a little white steepled building in a small rural area of northern Minnesota. I remember the sense of peace I experienced each time I walked through those doors.

“The memories of my first church experience gave me enough to know that there was more than the world was offering and more than my soul needed.”

For that little girl, it planted the seeds of my faith and the taste of what the church can be. The memory stayed with me even after I lost my way and made choices that didn’t reflect the Jesus who loved me beyond measure.

God didn’t abandon me when I made sinful choices. He waited patiently while beckoning me back to Him and His Church. The memories of my first church experience gave me enough to know that there was more than the world was offering and more that my soul needed.

Years later, I surrendered, and my world forever changed for the better. God used the people, the teachings, and my life experiences to reveal Himself fully. I fell in love with Him and thirsted for His Word. At the time, I thought my Church building and community would be forever, but I was wrong. It was a misconception that led to deep heartbreak.

I believed that the Church was a haven from betrayal and evil. So, when I experienced both, I wondered if I’d been wrong about the Church. I wondered how Bible-believing Christians could be mean-spirited and leadership unprincipled.

But God reminded me of His Truth.

And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. -Ephesians 1:22-23 ESV

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The Church is more than a building or a group of people. Christ is the cornerstone of the Church.

The people and any given location are an assembly of all those set apart as holy and sanctified in Christ and called according to His purpose. The church building or organization is a place where all those believers can gather to encourage and equip each other to be disciples of Christ and accomplish God’s purpose.

Christ is sinless. But a building or organization can be infiltrated by sin. The devil sees it as prime real estate for division and destruction, to tear down faith, and turn people toward the world. But Christ, the Cornerstone, is greater than all the sin combined — it is under His feet.

His purpose will never be thwarted. His blessing for those who love Him never cast away.

Within the walls or scope of any church, we will encounter hurt. Yet, the church still needs to grow in faith and accomplish God’s purpose. God calls us to be His Church. His Bride (Ephesians 5:23). He calls the broken. The confused. And even those who think they’ve got it all together.

Jesus does transform the heart of a new believer.

He washes away our sins and gives us new life.

But He also gives us free will. The enemy roams and throws temptation in our pathway.

And even believers fall because faith gives salvation, not perfection. Faith is about finding hope in a perfect Jesus, not in perfect people or places.

Once upon a time, I: Subconsciously idolized people when Jesus is the only One worthy of all praise.

Expected from people, what only Jesus can offer.

Trusted in people in ways we can only trust in Jesus.

Valued opinions of others instead of the only Opinion that matters.

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But God has been faithful and given me perspective and clarity. Today, I have a building I call my Church home and online communities of believers to which I belong. I am sure there are those in these places being used by the enemy for evil purposes. But God works all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). He uses the good as well as the bad to refine our faith and make us stronger, better people. He’s used my pain from the past to know Him more today. He’s given me a heart for others and a passion for pointing to Him and the healing possible through Him. Had I never been hurt by the messiness of people and relationships, I wouldn’t be who and where I am today.

So, yes. I need the church. We need the church.

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It inspires, educates, and holds us accountable for our faith. There, we find people to come alongside us when we falter, need help, or need comfort. It’s there we learn to disciple others and share the Good News with the lost and broken.

We can’t fall victim to misconceptions of perfect places or perfect people. Wherever Jesus calls us to His body of believers, we must focus on Him. It may well be the place we encounter broken people who hurt us. That is when we will lean on Jesus and move forward by choosing each next step with the wisdom and discernment He gives us through His Word and prayer. If we follow Him, He will bring truth, clarity, and purpose as we seek to be His called people. He is our hope standing tall and strong as we navigate the messiness of church hurt.

#OPINION

A global organization -George Vilgi Oommen

I recently heard a sermon by Rev. J John about the church.

He compared the church to a global organization.

The church is present in almost every country in the world. It manages hospitals, hospices, homeless shelters, educational institutions and many more.

The church feeds the poor, runs orphanages, handles family issues, do justice work. In short, the church looks after people from birth to death. And also directs people to life after death. Not only it is global, the church is also Extraterrestrial, having Jesus as the head of it. St Augustine wrote, “you cannot have God as your father without having the church as your mother.” As followers of Jesus, we are part of the church, the worldwide body of Christ.

What a great explanation of the Church!

Till the second coming of Jesus, the church will be here to take care of the people’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs, guiding them to eternal life through Jesus Christ (and dare I say, any church deviating from these as their mission is on a wrong path!). Every member of the church has the mandate to fulfill the mission to reach people with the gospel message. Mathew 28:18-20 says, “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

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Every member of the church should have this perspective and strive towards achieving the great commission of Jesus. Everyone should also have the perspective that the church is global, not just a few members of the local congregation. With the spread of technology, social media and extremist political ideologies, it is easy for the church to lose sight of its mission and mandate from God. Each of us is responsible for ensuring that we are focused on the Church and its primary missions.

As you read this, I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you in a special way to have a greater role in your church for the glory of God!

YOU What is the Church? The Church is

- Addisson Wehner

“This means that not one person in the church of Christ is without purpose within the community.

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What is the church? This is a question that many people may ask themselves as they decide where to plant roots as a Christian. I, as a Christian, have asked myself this question and beyond these pages of this article are the answers I have found through my research. The first thing to note is that the church in our current time is seen as a building; however, this was not its original intention.

The original intention of the church in the Bible is to have a community with the chosen ones of God. Yet, there is still so much more to it. The church is also a way that Jesus describes His body of believers. In other words, the body of Christ is the church of Christ. This means that not one person in the church of Christ is without purpose within the community. From my understanding, there are two different reasons that the church should exist: 1) to be the hands and feet of Jesus and 2) to show the world what a true community looks like. I’m going to dive into these two reasons and help you, dear reader, understand that Jesus is not interested in a place where His love will not and cannot flow freely.

Let’s start with how the church is the body of Christ. Have you ever asked the question, “if Jesus overcame the world, why do we still live with pain, terrible stories, and hopeless feelings?” It is because, as the body of Christ, we are silent.

We are His hands and feet and you and I have been given the power to be just that. So, if the world doesn’t know Jesus, we should look no further than ourselves. This doesn’t always explain why there will still be tragic stories after we start to speak, but it should drastically change the environment around us.

Now, how do we make sure that we are all connected to the ultimate source? This happens through the Holy Spirit, who, according to the Bible, is the connection between you and me and connects us to God. This truth is found in 1 Corinthians 12:12. If you are feeling confused about the intentions behind actions, test the spirit with it. We do this by checking our character, or in other words, testing the fruit. As found in Galatians 5:23, the fruits of the spirit that you and I should house if we are truly being led by God’s spirit are described. Another way we can walk in our calling as the body of Christ is by recognizing that each person has a unique job within that body. This passage of scripture can be found in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, which points out that you may be the ears, eyes, hands, or feet of Jesus. No matter what, the point is that God designed you to exude the temperament and skills for His good and perfect purpose.

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Our second purpose in the church is to create community. I want to leave you with this. We are called to be Community means connecting with a group of like-minded the difference, meaning our community, and our people bound together by love. According to Colossians church, should all point to the active and alive God 3:14, we should place love above all, which can unite us. If we all serve. This is the very reason you and I you notice, you cannot have a community without unity. I were created to dwell with God, to be a beacon know, cringe! Although this is a silly example, in all reality, that points back to Him in everything we do. As the Bible said it first! In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul writes that well as bring the good news to others through our you and I should be of one mind, connected so that there is actions, words, and how we treat those around us. no division between us. So much so that we are of a united Thus, I encourage you to find your church, build mind. Community isn’t just something to have for fellow- community, and spend time with Jesus to discover ship, it is also something you create to help keep you the gifts that will serve the believers and non-beaccountable, as well as to cling to when things get hard in lievers around you. Jesus loves you, friend. Let us life. It is also the example that Christ desires us to share help others also discover it. with the world: to be the difference. We cannot create shallow relationships or communities out of convenience because it shows those around us that Jesus isn’t who He says He is. That He isn’t powerful enough, or that His love isn’t perfect enough to bind us all together and build unity between so many different backgrounds, minds, and people.

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CONFIDENT ANSWERS Q. The current incidents (earthquake in Turkeye, war in Ukraine,etc.) happening around the world sometimes feel overwhelming. Are we witnessing the end times?

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Daniel

Your question can be taken to be representative of the agonising worry many have world over.

Thank you Daniel. I believe useful clarity can be shed on this question within my limited space.

A recent study shows that 39% of Americans believe that we are in the end times. This includes 9% atheists and 14% agnostics.(1) 55% of US adults and 75% of Christians affirmed that Jesus would return someday. The survey notes that an additional third of Americans say Jesus will return but that knowing what will happen before Jesus returns is impossible. In conclusion the report notes, “... members of historically Black churches (51%), Catholics (44%) and mainline Protestants (41%) are more likely to say it is impossible to know what will happen before Jesus’ return.”

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It appears that this attitude of ambiguity was missing in the past. The 1918 Spanish Flu was taken as a sign of the end times(2), as was the Black Death(3). Such perceptions were fuelled

by Christians regularly. Most famously, Johanna Brandt published in the pamphlet ‘The Millennium—A Prophetic Forecast’ that the flu beckoned the beginning of the distress of Revelation. With a death toll of 50 million, no wonder the flu garnered this remark. More recently, the Cuban Missile crisis, the Six Day War, the invention of barcode, the Gulf War, 9/11, the Obama Presidency, COVID-19 and, the Russia-Ukraine war have been added to the long list of ‘Revelation markers.’ Sites such as Raptureready.com are so dedicated to cataloguing such events they now have a Rapture Index.

The efforts of Christians to identify the true unfolding of the end times have unfortunately resulted in many failed attempts to predict the exact dates of the end times. Harold Camping, Edgar Whisenant, Pat Robertson and Herbert Armstrong are a few famous names to have done so(4). And what seems to be the basis for such attempts? Their reading of the complex and highly figurative text of Revelation.

Scholars are diverse in their understanding of what John is describing using strong imagery. Any attempt claiming to have cracked the mystery of the imagery and events must be viewed with strong Biblical scepticism. The regular failure of predictions is a pressing reminder for any similar ventures.

It is certain that these attempts have cemented renowned historian of religion Elaine Pagels to opine that apocalyptic meanings are always malleable and are adaptable to any crisis(5). It has also given ample ground for sceptics to look at Revelation as a merely human effort to usher in the hope of the eventual victory of good over evil. Hence the sceptic has found one more reason to toss to the side as mere fiction the glorious depiction of the grandeur and might of the Triune God, His sovereignty over creation and central doctrines of the Godhead - all because we were adamant to predict and proclaim.

(1) Diamant, J. (2023, March 1). About four-in-ten U.S. adults believe humanity is ‘living in the end times.’ Pew Research Center. Retrieved February 28, 2023, from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/12/08/about-four-in-ten-u-s-adults-believe-humanity-is-living-in-the-end-times/ (2) Howard, P. (2008). Why did it happen?: Religious explanations of the "Spanish" flu epidemic in South Africa. Historically Speaking, 9(7), 34–36.

(3) Lerner R. The Black death and Western European eschatological mentalities. The American Historical Review. 1981;86(1):533–535. doi: 10.2307/1860369; Dwyer, F. (2016).1348: A medieval apocalypse—the black death in Ireland.

(4) Culbertson, H. (n.d.). What are some signs of the prophesied End Times? http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/endtimes.htm

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Having laid the sufficient ground for us to be cautious, let me answer the question. As R C Sproul put it, everything after the ascension of Christ is the end times(6). So yes, we are in the end times.

But we can’t say if the Second Coming is hastened by the recent earthquakes and wars. Earthquakes and wars have always been the case on earth. WWI and WWII would’ve fit our notion of ‘nations vs. nations’ that Jesus spoke of. In fact, for that matter, pandemics are also more common than we think, happening at a rate of one or two per century (7). Many predicted that the COVID-19 pandemic would be the affliction of Revelation that wipes out a fourth of the world population.

COVID-19 swept with it just over six millions lives (8), massively shy of the apocalyptic estimate of 1.9 billion. Yet another instance of a failed prediction. The Spanish Flu had a better chance to fulfil the prophecy with its death toll.

Before I conclude, let me say this after much thought. I hold that such extensive study aimed to decode the dates and events of Daniel, Ezekiel and Revelation may end up being futile as they seem to fail to - inform us more (or with added detail) about who God is, - edify and strengthen us by bringing about repentance and zeal for holiness and - further our efforts to win a lost world of sinners.

I am in no way reprimanding anyone from learning more about any text of the Scriptures. If in case a Christian intends to engage in such a study with such vigour and fervour, so much so that he/she ends up calling committed brethren heretics for not accepting his/her apocalyptic interpretation word-for-word, then they need to ask if the knowledge gained adds on to any one of the above listed three areas. By running after the effort to decode, many have forgotten the role missions play in hastening, if I may say so, the coming of our Lord.

(5) Pagels E. Revelations: Visions, prophecy and politics in the book of revelation. London: Penguin Books; 2012 (6) Sproul, R. C. Are we living in the end times described in the book of Revelation? Ligonier Ministries.

(7) Ross, H. (2021, April 22). Is COVID-19 the Plague Prophesied in Revelation 6? Reasons to Believe. https://reasons.org/explore/blogs/todays-new-reason-to-believe/is-covid-19-the-plague-prophesied-in-revelation-6 (8) https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

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“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Mathew 24:14, NIV) But how moved are we to fulfil the Gospel mandate and permeate the world with the Good News? Why is it that Christians world over, including myself for a long time, are so thrilled at the prospect of finding out the birthplace of the anti-Christ? The former head of U.S. Center for World Mission Ralph Winter said "For some reason, Christians often make little connection between discussion of prophecy and future events, and discussion of missions(9)" The connection between the end-times and the Great Commission prompted theologian Cullman to assert "The proclamation of the Gospel as an 'eschatological sign' is not a peripheral phenomenon(10)" So Daniel, let me assure you this. We are certainly a day closer to the return of our King than we were yesterday. What exact event must transpire before He arrives may remain away from grasp for us to decode. But let us continue to proclaim the Gospel with accentuated fervour so that when the next greatest event on this earth happens, one we have been so passionately looking forward to, may we bring along our family, friends and colleagues too to partake in joy unending.

By, Jacob Varghese, Founder-Director, SAFT Apologetics SAFT Apologetics is a web-based Indian Christian initiative that aims to equip the believer defend their faith so that they may effectively evangelise. We work towards fulfilling our Vision to break the language and accessibility barrier and make apologetics resources within easy reach for all communities in India and beyond. We live out our Vision through our podcast, conferences, blog, YouTube channel and live speaking sessions. In short, we are creating an online library with an invitation to all to seek answers so that they may find the truth.

(9) Aune, David E. "Missions' Divine Necessity," Evangelical Missions Quarterly. Winter, 1967, pp. 75-83 (10) Cullman, Oscar "Eschatology and Missions in the New Testament". The Theology of the Christian Mission, Gerald H. Anderson, ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1961.

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Here Is the

Church here is the Steeple - Lenette Lindsey

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Here is the church. Here is the steeple. Open the doors and see all the people. This familiar rhyme may bring back memories for those who grew up in church. It creates excitement and anticipation for children beginning to make connections about themselves, their world, and others as they attend worship. They’re already hardwired with a yearning for God and the truth about Him and how they fit into His grand story (Acts 17:27).

We are created to crave the things of God and fellowship with the people of God. Genesis one and two reveal how Yahweh fashioned us that way from the beginning. Then chapter three changes everything. It distorts the church, the steeple, and the people. We no longer live in harmony with each other—the church. We are no longer focused above on God—the steeple. And we set our gaze on ourselves—the people. As imperfect as it is, the church is still God’s primary means of revealing Himself through His Word and doing life together as believers.

After thirty-five years, I visited the church where I first heard God call my name. I remember His invitation clearly, even though I was only six. Although the church was closed midweek, the janitor opened the door for me. I wiped away the tears as I walked through those familiar doors. The Holy Spirit didn’t even wait before I sat in a pew before He downloaded the memories of those precious years of His courtship before He popped the question. It was in that very sanctuary where I said yes to Jesus.

What is the Church? Is it the building? Is it the people? Is it the collective body of believers throughout the world?

Yes, that is the church—all of it. The local church, the Young Life Club in high school, the CRU gathering in college, and the neighborhood Bible study group. God uses His people to reach the hurting, broken, confused, and lost. He can do that anywhere, in any setting, in any group, in any community, and in any country.

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Throughout history, the church has been questioned, rightfully so. Some have been led astray by false teaching in the church. Many have been hurt by abuse and the moral failings of church leaders. Some have listened but not heard the message. Yet, others have been positively influenced and led to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ through the Church.

The church is the building. God provides spaces for us to hear about Him. From the inception of the Tabernacle in the Old Testament, the Temple in Jerusalem, the synagogues in Israel, and the church buildings today, God has set apart a place to gather and hear the truth of His Word, worship Him, and share life with other believers.

The church is the individual believer. I’m so grateful for the pastors, professors, volunteers, friends, moms, and para-church leaders who have significantly impacted my relationship with Christ and sacrificed their time on behalf of my soul. They have names: Lois, Howard, Charlie, Sue, Dana, Bill, Janet, Todd, Melissa, Kevin, Lisa, Mary, Christe, Sheila, Matt, Cynthia, Meredith, Stephen, and Mark. You have your heroes too.

The church is the collective body of believers. While worshipping in Christian churches in Jerusalem, Egypt, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, I looked into the eyes of people who did not look like me and shared smiles as we sang. We are related and connected to all those around the world who call upon the name of Jesus. We are one big family, and it’s beautiful (1 Cor 12:27). We are different yet the same.

But the church is not just the building. Structures collapse over time. The childhood church I visited later burned down. The temple in Jerusalem was destroyed twice. But Christ said he would raise it again in three days (John 2:19). As He rose from the dead, every believer became a temple of the Living God (1 Cor. 3:16).

Our individual churches remain etched in our memories, holding impactful encounters with the Lord. Even so, as believers, we are the temple, housing the very Spirit of God. 23 / EGM TIMES

“ The church is the bride of Christ. He built it and promised nothing would overcome it.”

The church is not just the people. The church is full of broken yet redeemed individuals still in the process of sanctification. Although we are called to emulate Christ, we are not perfect.

People, including pastors, will let us down. I love the message “It’s okay not to be okay. God meets you where you are,” which is displayed on nearly every wall in my church. When people disappoint us, and they will, we can rely on the truth that God will never let us down (Ps 18:1-3). He is our rock and firm foundation.

The church is not just an experience. It is the place where the essential doctrines of our faith are proclaimed. We need to know what we believe (orthodoxy), so we can live out those beliefs (orthopraxy). If the church teaches the whole truth of God’s Word, we are not led astray by false doctrines (Eph. 4:14). The church is the body of Christ sent into the world to display God’s glory as we love Him, love people, and make disciples (Mark 12:30-31, Matt. 28:19-20). The church is the bride of Christ. He built it and promised nothing would overcome it (Matt. 16:18). Jesus is coming back for His bride (Rev. 19:7). Get ready, Church!

Save The Lost source - www.drawforgod.com

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The Church

-Olamide Adeleye

The church is a place of His power.We are the bearers of the good news.

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We are the church! Yes, you and I As the apple of our Father’s eye How beautiful when we are united For in unity, we can’t be limited There the Lord commands His blessings There we learn life’s great lessons We have been forgiven And for His glory woven When we come together We encourage each other We spur one another on As children of Judah’s Lion With residence in Zion For alone we can’t fight the battle Alone, the enemy we can’t rattle Therefore don’t stray from the flock And let Him remain your ever-solid rock The Church is the place of His power A place where He takes us higher It’s a place of unrelenting prayers Where we become spiritual slayers We may be two or just three What matters is that we are free We are the Church!

Together with the gathering of angels For all to hear & heed we ring the bells We are the bearers of the good news In whom His Spirit graciously brews Blessed are those sitting in the pews His beloved and His spiritual Jews Blessed are those on the altar May they not fail nor falter We are the Church There the Holy Spirit broods A beautiful testament to His fatherhood Together as we run the race I pray upon you much more grace Here I can safely rest To this, I can boldly attest Your House is a safe nest For You look not for perfect children But children in whom Your glory will reflect Thank You for counting us among the elect 26 / EGM TIMES

FINAL WORD Dear friend,

Thank you for making it to the end of this edition. We hope you found new insights about the church from this edition. You can read the Nov_Dec_2022 edition of EGM Times magazine to read the first part of the theme The Church.

If you are reading this and have not experienced the love and power of God, we encourage you to embrace His love – offered as salvation through Jesus Christ. In His unending affection for us, God has a lot in store for your life and longs to have you as part of His family. We also encourage you to rededicate your life to God if you were born again but drifted away from the call. Make the following prayer and accept Jesus as your savior: “Lord Jesus, I come before you today. I acknowledge that I am a sinner, and my sins have separated me from you. Today, I believe that you are the son of God and that you had me in mind when you got crucified and died. I believe that you are resurrected and seated at the right hand of the Father.

I accept you today as my Lord and savior. Thank you for paying the price for my eternal redemption. I am now the righteousness of God in Christ. I now ask you to fill me with your spirit. Amen.”

Congratulations on surrendering or rededicating your life to God. You are now a new creation in Christ. We encourage you to join a family of believers (church) in your area, and we pray that you get established in your faith through studying the word by the grace of God. We at EGM Times team love you and would like to hear from you. Send your feedback, comments, and constructive criticism to egmtimes@elohimgospelministries.com. See you in the next edition.

God bless you!!!

Team EGM Times

27/ EGM TIMES

memory lane

Pictured above is the photo of George, chief editor reading the first printed edition of EGM Times magazine. Clicked on June, 2016.

28 / EGM TIMES

- CHARLES SPURGEON

I BELIEVE THAT ONE REASON WHY THE CHURCH OF GOD AT THIS PRESENT MOMENT HAS SO LITTLE INFLUENCE OVER THE WORLD IS BECAUSE THE WORLD HAS SO MUCH INFLUENCE OVER THE CHURCH.

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