IS THIS WHAT JESUS DIED FOR?

The greatest news man has ever received is the Gospel: Jesus Christ, the only
begotten son of God, came to this earth and died upon the cross. He shed his
blood, so that we might have our sins forgiven and be redeemed unto God. That
message alone should move all mankind to humble themselves under the mighty
hand of God and praise Him for His love and kindness.

Those who have taken on the name of Jesus Christ become part of His body.
As part of His body, He tells us to preach the gospel to the lost of this
world. However, what some are doing in the name of Jesus Christ is truly
outrageous.

A recent letter I received made a request for help. A "Church of Christ" sent
the letter. They have decided to help people in their area who have recently
suffered because of tornadoes. However, what they plan on doing to help those
needy is something I've never heard of before. I'll let some portions of the
letter speak for itself.

"A few days ago, savage tornadoes smashed thousands of homes. Churches of
Christ are quickly working together to provide: one clothes washer, one
clothes dryer, one refrigerator or other needed appliances for each house
actually destroyed ... Day and night throughout the ravaged area, the Church
of Christ works with others to provide food, bottled water, medical supplies
and other necessities. However, ONLY THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST (their emphasis,
JW) are concentrating on trying to provide large appliances for the recent
homeless... Governmental leaders ... recognize that the CHURCHES OF CHRIST in
this area are actually focusing on this specialized need of large appliances
..."

It is not our intention to make light of those who have suffered losses
because of tornadoes. However, did the Lord die on the Cross, shedding His
blood, so that His church could offer washers and dryers to people? Has the
message of the gospel been changed to include the offering of refrigerators
along side of salvation? Is the church nothing more than a glorified Sears
and Roebuck?

Brethren, we must be careful:The Bible is our only guide! God tells us that
His church is a spiritual institution with a spiritual mission: to save the
lost. He gave the blood of His son, Jesus Christ, as the price for the
remission of sins. We are to offer salvation to the lost, not washers, dryers
or refrigerators! [JW]