Apostolic Friends Forum - I love the Church...!!

This old Ship's been through battles before...tossed and battered and rocks on the shore. Though the hull may be tattered, inside it's safe and dry. And it will carry it's cargo to the home in the sky

For God Has Always Had A People!

Many a foolish conquer made the mistake of thinking that because he had forced the Church of Jesus Christ out of sight, that he had stilled its voice and snuffed out its life.

But God Has Always Had A People!

The powerful current of a rushing river is not diminished because it is forced to flow underground. The purest water is the stream that bursts crystal clear into the sunlight after it has fought its way through solid rock.

There have been charlatans who like Simon the magician, sought to barter on the open market that power which cannot be bought or sold.

But God Has Always Had A People!

Men who could not be bought and women who were beyond purchase.

Yes, God Has Always Had A People!

There have been times of affluence and prosperity when the Church's message was nearly diluted into oblivion by those who sought to make it socially attractive, neatly organized and financially profitable.

It has been gold plated ,draped in purple and encrusted with jewels.

It has been misrepresented, ridiculed, blotted and scorned.

These followers of Jesus Christ have been according to the whim of the times elevated as sacred leaders and martyred as heretics.

Yet through it all, there marches on that powerful army of the meek, God's chosen people that can't be bought, flattered, murdered or stilled.

On through the ages they march.

The Church, God's Church Triumphant, is Alive and Well!

So, let the Church be the Church...let the people rejoice! For we've settled the question, and we've made our choice.

Let the anthem ring out, songs of victory swell.

For the Church triumphant is alive...

Now listen child of God, it's alive!

Discouraged pastor, it's His Church and it's alive!

Lonely Missionary, sow your seeds with confidence!

It's alive, my broken hearted friend!

Old saint, you’re not alone and forgotten, the Church is alive!

Busy mother, cast your cares on Jesus!

It's alive, young student. You're not alone in serving the Lord!

Faithful father, there's rest in the Lord! The Church is alive!

Cynical skeptic, you haven't killed God with your noisy unbelief.

He's Alive!

So family of God, raise you hands and praise the Lord.

For the Church, God's Church Triumphant is Alive and Well!

-Bill & Gloria Gaither