There are many people, particularly in our culture today,

who are so disappointed and frustrated

with the institutional church that they say,

I can be a Christian without being a member of the visible church.

I'd like to say to you that that is, in my judgment,

a serious transgression against the Lord Jesus Christ,

who established a visible church,

and who gave a task and a mission to a visible church

and calls us to be part of that visible church.

For some people, that may be a jarring comment from R.C. Sproul,

especially when we live in such an individualistic time.

But one of the Bible's descriptions of the church

is that of a body of believers, not isolated dismembered limbs.

You're listening to the Saturday edition of Renewing Your Mind,

and today, R.C. Sproul will begin a short study on the church.

What is the church, and what is the church's role in this world?

With the significant rise in the number of people

who watch a church service online,

instead of attempt and participating one

as part of a local congregation,

I believe this is an important message

and a reminder for R.C. Sproul.

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