Genuine Christians understand the importance of the church. An effective church must maintain a holy, healthy and happy fellowship with God and with the faithful family of God. The effective church must also reach beyond its four walls with a broad ministry to nonbelievers. How important it is that the church be real before God, regenerated in the Holy Spirit and ready to proclaim that there is salvation in the name of Jesus Christ. “For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). 

The regenerated church is to be a fellowship of reverence. God must be visible in every area of ministry, and Jesus Christ must have the preeminence. Christianity is not just faith in a creed but fellowship with a person, Christ Jesus. “And they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). Clarity of conduct, confidence and courage come directly from fellowship with the Lord Jesus.

The regenerated church is to be a fellowship of redemption. Within its walls must be the awareness of sin and an invitation to repentance from that sin. Members must have experienced forgiveness and have expressed genuine faith. Jesus is the believer’s advocate, the representative of righteousness before God; and Jesus is the believer’s atonement, the sacrifice for the sins of the world. Visitors should be welcomed to accept the gift of salvation. “And they spoke the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31).

The regenerated church is to be a fellowship of responsibility. Believers are stewards of God’s riches and servants of God’s righteousness. All are responsible to worship God, work for God, and witness for God. God has given a well-rounded worldwide commission to the church. “And with great power gave the apostles witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:33).

During this tumultuous time of conflict in the Slavic world, the churches are growing in attendance and participation. Praise God that in Belarus, Moldova, Poland, Russia and Ukraine, souls are being guided to Jesus Christ for cleansing of sin and calmness of heart. Newborns are being dedicated, new disciples are being baptized, new couples are being married; and new lives are being called into spiritual service.

It is the prayer and purpose of the church that “and the Lord added” (Acts 2:47) be its constant testimony. Intercede for the missionaries of Slavic Missionary Service (and all believers) in Slavic countries that God will empower them to utilize this time to proclaim His Word and provide spiritual aid, as well as humanitarian aid, to those souls that are led into their paths.