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The Church’s Great SignificanceRomans 16:17–18 (NIV®)Watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.Our generation is not the first to encounter ungodliness in human character. But we can’t simply capitulate to it. We can’t raise our hands and say, “Everyone cheats. Everyone lies. Everyone steals. Everyone is out for themselves. There’s nothing we can do.” Folks, we need the Church to be the Church. We won’t always get it right, but we have to care about what’s happening around us. It begins with cleansing our own hearts. But then we have to demand truth and integrity from the people who lead us. If we withdraw from the system and say it’s pointless for us to be involved, then we abandon the arena to evil. The Church is in the earth to resist ungodliness, hold back corruption, increase the light, and decrease the darkness. If we’ll be the Church, I believe God will respond and help us.THINK ABOUT ITThe Church is the only thing shielding humanity from the domination of evil. That makes leading with our faith—upholding the name of Jesus and God’s truth wherever we go—the greatest invitation of our lives.PRAYERHeavenly Father, thank You for the Church in the earth and for the great honor You’ve given us of bearing the name of Jesus. Awaken Your people to Your purposes and to our assignment to be salt and light in a dark generation. Help us lead with our faith and use our voices to effectively proclaim Your Kingdom and Your character. In Jesus’ name, amen.Blessings,Pastor Allen Jackson