Hope in the church

I have read and heard Bill Hybels say many times that, "The local church is the hope of the world." And I believe it. I was thinking today about a quote of his that's been hanging on my wall for as long as I can remember. I think maybe it's my favorite quote of all time. He said:

Think what a local church would be like if its people were radically devoted to Christ, irrevocably committed to each other, and relentlessly dedicated to reaching those outside God's family with the gospel of Christ. It would be an unstoppable force for good in the community, an inspiration to other churches, and a testimony to God's unfailing grace. It would be a church against which the gates of hell could not prevail.

Amen an' all that! Every time I read that it gives me goosebumps. THAT is what I want my church to be about. Just think if they were all like that? Go church!