Adam Hamilton somewhat famously lays out three questions every local church needs to answer.
- Why do people need Jesus?
- Why do they need the church?
- Why do they need this particular church?
Hamilton’s answer to the first question goes something like this: Jesus Christ is the answer to the deepest longings of the human heart. In relationship with Jesus we discover the key to a life filled with joy, love, and hope.
It is a great answer. It makes me want to know Jesus better.
In the book where I read it, Hamilton does not go into the Scriptural basis for this answer. I was trying to think where I’d go to develop that.
“I’m the way, the truth, and the life,” seems like an obvious brick in that theological house.
Where else would you go in Scripture for this?
Where do you see Scripture making this answer difficult to maintain?
Do you have a different answer than Hamilton?
I am a part-time local pastor serving 
The doctrine of original sin is surely more humbling to man than the opposite: And I know not what honour we can pay to God, if we think man came out of His hands in the condition wherein he is now.
John, This sounds like a “Fruit of the Spirit Sermon” . I checked it out in Mathew Henry’s Commentary on the whole Bible. (with my magnifying glass) all 6 volumes in one! I started at Verses 13-26 section.
If we proclaim what Jesus has done and we come together to praise and worship him in his house, those who come along with us will see and receive the fruit of the Spirit, because of our example.The particular church is only the conduit for the manifestation. Are we being all of these things to our church?
MS
I forgot to add the book, Galatians 5: 22
I would be curious to see how pastors of churches operating on more of a parish/local-church model (e.g. Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican) would answer those questions, in particular #3.
Great question, Dan. I do not know the answer, of course.
I have a different answer than Hamilton. People need Jesus for in Him is found the culmination of all God’s purposes throughout history. He is the ultimate expression of God and in Him is found truth, mercy, and grace.
FWIW