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Quotes on “Institutionalism”
“James 1:27 gives us a definition of pure religion, which includes "visiting the fatherless and widows" and that means providing care for them.  The church can help needy widows (First Timothy 5:16).  It can also help needy children (James 1:27).  What kind of church is it that cannot practice pure religion?  Surely that is not the Lord's church that is so prohibited.  To provide for the homeless simply means there must be a home provided. The church is not a home; does not do the work of a home; is not designed or organized to be a home.  God ordained the church and He also ordained the home.  The two are separate.  When there is no home, the church does not become the home, but must provide a home.  That is all it can do. This includes provision of food, shelter, clothing, medicine, guidance, care, love, recreation, education, etc. all the duties that belong to the home.”   The whole article can be view on the web at this address: http://www.garden-city-coc.org/sermons/church207.htm