Belonging to the church, in my mind, is as much a reality as the fact that I belong to Christ. I can’t really separate these two things. Inasmuch as I can’t pick and choose what I prefer to believe in the Bible, I also can’t believe that I belong to Christ who purchased me with His blood and at the same time say I’m not a part of the larger group of people whom He also purchased with his blood. I was raised in the church beginning at age 1 when my parents became saved. At a certain point, I realized my personal need for Jesus and received him, and became a part of His church. There have, admittedly, been difficult times and conflict while in His church. At moments I have found myself asking, “Am I the cause of difficulty in Your church? Should I leave it, Lord?” A scripture that has come to mind for me is John 6:68 & 69 when Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that You are the Holy One of God.” I must, MUST be where the Word of Life is.