Scripture defines the church and its purpose.  This is as much a part of the free gift--that Christ has bought and paid for--as forgiveness for sin is a free gift.  Rejecting this part does not make you un-born again, but it does stop your growth.

How did it fall into the pit of money, power, and prestige?  What is God saying to the church today?

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, Ephesians 3:10

This is not speaking of the plastic, man-made, church, but the church that is being built according to the pattern.  It may be incomplete, not fully assembled, and imperfect right now, but God is building a House.  That House, with many "abiding places," is His Church, His Called Out Ones.

• It is through the Church that God is showing His many faceted wisdom.
• The Church is a called-out company of believers.
• The Church is a holy temple that God is building using living stones.
• The Church is the new Jerusalem.
• The Church is the abiding place that Jesus is preparing for you.