Over two thousand years ago the most influential man in human history gave his life for the most important cause of all time. The person I am talking about is Jesus Christ, and the cause was his church. The church is defined as the people of God. Jesus purchased his church by shedding his blood on the cross, he established the church through his apostles, and now he builds it with his people. Jesus is passionately in love with his church, and is determined to see it become great and radiant (Ephesians 5:25-27).
So, why do I love the church? I love the church because I love Jesus. In order to love somebody, you have to value what is important to them. The Bible describes the love relationship between Jesus and his church like that of a husband and wife (Revelation 19:7 and Ephesians 5:22-33). In fact, Jesus is so connected to the church it is referred to as his body in chapter 12 in the book of Corinthians.
I know many people are discouraged and disillusioned with the church, and rightfully so in some cases. Unfortunately, too many pastors have fallen from grace, too many churches have split over petty issues, and too many churches have not been compassionate to those who are lost and hurting. None of these are God’s intention for the church. We have to deal with the reality that people are human and make mistakes. I know it is very disappointing to witness a Christian not act like one. For all who have been let down by the church, I deeply apologize as a minister of Jesus.
Even though the church has let people down in recent years, it still has a divine purpose on planet earth, and it is still the best place to meet great people. The church is God’s household, the pillar and foundation of truth in our society (1 Timothy 3:15). The church is also the institution that is designed by God to defeat all the spiritual forces of darkness in our world (Matthew 16:18-19 and Ephesians 3:10-11).
Because the church has such an important mission it is constantly under attack. Secular humanists who want to live immoral lifestyles are trying to pass legislation to eradicate the churches influence in our country. And the devil is constantly waging warfare against the church by trying to deceive, tempt and accuse God’s people. It is regrettable that many Christian’s have succumbed to his wrongdoing. That is why we need to put on the full armor of God to stand against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:11).
The good news is that the Bible tells us the end of the story. The church is destined to be more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37-39). It will triumph over the devil and all his dark forces (Matthew 16:18-19). And the church will be presented to Jesus like a bride on her wedding day, without spot, wrinkle or blemish (Ephesians 5:27).
I love the church because it is Jesus’ body and his bride. I love the church because it has been entrusted with the greatest mission on planet earth. That mission is to destroy the devil and his works of darkness. I love the church because it possesses the power of God to bring transformation to a lost world. I love the church because it still contains the greatest people I have ever met.
If you love Jesus and appreciate all he has done for you, then you should prove your love by getting involved in a local church. The bottom line is that your love for Jesus will be reflected in your devotion to and service in Jesus’ church.
1 comment:
Very true. I for one have been discouraged by some of the actions I have experienced and witnessed in the church and no one knows how imperfect the church is more so than God Himself, but at the same time God's love, mercy and grace run so deep for the church and His people that we cannot judge the church or the imperfect individuals.
Instead of judging the church and becoming bitter we should be challenging the church and it's individuals to rise up and overcome their shortcomings.
Post a Comment