The Importance of the Church

Steven’s Scribbles
“The Importance of the Church”
Acts 2:41-47
    
    Last week I wrote about how we need to “Be the church” and stop talking about the church as something that we “go do.” If we are going to be the church, we must absolutely understand the importance of the church. A very simple way to understand the importance of the church is to see how she is described over and over throughout the New Testament. I want to remind you that when we look at what the church is, we are looking at who the people are supposed to be. We are not looking at a building. The church is the household of God, which is the pillar and support of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15). The church is the body of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23), the kingdom of Heaven (Rev. 1:4 &7; Matt 16:18-19), the location of the saved (Acts 2:41 & 47),  the bride of Christ (Eph. 5:22-32), the temple in the Lord and dwelling place of God in the Spirit (Eph. 2:21-22), and the only institution that Jesus Christ died for (Acts 20:28). To deemphasis the church and her role is to deemphasis Christ. Often today the sentiment among some God-fearing people is, “I don’t want church or religion. I just want Jesus.” How can you have Jesus’ head without His body? How can you have Jesus without that which He spilled His blood for? How can one have a convenient relationship with God Almighty without being a part of where His Spirit dwells? Not only do we need to be the church, we need to understand the importance of the Church. Jesus loved His church and died for Her (Eph. 5:25). When she assembles to worship, we need to be there to encourage one another (Heb. 10:23-25). When she is hurting, we need to provide relief (Acts 4:32-35). When Her members leave, we need to go get them (James 5:19-20; Luke 15:3-7). We need to love our church family, because that is one way  we love Christ (John 13:34-35). I love you all!


In His service,
Steven Hugley