Love Your Church—Jesus Does! – Part 1

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her Ephesians 5:25

The church isn’t made up of people who are better than everybody else. It’s made up of people who want to be better than they are, and who know that by the grace of God they can be. Have church leaders sometimes failed us? Yes, but Jesus Christ, the Head of the church, hasn’t failed us—and He never will! Christ’s church, of which your local church is a part, was planned by God before the world began (Ephesians 1:4). It was paid for in the crimson cash of Jesus’ blood, has been sustained through history by the sacrifice of the martyrs, is prophesied to be more glorious in its ending than its beginning, and is being prepared right now as a bride for her Husband. John of Revelation describes it this way: ‘Rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready’ (Revelation 19:7). So before you attack the leadership, withdraw your membership, or withhold your stewardship, remember that nothing on earth is dearer to the heart of God than His church. The truth is, when you hurt any part of the body you also hurt the Head. And here’s something else to keep in mind: the only thing on earth that has a future is the church; all the rest is going up in smoke. And the church’s insurance policy is guaranteed by Jesus Himself, Who said, ‘I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it’ (Matthew 16:18). So love your church—Jesus does!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, as imperfect as my church may be – we are all redeemed sinners at Your feet. Help me be an active participant in Your Church. In Jesus’ Name, Amen