Love Your Church—Jesus Does! – Part 7

And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Ephesians 2:22

Jesus lives in each of those who make up His church. ‘You are…members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit’ (vv. 19-22). Nothing is nearer and dearer to the heart of God than His church. ‘Christ…loved the church and gave Himself for her’ (Ephesians 5:25). His greatest interest, and the core of His eternal purpose, is that ‘through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known’ (Ephesians 3:10). You ask, ‘How can I become a member of Christ’s church?’ It’s a family; you must be born into it. That’s why Jesus told Nicodemus, ‘You must be born again’ (John 3:7). You don’t get in by shaking a preacher’s hand, filling out a membership card or making a donation to the building fund. The Bible says, ‘Receive one another, just as Christ…received [you]’ (Romans 15:7). Once you’ve surrendered your life to Christ and He has accepted you, you’re ‘in’. You may not have the high profile others enjoy in your church, but in God’s eyes you’re a bona fide, blood-washed, heaven-bound member of His family. The Bible says, ‘The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved’ (Acts 2:47)—and when He adds you, there’s not a soul on earth who can subtract you!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me new life by Your Spirit and making me a part of YOUR church. In Jesus’ Name, Amen