Is the Church perfect?  Nope... (How’s that for an opening line) The Church is made up of undeserving sinners saved by grace.  However, the Bible says it is the Bride of Christ.  Acts 20:28 says;  “Christ obtained the Church through His blood.  He died for the Church.”  Ephesians 5:29 says; “Christ “nourishes and cherishes” the Church.”     

We are quick to disapprove and make judgments, but I assure you, no groom is pleased to hear his bride criticized.  Especially not Christ who says in Colossians 1:18; “He is the Head of the body, the church.”  Ephesians 3:20–21 says; “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church …”  Did you catch that?  God’s glory is in the Church. We’ve been told where we’ll see God working.  

When we place our faith in Christ, something wonderful happens.  God gives us a place in the Church, His Body.  But when we refuse to take part in God’s design because of fear or busyness or a past hurts, we miss out on God’s best for us.  Hebrews 10:25 encourages us to “not give up meeting together in the Church, as is the habit of some,” especially as we see the Day of the Lord drawing closer. 

Why?  Because living life apart from the Church is like trying to take a bath without water.  You won’t be successful.  God’s plan is for every believer to live in and grow in the Church.  Being part of the local church is to experience Christ as He intends us to. Can God work through us individually?  Sure, but there is abundant blessing in allowing His glory to shine through us corporately.  Jesus said the world will know the love of God through the unity of His people (John 17:23), but we as believers will know it, too, as Jesus calls us, equips us, and unites us in the Church. Revealing Himself to us through the love of His life, His beloved Bride, the Church.  Let’s love the church like Jesus loved the church. 

Tom