Ephesians 3:10, “His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.”
The purpose of the church is to encourage your spiritual growth through fellowship, teaching, prayer, worship and ministry. The term for church in the Greek, “ekkl?sia,” means “assembly or gathering.” Specifically referring to Jesus it means, “the community of gathered disciples.”
Jesus promised He would build only one thing upon the earth that would remain until His return; His church. So if you’re not building Christ’s church in your family, job and with your talents; whatever you’re building will be lost because it was built on another foundation.
The term “church” refers to two things in the New Testament. First, the word church is applied to the entire gathering of disciples because they together are the one universal Church, also known as the “Body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27). The universal Church transcends all culture, locations and even time. It is the complete and unified followers of Jesus in all times and places.
Second, the word “church” in the NT refers to the smaller gathering of disciples in one particular location. These churches are called the “local church” as opposed to the “universal Church” because they are localized. Most early churches met in people’s home like in Romans 16:3-5, “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus… also the church that meets at their house.”
Here are some good things to remember when looking for a good church to join; (1) Make sure the church believes the fundamentals of Christianity. For example the doctrine of the Trinity, the deity of Jesus, salvation by faith alone, a literal heaven and hell, etc. (2) Search for a church that has good leadership, discipleship, biblical teaching, powerful worship and prayer times, fellowship opportunities and evangelism. (3) Be committed to following the vision and example of the church’s leadership. Don’t just be a spectator- be a team player! (Hebrews 13:17).
Charles Spurgeon once said, “I do not think the devil cares how many churches you build, if only you have lukewarm preachers and people in them.” Therefore, as Paul taught in today’s passage, we all need to be on fire disciples in the church of Jesus Christ so that God can reveal His multi-faceted wisdom to the world and to the authorities in the heavenly realms!
Reflection
Action
- Repent if you have not always honored God’s church.
- Find a good church to join, if you haven’t already.
- As a part of the Body of Christ serve in the local church- touch heaven and change earth!
