What's so great about the church?

"Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 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" Ephesians 3:8-10

The church has always been a mystery in God's words, and God's intent is for us to discover this hidden secret through our relationship with Him. So what is so great about church? Why do one needs to go to the church? Is it like what others say, the church exists in thou heart?

1.The Church is the Foundation of the Truth

In Paul's words, "if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth." 1 Timothy 3: 15

In this postmodern age, people go what truth that is not absolute. Truth becomes relative and they forgotten that in the over-sung innovation, technology and out-of-norm work, foundation of truth is paramount to achieving all of these. People flew out of proportion with what truth is, no measure of right and wrong, no measure of good and bad. People live by the day without realising the influence of the church in their land, when it is the cornerstone of truth itself. And when their so-called foundations are shaken, their instincts are to look for solutions and not the truth.

2. The Church is the Solutions for our Problems

"...Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." Ephesians 5:25

In our town, people will think that solutions for the ever-increasing cases of suicide, divorce and abuse cases point to more channels for educating the people and the urge for the government to execute more measures for her people. But such mantras are superficial and do not solve the crux of the problem. The church of Jesus Christ has been ordained to solve the problem of the hearts of the people, as people embrace and live by the truth.

3. The Church is for the Salvation for the Lost

"..on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." Matthew 16:18

As children of Christ, we need to have a far higher view of what the church is about. That the church is meant to display His manifold wisdoms, it is a coummunity of sinners (imperfect people) gathered to work together in the respect of each one doing his role. The role of this one sinner -- the pastor, is to keep these sinners attentive to God.

Therefore, everyone can build the church by 4 ways:
1) coming
"some part of the church will be in darkness in your absence, as every individual brings in a lamp of light by coming to church"
2) giving
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.Butstore up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 16:19-20
3) serving
"From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Ephesians 4:16
4) evangelising
Go preach the good news and harvest for His name. In Paul's labour for the church, "Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church." Colossians 1: 24

Which area tugs at your heartstrings today? As God spoken into the depths of your inner being, and beckoning you into His inner sanctuary today? As I sit through the sermon today, I reflected that I have not been doing enough for this church I call my home. And I will...

Hasn't God taught us to give careful thoughts to our ways? Have you been too busy building your home and left the church in ruins before your eyes?Hasn't He said that He will be with you and do not fear? for fear is the most accursed of all base passions? (Read Haggai today for You are called to BUILD THE HOUSE OF THE LORD)