I love the Church

When I was a boy, my parents took their eight children to church every Sunday, even when we were on vacation. I know parts of the service bored me, because I had to confess my sins to the priest whenever I went to confession. One of the sins I often confessed in those days was “talking in church.”

However, I liked the quiet times of prayer in the mass. My prayers did not spring from confident faith but were simple things I hoped God would do. It felt good to open my timid heart to the Lord. I experienced peace, which later in life I realized was the Holy Spirit. We also celebrated communion each week, which helped me feel connected to Jesus.

This summer I’m preaching in ten different churches in California, Arizona, and Nevada. These churches sing different songs and structure their services uniquely. Only a couple of the pastors know each other and most people in their congregations have never met; however, they all experience similar things.

The Holy Spirit is present in these churches. The same peaceful presence I experienced as a child gives encouragement and inspiration to believers everywhere who worship in Jesus’ name. It doesn’t matter if the songs are old or new, loud or soft. When congregations pray and sing with thankfulness, God responds to bless them.

As an apple seed placed in good soil is destined to become a mature tree; in every church, those who are faithful to Christ are destined to become like him. Regardless of their background, family dynamics, education, or income, as people become mature believers their lives bear good fruit. The testimony of a true church is the transformation of ordinary people into men and women of God.

If believers follow Jesus’ command to love one another, their lives are enriched by the relationships they build. The wealth of wisdom and knowledge in God is revealed to people who follow Jesus. Jesus reveals himself to those who keep his word and obey his commands (John 14:21). When Jesus reveals himself, we realize he is alive and faith displaces our fears.

The churches where I preach believe that the Bible is the Word of God. As a result, their members who apply the Word are faithful in their marriages, responsible parents, hard workers, and good neighbors. They live fruitful lives, free from the ravages of sin. As Jesus said to his disciples, “If you hold to my teachings then you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).

Every morning when I study my Bible, I’m comforted by words and stories that teach truth about God. I want to know and build my life on the truth. Jesus’ priority was his love for his Father and his disciples. He told his disciples that in order to follow in his footsteps, we must love God, love one another, forgive one another, serve one another, and give generously.

The local church is the gathering of Jesus’ disciples. It is the fellowship where we build loving relationships. It is the network where we connect with those who want to grow closer to God and serve him effectively. As we build our lives together, we become a temple where God lives. “In him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit” (Eph. 2:22).

God inhabits the temple he is building. He blesses the lives of those who are part of the temple, just like he blessed the house of Obed when the ark of God rested in his yard (2 Samuel 6:11).

I’ve been able to travel the world and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. I’ve eaten in great restaurants, attended big sporting events, and been invited to many resorts and homes. I’ve met political, religious, and business leaders, as well as authors, athletes, and entertainers. I didn’t earn these privileges; I have inherited them. Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5).

Jesus lived in obedience to the Father. The Father gave all authority in heaven and on earth to his Son. We who serve the Son of God gain the privilege of enjoying the blessings that Jesus earned. What is not to love about this deal?

The Church is not perfect but it is extremely important to Jesus. Believers have different political positions. We can be greedy instead of generous and mean instead of kind. We make mistakes and we sin at times. We often don’t love the poor or each other very well. Yet Jesus laid down his life for the Church. Jesus is the head of the Church. When we turn our hearts to him, his blood cleanses us. He is preparing the Church to be his bride for eternity.

If the rewards for loving the Church were more obvious, more people would get involved for the wrong reasons. My family is not perfect, but it’s the only family I’ve got. I love my family, even with all our faults. Similarly, the churches I serve are still growing and maturing. Jesus loves his Church and blesses it because the Church is his family on the earth.

Some people say, “I can connect with God without the Church.”

That makes as much sense as saying, “I can connect with my family without showing up for dinner, celebrating family birthdays, or participating in holiday gatherings.” There is more to family and the Church than showing up for special occasions. Jesus asked Peter three times if Peter loved him. When Peter said, “Yes.” Jesus replied, “Then take care of my lambs. Take care of my sheep. Feed my sheep” (See John 21:15-17).

No one can connect with God in a meaningful way if they ignore the words of Jesus. Those who are committed to the same things Christ is committed to are building their lives on an eternal foundation.

To him be glory in the Church, and in Christ Jesus, forever and ever. Amen (Ephesians 3:21).