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In America, there are thousands of people who would classify themselves as Christians and yet they are not members of any religious body. To them, Christianity is something that you believe, something that you try to live at home and in business, but it does not entail being a member of a church.

Why is that the case?

1. Because of divisions which have fractioned the religious world. There are more than 250 different religious bodies in the U. S. It is completely foreign to the pleas of unity, as prayed by Jesus in John 17.
2. Disparity. The practice gap (how Christians live as compared to the way Christ lived). People look at Christ and are drawn to Him…they look at the church and it appears unappealing.

 The church is the grandest and most glorious institutuon on earth!!  

8 Reasons:

1. It’s origin.

The church began in the mind of God rather than in the minds of men. It was not an afterthought!

 Ephesians 3:8-11:  “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, {9} and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. {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, {11} according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

2. It’s foundation.

1 Corinthians 3:11: “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

 Matthew 16:13-18: “When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” {14} They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” {15} “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” {16} Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” {17} Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. {18} And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

3. It’s wonderful beginning.

We spent the summer looking at the major conversions from the book of Acts. Prophecies that it would begin in Jerusalem…great day of Pentecost…great sermon by Peter…thousands heard him…3,000 souls added to the church that day.

4. Its relationship to God and to Christ.

The church is the people, not a building. Part of its glory lies in the relationship which Christians sustain to God and to Christ.

 1 Timothy 3:15: “…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.”

 The scriptures describe Christ as the bridegroom and Christians as his bride. A wedding is a special event…to see two people who love each other promise their love for life!

 That’s the picture Christ has with the church:

Ephesians 5:32: “This is a profound mystery–but I am talking about Christ and the church.”

5. Its universality.

There is no one on earth excluded from the church.

John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

 Acts 10:34-35: “Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism {35} but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.”

 Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

6. Its work.

The church has three main functions, and each is vital for the individuals reached: evangelism, edification, and benevolence.

7. Its simplicity.

It’s wonderful to know that the organization of the church and the plan of worship are so simple that people can become Christians and serve God anywhere on earth — on ships, far-off military posts, as well as home in small towns and large cities.

8. Its destiny.

John 14:1-3: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me. {2} In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. {3} And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

 Christians are on a journey. Earth is not our home. Sometimes its frightening to read in those last chapters of Revelation of the books which will be opened at the judgment. No one will enter into heaven except those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

 It need not be frightening, for it’s within our power to accept God’s grace and be certain that our names are written there. A response of faith that leads to baptism…and we become part of his church. May we never lose sight of its glory!!!