From Jim’s Heart—Understanding the Importance of the Church

Aside from Paul’s consistent theme of salvation by grace through faith (see Ephesians 2:8-9 and Titus 3:5), his teachings on the church are one of the most dominant subjects in his writings. That should serve as a clue that, as men after God’s own heart and as men who desire to fulfill all of God’s will, you and I ought to heed Paul’s heartfelt teachings on this most important subject. If God inspired Paul to say so much about the church, then clearly the church is important to God, and likewise, it should be important to us. Here’s a sampling of what Paul taught about the church in just one of his 13 letters, the book of Ephesians:

• The church is headed by Christ (Ephesians 1:22).
• The church is Christ’s body (1:23).
• The church is to show forth the wisdom of God (3:10).
• The church is subject to Christ (5:24).
• Christ loved and died for the church (5:25).
• Christ feeds and cares for His church (5:29).
• We, as believers, are members of Christ’s body, the church (5:30).

…and there’s much more Paul says about the church! Given this emphasis, we can see why the church—both worldwide and our local church—should be important to us. In fact, the church is a priority for a man after God’s own heart!

Read From Jim’s Heart—Understanding the Importance of the Church on Elizabeth & Jim George.