JUNE 11, 2014. LOVE YOUR CHURCH—JESUS DOES! (1)

WEDNESDAY JUNE 11

“Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” Eph 5:25 NKJV

LOVE YOUR CHURCH—JESUS DOES! (1)

The church isn’t made up of people who are better than everybody else. It’s made up of people who want to be better than they are, and who know that by the grace of God they can be. Have church leaders sometimes failed us? Yes, but Jesus Chris, the Head of the church, hasn’t failed us—and He never will! Christ’s church, of which your local church is a part, was planned by God before the world began (See Eph 1:4). It was paid for in the crimson cash of Jesus’ blood, has been sustained through history by the sacrifice of the martyrs, is prophesied to be more glorious in its ending and its beginning, and is being prepared right now as a bride for her husband. John the Revelator describes it this way: “Rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready” (Rev 19:7 NKJV). So before you attack the leadership, withdraw your membership, or withhold your stewardship, remember that nothing on earth is dearer to the heart of God than His church. The truth is, when you hurt any part of the body you also hurt the Head. And here’s something else to keep in mind: the only thing on earth that has a future is the church; all the rest is going up in smoke. And the church’s insurance policy is guaranteed by Jesus Himself, Who said, “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Mt 16:18). So love your church—Jesus does!

Taken from the Word for You Today Devotional