What’s the Big Deal with the Church?

For many, the church is just a building where people gather on Sundays. Others see it as a religious institution filled with rules and traditions. But is that all the church is? The Bible tells a much greater story—one that reveals the church as the very heart of God's plan for His people.

The Church is much more than a building!  When Jesus spoke about the church, He wasn’t talking about a structure made of brick and stone. He was referring to His people.

"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18, NKJV)

This verse shows that the church is not just an earthly organization; it is a spiritual body built by Christ Himself. It is made up of all those who truly believe in Him and follow His teachings.

The Church is the Body of Christ1. The Apostle Paul describes the church as the body of Christ, with Jesus as its head:  "Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually." (1 Corinthians 12:27, NKJV)

Every believer plays a vital role in the church, just as every part of the body has a unique function. Some are called to teach, others to serve, and all are commanded to love one another.  "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35, NKJV)

When the church works together in unity, it reflects God's love to the world.  The Church is the Bride of Christ. One of the most beautiful descriptions of the church is found in Ephesians, where Paul refers to it as the bride of Christ:  "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her." (Ephesians 5:25, NKJV)

This picture shows the depth of Christ’s love for His people. He sacrificed Himself so that the church could be redeemed, purified, and made ready for His return. The church is not just an institution—it is the beloved bride Jesus died for and will one day return to claim.

Why Does the Church Matter?

It Is God’s Design for Community – The church provides a place for believers to grow, encourage one another, and worship together.

"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25, NKJV)

It Proclaims the Gospel – The church is called to share the good news of salvation with the world.  "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20, NKJV)

It Displays God’s Glory – When the church operates in love and unity, it reflects the character of Christ to a watching world. "And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:  I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me." (John 17:22-23, NKJV)

Are You Part of the Church?

Being part of the church isn’t about attending a service once a week—it’s about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and being connected to His people. If you’ve never made the decision to follow Christ, today is the perfect time to place your trust in Him.  I'll have a resoucre for you for this as well!

The church matters because it matters to Jesus. It is the family of God, the body of Christ, and the hope of the world. Instead of asking, “What’s the big deal with the church?” maybe the real question is, "How can I be part of what God is doing through His church?"

-Pastor Roy Edwards