Ten Reasons Why We Should Love the Church - #1

In our church circles, no one questions the the importance of having a high view of God; nor does anyone question the need to have a high view of Scripture.  But what about having a high view of the church?  Is that equally important?  The Scriptures reveal it so.  For it stands to reason that if one has a high view of the Scriptures, and of God, and thus of Jesus Christ, that the natural result is a high view for the church.  Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25).  Over the next few days, I would like you to consider with me ten reasons why you ought to love the church.  

This morning I start with the "greatest" reason why we ought to love our church.  Of the other nine, we might discuss their right position in the list of ten, but this first one is indeed to be first.

1.  Loving the church brings glory to God!

We read in 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."  God loves His church, as is made clear from passages like Acts 20:28, "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." 

If God so loved the church that He sent His Beloved Son to die for her, to cleanse her of her sin and to present her holy and blameless (Ephesians 5:27); then when we love the things that He loves, in this case "the church," it brings honor and glory to Him.

Questions:

1.  Have you been glorifying God by loving the church?  Specifically, how have you been loving the church?  

2.  Would others see your actions and involvement in your church as expressions of love and demonstrations of your desire to glorify God?   

3.  What are some things you could  do prayerfully to glorify God by loving the church?