He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14
It’s obvious to most everyone that our world is broken. Look around now and you’ll see evidence of good things happening, but you’ll also see things breaking down, even good things falling apart. Where do you see this brokenness? Maybe you consider the hostility among nations, or the constant wedge driven between political groups. Or you immediately think of your own struggles. Are your relationships growing stronger or weaker? Are you overwhelmed with financial problems? Are you facing problems so big you can’t find the solution, leaving you at a loss?
Sure, the world is hard, but Jesus has given us hope. Jesus came into our messy, broken world and made a way for it all to be restored, healed, and renewed. By his own death He settled our debt, and by His resurrection He set us free to recover all that is good. For those who have trusted in Jesus as Lord and Savior, Jesus has delivered us from the domain of darkness and brought us into His kingdom. And His kingdom will outlast every broken kingdom of this world. And our hope is in His promise to come again and establish His kingdom forever. Revelation 11:15, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.”
Until then we wait. We wait but ready for duty and action. We wait, expecting His kingdom work to be done on earth as it is in heaven. And we know that He is working through His church today. Though the world is broken around us, the church – Christ’s body – is uniquely doing good work, making a difference.
Here are 6 reasons to be part of the church – the body of Christ.
- The Church has Victory over its enemies – Romans 8:37-39
Jesus loves us so much that He gave His life in our place to conquer sin and death for us. No enemy can overcome the power of Christ in us, and He has defeated them all. Christ has won! The victory belongs to Him! The church shares in His victory as we trust in Him for life. You and I, brothers and sisters, are more than conquerors. - The Church has Authority – Matthew 16:18
Peter just confessed Jesus as the promised Messiah, the Son of God. On this great confession, Jesus builds the church. Nothing can stand against it, and even on earth the church carries the authority of Christ. With Christ as the head of the body, the church exercises His will on earth, proclaiming truth, demonstrating love, and affecting change in the world. - The Church is a Beautiful Unity – Ephesians 2:19-22
Jesus has welcomed men and women from all walks of life, backgrounds, pasts, ethnicities, tribes and tongues into His kingdom. We are joined together for the same purpose to glorify God. When we serve together the kingdom grows. - The Church has Power – Acts 1:8
Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to indwell each believer and to gift every believer to do the work of ministry. We don’t rely only on our skills and strengths, but on the power of God working through us. We trust that God is fulfilling His promises as we are faithful to serve others in love. The church will not fail because God does not fail. - The Church carries Influence – Matthew 5:13-16
Influence moves people. The church helps others see hope, love, peace, joy, faithfulness, goodness, gentleness, kindness, and self-control. The church brings injustices to light and shows the way to grace and mercy. The church absolutely preaches absolute truth.
- The Church has Great Opportunity – Matthew 5:16
There are many in this broken world feeling hopeless, defeated, powerless, and lost. Church, we have all they need in Jesus. We carry the message of hope, victory, power, and unity the world needs. We have such a great opportunity to enter into the messy, broken world around us, and make a difference.
No other institution has the potential for change like the church. If victory, authority, power, influence, unity and opportunity are in our favor, what are we waiting for? Let’s go boldly and make a difference.