THE CHURCH – she is worth it. I mean, she is ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT! The time, the sacrifice, the energy, the baptisms, the births, the marriages, the healing, the miracles, the life long relationships, the friendships…and yes the pain, the brokenness, the addiction, the moral failures, the disappointments, the divorces and the confusion. SHE IS TOTALLY WORTH IT! Ever since I was a young boy, my parents exposed me to the greatest and most amazing group of people on the planet, the church. The opportunity to be a part of a group of people who are showing forgiveness, love, hope, and acceptance, is an incredible privilege and opportunity. If you have a local church family, don’t throw it away; cherish, nurture, forgive and work hard and fight for her! She is the bride worth giving your life for. Bottom line is, people will always struggle with the church and what happens and doesn’t happen, but the journey and difficulties ARE WORTH IT.
5 Reasons I Love The Church
1. Jesus Sets the Example – If I have an example of how to love, it makes it much more tangible and easier. If Jesus died on the cross for the church, what does that mean for my own commitment and tenacity towards her. He was crucified to set the example for us of how the people of God, the church, is valuable. Every person and every opportunity to serve makes a difference. WOW! I am humbled by Jesus and his example. 100% #worthit
2. The People are Incredible – I like to say – “The church is at its best when things are at their worst.” Have you experienced the love and care of the local church. Oh man, it is indescribable. The people are incredible. Over the last 21 years of pastoring, I have come to know first hand the exceptional gifts, extravagant love, and healing power of the local church. It really is beyond words. The church is the best kept secret in our communities and is #worthit.
3. The Potential is Endless – Why? We have the Holy Spirit, the literal third person of God who comforts, gives wisdom, heals, empowers, and expands possibilities. It really isn’t us and our power, it’s the power released through us that makes the local church extravagant. Every day, every Sunday, every time we get together, a miracle could happen, people could gain eternal life, a marriage could get restored and someone could be healed. No way I am missing this Sunday. No way I am checking out. #worthit
4. His Will and Purpose Is Accomplished – To think God wants to use me? What? That’s right, you and me to do His will and accomplish his plan. If your church is going through a difficult time right now, “double down” on your commitment towards her. Those who stick it out reap the rewards of the satisfaction of loyalty and commitment to the glory of God. Even when it seems like nothing good is coming from a situation, anticipate and watch because God is redeeming the situation and something big is about to happen.
5. The Privilege is Beyond Words – Sometimes I have to take a step back on any given Sunday as I look around a room and see people worshiping and I’m speechless. When I have the privilege of bringing a meal to someone, beyond understanding. No matter what your role is in the local church, honor the position, pass on the credit, lead with humility, serve with zeal. Then, sit back and watch in amazement as God actually uses you to rebuild lives and accomplish His plan.
Josh Conn is the founding pastor of 217church, a contemporary church in Mercer County NJ. 217church meets Sundays at 9:30am & 11:00am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ. Visit www.217church.com for more information, or watch a weekend message here.
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