“What I Love about the Church” by Joe Palmer, Guest Writer

The word “Church” is the most misunderstood religious word today. In Biblical Greek it means “called out.” In definition, it simply refers to those called out of the world and into fellowship with Christ. The Church consists of those people that are in a relationship with Christ.

One can no more accept Christ and reject the Church, than he can accept a man and reject his wife. The Church is the bride of Christ. Sadly many today feel like they can reject the Church and still have Christ.

To truly love the church you must first understand what the church is, and what it is established to do.

  • The Church is those who have been saved, sharing the message of salvation. Acts 8:1-4
  • The Church is the unworthy recipients of Christ’s love, loving those trampled on by the world, that they might see Christ living in us. I Cor. 15:9,10
  • The Church is, those who have escaped the snares of Satan, by the power of Christ, aiding in the release of more prisoners. II Timothy 2:24-26
  • The Church is not a museum for the saints, but a hospital for sinners.
  • The Church does not preach a message of condemnation, but of a hope of heaven. Romans 8:1
  • The Church is those whom the world calls hypocrites, but Christ calls forgiven. Matt. 5:1
  • The Church proclaims a righteousness it cannot attain except through Christ, that more people may claim his righteousness. II Cor. 5:21
  • The Church is the body that worships God, is saved by Jesus, and lead by the Holy Spirit.
  • We are servants of Christ. We are His hands, His feet, His mouth on this earth.
  • Whatever Christ will do on earth, he will do through the Church, and when the Church ceases to do His will he will raise up followers from the rocks to do his bidding. Luke 19:40

Why I love the Church:

  • I love the Church because Christ is it’s head. Col. 1:18
  • I love the Church because it is Christ’s bride. Eph. 5:27-32
  • I love the Church because it is the spiritual house of God and his priesthood on earth. I Peter 2:5
  • I love the Church because it is God’s household. I Tim 3:15
  • I love the Church because all of whom the Lord saves are in His Church. Acts 2:47
  • I love the Church because Christ purchased it with His own blood. Acts 20:28

The Church is the family of God. It is easy to point out the flaws in any family. I love my family and the Church. I love them both because they are both my family.

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About Joe Palmer:

(written by Joe Palmer)

joe Growing up in a small town in Arkansas with a Father and Mother who believed in the three W’s, Work, Worship, and Whippings, helps you understand that the simple things in life are really the best.  The reason most people don’t have a better life is they keep looking for an easy answer and ignore the simple answer. 

I was educated at Crowley’s Ridge College, A.A. Freed-Hardeman University, B.A. Bible and M.A. in Ministry.  Most everything else I learned came from the Bible and my parents. I am married to Leanna Palmer. At the time of publication we are celebrating five years of marriage.  God has blessed my life in so many ways, not the least of which is her. I live in Niceville, Florida where I am supported to be able to preach, write, and help people build a better life in Christ.

 

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Personal Note:

First, I thank Joe for taking time to wrote his article. That list of hiss love for the church are echoed (as he has shown) throughout the New Testament. I appreciate his sincerity and his love for the church.

Thanks again Joe.

Small Image

Chris



  • http://scottmccown.wordpress.com Scott

    Joe,
    Thanks for a good sermon outline or two.  Keep up the great work you are doing in Niceville.  Tell all I said, “Hello.” When you return.