Topical Bible: Church: Dear to God

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The concept of the Church as "dear to God" is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting the profound relationship between God and His people. The Church, often referred to as the "Body of Christ," holds a special place in the divine plan, serving as the community of believers who are called to live out the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The Church is established by Jesus Christ Himself, as seen in Matthew 16:18 : "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." This declaration underscores the Church's divine foundation and its enduring nature against spiritual opposition.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the Church's significance in Ephesians 5:25-27 : "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless." Here, the Church is depicted as the beloved bride of Christ, for whom He sacrificed Himself, highlighting its preciousness to God.

The Church as the Body of Christ

The metaphor of the Church as the Body of Christ is central to understanding its role and value. In 1 Corinthians 12:27 , Paul writes, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it." This imagery emphasizes the interconnectedness of believers and their collective mission to represent Christ on earth. Each member has a unique function, contributing to the overall health and growth of the Church.

The Church's Mission and Purpose

The Church is entrusted with the Great Commission, as articulated in Matthew 28:19-20 : "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This mission underscores the Church's role in spreading the Gospel and nurturing believers in their faith.

Additionally, the Church is called to be a light in the world, as Jesus states in Matthew 5:14-16 : "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." The Church's witness through word and deed is a testament to its cherished status before God.

The Church as a Community of Believers

The early Church exemplified a community marked by fellowship, prayer, and mutual support. Acts 2:42 describes this vibrant community: "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This communal life reflects the Church's role as a nurturing environment where believers grow in faith and love.

The Church's Eternal Destiny

The Church's dearness to God is further highlighted by its eternal destiny. Revelation 21:2-3 offers a vision of the Church's ultimate fulfillment: "I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.'" This eschatological promise affirms the Church's enduring place in God's redemptive plan.

In summary, the Church is indeed dear to God, as evidenced by its divine foundation, its role as the Body of Christ, its mission to the world, its communal life, and its eternal destiny. Through these aspects, the Church embodies the love and purpose of God, serving as a testament to His grace and truth.

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Isaiah 43:4
Since you were precious in my sight, you have been honorable, and I have loved you: therefore will I give men for you, and people for your life.
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Library

He Explains what it Means to Confess, and what it Means to ...
... this it is which John, the man so dear to God ... O the marvellous and singular goodness
of God, who like a ... the diseases that should come upon His Church, and when ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter x he explains what.htm

The Lutheran Church.
... My Church! my Church! my dear old Church! I love her ancient name; And
God forbid a child of hers Should ever do her shame! Her ...
/.../gerberding/the way of salvation in the lutheran church/the lutheran church.htm

The Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA
... Brotherhood and Service 503. O God of mercy! hearken now. ... O Heavenly Jerusalem. The
Church Triumphant 510. O mother dear, Jerusalem. The Church Triumphant 511. ...
/.../various/the hymnal of the protestant episcopal church in the usa/

Silent Christians
... Are you important enough to be an ultimate end of God's mercy? ... And you, dear brethren,
you, the idlers of a church and congregation, are doing all that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/silent christians.htm

On Daniel. vi. On Susannah.
... "I am straitened on every side." Behold the words of a chaste woman, and one dear
to God: "I am straitened on every side." For the Church is afflicted and ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on daniel vi on susannah.htm

How we Practise the Love of Benevolence in the Praises which Our ...
... [254] Yes, my dear Theotimus, all the benedictions which the Church militant and
triumphant offers to God are angelic and human benedictions; for, although ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xi how we practise.htm

A Pure Church an Increasing Church
... sees 'standing at the right hand of God,' ready to ... it is He that 'adds to the Church
daily them ... I believe, dear brethren, that modern Christianity has far too ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a pure church an increasing.htm

How St Clare Ate with St Francis and his Companions at St Mary of ...
... so small a thing to Sister Clare, a virgin so holy and so dear to God, who merely ...
time shut up in San Damiano, it will do her good to see the church of St ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xv how st clare.htm

Nearness to God the Key to Life's Puzzle
... To myself, to my dear ones, to the nation, to the Church, to the world, there come
many perplexing riddles as to God's dealings, that cannot be solved except ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/nearness to god the key.htm

Temples of God
... blessed lesson of the unity of the Church which is ... to try and lay upon your consciences,
dear brethren, the ... Christian man was, in very deed, a temple of God. ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/temples of god.htm