In spite of the church’s many shortcomings and failures, eventually it will reign with Christ in glory. Evil rulers have tried to destroy the church through persecution. Atheistic communism tried to eradicate Christianity. Islam spread over North Africa, effectively wiping out the church for centuries. Hinduism dominates India. Buddhism prevails in Southeast Asia. And yet, Jesus prophesied (Matt. 24:14), “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” This present evil world will perish under God’s judgment (2 Pet. 3:10-12). Then (Rev. 11:15), “The kingdom of the world [will] become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.”

Christ promised to build His Church and His promise will not fail. When we commit ourselves to His church, we’re committed to the only cause that will triumph.

As members of the church, Christ has entrusted to us the most important message in the world: whoever believes in Jesus will not perish, but have eternal life as God’s free gift (John 3:16; Eph. 2:8-9); but those who do not believe are condemned.

The gospel, is the “key” that opens the door to the kingdom of heaven to those who repent and believe. It’s also the key that shuts the door of heaven to those who reject Jesus as the Christ.

Genuine believers do not confess Jesus as merely a good prophet or a moral teacher, or a way to get healthy, wealthy, and prosperous. The foundation of the church is based on the biblical gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Jesus promised to build his church on people who believe the right gospel. Jesus will build his church on confessors of the true gospel.

Application Questions

1. Have you ever been tempted to drop out of the church (or actually dropped out)? Why? How did you work through it?
2. What should a Christian do when another believer in the church causes offense or hurt? Is it ever right to just go to another church? Why/why not?
3. Is there a difference between loving another Christian and liking him (or her)? If so, what is the difference?
4. Practically, what does it mean to put Christ and His church in the center of your life? What would you need to change to do this?