- “His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known” (Eph 3:10). Here Paul is stating clearly the reason for the existence of the church. If we say that we need to congregate, we need to come together as a church; then one of the key questions we need to ask is why? We know that a parliament exists to govern the country, a company exists to provide some services, a charitable organization exists to meet some needs.
- Why must there be the church? What goal or purpose that the church fulfills that is not met by a government or a club or just any charitable organization? What is the reason for the church’s existence? Why the church?
- Ephesians 3 lists the following reasons for the church’s existence:
- The church is where we can all approach God with freedom and confidence. We all are heirs together, members together, sharers together of His presence and His blessings in the church.
- The church is a showcase of God’s wisdom. It is through the church that the manifold wisdom of God is made known.
- The church is where we can experience and comprehend the love of Christ together. The manifold wisdom of God is for all to marvel, the knowledge-surpassing love of Christ is for His people to experience. “We each comprehend a little, together we fathom the unfathomable.”
- The church is where there is an outburst of praise and worship to God — may He be glory in the church for ever and ever!
- Our faith is like a mustard seed that can grow. Each time we come to a deeper appreciation of God and His ways, our faith is deepened. His creation speaks of Him. His Word speaks of Him. Our personal encounter with Him speaks even more of Him: His love, His kindness, His righteousness, His mercy, His power, … The more we witness His deeds and appreciate them, the more we know and understand His ways, the more our faith grows.
- Abraham believed, therefore he left Chaldea when called. Moses believed, therefore he forsook the riches of Egypt and identified himself with God’s children, liberating them from the slavery of Pharoah. Joshua believed, therefore when God commanded them to march around the city of Jericho, they obeyed. And consequently, the city fell.
- True faith is always manifested through obedience. It is vain to say we believe but yet not obey His commands. Unbelief and disobedience go hand in hand; whereas faith should always bring forth obedience.
