Ekklesia: God’s Idea of Churchනියැදිය

Day 5: The church is God’s chosen instrument to reach the world

Often, Christians view the church as a ‘nice’ place. Some might even view it as a weekly routine they set aside time for in the midst of their busy schedules. But a priority? That may be stretching it. After all, there are seemingly more pressing issues like rising costs of living, health issues, natural disasters, and wars. Yet, if we marginalise the purpose of God’s church, we miss out on God’s intended vision for her and how we can be part of what He is doing.

God chose the church to carry out His eternal purpose of redemption – to bring about reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles into one body. Every sinner who repents and turns to Jesus Christ can share in the same access to the Most High God. The death of Jesus was not in vain; His death has reconciled us to God and broken down the barriers between every people group. It is no longer about national or ethnic identity, but faith in Jesus. The message of Jesus Christ is the only message powerful enough to turn lives around, and this very message has been entrusted to the church.

The church is a part of God’s plan to change the world and transform lives. The church isn’t just a place where you smile and offer warm handshakes to fellow Christians. As the church, we are God’s powerful expression of wisdom to the angels and powers of darkness. We are called to be the means by which God will show the world His eternal purpose in Jesus. If we want our lives to count for eternity, we need to commit to making Jesus known and participate wholeheartedly in what God is doing through the church.

Reflect & Respond

• How do you think the church can fulfil God’s eternal purpose to reach the world?
• Pray for the church to fulfil God’s purposes, no matter how dark the circumstances may be.