Need to Join

You Need to Join the Church

You Need to Join the Church
By Rick Warren

“To God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:21 TEV).

You can show God’s glory by joining the family of God. The Bible says in Ephesians 3:21, “To God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever! Amen” (TEV).

The Bible says that one day there will be a new heaven and new earth. The only thing that’s going to last for eternity is God’s family.

A thousand years from today, if there’s still earth here, there won’t be a Microsoft. There won’t be a Hollywood a thousand years from today. There won’t be a United States of America, because no earthly kingdom lasts forever. There won’t be all of the things we think are so great.

But there will still be the family of God. God’s people last. It’s the only thing that’s going to last!

You need to find a local congregation that will love you and help you grow in biblical truth and knowledge. You need to find your spiritual family. You need to find the place where you can give and share your talents and benefit from the abilities of others.

You need to join a local church. Why? Because it’s going to outlast everything else you do.

I make no apology in saying to you that maybe joining a spiritual family will be the most significant thing you do with your life. Because what the Church is doing in making a difference in the world is going to outlast your career. It’s going to outlast your hobbies. It’s going to outlast every other thing you do. It’s the only thing that’s going to last forever because it’s about changed lives.

There are only two things that are going to last forever: God’s Word and God’s people.

Talk It Over

• How do your priorities need to change so that you have an eternal perspective that is focused on things that really matter?
• If you are not part of a local church, what steps do you need to take in that direction?
• If you are part of a local church, how are you using your gifts and abilities to serve others in the church and your community?