17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 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 overcome it.
Matthew 16:17-18
Understanding these benefits of the church should move us to action. We should attend church as often as possible, not out of legalistic obligation but from recognition of our genuine need. We should support our local church through giving, serving, and praying not because the church needs us (though it does) but because we need what the church provides.
We should pray for one another constantly—for physical needs, yes, but also for spiritual strength. We should pray for those who have drifted away, for those who are backslidden, for those who feel alone in their workplaces, schools, or even homes.
The promise of Ephesians 3:20-21 should fuel our hope: God “is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” This same power is at work when we gather, when we encourage, when we exhort, when we live in community, when we hold each other accountable.
To Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. This isn’t just a nice benediction—it’s a declaration of reality. God is glorified through His church. His power is displayed through our imperfect but faithful gathering.
In a world that tells us we don’t need each other; the church stands as a beautiful outlier. It is a testament to the truth that we were made for community, that we flourish together, and that the journey of faith was never meant to be walked alone.
Tony French
