The Bible says that Jesus "loved the church and gave himself for it" (Ephesians 5:23). Yes, Jesus loved (and loves) the church. And, I am not ashamed to say it: I love the church, too. Just as the merchant man in the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price recognized the great value of that one-of-a-kind pearl which he found, so you and I ought to see the church of the Christ as a wonderful treasure. It is God’s house or family (1 Timothy 3:15), and there is nothing like it in the whole world.

We should be grateful that the Lord, by His infinite wisdom, decided to establish His church. What is so special about the church of the living God that should cause us to come before His throne with thanksgiving for it? Here are fifteen Bible answers.

Thank God for the church, because He planned it and brought it into existence according to His will (Ephesians 3:6-11).

Thank God for the church, because it was built by Jesus Himself, not some less than perfect being (Matthew 16:18).

Thank God for the church, because it will never be destroyed (Daniel 2:44; Luke 1:31-33).

Thank God for the church, because it was bought by the blood of Jesus (Acts 20:28).

Thank God for the church, because it has Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, as its head (Colossians 1:18; Rev. 19:16).

Thank God for the church, because it is made up of the people of God – the best people in the world (1 Peter 2:9,10).

Thank God for the church, because Jesus is its Savior (Ephesians 5:23).

Thank God for the church, because the Lord adds all saved people to it (Acts 2:47).

Thank God for the church, because it was built on Jesus, having Him as its only foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11).

Thank God for the church, because He is glorified in it (Ephesians 3:21).

Thank God for the church, because it is governed by the gospel of God’s Son (Romans 1:15,16) and has that word as its only creed (Matthew 28:18,20).

Thank God for the church, because it worships according to the New Testament pattern – in spirit and in truth, and the Lord accepts such worship (John 4:23,24).

Thank God for the church, because its organization is based on the divine plan that is laid out in the New Testament (1 Peter 5:1-3; Philippians 1:1).

Thank God for the church, because it is our spiritual family on earth (1 Timothy 3:15), and though its members make mistakes, they are the most caring, helpful people on the planet (1 Corinthians 12:25,26).

Thank God for the church, because it is the kingdom of God, and at the end it will be delivered up to the Father in heaven (1 Corinthians 15:24).

Thank God for the church! Let us all be prepared to take our Bible and show from it just how great the Lord’s church is. That is a message that all people everywhere need to hear.

-- Roger D. Campbell