"CHRIST'S PLAN AND PURPOSE "

by Vicki Sturgill

Many stores already have Christmas decorations on display. It is surprising to see what people are already buying in the month of October. Many are already thinking about Christmas without really knowing, or even caring about, the purpose of Christ́s coming to earth. Many do not have a clear understanding of who Christ is much less his purpose here on earth.
In Matthew 16:13-18 Christ asks his disciples who do men say he is. He recieved various answers, but it was Peter who gave the true answer when he said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus blessed him for giving the correct answer and then continues by saying that it is upon that basis or belief that He will build his church. The disciples began to see the importance that Christ gives to the Church.
In Efesians 5:25-27 Paul explains just how much Christ cared for and still cares for the Church when he said “...Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”
This passage describes the kind of church Christ wants–one that is holy and blameless. He died that, through his blood, those calling upon him might be cleansed from their sins and become part of that great body from among all tribes and nations who make up the body (church) of Christ.
The last chapters of Revelation give us beautiful pictures of the bride (church) of Christ in the New Jerusalem.
God́s plan for time and eternity is the church. God́s great purpose from the beginning has been to build the church, a community of people who would enjoy the privilege of having intimate communion with God and each other and live in the light of His glorious presence. Christ is described as loving the church, and the building of that church was dear to his heart. For those of us desiring to be Christ-like, the building of His church should be very important.
God has a plan for us in the building of His church. Each is given talents to use in the spreading of the Gospel. It is important that we find the particular work that God has in mind for us. It may be witnessing to others, caring for shut-ins, teaching children, singing for God́s glory, ministering to the needy or any one of the many other ways of showing our love for others. Only as we understand God́s plan for our lives in His kingdom will we find our work bringing forth fruit which lasts and is pleasing to God. Knowing that we are building His church now and for eternity will we find true satisfaction and peace in our hearts.
God has a plan and purpose for each one of us. Have you discovered yet what is God́s plan for you in building His church?

11/01/2007
Vol.1 - No.4

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