Read Matthew 16:16–18

So, what’s the big deal about the church? What makes it so vital?

It’s a good question that deserves a good answer. Something more than, “You gotta have one to get married in,” or “It’s the place kids oughta be on Sunday.” Or how about, “There’s not a better place to make business contacts.”

Really, now...haven’t you wondered at times if the church is that significant in a day of high-level decisions and powerful international issues? I know many who question its value. How could a congregation of folks carry much clout in our post-modern era of transcontinental missiles, mind-boggling medical discoveries, remarkable space exploration, rancorous political debate, and a disintegrating social culture? Cynicism sets in quickly. So, to counteract all that, let’s go back to the truth. God’s Word reminds us of both the Who and the Why of church:

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” (Matthew 16:16–18)

The Who of the church is Jesus. The Why of the church is to build His Kingdom. His everlasting Kingdom is impervious to all the temporal forces of evil that conspire against it. Entrance into that glorious reality the church is simply faith—a confession of faith like Peter’s, which names Jesus as the Son of the living God...who has become your living Lord. Have you made that confession?

Devotional content taken from Good Morning, Lord...Can We Talk? by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2018. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries. All rights reserved.

The full devotional can be purchased at https://www.tyndale.com/p/good-morning-lord-can-we-talk/9781414380681.