so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,”
Ephesians 3:10-11
Throughout the Bible, we see that God’s plan is to make a people for himself. This is crucial. God’s purpose is not to have persons relating to him individually, but a people that, together, are his. When he saves, he gathers. Individuals who come to Christ are assembled together with one another.
Church is the local gathering of God’s people. It’s not the denomination, and it’s not the building. But neither is it just the teaching and music, because it is possible to experience those things without actually being around other Christians. The point of preaching and worship is that they are corporate activities.
Your church is vital to you, and you are vital to your church. The Church is: God’s Family, God’s Embassy, and the Bride of Jesus.