The Beauty of the Church Is a Wonder to Behold — Part 7

The View From Above: Thoughts to Help With Everyday Life

August 13, 2026

Pastor Paul Stephens

The Beauty of the Church Is a Wonder to Behold — Part 7

The beauty of the church is a wonder to behold.

It’s a miracle, it truly is!

The letters of the New Testament and the Book of Revelation were written in the context of believers—the church—gathering together.

That is where the spiritual action on earth takes place.

Scripture Focus

Colossians 3:16

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

That is the language of people gathered together for worship—singing together in adoration of our Savior and Lord.

The Epistles of the New Testament were written to churches and intended to be read as part of their gatherings.

It was ministry to them.

And through God’s preserved Word, it continues to minister to us today.

Scripture Focus

Colossians 4:16

“Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.”

Think about what that means.

Whoever wasn’t there—present with the church—could miss vital ministry.

The Apostle Paul and the other writers of the New Testament letters depended upon believers gathering together so that necessary revelation could be communicated.

Those believers benefited from being present as these vital communications from the Holy Spirit were presented to the church.

We see the same pattern in the Book of Revelation.

The Apostle John was a prisoner on the island of Patmos when Jesus spoke directly to him.

Jesus instructed John to write messages that would be sent to seven churches in Asia.

When those messages arrived, they were communicated to the assembled church.

Think about that.

Jesus wanted to communicate with His church, and He chose to speak through a message delivered to the gathered believers.

Scripture Focus

Revelation 2:1–2

“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: “I know your works, your labor, your patience…”’”

Jesus went on to both commend and correct this church.

This was the church that had left its first love.

Jesus wanted them to know it.

A message originating with Jesus Himself was delivered to His church.

If you wanted to hear what Jesus had to say, you needed to be there.

The importance of the assembly is no different today.

God uses the pastor—or whoever the messenger may be—to bring His Word to the congregation.

A message is preached, God’s Word goes forth, and those who are present have an opportunity to hear and respond.

The ministry of the church is one of the primary ways God speaks into our lives.

That’s why we should think carefully before allowing secondary things to continually take priority over gathering with God’s people.

I have always considered the assembly of the church one of the most important features of my relationship with Jesus.

And so should you.

Scripture Focus

Psalm 122:1

“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the LORD.’”

Why should we be glad?

Because things happen there that happen nowhere else on earth!

Today’s Challenge

Consider how you approach the preaching and teaching of God’s Word.

When you gather with the church, don’t come merely out of habit.

Come expecting God to speak.

Listen carefully.

Receive His Word.

Allow it to correct you when necessary.

Allow it to encourage and strengthen you.

And when God speaks, respond.

Don’t casually surrender an opportunity to hear what God may have prepared specifically for you.

Be able to say with the Psalmist:

“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the LORD.’”