The Simple Gospel

We live in a world where value is measured in dollars, likes, and influence. People pour time and energy into what they consider important—careers, hobbies, possessions, relationships. But pause and ask yourself: What is the value of the church in my life? Not just in theory—but in truth, in action, and in sacrifice.

The church is not a human institution. It is not a man-made movement. It is the blood-bought body of Christ, established by Him, and rooted in eternity. The world may treat the church as disposable or outdated, but heaven sees it as priceless. Jesus didn’t die for governments or charities—He died for the church.

So why does it sometimes receive so little of our attention, our time, our love? Perhaps we’ve forgotten what it cost. Or maybe we’ve forgotten what it’s for.

This article invites you to reflect deeply: What does the church mean to me? What place does it hold in my priorities, my heart, and my walk with God? As we walk through Scripture, let us rediscover the immense value Christ places on His church—and what that demands of us in return.

I. The Worth of Anything Is Determined by Cost
We often assign value by the price paid. A twenty-dollar hat is worth twenty dollars to the one who bought it. So, what was the church worth to Christ?

Paul wrote, “You are not your own; for you have been bought for a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). That price was not gold or silver, but blood: “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock… to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28).

When we consider this, we see the value heaven placed on the church. Would you die for something meaningless? Would you sacrifice your child for something worthless? God did not overpay. He knew exactly what He was purchasing—and it was worth every drop of blood to Him.

As you measure that price, do not stop at the cross—include the scourging, the betrayal, the bloody sweat in Gethsemane, the rejection of His teachings, the loneliness of ministry, the constant ridicule and misunderstanding by men. He left the glory of heaven, stepped into a broken world, and bore its scorn. He was misunderstood by His own people, rejected by religious leaders, abandoned by friends, and falsely accused. His entire life was marked by sorrow and self-denial. He paid the greatest price not only in death—but in life—so we might be called His own.

Jesus said, “For what good will it do a person if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:26). One soul is worth more than the world. The church, made up of countless souls, is beyond earthly calculation.

II. How Can I Show That I Value the Church?
If the church truly matters to us, it must show in how we live. Jesus warned, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). A heart that treasures the church will express that value in several practical ways:

1. Regular Attendance
Attendance is not optional. Hebrews 10:25 urges, “not abandoning our own meeting together… but encouraging one another.” Faithful presence shows priority. The church is not a club, but a body. When a member is missing, the whole suffers (1 Corinthians 12:25–26).

But attendance isn’t just about being counted—it’s about being changed. We assemble to draw near to God in worship, to hear His Word proclaimed, and to examine ourselves in light of that truth. We gather not only for fellowship but for spiritual focus. Each time we meet, it is a moment to reset our priorities, to encourage and be encouraged, and to renew our commitment to faithfulness. Regular assembly reminds us that we are not alone in our walk. It strengthens our resolve to remain steadfast and gives us the accountability that protects us from drifting. When we neglect to meet, we rob ourselves—and others—of the strength that God designed the church to provide.

2. Financial Support
Paul taught, “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save as he may prosper” (1 Corinthians 16:2). Giving is not a payment for services, but a reflection of love and sacrifice. If we love the church, we will give joyfully and generously (2 Corinthians 9:7). Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). If our giving is small, it may be worth asking whether our love has grown cold.

In this way, our contribution becomes like a personal gauge—just as a car has gauges to show the health of the engine, our willingness to give reveals the condition of our heart. Do we give God the leftovers, or do we give with purpose and priority? Contribution isn’t just about money—it’s a reflection of trust, gratitude, and commitment. It is a regular test of whether our hearts are more rooted in heaven or on earth.

3. Supporting Church Leadership
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account” (Hebrews 13:17). Faithful elders labor with heavy responsibility. They are not perfect men, but they are accountable before God. Supporting them doesn’t mean blind agreement, but it does mean respect, cooperation, and willingness to speak truth in love. Helping them see issues that threaten sound doctrine or unity is part of our shared responsibility. When we hinder rather than help, we show disregard for God’s structure. Leaders thrive when members support them—and when they are surrounded by brethren who lovingly uphold the truth.

4. Living a Godly Life
Paul told Titus, “In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds” (Titus 2:7). Jesus said we are salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16). The world will measure the church by its members. What they see in us shapes what they believe about God. A holy life reinforces the message we preach. It proves the gospel works. But a sinful life brings reproach, not just on us, but on the church and on Christ Himself.

God has always expected His people to be distinct. “But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior” (1 Peter 1:15). That means resisting the pull of culture, refusing to blend in with sin, and striving to reflect Christ in speech, conduct, and heart. A godly life is not flawless—but it is sincere, repentant, and growing. When we pursue godliness, we honor the church and glorify the One who made us His own.

5. Evangelizing the Lost
The early church spread by word of mouth: “Therefore, those who had been scattered went through places preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Soul-winning reveals a heart that loves the mission of the church. “My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you strays from the truth and someone turns him back, let him know that the one who has turned a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19–20).

This doesn’t mean every Christian has to be an outgoing speaker or constantly engaging strangers. Evangelism includes how we live—our kindness, consistency, compassion, and courage. When our lives reflect the character of Christ, we draw others to Him. People may hear the gospel through our words, but they will often see it first in our behavior. We must be intentional, but also authentic—letting our faith shine naturally in everyday relationships.

6. Personal Involvement
Jesus said, “We must carry out the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). Christianity is not a spectator religion. It calls for participation—for hands and hearts engaged in the Lord’s work. Paul wrote, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people” (Colossians 3:23).

That work includes standing firm in the truth, even when it’s difficult. It means contending for the faith with boldness and humility (Jude 1:3), and refusing to compromise on matters of doctrine and morality. A faithful Christian is not just a worker, but a watchman—one who sounds the alarm when danger threatens (Ezekiel 33:7). Personal involvement means being grounded in the Word, ready to teach, ready to serve, and ready to stand. The church grows stronger when its members do more than attend—they engage, they sacrifice, and they hold fast to the truth with unwavering hearts.

Conclusion
What more could Christ have done to show His love for the church? He gave everything—His blood, His body, His life. And in return, He asks for our hearts, our service, and our faithfulness.

The church is not a side project of Christianity; it is central to God’s eternal purpose (Ephesians 3:10–11). It is where the saved are gathered (Acts 2:47), where truth is proclaimed (1 Timothy 3:15), and where we are equipped for every good work (Ephesians 4:11–12).

So let us not treat it lightly. Let us not drift through membership with indifference or apathy. Let us love what He loves, serve where He served, and sacrifice for what He sacrificed.

If your heart has wandered from the church, it has wandered from Christ. But it’s not too late. Reflect. Return. Recommit. He still calls. He still builds. And He still saves.

What is the church worth to you? Look to the cross—and decide.