Advertising is a multi-billion dollar industry, but the best advertising is free, for it is simply by word-of-mouth. Christians are advertisers of the church (cf. 2 Cor. 3:2, 3). Let us resolve to advertise the church in a most positive way. Let us really “talk it up”! Only in the church is God glorified (Eph. 3:20, 21). It is the greatest institution on earth!
Therefore, let us prize the church. Do you honestly realize the value of the Lord’s church? Consider its cost, i.e. the life and blood of Jesus (Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:25). Consider the illustrations of its value such as a treasure and a pearl of great price (Matt. 13:44-46). Consider its contents, the saved (Eph. 5:23). Consider its future. It is indestructible (Heb. 12:28). Do you realize how fortunate it is to be in the Lord’s church? It is the body of Christ (Eph. 1:22, 23). The truly converted consider themselves truly blessed. The more highly we value the church, the more we will speak of her. The real value is in what we think of it. God gave His Son for her. He puts souls into it. How can people think so little of it?
Also, let us praise the church. Say good things about the church in the presence of others. There is so much to praise about the church: forgiveness, fellowship, family, etc. For example, Paul “bragged” on the church in Thessalonica saying, “Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring” (2 Thes. 1:4). Our children should hear us being positive about the church. She will always have problems, but we keep them to ourselves and deal with them within. To those on the outside we tell of the good things the church is doing in teaching the Bible, in evangelistic efforts, in benevolence, in fellowship, etc.
Moreover, let us pray about the church. Praying for the church insures that we will speak highly of her. Note how often Paul prayed for the church in Rome (Rom. 1:9), the church in Ephesus (Eph. 1:16), the church in Colossae (Col. 1:3), and the church in Thessalonica (1 Thes. 1:2). Follow his example (cf. 1 Cor. 11:1).
How thankful are you to be a member of the body of Christ associated with the Salem congregation? Tell it. Invest your soul in the cause of Christ. That will make the difference.
–Andy