Counsel #2 — Heavenly Haven On Earth

Picture: Counsel #2 — Heavenly Haven On EarthCCL 89.1

Though church is not just a one-time weekly event in a sanctuary,^{[118]https://www.adventistreview.org/realchurch} Jesus set us an example of regular church attendance (Luke 4:16). Church attendance and participation benefits health,^{[119]https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2765488} and provides an environment to connect with God. It is a place to give back, express gratitude, and hear God’s voice in song and sermon, as well as to give and receive support from the network of a faith community.CCL 89.2

True church is the body of Christ, a haven of refuge, and a source of blessing to the community and the world.CCL 89.3

“And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:22, 23 NKJVCCL 89.4

“The church is God’s fortress, His city of refuge, which He holds in a revolted world. Any betrayal of the church is treachery to Him who has bought mankind with the blood of His only-begotten Son. From the beginning, faithful souls have constituted the church on earth.” Ellen White in Acts of the Apostles, p. 11CCL 89.5

Reflect: What is your contribution to making “church” a place of refuge?CCL 89.6