The Glorious Church Jesus is Building
There’s a lot of noise today about the shortcomings of the church. Blog after blog and post after post seem bent on pointing out what’s wrong—where leaders failed, where programs didn’t work, or where communities fell short. It’s become trendy to bash the very institution Jesus gave His life for, as if criticizing the bride of Christ is somehow an act of love. Let’s be clear: calling out brokenness in the church without offering solutions or hope isn’t love—it’s pride masquerading as virtue.
But I want to talk about something different today. I want to talk about the church Jesus is building. Not the one social media critiques or the one cynics love to tear apart, but the one that is glorious, radiant, and alive with the power of the Holy Spirit. The church isn’t a sinking ship or a relic of the past—it’s the living, breathing body of Christ, and it’s advancing with unstoppable momentum.
Jesus Is Still Building His Church
“…I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).
When Jesus made this statement, He didn’t offer it as a suggestion or a fragile hope. It was a declaration of unstoppable truth. The church Jesus is building isn’t at the mercy of culture, politics, or even the failures of its leaders. It’s built on the unshakable foundation of Christ Himself.
Let’s get one thing straight: Jesus hasn’t abandoned His bride. He isn’t wringing His hands over what the world thinks of us. Instead, He’s actively working—refining, purifying, and empowering His church to be everything He designed it to be.
The church isn’t a human invention. It’s not a man-made organization that can be canceled, rebranded, or replaced. It’s divine. It’s eternal. And it’s glorious.
The Church Is Glorious Because of Its Purpose
The church is more than Sunday services or midweek programs. It’s the carrier of the greatest message the world has ever heard—the Gospel of Jesus Christ. While some criticize the church for being too focused on buildings, budgets, or traditions, let’s not forget its core mission: to seek and save the lost, to heal the brokenhearted, and to disciple nations.
Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5:25-27 that Christ “loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her…that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.”
The church is glorious because it carries the glory of Christ Himself. It’s glorious because it’s God’s chosen vehicle to bring His Kingdom to earth. And despite the imperfections of people, the church continues to shine as a beacon of hope in a dark world.
Countering the Critics
The critics love to point out where the church has failed. And yes, there are failures. Leaders fall, divisions happen, and sometimes the church gets it wrong. But let me ask you this: where else in the world do broken people gather, find grace, and become whole? Where else do the marginalized find a home, the hurting find healing, and the lost find purpose?
The church isn’t perfect because it’s made up of imperfect people. But perfection was never the goal—transformation is. The church is a place where God takes sinners and turns them into saints. It’s where ordinary people encounter an extraordinary God and become His hands and feet to a hurting world.
The Church Is Thriving
Don’t let the loud voices of critics fool you into thinking the church is dying. Across the globe, the church is thriving in ways that defy explanation. In persecuted nations, believers are risking their lives to gather and worship. In cities and suburbs, people are finding Christ in vibrant, Spirit-filled communities. The church is alive, growing, and making a difference.
What about the miracles? What about the countless stories of marriages restored, addictions broken, and bodies healed through the ministry of the local church? These don’t make headlines, but they are happening every day in churches big and small. The Holy Spirit is moving, and His power is transforming lives.
A Call to Love the Bride
If you’ve been hurt by the church, I understand the temptation to walk away or join the chorus of critics. But can I challenge you with this thought? Jesus loves the church with an unrelenting, sacrificial love. He doesn’t give up on her, even when she stumbles. And if Jesus loves the church, so should we.
Loving the church doesn’t mean ignoring its flaws. It means being part of the solution. It means serving, praying, and believing in the potential of what the church can be when it fully submits to Christ.
Think about marriage. A husband doesn’t honor his wife by airing her faults to everyone who will listen. He honors her by loving her, protecting her, and standing by her side. That’s how we’re called to treat the bride of Christ.
Vision for the Future
The church Jesus is building isn’t shrinking back—it’s pressing forward. It’s stepping into new realms of influence and innovation. It’s embracing diversity while remaining unified in purpose. It’s filled with bold leaders, prophetic voices, and servant-hearted believers who are determined to see God’s Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.
This is the vision we need to carry. Instead of criticizing the church for what it isn’t, let’s celebrate what it is. Let’s pray for revival, invest in its mission, and speak life over the bride of Christ.
Final Thoughts
The glorious church isn’t a myth or a pipe dream. It’s real, and it’s here. Jesus is building it, refining it, and empowering it to be everything He intended.
To those who are weary of the criticism, take heart. The church isn’t going anywhere. It’s alive, it’s advancing, and it’s glorious.
And to those who have become disillusioned, remember this: the church is at its best when it’s full of people who love Jesus and are willing to serve His bride. Be part of the solution. Build with Him.
The glorious church is rising. And it’s unstoppable.
Ron Eivaz Blog 