The Bible describes the church in extraordinary ways, emphasizing its central place in God's plan to redeem fallen humanity.

And yet, when we look around, it's hard not to notice the church's many faults, leading many of us to wonder about her mission and question her centrality

to the Christian life. In Why Should We Love the Local Church, Dustin Benj, an associate professor

of biblical spirituality and historical theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary,

urges Christians to embrace the church, the holy assembly of God's redeemed people,

exploring the many things that make the church lovely in God's sight, despite its shortcomings.

Today we're pleased to share the full audio recording of Why Should Be Loved the Local Church

by Dustin Benj, which is part of Crossway's Union series published in partnership with Union School of Theology in the UK.

Let's get started.

Crossway Presents, Why Should We Love the Local Church, written and read by Dustin Binge.

To Nate Pickowitz, my friend, brother, and co-laborer in the gospel.

Introduction

We all have special places we visit, either in person or in memory. For me, one of those treasured places

is the farm of my grandparents, running through freshly plowed fields, climbing majestic oaks,

and sitting at the table of my grandmother's cooking. There's no place I would rather be. This place evokes a sense of joy,

comfort, and home. When we think of the church, does it arouse similar deep affection? Can we say

the church is one of those unique places that conjures a sincere sense of longing, delight, and home.

It's all too easy to allow our warmth toward the church to slip away as we grow cold and

apathetic.

Honestly, the church can often be a difficult place to think of as lovely.

However, when we shift our perspective from our puny self-interest, which often fuels our

disgruntlement toward the church, she not only becomes precious to us, but also becomes a

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