God’s Plans for His Church - Daily Hope with Rick Warren - February 22, 2026
Discover the profound truth that the church is the very reason for the universe's existence, a divine plan conceived before creation itself. Explore how Christ's sacrifice underscores the immeasurable value God places on His chosen family, motivating a global community driven by His love.
“Long ago, even before he made the world, God chose us to be his very own through what Christ would do for us. . . . His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by sending Jesus Christ to die for us.”Ephesians 1:4-5 (TLB)
The whole reason God created the universe is because he wanted a family—and that family is the church. His church is the only reason the universe exists.
Did you know that before God thought of the universe, he thought of you? That's how valuable you are; that's how much you matter to God.
How can you tell something is really valuable to someone? By looking at what they’re willing to pay for it. Christ died for the church. When someone's willing to give their life for something, it has incredible value.
The Living Bible paraphrase says, “Long ago, even before he made the world, God chose us to be his very own through what Christ would do for us. . . . His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by sending Jesus Christ to die for us” (Ephesians 1:4-5).
Long before God made the world, his unchanging plan has been to accomplish his purposes through the church—not through nations, governments, or corporations. Earthly institutions are temporary, and they’re not big enough to tackle all the global problems. Only the church is big enough. And only the church will last forever.
Let's put this in perspective. It’s estimated there are about 2.6 billion Christians in the world today. That’s more people than live in China, the world’s most populous country.
So, not only does the church have the greatest participation on the planet, but it also has the highest motivation: God’s love. 1 John 4:19 says, “We love because he first loved us” (NIV).
Isn’t it incredible to know that the church, the whole reason God created the universe, is motivated by God’s love? That’s just another reason why there is no greater privilege than to be part of God’s family.
Rick Warren is an innovative pastor, renowned author, and global influencer known for founding Saddleback Church, the Purpose Driven Network, the PEACE Plan, and Hope for Mental Health. He has written several best-selling books, including The Purpose Driven Life, which has sold over 35 million copies in 200 languages. Time magazine named Warren the most influential spiritual leader in America and one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Since stepping down from the lead pastor role at Saddleback in 2022, Warren has continued to inspire people through his Daily Hope Devotional and podcast Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope. His first book in a decade, Created to Dream, was released in April 2023.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Your Gift Brings Hope to the World
Share the Hope of Jesus with a World that Desperately Needs It
Thank you for your gift today to help share the hope of Jesus with people searching for healing, purpose, and truth.
As thanks, we’ll send you Awesome Relationships—Pastor Rick’s 4-session Bible study guide with video access, designed to strengthen your relationships and deepen your walk with God.
We’re grateful for your partnership to help more people experience the life-transforming love of Jesus!
*Video is available in DVD or streaming formats. The workbook will be mailed to you. *The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of “current offer” materials you received from Daily Hope.
