HOT OFF THE PRESSES!
Neal’s brand new book is ready! It compares the struggles during the wilderness wanderings of the Old Testament to the challenges the church faces today. With 13 chapters that include “Making It Practical” sections, this book is perfect for individual or group studies.
You can order a copy here and also subscribe to our newsletter for inspiration, freebies, and our latest news and products.
We pray this study will bless you!
By Kathy Pollard
Do you ever have a bad attitude about something and absolutely know it but can’t seem to help it? I’m the worst patient when it comes to all the labs, tests, and appointments the healthcare community insists we need. I kinda have the mantra of ‘if I’m sick, my body will let me know.’ (Don’t be like me.)
I’d been dealing with something for two and a half years that had me constantly clearing my throat, coughing, and losing my voice. I’d finally had enough and decided to make an appointment. But first, I had to find a doctor since I didn’t have one. My new doctor had lots of questions for me. When was your last mammogram? Never. Colonoscopy? Never. Bone density scan? Never. Flu shot? Ah ha, 2017!! I felt like I finally got an answer right on a test. As you might guess, I walked in for a throat problem and walked out with a bunch of upcoming appointments.
The day of the dreaded mammogram arrived, and I prayed as I pulled into the clinic parking lot. “Please don’t let this hurt. Please don’t let them find anything scary. Please don’t let me be a chicken-baby.” Money for Nothing by Dire Straights came on my XM radio. Since I was early, I sat there waiting for the best part of the song. The part I can’t listen to without rocking my head, which I did. It gave me the mojo to declare, “Let’s do this!,” as I stepped out of the car.
“I see this is your first mammogram. You know all of those horror stories you’ve heard? They’re true.”
Those were the first words out of the tech’s mouth as I walked into the imaging room wearing a cotton hospital gown. I laughed, as she knew I would.
The mammogram itself wasn’t as bad as I’d imagined. The worst part was the positioning. I thought I’d be the one doing that. It was only 14 minutes from the time I parked to the time I returned to my car. I’d been dreading it, worrying about it, building it up in my mind…and it was over in a flash. I felt a little silly when I left. But still felt like I deserved a donut.
And the throat problem? Turns out it was allergies. I was kicking myself for not having gone in much, much sooner. A Singulair prescription made all the difference. I could’ve saved myself years of embarrassing throat-clearing had I addressed it head on.
Some things are so easy to put off. We just don’t want to deal with them. It could be as minor as replacing a light bulb or replying to messages. It could be a health screening. Or it could be having a hard conversation with a loved one or confessing a sin problem. Ironically, the weight of NOT dealing with it ends up being more burdensome than actually taking the five minutes to take care of it.
Often it’s just a matter of inconvenience or discomfort. But even if whatever needs to be addressed is painful, the relief, peace, or clear conscience that follows is worth it!
James 4:17 Prov. 14:23 Psa. 90:12 Eph. 5:15-17
By Kathy Pollard
Nine dozen ears of corn! A friend of ours showed up at church one Sunday night with all that corn for us. It was the Honey Sweet variety and pesticide-free. Neal and I were ecstatic. We’d been eating corn on the cob almost daily since it came into season. There’s nothing better than fresh, tender, sweet corn. We have no problem making a meal out of it with just a few slices of ripe tomato on the side.
That same evening another friend showed up with two large pans of freshly picked green beans. My, we really felt rich driving home with a trunk full of homegrown produce!
“When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things” (Psalm 104:28).
My enthusiasm dimmed somewhat when we carried our bounty in the door and I saw all of the tomatoes, jalapeños, orange snacking peppers, etc. all over my kitchen island. You see, we’d been harvesting our own vegetables and they were still waiting to be processed somehow.
I spent two whole days making hot sauce and fresh tomato sauce, shucking corn, and snapping beans for the freezer. I didn’t really feel like doing it. There were other things I’d rather be doing!
Sometimes wonderful gifts come into our lives and we’re just overwhelmed with the gratitude of it all:
We smile and think, “It’s amazing!” And it is. But it’s also work.
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it” (Gen. 2:15).
Each example I gave takes constant work in order to stay in good, healthy, happy shape. Hopefully most of that work feels like a blessing in itself. It’s delightful to care for a new home or feed a newborn. But sometimes we just won’t feel like it. There are tedious bits, after all.
It helps to remember the fresh produce principle: take care of it now if you want to enjoy it later.
Those beautiful ripe tomatoes soon turn rotten. The corn must be processed before it turns starchy. And so, you do the work even when you don’t really feel like it knowing your efforts will be completely worth it.
Relationships, children, and opportunities are ripe for enjoyment NOW. It’s all too easy to neglect them or put them off, assuming you’ll have time for them later. Those blessings require daily work. Strengthen the ties. Forgive the hurts. Be present. Express all the love and appreciation. Make the time, even when you don’t feel like it.
After those two long days of snapping and shucking, it was so gratifying to see the kitchen island cleared of produce and my freezers filled with flavors that we will especially love come winter. I started humming while I wiped down my counters and carefully draped the cloth over the clean sink. I took a deep breath and stretched by achy shoulders. I smiled. When Neal got home I proudly told him of my accomplishments and he properly praised my efforts.
Later that evening he brought in another whole basket full of tomatoes, jalapeños, and orange peppers from our garden and set them on the counter.
By Kathy Pollard
Today is our youngest son’s birthday. Last year he requested “Butterfinger Dessert,” as he’s done for many of his birthdays. As I assembled the layers (it resembles a trifle of sorts), I smiled. Most people would probably serve this dessert in a clear bowl or a trifle dish to show off the layers. But I always serve it in an oversized stainless steel bowl. There’s a reason for that.
About twenty years ago when the boys were young, our family worshipped with a congregation in Neosho, MO, and we stayed for their potluck. That’s where I tried that dessert for the first time and was able to obtain the recipe. It quickly became an oft-requested family favorite. The first time I made it I didn’t own a trifle dish and ended up using the stainless steel bowl.
Now that our boys are grown, I learned something about sentimental traditions: you don’t mess with them.
You see, a couple of years ago this same youngest son requested a Deep Dark Chocolate Cake for his birthday dessert (another family favorite). I made it for him but he surprised me by saying, “Don’t you usually serve this cake chilled?” I said that I’d just made it so I didn’t need to chill it. He said, “Oh. I just remember this cake being cold.” That’s when I learned that he didn’t just pick a cake for his birthday, he picked a memory. I explained to him that when he was growing up, that was usually a company cake. I would make it the day before to cut down on the work needed the day of having company over. So I’d put it in the fridge and that’s why he remembers it being cold.
Now I know to chill that cake for birthdays because it’s not so much about the chocolately goodness as it is about recreating a memory. I was delighted to discover that just a small detail could bring back a fond memory for my son.
Isn’t it amazing that as your children are growing up, you are creating special memories without even realizing it?
They don’t have to involve party planners or lots of money or great big adventures. Just regular things you do often in your own unique home. The simple choices you make regularly (like chilling a chocolate cake or serving a dessert in the same stainless steel bowl every time) form the reliable, this-is-our-family moments that become your very own traditions.
Some family traditions are very intentional (nightly devotionals, pizza and games on Fridays, etc.), but many of them happen without you realizing it. Until your grownup kid asks for a Deep Dark Chocolate cake for his birthday.
*Look up “Hershey’s Deep Dark Chocolate Cake” to find the recipe online.
*Here is the recipe for Butterfinger Dessert:
8 Butterfingers, crushed (easier to crush if frozen first)
1 box yellow cake mix, prepared per instructions and cooled
1 container Cool Whip (regular size)
1 (8 oz) cream cheese, room temp
3/4 box powdered sugar (I only ever have powdered sugar in a bag and just guess the amount. ha)
1 box instant vanilla pudding, prepared per instructions
Beat cream cheese until very smooth. Mix in prepared pudding and powdered sugar. Fold in cool whip. Put this filling in the fridge to set up.
Tear cake into chunks.
Layer cake chunks, filling mix, and Butterfinger crumbs in serving bowl. I usually end up with 3 layers of each. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
By Kathy Pollard
“Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds” (Prov. 27:23).
When we first brought our Jersey cow home, she seemed so BIG. I was supposed to walk her around the electric fence perimeter so she’d learn her new pasture boundaries. I was intimidated by her size and it made me nervous. What if she stepped on me or ran me over? In fact, everything about getting a dairy cow seemed big…the learning curve, the commitment, the investment. I laugh now at how green we were. We’ve learned much over the past 18 months, and it has been one of the richest experiences we’ve had.
We made the difficult decision to sell Peaches (for a variety of reasons) and it happened much faster than I anticipated. Now I’m looking at an empty barn and pasture and feel a big hole in my heart. And yes, I already regret letting her go. And yes, if I could, I’d bring her back in a heartbeat.
I wanted to call this “Ode to Peaches,” but I’m not a poet. So I will just share my thoughts, if you’ll indulge me.
It feels good to learn a new skill. While it was scary at times, it was invigorating to do something so completely foreign to our norm. We read a lot and asked a lot of questions, but the bulk of the learning came from the actual hands-on experience.
Community is essential. Our friend, Jeremy Waddell, knows cows. He made our venture possible by finding Peaches, teaching us how to milk her, and walking with us through every learning stage. In addition, we found that all the “cow people” naturally gravitate toward each other. It was fun having new conversations with new friends about our new adventure.
Commitment is doable. Peaches needed milked morning and evening, every day, rain or shine. We milked her through icy weather, thunderstorms, and tornado warnings. We milked her when our schedule was tight. We milked her on major holidays. We milked her when we didn’t feel good. We milked her when we already had a gazillion jars of milk. There were many times we didn’t really want to and also many times when we were afraid we wouldn’t be able to (like when the milking machine motor would freeze and refuse to start), but we kept at it until we figured it out. Because we HAD to. It didn’t matter how we felt or what was going on. We still had to milk Peaches.
My husband loves me. I had to add this one. Having a dairy cow was my dream. Neal not only had no interest, he was dead set against it. But when he finally decided we could have one, he jumped all in. He helped build our barn, paid for the cow, and learned the skills. It didn’t take long for us to discover that I’m actually allergic to hay (I had no idea!), so Neal ended up being the one to do the bulk of the daily milking. Peaches was my dream, but Neal became her farmer. He threw on the overalls (and looked good in them) and the Muck boots. I often heard him whistling while he was carrying in the large, full milk pail. And when things got hard or the weather got bad, he didn’t complain.
The reward is sweet. Oh, fresh creamy milk is the very best! There’s nothing like it. We had straight-off-the-cow raw milk in our coffee every morning. We took dozens of jars to friends and family. We felt RICH with all of our wholesome milk, made all the sweeter by the fact that she was our cow and we were bringing in the fruit of our labor. The commitment was worth it.
Neal and I often talked about the life lessons we learned in the barn. We even considered writing a marriage book based on it because there were so many correlations: commitment can be hard, you can focus on the sacrifice or the blessings, the reward is sweet, a little attention goes a long way, the barn gets gross if you don’t clean out the poop, and so on…ha. I’m grateful we experienced it together. I liked us as cow owners. As Neal often said after a particularly challenging morning, “It feels good to push through and figure things out!”
Now I’m sitting here thinking back over our time with Peaches…the beautiful moments of a sunrise milking, the amazing experience of a calf birth, the delight on the faces of the children who visited our barn, and alllll the ways she gave to our family. I’m thankful for every moment of it.
Is it weird that I have prayed for Peaches to be happy in her new home?
By Kathy Pollard
For a few years now Neal and I have been playing around with the idea of self-publishing. That dream was realized about three months ago with the launch of our new business, Life and Favor Publishing. Even with all of our planning, there were still some surprises. First, we didn’t realize how MUCH we’d have to learn (and still do). Second, we were thrilled to discover that our grown kids wanted to be involved. From editing and formatting to designing a cover and building a website, they’ve all played a part in bringing our first project to life.
We had our first book printed in October. Neal’s book is a practical study of Jesus’ ministry life…how He interacted with others, found balance in life, put His Father’s will first, and more.
The moment Neal held the finished product in his hands felt a little surreal for both of us. God is so good! We have other book projects in the works, and it’s our prayer that each one will encourage the readers.
I’ve also been having some fun handcrafting “book accessories.” We now have velvet bookmarks, journal charms, and Bible case zipper charms (my favorite because I love the way they feel…cool and smooth)!
If you’re interested in a copy of Neal’s book or any of the book accessories, you can find them at Life and Favor Family Publishing. For updates and news, you can follow our facebook page.
We found it slightly terrifying to share something with the world that we made ourselves, but helpful family, supportive friends, and lots of prayer made this venture an exciting new chapter!
“You have granted me life and favor, and your care has preserved my spirit.”
(Job 10:12)
By Kathy Pollard
I can’t think of a better way to finish out this series! I loved reading all of these reasons, and I hope you do, too!
Michele Wheat– There are STRONG women in the church to guide, carry, and love you through EVERY season of life! There is not a thing you will walk through that someone hasn’t been there ahead of you. Every age group holds wisdom and comfort.
Betty Preble– I love the Lord’s church because it teaches the pure gospel of Christ.
Cori Fuller-I love how singing bonds us together. I love knowing that nearly wherever we go, and all over the world, there are others striving to serve and know God, too. I love the way we take care of each other in times of need.
Kristy Woodall– Sometimes we may feel that God is not within reach in that He can’t comfort you in the way we often desire comfort. The hug. But the church meets that need. The love of your church family is the physical manifestation of God’s love for you! That is why our assembling together creates heaven on earth.
Kristina Odom– My husband has been a full time minister for 27 1/2 years. We have been blessed to have spent those years with some of the best people. We have seen many things, been a part of many things, laughed at many things, loved many things, and have endured many things. God’s church is filled with people who love, who care, who lift each other up, who humble us, who root for each other, who are always willing to help or serve or just share a smile. I love that God designed His church to be a family. I love the bonds that are formed within that family. I love watching the love we have for each other grow. It’s a beautiful thing. I love my church family. I love my family.
Kelsey Taylor– I love the church because I know that wherever I go, I will always have family there. That’s exactly what the church is—a family. I attend a congregation where most of us aren’t locals, but we’ve all been planted here in one way or another. It’s such a beautiful thing to witness how deeply connected we are, especially since many of us don’t have our actual families nearby. The church has become our true family—supporting, loving, and walking alongside us through our brokenness and joys alike. I am so thankful for this community and the way it reflects God’s love in such tangible ways.
Maurey Best- Too many seasons I love the church. One is the laughter with my sisters in Christ. There is nothing like it.
Steve Bookout- I think while the church is made up of people from all walks of life, they are mostly people all trying to be good people. Good neighbors, etc. You find people who are in friendly, familial type relationships that wouldn’t have anything to do with each other outside of Christ. I know we can all point to exceptions, but the church just seems to me to be a more loving, friendly, unified environment than what you find anywhere in the world. That happiness is seen in marriages, families, and friendships. I enjoy being around God’s people.
Ashley McGuire- One reason I’m thankful for the Lord’s church is because of the prayers said on my behalf and encouragement from my brothers and sisters. Fighting a battle with depression is utterly exhausting. There are days that I am filled with despair, but I find comfort and hope in knowing that the Lord’s church will lift me up in prayer.
Amanda Key– When I finally opened up and shared my sorrow and asked for prayers to grow our family – the church surrounded me with love and encouragement the entire time until we adopted our son. Another reason I love the church is because you always have family where ever you go!
Kari Armstrong-Fish– I love the Lord’s church because they comfort me. They help me and encourage me. They love me. I am so thankful! God is so good!
Chelsea Robinson– I love the church because we’ll be together for all of eternity!
Vickie March– We love the Church because Jesus died for it and for every single person on this planet.
Krista Cook– I love the Lord’s Church because you are always at home – whether with your local family or your extended family. Also because of ALL the connections – someone always knows someone you know.
Jim Harrison– He made a plan to make a place for me in His kingdom before the world was formed.
Donna Sapp– Because everybody there loves God & is striving to be more like him each day!
Barbara Barnes– Loving others to show your love for God.
Stella Ziebell– I love the Church because we are all a part of God’s family.
Telah Wrenn– I love the Lord’s church for the glimpse of heaven it gives me.
Julie Gibb– One of the things I love most about the Lord’s church is how extensive the family is. When we travel, we always find some connection to other friends or places or something at every congregation we visit no matter how far from home we are.
Peggy Stone– We are God’s saved people.
Janet Brent– I love our church because of their desire to see people come to know Christ as well as their willingness to pray for others!!!
Carla Schaadt– I love how even though you don’t personally know the people when you are a visitor at another congregation you ALWAYS ( or should) feel as if you are around people you’ve known for years because of the connection of all being one body for Christ.
Rob Moorey– When you love someone, truly love them, you love what they love. Jesus loved the Church so much he died for it. If I love Jesus, how can I not love the Church as much as he does?
Pat England– To hear an instructional lesson to draw me closer to God.
Melinda Netherton– Showing God’s Love , working together.
Sylvia Sanchez-Strive to be Christ like.
Rachel Robertson– The genuine love and compassion in the church is one the most beautiful things I’ve seen.
Debby Greene– My reason is the wonderful family in the church.
Veronick Pignatelli- I love the church because no matter how near or far, we are all one big family. The love we have for eachother, how we care for one another, how we can rely on eachother in ways nothing in the world can offer us. What Jesus said in Matthew 6:33-34 is the meaning of being in peace, when we are united with our brethren. This is how God takes care of us. Everything we need is in the body, and it is a beautiful place to be.
Rebecca Dixon- We are the church. Available 24/7 everyday. When we meet on first day of week, as the church, to partake, remember and give thanks, we communicate with people who nourish our life with lessons, love, and laughter.
Debbie Hawthorne- The church is my way of life, my family, my friends, my companions, my confidantes because we are all of “like precious faith”.
Deanna Myers- No matter where in tge world you go, if you are a part of the Lord’s church, you have family.
Bonnie McCoy– I love the church because we worship God His way and we share that precious faith.
Bobbie Goodnight– I love the church because it is God’s family and it instructs us in His Word how to worship God, how to get to Heaven, how to remain faithful, how to live a Christian life, and how to improve each and every day of our lives.
Donna Faughn– I love the church because Jesus built it. He is the chief cornerstone. It will never fall because “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” We live in a fallen world surrounded by sin, but Christ and His faithful followers will live on forever.
Nataliya Parakhin– Church is the Kingdom that will never be overpowered by any other and will never be destroyed (Daniel 2:44). Looking at the war events in our homeland for more than 11 years I have deep appreciation of belonging to such place.
Brenda Mask– The Church of Christ is the Family of God, where we come together to worship God and study and learn what He wants for our life and glorify Him wherever we go to bring others to Him. Our prayer and mission should be His prayer and mission. John 1.
Beth Cook– I love the church because of our Savior. And I love the church because I am NEVER EVER alone being a part of God’s family.
Cathy Turner– I recently heard of a non-church member describing the church by saying, “Those people never let anyone suffer alone.” That’s one of the things that I love about God’s family.
Lila Wiley– The desire to see people get saved! To hear the true meaning of God’s word! To encourage me to keep going and try to be a light for Jesus and a blessing to others!
Joyce Utzman– Sometimes friends and even family members can let me down. There are times we disappointed them, but our God will never leave or forsake us, even when we fail Him, like the prodigal son, He is there to welcome us home. God is love.
Sonja Caton– I love the church because it is God’s chosen vessel to save mankind. By sending Jesus to redeem man from sin God then sent His Church for us to cling to until Christ returns to take us home.
Sandra Aleshire– I love the church because when you move from another state you’re immediately invited in and it doesn’t take long to feel at home.
Vivian Grise– Chains of love holding us together.
Beth Brown– We live several states away from our children and get to see them once a year. When our daughter’s house had roof damage from a hurricane, she was at home with 4 children. Her husband was deployed. Her dad was too far away to come and check on it. One of the men from her church family came out to see about it. As a mother of little ones, she sure didn’t need to get on a ladder and check her roof. Her brother in Christ knows all the insurance adjusters and repair folks in the area. He was able to be a skilled advisor and make sure she was dealing with reputable people. Our other daughter went through a tough time for a year or so. Her elders and their wives were so good to check on her daily and make sure she was safe, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They were her family when we were too far away to physically check on her every day. When God’s family functions as God designed it, it is a special blessing to the adult children and to their parents who loving and praying from far away.
Julie Pitts– Because the Church that Jesus established was about loving us enough to correct us when we are wrong, give us peace through times of grief and sorrow, and teach me to store God’s Word in my heart so I might not sin against Him. It’s a love story that has continued for centuries. It is free for everyone we just have to abide in His Love and show Him we honor Him by living by His commandments.
David Malley-Garza– One reason I love the Lord’s church is because no one takes care of you better than the Lord’s people do.
Retha Naylor– They are my family.
Rita McGuire– I love the church because I know I have family anywhere I go. In our travels when we attend a congregation, no matter where it is, I know we are among believers and usually we will come across someone who knows someone we know. I love having this kinship. God is SO good.
Julie Gibb– It’s amazing and it’s wonderful. We have so much support in Rochester, Minnesota, when we go to Mayo Clinic. Getting to stay in the hands of compassion house that is operated by the Rochester Church of Christ is amazing!!!
AMEN AND AMEN
By Kathy Pollard
My new young friend, Katy Ballance, shared something about their family’s recent move from a 30-member congregation to work with a church of 350. Lucy, their almost-four-year-old daughter, looked around during the singing in worship and then, eyes wide, asked, “Daddy, is this all my family?” Katy said she and her husband, Colton, shared a meaningful look with each other before they answered, “Yes, this is our family.”
Out of the mouths of babes. I can just envision Lucy’s wonder, can’t you? First of all, kudos to Colton and Katy for their excellent parenting. They’d obviously taught their daughter about the church being God’s family, to the extent that she understood it to be her very own family! But second, what if we all emulated Lucy’s response? What if, every time we gathered together as a church, we looked around and acknowledged, “Yes, this is my family!” Seems like some beautiful things would result:
Awe. There’s a big difference between 30 and 350 and that sweet little girl was taking it all in. More friends! More adopted grandparents to love on her! More fellow Bible class kids! Whatever was going through her young mind, she was amazed at her new family. I’m so glad for the reminder. It’s easy to take things for granted. Our church family consists of the members who attend where we worship, but it is much bigger than that. There are Christians the world over. When we travel, we can find a church family to worship with. When we go overseas, we can find church family, even if they speak a different language. Whether 30 or 350, they’re our family. I hope we never lose the wonder over that!
Gratitude. God has been so good to us many times through His people. I could easily do a year’s series just on that one aspect of the church. We learn from each other, encourage each other, help each other, worship together, do life together, win souls together…God did that for us.
Ownership. Sometimes we can get caught up in the shortcomings or disappointments of fellow Christians. But taking a moment to look around and remember who they are will put them back in our hearts where they belong. They are MY family. We may not always see eye to eye on everything. We may not always treat each other perfectly. But I belong to them and they belong to me. This means I will love them. I will extend grace to them and they will for me. In addition to that, because they are MY family, I will feel protective of them and stand up for them.
Yes, Lucy, they’re all your family. Thank you for the reminder to embrace that with everything I’ve got.
By Kathy Pollard
What does it mean to be mission-minded? It means you are willing to go wherever people need to hear about Jesus. The apostles left everything when Jesus said, “Follow Me” (Matt. 4:19). (Interesting side note…Jesus said “Follow Me” in 12 different conversations!) Paul traveled the Mediterranean world to spread the gospel (Acts 13-20). The early Christians “went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Today there are missionaries serving in foreign countries and in “mission fields” in our own country. Some have the un-fun job of raising full-time support in order to live and teach somewhere that’s not even their culture. That means they’re stepping out of their comfort zone twice over! Some have taken on multiple jobs just to make it possible to work with tiny congregations who can’t afford to pay a preacher. God bless the mission-minded!
God can use US to bless the mission-minded. What if we all adopted a missionary this Christmas? Here are some ways we could make theirs a little more merry:
Bonus points for asking another friend or family to join you in adopting a missionary!
“Go into all the world…” I thank God for the mission-minded who have taken this command to heart, who, in some cases, have literally moved to other lands. They see the big picture and had the courage and faith to take the big steps. God is using them the world over! Let’s zoom in on an individual or two and hold up their hands this season. We can call it the Aaron and Hur Project (Exodus 17:11-12). 🙂
By Kathy Pollard
It’s not the church’s plan; it’s God’s. But it’s simple and it’s for everybody.
Many have asked, “What must I do to be saved?” I’m thankful that the Bible gives the answer. It would be confusing to seek this truth in the world…so much contradiction! But God made it plain, easy to understand, straightforward, uncomplicated.
We all have a sin problem that separates us from God (Rom. 3:23; Isa. 59:2).
Because God wants a relationship with us, He reached out to us by sending His Son to die on the cross for our sins (Rom. 5:8). Grace in action!
If we want a relationship with God, we reach out to Him by being baptized into His Son for the removal of that sin problem (Rom. 6:1-4; Gal. 3:27). Faith in action! At the moment of baptism, the Lord adds us to His body, the church (Acts 2:37-47; Eph. 1:22-23; 4:4-6).
And the Christian life is all about walking in the Light so the “blood of Jesus continually cleanses us from our sins” and we have “fellowship one with another” (1 John 1:7).
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.”
(Titus 2:11)
Life and Favor (Job 10:12) 