Category: Christian Living

#44- Our Destiny

52 Reasons to Love the Church

By Kathy Pollard

Neal preached a lesson recently in which he mentioned that three times in Revelation Christ says “I will show you”:

  • what’s happening in Heaven (4:1)
  • how He sees the dark forces of the world (17:1)
  • the church’s destiny (21:9)

Imagine how comforting those pictures would’ve been for the persecuted Christians. As bad as things were, nothing could stand against the victorious Christ. As marginalized as they felt, they could look forward to a celebration as the honored bride of Christ.

While things aren’t as horrible for us as they were for them, it’s still encouraging to be reminded of the true picture: God reigns and we belong to Him!

Neal shared six things (alliterated, of course) from Revelation 21:1-9 that the church still has to look forward to:

  • relationship
  • relief
  • renewal
  • refreshing
  • residence
  • refuge

See if you can find them in the text below!

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” 

Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.”

#42-The Bible is the Emphasis

52 Reasons to Love the Church

By Kathy Pollard

To paraphrase a quote I ran across recently, if you want a Bible church, then you must read the Bible, preach the Bible, and teach the Bible. It makes sense that the Lord’s church would emphasize His Word (John 12:48). The Bible really does underlay every area of the church, as God intended:

  • Bible classes. How wonderful to come together a couple of times a week for the sole purpose of Bible study! All ages have opportunities to grow their knowledge (2 Pet. 3:18).
  • Sermons. Every Sunday morning and Sunday night, the gospel is proclaimed in worship (Rom. 10:15). Bible-centered preaching exhorts and convicts (2 Tim. 4:2)!
  • Devotionals. These happen all the time (before class on Wednesday night, during youth activities, etc.) and help us keep our minds on things above (Col. 3:1-2).
  • Vacation Bible School, Bible camps, Bible Bowls, Lads to Leaders and more. I couldn’t begin to name all the annual events and programs that are for the sole purpose of growing the faith of our youth in fun, engaging ways.
  • Church leadership, acts of worship, plan of salvation, discipleship…Every aspect of the organization of the church and life therein is based on the pattern and commands found in God’s Word (1 Cor. 3:11).

This habit of continually referring to the Bible trains us to discern between truth and error (1 Tim. 2:4). Following the pattern of the Word keeps Jesus (and not men) in His rightful role as Head of the church (Eph. 1:22-23). Emphasizing the Bible is good and right and essential.

Thank God for Bible-based churches!

“I am writing these things to you so that...you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.”

(1 Tim. 3:14-15)

“Continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise in salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

(2 Tim. 3:14-15)

#41- Young People

52 Reasons to Love the Church

By Kathy Pollard

What’s not to love about young people? From children all the way up through college aged, many of them are joyful, enthusiastic, hard workers, servants, and VERY evangelistic. But there are a couple of qualities about young people that I especially appreciate:

They’re not afraid to ask questions. In class or in person, young people like to ask questions. They want answers so they can figure things out, and they expect those answers to come straight from the Bible. They ask about worship, baptism, women’s role, the second coming, angels, relationships, and Bible translations. And if they’re not satisfied with the answers, they’ll tell you so. If something doesn’t make sense to them, they’ll keep at it until it does. As a result, they are building their faith and their understanding of Scripture. Shouldn’t we all be so fearless and persistent? If we don’t really get why we do what we do, shouldn’t we be humble enough to ask questions and dig for answers (2 Tim. 3:17)? Shouldn’t it bother us if we don’t know enough to defend our faith (1 Pet. 3:15)? Spending time with young people challenges me to keep growing in my knowledge of God’s Word!

They love to be together. It really matters to them. There aren’t many things more beautiful than young people getting together to sing, sitting together in worship, or supporting each other. They act happy when they see one another. They don’t roll their eyes when another ‘youth activity’ is planned because they enjoy spending time with each other. They see togetherness as essential to their happiness.I remember feeling that way when I was young. Shame on me for the times when I forget that God wants His people to love being together (Heb. 10:24-25; Rom. 12:10).

I thank God for the energy, personality, and fun our young people bring to the church family table. And I’m eternally grateful for their inspiring examples of no-nonsense learning and close-knit community.

Some great girls getting together for Bible study! (photo credit: Shedona Gutierrez)

#40- Amazing Grace

52 Reasons to Love the Church

By Kathy Pollard

Grace is the foundation of Christianity. After all, we are saved by it (Eph. 2:5,8; Titus 2:11). In every single epistle Paul wrote, he included some version of the phrase, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 1:7 et al.). In both of Peter’s letters, he wrote “Grace and peace be multiplied to you” (1 Pet. 1:2; 2 Pet. 1:2). Where can one see more of this grace than among believers trying their best to imitate Christ?

Grace is a Gift

Grace is from Christ and for those who are in Christ (2 Tim. 2:1). Notice what the Bible emphasizes concerning this gift:

  • It’s free (Rom. 3:23). We can’t earn it (Rom. 11:6). It was given to us (Rom. 12:6).
  • It’s abundant (Jn. 1:16). It “abounds to many” (Rom. 5:15). It’s more than enough to cover our sin (Rom. 5:20). God’s grace is for our horrible mistakes and for our dark pasts, too.

What does this have to do with loving the church? When I have this proper view and understanding of grace, it affects how I treat others. I’m not worthy of grace. I didn’t earn it. It’s for everyone who accepts it. That’s humbling. It helps me see my brothers and sisters in Christ as fellow grace-recipients. Therefore, I will treat them as such. I will love them wholeheartedly. And they will do the same for me.

Grace is a lifestyle.

Jesus exudes grace in His interactions with others. Think of the following beautiful examples:

  • The woman who was a sinner (Luke 7). “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
  • The woman caught in adultery (John 8). “I do not condemn you; go and sin no more.”
  • The woman at the well (John 4). He offered her “living water.”
  • The woman with the hemorrhage (Mark 5). “Your faith has made you well.”
  • Zacchaeus (Luke 19). “Today I will stay at your house.”
  • Bartimaeus (Mark 10). “Your faith has made you well.”
  • Peter (Luke 22). “I have prayed that your faith will not fail.”

We can’t perform miracles. We can’t take away anyone’s sins. But we can extend grace. I’ve been the recipient of grace (especially from my husband) and every time it made me feel loved, grateful, and convicted to do better.

Twice in Romans five we’re told that grace “reigns.” The church is made of people who, though imperfectly, are trying to live a life ruled by grace. Not just when it comes to helping those who stumble, but also when confronted by those who seem to be prickly, or disagree with us, or are so very different than us. With Christ IN us, we view them through His grace-lens. So, like Jesus’ example, their well-being is our concern and we will look for ways to assure their faith and promote their peace. All by God’s design for His people, the church.

“Continue in the grace of God.”

(Acts 13:43)

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

#39- Because He Lives!

52 Reasons to Love the Church

By Kathy Pollard

What if there were no resurrection?

This very question is asked and answered in 1 Corinthians 15. If there were no resurrection:

  • “our preaching is in vain” (v. 14)
  • “your faith is in vain” (v. 14)
  • “we are misrepresenting God” (v. 15)
  • “your faith is futile” (v. 17)
  • “you are still in your sins” (v. 17)
  • “those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished” (v. 18)
  • “we are of all people most to be pitied” (v. 19)

“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead” (v. 20)!

And because of that, we will be raised, too, in glory (v. 43), in power (v. 43), and in victory (v. 57). Because He lives, we have comfort in what lies ahead and an “imperishable” (v. 42), “spiritual body” (v. 44) to look forward to.

But the resurrection of Christ blesses us NOW, too. The book of Ephesians is filled with reassuring promises for those who are in Christ (His church). By my count, there are more than 20! For example, because He lives:

  • We enjoy every spiritual blessing (1:3).
  • We have redemption and forgiveness (1:7).
  • We have an inheritance (1:11).
  • We have His power (1:19).
  • We have been made alive (2:5).
  • We have been saved through faith (2:8).
  • We live with purpose (2:10).
  • We are members of the household of God (2:19).
  • We have boldness and confident access (3:11-12).
  • We have strength through His Spirit (3:16).

“These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places” (Eph. 1:19-20).

It seems like each one of these would be enough on its own. But our Christ “blesses and blesses again” as the old hymn says. An awareness of this will help us live gratefully and faithfully here until we are raised with Him there (1 Cor. 15:58)!

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

(1 Pet. 1:3)

#38- Satan Can’t Defeat Her

52 Reasons to Love the Church

By Kathy Pollard

We know we have an adversary. The devil has been actively going after God’s people from the beginning (2 Cor. 11:3). He even “stood against Israel” (1 Chron. 21:1). He is a liar (John 8:44), a deceiver (2 Cor. 11:14), and a thief (John 10:10). He tries to keep people from “seeing the light of the glory of the gospel of Christ” (2 Cor. 4:4). He uses devices against us (2 Cor. 2:11) and he’s a schemer (Eph. 6:11). So the Bible warns us to be on guard against him.

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Sadly, many have been caught in the devil’s snares (2 Tim. 2:26). While our hearts break to see loved ones suffer until they “come to their senses” (as Paul puts it in the verse I just referenced), Satan takes delight in the calamity and chaos.

Yes, the devil has tricked and trapped and tripped us up, but you know what he can’t do? He can’t win. He really wants to! He is the “accuser of the brethren…accusing them day and night before God” (Rev. 12:10). We’ve seen him in action! Remember when he went after:

  • Joshua the high priest- Satan was “standing at his right hand to accuse him” (Zech. 3:1).
  • Job- “Then Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face'” (Job 1:9-11).
  • Ananias- “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit…” (Ac. 5:1-3).
  • Peter- “Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat” (Lk. 22:31-32).
  • Judas- “Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot…” (Lk. 22:3-6).
  • Jesus- “Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matt. 4:1ff).

Satan has been diligent in going after God’s people, but that’s ALL he can do. He can’t force anyone to sin (James 4:7). He can’t overtake a heart. And he definitely can’t defeat Jesus and His church. “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). He has been “conquered by the blood of the Lamb” (Rev. 12:10). Jesus destroyed his power through His own death on the cross (Heb. 2:14).

The devil “wages war against those who keep God’s commands” (Rev. 12:17), but the worst he can do is try to make us stumble. He has already lost the war and his destiny awaits, an “eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41)!

“Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.”

(Rev. 12:10)

This snake crossed our path at a park this week.

#37- Transformations

52 Reasons to Love the Church

By Kathy Pollard

What’s more inspiring than seeing someone turn their life around? The greatest novels and movies are built around that very theme. Think of the crotchety, stingy Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, for example. His joy and benevolence at the end is so satisfying!

Perhaps the most remarkable transformation story is of the apostle Paul. He went from church persecutor to church preacher (Gal. 1:13). How? He encountered Christ. Notice the progression in Acts chapter nine:

  • “But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord”- v. 1
  • “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”- v. 4
  • “Who are you, Lord?”- v. 5
  • “Then he arose and was baptized”- v. 18
  • “And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues”- v. 20
  • “At Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus”- v. 27
  • “He went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord”- v. 28

Amazing! After experiencing the power of Christ, Paul would spend the rest of his life telling others about it (Eph. 3:20; 6:10; Phil. 4:13; Col. 2:12).

If you’ve been a Christian for any length of time, you’ve probably witnessed some beautiful transformations. You’ve seen the gospel of grace soften hard hearts. You’ve shed tears of joy over a spiritual wanderer’s homecoming.

Maybe you have a loved one who is still resistant to the Truth or is living in sin. I’ve been there. I know the angst and heartache over their choices and the worry over their soul.

Or maybe you were the one who was transformed. You stepped away from a worldly lifestyle to embrace the way of life. Or you got entangled in a sin you never thought you’d touch with a ten-foot pole but finally and humbly walked the path of repentance. I’ve been there, too, friend.

I’ve heard all my life that “God is in the transforming business,” but it took some years and maturity for me to really appreciate what that means. God has done and is doing His part (2 Cor. 5:21). It’s up to us to do ours (Rom. 12:1-2; Col. 2:6). How wonderful to be part of a church family that helps us do that through their love, grace, patience, guidance, and compassion!

Don’t give up. Don’t give in. God is still at work and victory is still possible through the power of Christ.

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

(1 Cor. 15:57)

I found this on the back of a church sign in Beaufort, SC

#36- Older Women

52 Reasons to Love the Church

By Kathy Pollard

I can think of many older women (aside from my own family members) who made an impact on me. One of the most interesting was a woman named Eloise Ousley in Manchester, GA. When her husband would leave town, she’d invite my sister and me for a sleepover. Her kitchen table would be piled high with lots of wonderful treats for the three of us to enjoy during movie marathons. I didn’t think much of it at the time (except that it was fun), but now I realize how remarkable that was. We weren’t related, we hadn’t known each other long, and we weren’t peers. She was probably 50 or more years older than us. She just took an interest and wanted to do something special.

There’ve been women who made the Bible come alive in Bible classes. Women who took an interest in mentoring teen girls. Women who weren’t afraid to share their knowledge and skills with me when I was a newlywed. And women who’ve shown me living pictures of contentment, a quiet spirit, joyful service, and a Christ-centered marriage. And you know what? I’m STILL learning from them and I’m so thankful!

God designed it that way. He instructed the older women to teach the younger (Titus 2:3-5). He wants us to view older women as a valuable resource for wisdom, guidance, and encouragement. They are a precious, essential element for a healthy, growing church!

I know what you’re thinking. You ain’t no spring chicken. You’re right. I’m more of an autumn chicken. I’m not sure what season of chicken you’re supposed to be before you officially become the “older woman,” but I acknowledge I probably hit that category years ago. That means it’s my turn. And maybe it’s your turn, too. Now we get to create special memories for young people. And we get to try our best to be examples of light and faith and womanhood. Let’s prayerfully and humbly take up the torch!

“Older women…are to teach what is good, and so train the younger women…”

(Titus 2:3-4)

Sweet letter I received from Eloise Ousley a few years after I got married

#35- Being Filled

52 Reasons to Love the Church

By Kathy Pollard

Have you ever felt empty? Or have you ever felt like something was missing?

Several years ago I wrote a Bible-marking article on the idea of “being filled.” It was an encouraging study because it was a reminder of the good things our hearts can be filled with as we seek the Lord and live for Him.

Here are just a few examples:

  • Joy-Acts 13:52; 2 Tim. 1:4
  • The Holy Spirit- Acts 13:52; Eph. 5:18
  • Peace and goodness and knowledge- Rom. 15:13-14
  • Comfort- 2 Cor. 7:4
  • The fullness of God- Eph. 3:19
  • The fruit of righteousness- Phil. 1:11
  • Spiritual wisdom and understanding- Col. 1:9

We can still sometimes struggle, though, even as children of God. That’s why it’s so important to spend time with God’s people. Being with brothers and sisters in Christ helps us fill our spiritual tanks back up when we’re feeling empty. When I’m with God’s people, I can SEE joy and goodness and righteousness. When I’m low on peace or comfort or understanding, I can lean into theirs for awhile. And I know others will need the same from me from time to time, too.

“And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”

(Acts 13:52)

“My cup overflows” (Psa. 23:5)

#34- Confidence in My Salvation

52 Reasons to Love the Church

By Kathy Pollard

“The Bible doesn’t teach ‘once saved, always saved,’ but neither does it teach ‘once saved, never sure.'”

Neal made this statement last Sunday when teaching a Bible class on Hebrews chapter ten. He pointed out the three “let us” statements in the text that show us how to have this confidence: draw near (v. 22), hold fast (v. 23), and encourage others (v. 24). Neal summed it up with this statement:

“To keep from falling away, stay close to God and to one another.”

It was such a beautiful study. I noticed a great contrast in verses 38 and 39. There are those who “shrink back” and those who “live by faith.” Starting at verse 22, we can see the difference between the two.

Shrinking back involves:

  • “sinning deliberately”- v. 26
  • “fearful expectation”- v. 27
  • “punishment”- v. 29
  • “outraged the Spirit”- v. 29
  • “trampled underfoot the Son of God”- v. 29
  • “vengeance/ judgment”- v. 30
  • “fearful”- v. 31

Living by faith involves:

  • “full assurance”- v. 22
  • “clean and pure”- v. 22
  • “without wavering”- v. 23
  • “compassion/ joy in struggles”- v. 32-34
  • “confidence”- v. 35
  • “great reward”- v. 35
  • “endurance”- v. 36
  • “preserve our souls”- v. 39

The “living by faith” life is the one I want! But sometimes I get caught up in my own sinful struggles or fears or doubts. I’m thankful that God knows His creation and put something in place for that. He gave me you. You play a role in the confidence of my salvation. You encourage me.

Perhaps you wrestle with never feeling good enough. You’d love to say with confidence, “I’m saved!,” but niggling doubts hold you back. You have drawn near to God. You are staying faithful, even through trials. But the ever-present fear is still there, keeping you from fully embracing hope. Well, remember the the third “let us” because it’s just as essential as the first two. “Consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” The surest way to get over being unsure is to encourage others. The Hebrews writer said that’s one of the reasons we meet together (v. 25). Before you show up for worship, think about specific ways you can “stir up” other Christians. Anytime you’re with your church family, be eager to greet them, listen to them, shoulder their burdens, praise their efforts, and rejoice in their presence. You’ll be contributing to their confidence in their salvation and, in turn, strengthening your own.

“Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.”

(Hebrews 10:35)