Category: Christian Living

#48- No One is Overlooked

52 Reasons to Love the Church

By Kathy Pollard

Jesus saw everyone. He saw the crowds and the individuals. He saw the young and the old. He saw the rich and the poor. He saw the ones everyone else tried hard not to see.

A blind beggar heard Jesus walking by and cried out to Him for help. Everyone else told the beggar to hush but Jesus said, “Call him over!” (Mark 10:46-52).

A lonely, desperate woman worked her way through a crowd just to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. Jesus turned around and looked at her and called her “daughter” (Mark 5:25-34).

Jesus went out of His way to encourage a woman who’d lived a hard life and tried to keep to herself (John 4:4-42).

Jesus chose to stay in the home of a man whom everyone else hated (Luke 19:1-10).

He offered hope to a man who was condemned and at the end of his rope (Luke 23:39-43), comfort to a woman everyone else avoided (Luke 7:36-50), and great value and worth to a poor widow who brought little to the table.

No one was overlooked by Jesus. And because of that, no one is overlooked by His church. Jesus left an example for us and now we get to see, engage with, and value those who may often be invisible to others (1 John 2:6). How do we prove that God’s love abides in us? We see others and open our hearts to them (1 John 3:17).

“As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me.”

(Psalm 40:17)

#47- Joyful Hearts

52 Reasons to Love the Church

Kathy Pollard

I’m so thankful for Rheanna Plemons. She is a remarkable Christian woman who organized ‘Joyful Hearts,’ a program which makes it possible for those who are physically or mentally challenged to feel like they are the valuable part of the church they truly are. Our church family has been blessed in many ways because of our Joyful Hearts:

A place to belong. Joyful Hearts has brought us delightful folks from the community because Rheanna has provided a service that caters especially to their needs. Everyone desires a place to belong. Everyone wants to feel seen and understood. It’s a reminder of what God’s church is all about.

Extra smiles. Those who show up for the Joyful Hearts class have extra wide, beautiful smiles. They light up our gathering!

Big hearts. Many hands have joined together to make this program possible each week. Rheanna, of course, and also Michele Wheat, Kim Eubanks, and several of our young people. Joyful Hearts is the perfect name for it because it aptly describes those who jump in to help, too.

Opportunities to serve. Speaking of our young people, Rheanna has provided a way for them to be involved in serving our church family and community. I especially love it when she has young men join the class to help teach song-leading! Serving causes growth and a sense of purpose. The Joyful Hearts program brings about much of that as many serve together.

Shining the Light. Every now and then we get a card in our church mailbox from a member of the Joyful Hearts class. They also do various service projects (like helping gather supplies for flood relief). Their ages are different, their challenges are different, but their souls are the same. They are God’s children and He is using them in His kingdom. We’ve all been blessed and encouraged by them. We’ve all learned from them.

God has shown us such goodness through these Joyful Hearts and we’re thankful they’re a part of our family!

If you’d like to learn more about Joyful Hearts, visit their fb page.

Rheanna and her son, Caden

#46- Seeing God’s Goodness

52 Reasons to Love the Church

By Kathy Pollard

“Anyone who says, ‘God is not good,’ clearly has not met His church!” Our oldest son, Gary, wrote these words. He definitely experienced it firsthand when he spent 10 days in the ICU. Christians from all over rallied around him with visits, cards, money, and gifts. It was so touching for all of us that I wrote about it.

Now my husband’s brother, Brent, is in the ICU. And once again, our hearts are being stirred by the thoughtful gestures of fellow Christians. We’ve received countless messages and lots of prayers. People have offered to sit with Brent to give his parents a break. Others have offered to house them so they don’t have to make the hour and a half trek each day. It’s a helpless feeling to be far away from loved ones in times like these but, oh, how relieving it is to see surrounding Christians jump in to help!

God’s church clearly demonstrates His goodness to any who are paying attention. These are just a couple of examples. I could share MANY more, and I know you could, too. In addition to practical help during times of trouble, the church family embraces each other in love and appreciation and holds each other up in times of weakness. This shows they’re doing their very best to live by grace, mercy, compassion, generosity, and love…the very traits of God.

“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.“

(Gal. 6:10)

I’m so, so grateful. When I pray for those I love who are hurting or struggling, I also thank God for the caring hearts of His people.

I know God is perfect and His people are not. I know there are times when we miss opportunities to help, we let each other down, we hurt one another. We’re flawed, we’re busy, and we can be selfish with our time and resources. Hopefully we acknowledge it when it happens and strive to do better next time. Because God keeps using us anyway to be a light to those around us (Matt. 5:16).

I’ve seen way more grace than grumbling, way more help than hostility, and way more appreciation than apathy. It makes me want to do my part better to show others the goodness of God.

“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!“

Psalm 27:13


#45- Sweet Communion

52 Reasons to Love the Church

By Kathy Pollard

A few quiet moments every Sunday, head bowed, heart lifted. Maybe you close your eyes and rest your palm on the cover of the Bible in your lap. Or reach for the hand of a loved one next to you. Maybe you flip to one of the gospels and read about your Savior’s sacrifice.

This precious time in worship centers our souls in at least four ways:

  • The Blessing. Jesus set the example when He blessed the bread before breaking it (Mk. 14:22). The prayer before the Lord’s Supper is an opportunity to give thanks (1 Cor. 11:24), to remember Him (Lk. 22:19), and to examine ourselves (1 Cor. 11:28).
  • The Body. “This is My body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me” (1 Cor. 11:24). The unleavened bread represents the body of Jesus, willingly sacrificed on the cross for us. “He bore our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Pet. 2:23-24).
  • The Blood. The “fruit of the vine” (Matt. 26:29) represents the blood of Christ. “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matt. 26:28).
  • The Body. Not the physical body of Jesus this time, but His body the church (Eph. 1:22-23). We “gather together” for this memorial (Ac. 20:7). Even though we are many individuals, we are one body because of the cross (1 Cor. 10:17). We are united because of the blood of Christ (Eph. 2:13). It is sweet fellowship! “Hearts are brought in closer union while partaking of the bread.”

“The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?”

(1 Cor. 10:16)

#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.