The title of this week’s reason to love the church comes straight from Tim Lewis, a gospel preacher in Oklahoma City. He gave me permission to share what he posted:
“I’m sitting at a coffee shop reviewing my lesson, ‘You Can Love the Church,’ and I thought of something that isn’t in my notes. I love the church because the church loved me. There are many people who have been hurt by the church, but I’m not one of those people. My life in the church has been one blessing after another. As I write these words, I am reminded of all the people who have contributed to my faith, invested in me, mentored me, forgave me, accepted me, and believed in me. Some of my greatest mentors have already finished the race. I miss them. I look forward to seeing them again, in eternity. But for the rest of my life, I want to do my best to love and accept others, the way so many people have loved, accepted, and encouraged me.”
I love that!
“My life in the church has been one blessing after another.” Mine, too. Encouragement, comfort, fellowship, friendship, mentorship, family, spiritual growth, spiritual challenges and refinement, and lots of beautiful moments to carry me all the way to forever.
Next time you’re with a group of Christians, maybe out to eat or in your home or in a small Bible study setting, ask everyone to answer the question, “How has the church loved you?” It will surely be a heart-warming time of encouragement!
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
No matter how old you are, you’ve probably experienced a good bit of change. Leadership, lifestyle, law, and the latest thing seem to shift with the tides. Surely it affects our choices. Who can we trust? What should we invest in? Where do we stand? Perhaps our convictions become half-hearted as the skepticism creeps in. After all, what sounds good this year is often retracted next year.
Thank God for the kingdom He built and all the reasons we can put our complete faith in it!
The church cannot be overtaken or destroyed (Dan. 2:44).
The leadership hasn’t changed (Col. 1:18).
The foundation is sure (1 Cor. 3:11).
The church was planned by God (Eph. 3:8-11).
What a contrast to the fickle, transient empires of man! The Lord’s church was in the mind of God from the beginning and built by Christ on the foundation of Christ. We can invest our whole heart into the church because the church will last forever.
I can’t help but think that people all around us are craving that kind of surety and security. Let’s show them our confidence in Christ! Let’s tell them about the kingdom that invites them in as beloved citizens (Eph. 2:19).
We just finished our week of VBS and I was struck by how much I learned during those few short evenings of togetherness. First, allow me to share some things that happened, and then I’ll get to what I learned.
My role was kitchen helper. Every night we ended up with more helpers than we expected. Sally Ware and Dana Simpson were there early every night, but soon sweet faces like Kim Eubanks, Joyce Johnson, Neata Wiley, Diane Boyles, Terrie Hudson, Alice Humphrey, Kelli Nicks, Heather Paschal, Rosa Raby, and more would jump in to help serve and clean.
One night I had a few responsibilities to take care of, but when I showed up, Russell and Dana Simpson were there and had already taken care of all of them.
Every time we were short something and mentioned it, someone nearby would volunteer to go get it. For example, I said I didn’t think we had enough bottled water to get through the next night. Stephen Pitcock heard and said, “I’ll pick some up!” The next night we saw that he not only picked them up, he went ahead and put them in the large cooler for us.
Greg Neville was the VBS coordinator. Every night he helped us by moving the heavy coolers, refilling any foods we were serving, clearing out trash, and basically just jumping in wherever there was a need (like assembling opened faced S’mores).
Diane Boyles brought some fresh cut fruit one night. I told her later that I didn’t get to try any of her sliced peaches but they looked good. The next evening she brought me two juicy, ripe peaches and said, “These are for you.”
Chris Young taught the adult class one night. His text was Acts 7 and he brought out points about Stephen’s sermon that I hadn’t considered. For instance, remember when God told Moses to deliver His people and one of excuses Moses gave was that he was “not eloquent of speech” but was “slow of speech and slow of tongue” (Exod. 4:10-12)? Well, in Stephen’s sermon he referred to Moses as “mighty in his words and deeds” (Ac. 7:22). I’d never noticed that before!
What did I learn?
Many hands make light work, yes, but they also make the work more fun!
I need to be better about looking for ways to help others instead of just focusing on my little role. Many of the thoughtful gestures made all week were by folks who had their own VBS responsibilities to take care of.
Good leadership looks like rolling your sleeves up and working alongside everyone else.
There are needs everywhere and everyone can fill those needs. People just saw a need and took care of it, instead of looking around to find someone else to take care of it.
Small gestures lead to big joy. When I thanked Diane for the peaches she said, “It’s not much.” I said, “Yes, it is!” And I meant it. Of course I love peaches, but the very fact that she thought of me warmed my heart and made me smile.
No matter how old you are, you can learn something new at VBS!
I know many of you won’t know any of the names that I mentioned, but I do. They’re real people making a real difference. They’re my Family and I thank God for the blessing of learning from them!
The amazing thing to me is that this is just a small glimpse of VBS from MY perspective. Who knows what all was collectively shared and learned this week from everyone else’s?
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.”
Neal preached a lesson recently called “Seeing God’s Rich Blessings in the Church I Love.” It was beautiful, and I’m going to share his points here for this week’s reason to love the church. He shared one major theme blessing from each epistle in the New Testament, for a total of 21 blessings! If you like to write in your Bible, you could list each of these blessings under the epistle titles.
Romans- being right with God (1:14-17)
1 Corinthians- unity (1:10-13)
2 Corinthians- comfort (1:3-7)
Galatians- freedom (5:1-13)
Ephesians- the love of God (3:14-21)
Philippians- joy (2:1-4)
Colossians- hope (1:25-27)
1 Thessalonians- prayer (3:9-13)
2 Thessalonians- endurance (1:1-2)
1 Timothy- pattern (3:15)
2 Timothy- boldness (1:7-18)
Titus- grace (2:11-14)
Philemon- providence (v. 15)
Hebrews- covenant (8:6-7)
James- wisdom (3:17)
1 Peter- resurrection (4:1)
2 Peter- knowledge (1:1-8)
1 John- brotherly love (4:7-21)
2 John- truth, as a command (v. 1-4)
3 John- truth, the examples (v. 1-15)
Jude- divine power (v. 24-25)
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.”
My husband and I recently attended the memorial service of a beloved Christian woman named Ruth Waddell. It was obvious by the attendance and by the words spoken that she touched the lives of many, many people. One of her sons brought a large stoneware bowl and explained that his mother served gravy in that bowl every single morning. And sometimes she filled that bowl with pinto beans for lunch or dinner. We heard wonderful stories of how Ruth fed, nourished, and loved countless people with her home and her heart during her 83 years of life. It was so inspiring, and it was a reminder of how much of an impact can be made through the simple, consistent act of hospitality.
I ran across a verse that sounds like it was written about Ruth:
“…and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work” (1 Tim. 5:10).
Something special happens when we’re in each other’s homes. Relationships are built, souls are strengthened, friendships are forged, and yes, bellies are fed. Ruth probably had no idea that her daily offerings were making such a difference, first for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, but also for her church family and her community. I’m sure I’m not the only one in attendance who was touched by her example and convicted to follow it!
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”
I’ve always had a soft spot for gospel preachers. I grew up watching my dad preach and saw that he loved (most) every minute of it. My family met, worked with, and loved many wonderful people because of his efforts. I married a preacher who immensely enjoys what he does, and I hope our now-grown sons look back with the same positive impressions.
As it is with any profession, there are preachers who don’t represent the job well. Their motives can be less than pure, or their messages can come across as self-righteous or arrogant or showy or apathetic. However, I truly believe that most gospel preachers simply love the Lord and desire share His Word to the best of their ability and with all their heart!
Every time we gather as a church for worship, we hear the saving Truth because of someone’s diligent study and courage. I’m thankful for that!
My wise sister, Kristy Woodall (also married to a preacher), said:
“If you love your preacher: pray for him, encourage him, be his friend. But if you don’t like your preacher: pray for him, encourage him, be his friend.”
“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
“You can do what I can’t do. I can do what you can’t do. Together we can do great things.”
I ran across this quote recently and thought how perfectly it describes the Lord’s church. As I consider my own church family, I can think of individuals who excel in teaching. They’re ready and willing and always do a wonderful job. I can think of others who are great at organizing. They’re usually around when any kind of event is coming up. I can think of women who are quick to volunteer to make food for those who need it. I think of members who always invite folks to worship, those who regularly set up Bible studies, and those who lift others up with their gift of encouragement.
A friend of mine recently said, “I can’t do it all!” I found it interesting that she wasn’t saying it by way of excuse, but rather out of frustration. I got the sense that she wished she could do it all. That way she wouldn’t have to say ‘no’ to anyone or any need. She was right. Not only is it true that she can’t do it all, but she shouldn’t try to.
Here’s how the Bible explains it:
“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness” (Rom. 12:4-7).
“If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body” (1 Cor. 12:17-19).
“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ…we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love” (Eph. 4:11-16).
We all bring different gifts, strengths, and talents to the table, which means…
Together Everyone Accomplishes More!
At Bible camp, Erin Eubank had the girls form teams to put their memory verses together.
I just spent a week at Big Reedy Christian camp and, as you might imagine, experienced many things that could’ve inspired this week’s reason to love the church. There was lots of beautiful singing, kids bonding, Bible learning, hands helping, and good, clean fun. But a statement made in the kitchen has stuck with me the most. On the last morning, Dana Simpson was making her famous homemade cinnamon rolls (for the entire camp!) and I was helping her roll out the dough. When it came time to spread brown sugar and cinnamon over the dough, I asked, “About how much do you use?” She replied, “Just measure with your heart.”
When it comes to our Christian walk, following our hearts can be a dangerous thing, as the heart can be “deceitful above all things” (Jer. 17:9). Living by what seems right to us can “lead to death” (Prov. 14:12). But Dana’s answer made me smile, and not just because she gave me permission to sprinkle brown sugar with wild abandon! All week long I’d watched her live out that very concept. Campers and adults alike came to her with their questions. They wanted her advice or suggestions, and it didn’t matter if it was kitchen stuff, or camp stuff, or life stuff.
I learned a lot from Dana myself as I watched her interact with everyone all week long. I believe that people are drawn to her for more than just her experience and knowledge. They know she really cares. How does she know when a counselor needs a pick-me-up by way of an extra biscuit? How does she know how much of an attaboy to give a camper who’s still causing problems but whose growth is evident? How does she know when a more stern reply is in order? She measures with her heart. And she can do that because her heart is engaged. She pays attention. She sees a need and meets it, but in a way that seems just for that person specifically.
Obviously the secret to Dana’s famous cinnamon rolls is the fact that she measures with her heart. And anyone who knows her knows she uses the same principle with people.
The church is filled with people like Dana who live and love wholeheartedly! Who do you know who doles out whatever is needed with their heart?
“So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied” (Acts 9:31).
The church grew because of two ingredients: walking in the fear of the Lord and walking in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. While the times may be a little different for us today, surely those same ingredients hold the power of increase for us, too.
“The Fear of the Lord”
I wrote a Bible-marking article on this topic and in that study learned what it means to fear the Lord and all the beautiful consequences of it:
It means to keep God’s commandments so that it may be well with us (Deut. 5:29).
It means to depart from evil in order to gain wisdom (Job 28:28).
It means to walk in God’s ways in order to be blessed (Psa. 128:1-4).
It brings strong confidence (Prov. 14:26).
It involves humility and the reward is riches, honor, and life (Prov. 22:4).
It means doing what is right so that God will welcome us (Acts 10:35).
“The Comfort of the Holy Spirit”
And there are blessings to walking in the comfort of the Holy Spirit:
“By the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Rom. 15:13).
“The Spirit helps us in our weakness…and intercedes for us” (Rom. 8:26).
“If you live by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, and you will live” (Rom. 8:13).
“God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 5:5).
What does this have to do with loving the church? The church is made up of people who are walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. This means we have a Family filled with wise and confident people doing what is right. It means that when we gather together, we are surrounding ourselves with people who are filled with hope and God’s love. What a balm for our troubled or overwhelmed hearts!
Kennedy Waddell holding our little Jude in Bible class
I’ve never actually been to a Weight Watchers meeting, but I remember hearing about them back in the day. They were popular because the weekly in-person sessions gave dieters the opportunity to weigh in, encourage each other, and receive motivation and advice. I imagine this support played a key role in the success of sincere members. Many of us today utilize fitness apps where we can track our diet and exercise. My husband is a runner and likes to use the Strava app to log his miles and see the progress of fellow runners. What these things have in common is an opportunity to check in (or a needed reminder to show up). A little bit of accountability can make a big difference in reaching our goals.
If our particular goals were easy, we wouldn’t really need an app, would we? We wouldn’t need the motivation or accountability. We usually want these things in place because we know there will be times when we just don’t feel like doing what we’re supposed to.
I’m just going to say this. Sometimes resisting temptation is hard. There are times when I feel selfish or really feel like things should be done my way. There are times when my pride refuses to back down. My mouth really runs riot with complaining or criticizing if I’m not guarding my speech. Sometimes my zeal for soul-winning fizzles out. And sometimes it’s just hard to resist fleshly sins if there’s something I want and I don’t practice self-denial.
I once heard temptation compared to a donut for a dieter. There will be days the dieter can resist the donut with no problem. He’s feeling strong so it’s easy to say, “No, thanks!” He’ll happily reach for an apple instead. But what about those days when all he can think about is that donut? It’s hard, hard, hard to resist. I can see how sin is like that. When I’m feeling strong, it’s not such a big deal. But when I’m feeling weak, I can surprise myself with how easy it is to give in. No wonder the apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands, take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12)!
There can be many factors at play when temptation seems harder to resist. Perhaps I haven’t been diligent in personal Bible study and prayer, so my spiritual armor isn’t in place. Or maybe I’m experiencing a season of discouragement or frustration or exhaustion or disappointment. It’s easy to see how I could make things harder for myself spiritually. It’s just as easy to see how I could make things better for myself spiritually: time soaking in God’s Word, time spent in prayer, and time spent with God’s people.
God knew we would need a place of accountability and He provided it for us, a place among His people. How wonderful that, multiple times a week, we have an opportunity to show up and weigh in, if you will. To receive motivation, encouragement, and advice. To be surrounded by like-minded people who have the very same goals. And to humbly ask for help and prayers when we’re weak and either giving in or giving up.
Paul went on to say, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13). I don’t know what I’d do without my weekly spiritual weigh-ins. There’s something fortifying about gathering with other Christians to praise God and grow together. We see each other’s struggles and life-challenges. We pray for each other and hold each other accountable in the very best way.
Think about that special moment at the end of every gospel message in worship. “If anyone needs to come…” It’s a personal invitation to receive prayers and encouragement. I get to do a heart-check every time. Do I need help resisting temptation? Is my faith growing cold? Am I in a valley, or feeling spiritually weak?
“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Life and Favor (Job 10:12) 