Preacher's Pen

Seeking to assist others based upon the Teachings of Jesus Christ

“What I Love about the Church” by Wesley Walker, Guest Writer

As you walk into our gathering place you are met by signs and posters with the statement: A place to belong. I know it is a bit cliché, but it is easy to remember and hopefully it portrays our true feelings. We truly want to be a place people can belong. Using the analogy of place, when I think about what I love about the church, three areas come to mind (speaking of cliché a preacher using three points).

First, I love the church because it is a place of submission. I know that is kind of a weird aspect to love. Submission is not something we are cultural programmed to accept. However, I love the fact the church is a place of submission because of to whom we submit: Jesus. Entrusting that He knows best. Convinced that He will keep His promises. What a liberating experience!

Second, I love the church because it is a place of reconciliation. In the wisdom of God He decided that all humanity would be reconciled to each other and to Him in the church. This grand mystery of God is displayed to the world in the church.

Third, I love the church because it is a place of unity. Salvation is not exclusive to the rich or poor, man or woman, white or black. Salvation is available to all and so is the church. The “fullness” of humanity is to be seen in the church.

Honestly, we all know these are ideals. The church has not always shown itself to be examples of these three areas. Lets also be honest, no other institution/organism/organization/community has either. However, the fact that these are three of the ideals of the church makes me love the church and the God whom the church worships.

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About Wesley Walker:

Wesley Walker is a Christian, husband (former Amanda Aguirre), son, friend, preacher, and graduate student.  His passion is digging deep into the word of God and sharing the unearthed treasures with others.

His desire to share the word of God with others has led him to start a new website: www.studyyourbibleonline.com. SYBO exists to help people develop a love for Scripture that will lead them to a more fervent love for God through daily devotionals, apologetic material, topical studies (theology), and in-depth looks into the text of Scripture.

You can follow him on twitter at walkerwesley.

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Personal Note:

Thanks, Wesley for taking time to write for the Preacher’s Pen. Wesley’s words should encourage us as well as inspire us to share the submission, reconciliation and unity with those around us. Be sure to check out Wesley’s writings on his website.

Wesley, thanks again for writing.

Chris

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“What I Love about the Church” by Weylan Deaver, Guest Writer

What I Love About the Church

By Weylan Deaver

Jesus loved the church enough to die for her (Eph. 5:25). His was a love demonstrated. But love for the church is also demanded when an apostle writes, “love the brotherhood” (1 Pet. 2:17, ESV). Thankfully, for those who love the Lord, loving the church is not hard to do, and there are many reasons that make it a joy. Here are a handful on my list.

Its Past

I love the church because of its past. The church existed perfectly in the mind of God before earth was created (Eph. 3:10-11). Then it existed prophetically from the lips and pens of Old Testament and, later, New Testament preachers (Dan. 2:44; Matt. 10:7). Finally, it existed personally in the hearts of saints after its auspicious beginning on Pentecost following the resurrection (Luke 17:21; Acts 2:47). No church has the pedigree of the Lord’s church. Catholicism evolved as men adopted non-apostolic practices. Later, Protestant denominations sprang up as men sought to reform corrupted religion; yet, they ended up in the same place, with human hierarchies, human creeds, human confessions of faith. In the church of Christ, our past is thrilling, heart-wrenching, and glorious, but nothing to be compared with the glories yet to come!

Its Pattern

I love the church because of its pattern. Paul’s directive to Timothy is apropos as ever: “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me” (2 Tim. 1:13). The sound words are what constitute the Bible (John 17:17). The pattern-nature of the New Testament inheres in the nature of its Source, which is God (i.e. the ultimate Authority). Paul was grateful the Christians in Rome had obeyed “the standard of teaching to which you were committed” (Rom. 6:17). That pattern of teaching—the Bible—never changes with the clock, climate, culture, custom, or country. In answer to life’s greatest questions, we do not reach for a creed book. We do not consult the clergy or a synod. We only need go to the Scriptures. “Pattern” is not a dirty word, though many belittle the concept. But sticking with the pattern is what has kept the church of Christ distinct. To the degree we compromise on baptism, adopt instrumental music, tamper with Sunday observance of the Lord’s Supper, endorse denominations, etc., we abandon “the pattern of the sound words,” and that to our own demise.

Its Purity

I love the church because of its purity. The church is to be “without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (Eph. 5:27). Though we live in a moral cesspool, we are still expected to practice “pure religion” (Jas. 1:27). Paul described several who are not going to heaven, including those who engage in pre-marital sex or extra-marital sex, homosexuals, thieves, the greedy, drunks, etc. (1 Cor. 6:9-11). Paul indicts his readers as having once practiced such wickedness, but now they were “washed…sanctified…justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” Purity is possible when we contact Jesus’ blood at the time we are washed in baptism for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:1-4; 1 Pet. 3:21). When the church practices purity, we stand out in stark contrast to a dark and sinful world. We dress differently. We talk differently. We treat marriage differently. “Therefore go out from their midst and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you” (2 Cor. 6:17).

Its People

I love the church because of its people. As Jesus put it, “you are the salt of the earth” (Matt. 5:13). There’s something about a meal with Christians that is missing at a business lunch. There’s something about Christians lifting their voices in song, praising God, that cannot be duplicated in a group of worldly folk. There’s a kinship expressed when Christians hug or shake hands that is absent elsewhere. What Christians have that others don’t is Christ, and he makes all the difference. Rather than consort with the dregs of society, give me the “salt of the earth.” The finest people I know are members of the church of Christ, and I have been blessed all my life to associate with the “salt of the earth.” Barbra Streisand sang about “people who need people.” Well, there are no people like Christian people, and they are the most needed of all!

Its Purpose

I love the church because of its purpose. We glorify God by submitting to his gospel, proclaiming his word, worshiping in Spirit and truth. Our purpose is God’s purpose. Our goals are God’s goals, and they center around the salvation of souls (John 3:16). Society is full of organizations. Some have noble purposes. Some have wicked purposes. Some have trivial purposes. But only one organization has eternal purpose, with a mission solely tied to saving souls. That divine organization is the church, bought with blood (Acts 20:28), and which will ultimately be saved by Jesus (Eph. 5:23). And, while many groups concentrate on perceived problems in the here and now, our focus is “on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Col. 3:2). No purpose is nobler, no mission more magnificent. Truly, the church of Christ is different because of its past, its pattern, its purity, its people, and its purpose. These afford us no shortage of reasons to love it. Do you?

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About Weylan Deaver:

Weylan is a graduate of the Southwest School of Bible Studies, Freed-Hardeman University (B.A.), and Bear Valley Bible Institute (M.B.S.). He preaches for the Sherman Drive congregation in Denton, Texas and teaches in the distance learning program of Tennessee Bible College. He and his wife, Cheri, have four homeschooled children. Weylan enjoys hunting and songwriting.

Be sure to check out Weylan’s website at: http://wdeaver.wordpress.com/

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Personal Note:

I thank Weylan for taking part in our “What I Love about the Church” series. As you read Weylan’s words, let them challenge you and inspire you to share the church with others. I appreciate Weylan’s writings from his website and his short words while following him on Twitter.

Thanks Weylan!

Chris

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“What I Love about the Church” by Joe Palmer, Guest Writer

The word “Church” is the most misunderstood religious word today. In Biblical Greek it means “called out.” In definition, it simply refers to those called out of the world and into fellowship with Christ. The Church consists of those people that are in a relationship with Christ.

One can no more accept Christ and reject the Church, than he can accept a man and reject his wife. The Church is the bride of Christ. Sadly many today feel like they can reject the Church and still have Christ.

To truly love the church you must first understand what the church is, and what it is established to do.

• The Church is those who have been saved, sharing the message of salvation. Acts 8:1-4

• The Church is the unworthy recipients of Christ’s love, loving those trampled on by the world, that they might see Christ living in us. I Cor. 15:9,10

• The Church is, those who have escaped the snares of Satan, by the power of Christ, aiding in the release of more prisoners. II Timothy 2:24-26

• The Church is not a museum for the saints, but a hospital for sinners.

• The Church does not preach a message of condemnation, but of a hope of heaven. Romans 8:1

• The Church is those whom the world calls hypocrites, but Christ calls forgiven. Matt. 5:1

• The Church proclaims a righteousness it cannot attain except through Christ, that more people may claim his righteousness. II Cor. 5:21

• The Church is the body that worships God, is saved by Jesus, and lead by the Holy Spirit.

• We are servants of Christ. We are His hands, His feet, His mouth on this earth.

• Whatever Christ will do on earth, he will do through the Church, and when the Church ceases to do His will he will raise up followers from the rocks to do his bidding. Luke 19:40

Why I love the Church:

• I love the Church because Christ is it’s head. Col. 1:18

• I love the Church because it is Christ’s bride. Eph. 5:27-32

• I love the Church because it is the spiritual house of God and his priesthood on earth. I Peter 2:5

• I love the Church because it is God’s household. I Tim 3:15

• I love the Church because all of whom the Lord saves are in His Church. Acts 2:47

• I love the Church because Christ purchased it with His own blood. Acts 20:28

The Church is the family of God. It is easy to point out the flaws in any family. I love my family and the Church. I love them both because they are both my family.

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About Joe Palmer:

(written by Joe Palmer)

Growing up in a small town in Arkansas with a Father and Mother who believed in the three W’s, Work, Worship, and Whippings, helps you understand that the simple things in life are really the best.  The reason most people don’t have a better life is they keep looking for an easy answer and ignore the simple answer. 

I was educated at Crowley’s Ridge College, A.A. Freed-Hardeman University, B.A. Bible and M.A. in Ministry.  Most everything else I learned came from the Bible and my parents. I am married to Leanna Palmer. At the time of publication we are celebrating five years of marriage.  God has blessed my life in so many ways, not the least of which is her. I live in Niceville, Florida where I am supported to be able to preach, write, and help people build a better life in Christ.

 

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Personal Note:

First, I thank Joe for taking time to wrote his article. That list of hiss love for the church are echoed (as he has shown) throughout the New Testament. I appreciate his sincerity and his love for the church.

Thanks again Joe.

Chris

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“What I Love about the Church” by Scott McCown , Guest Writer

I am fortunate that Chris was willing to give me a turn at “What I love about the Church.” I originally decided not to read everyone else’s post so that their posts would not influence me or make me try to be original, but I found myself reading them anyway. Every article deserves a hearty, “Amen, preach it brother!” Many of them make similar observations and I am certain I will repeat something already stated.

I grew-up in a Christian home. My parents and three of my four grandparents are (were) members of the Church. Many of my earliest memories surround assembling with Christians and having other church members over our house on Sunday evenings. Growing up there were two major influences other than my family they were Church and school. My adult life reflects those influences – I am a preacher, married to an elementary school teacher and I volunteer with a local school in a number of areas. Church involvement was never an option and neither was respecting and loving the Church. That is not to say my parents forced my involvement, but their example and instruction insured that I would dedicate myself to Christ and His Church. They taught me to love the Church. What I love about the Church, I learned from those before me.

I love the Church in view of the fact that God loved Her enough to PURCHASE Her at a sacrificial price (Acts 20:28). How can I not love the people for whom my God and Creator gave all that He had to give to sanctify? How can I turn my back on the Church when God was willing to not spare His Son so that the Church might exist? I love the Church because God loves Her.

I love the Church that is PRECIOUS to Her Groom (Eph 5:21-33). Paul’s description of the Church as the betrothed of Christ is a beautiful portrait. When ever I see a long-lasting marriage relationship that is beautiful and I see the way the husband dotes on his bride of many years, I think about Christ doting on His betrothed Bride – the Church. I think of how He is preparing Her for the day He presents His chosen Bride to the Father. How proud He is of Her beauty and accomplishments that glorify Him. I love the Church because the Christ loves Her.

I love the Church that has the PROMISE of an eternally joyous relationship with Her Husband (Rev 19). We as the Church – purchased and precious – await the day when we will welcome the Bridegroom who promised to come and take us home with Him to His Father’s house (John 14:1-6). I love the Church because the faithful will one day reunite in heaven with the Father and the Son.

I love the Church!

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About Scott McCown:

(Written by Scott)

I am a husband to a wonderful and patient lady who has graciously loved me for the last 21 years. I am a father to a 13 year old son who is too much like me for his own good and thankfully enough like his mom to balance things out.

I am a full time minister with the Parrish Church of Christ in Parrish, Alabama with whom I began working in July of 1999. I get paid to talk in church. In my spare time I read a good bit, hunt and fish some, play guitar, and am the volunteer Girls Jr. High Basketball team at Oakman Junior High School.

You can read Scott’s blog at http://scottmccown.wordpress.com

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Personal Note:

I want to thank Scott for taking time to write an article for the Preacher’s Pen. Scott’s writings on his website are encouraging and challenging. Each time he writes, his words are inspiring and heartfelt. I am glad to have him appear as a guest writer on the Preacher’s Pen. Be sure to stop by his website and give his writings a read.

Thanks again Scott for writing!

Chris

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“What I Love about the Church” by Carl Feril, Guest Writer

What I Love About the Church

by Carl Feril

When asked to write about my reasons for loving the church, it is honestly a topic too large for a single blog post. I am sure that we could spend long hours examining the Biblical foundation for the church. We might discuss topics like the price that our Father paid in offering his Son to purchase her, the vital connection between Jesus, the head and his purified body, yet somehow I think what is exposed through a very cursory reading of the books of Ephesians and Colossians will say far more than I could ever express. Allow me to express my personal sentiments, all with a Biblical foundation but perhaps expressed in a manner that might be just a little distinct from the eloquence that we read through the pen of the apostle known to us as Paul.

As we begin, let me say just a few things about myself. I didn’t grow up in a church-going family. We were the kids that parents worried their children might play with on the block. My exposure to things Biblical came through the path of the beautiful daughter of an elder. He would not allow me to date her unless I went to “church” with them. I went, but not because of a growing interest in things “spiritual”. I was infatuated with her, much to her family’s chagrin.

Between Cathy and some young engineering interns from Freed-Hardeman in Warren, MI, being patient with me, understanding that my questions were not typical Sunday morning Bible Class questions, and God’s longsuffering nature with a teen walking in darkness, I became a Christian and soon was preaching. I became a Christian in a very conservative church group and was soon steered toward the Bear Valley School of Preaching in Denver, CO. There I met my future wife, Janet, who would exemplify all that is right about the body of Christ to me.

Over the course of the next 40 years, I’ve been the pulpit minister for 4 different churches and served alongside two changing elderships for 27 years. I’ve been treated with tolerance, respect, patience, and kindness when I’ve been unworthy of all of those mercies. As a result, I’ve come to love the church because of my experiences serving among them.

I love the church because it is made up of the confused and bewildered. Over the years we’ve studied more strange topics than I even knew existed. We done textual studies and attempted to apply both the specifics and the general statements of New and Old Testament writers in a culture that was clueless about what we were doing. We’ve tried to apply women praying with veils, long hair on men, holy kisses in the assembly and “church cooperation” or lack of it, to suburban Denver, Colorado cowboys, and Kansas farmers. We tried to see how it fit, what God was saying, and always “knew we were right”. We were not dishonest with the text but often we were bewildered by the context, implications and cultural implications of not only the first century group but our own culture. We have had more in common with the Corinthian church than we knew as they struggled through the issues of what meat market delicacies could be purchased and consumed from which city market.

I love the church because it is made up of people who make a mess of their lives, both before and after coming to know God. Some of us came out of real darkness, not growing up with many limits beyond who was the biggest and toughest making the rules. We didn’t grow up knowing God had a standard, the reflection of his own nature, which he expected us all to strive toward. As a result, some of us were pretty battered and tattered before ever being introduced to the Christ. We brought broken relationships, multiple scars, children from transient dalliances, and both physical and emotional addictions into the church. All of those who “never missed a Sunday” had their own sinful willfulness that they carried around with them. As a therapist dealing with church members from across the United States, I have worked with and prayed for elders who had affairs, one who was a cross-dresser, others who mistreated their families and some who were gluttons. I’ve seen Christians walk away from their families for years before recognizing they had to return to God and his family. That the church is made up of such people, struggling to follow God in a corrupted culture and broken society, is an inspiration to me – offering hope that perhaps, I too, might find grace to help in the time of need.

I love the church because it is ever changing, recognizing that it is never perfect. I know we all get stuck at times. But we aren’t, for the most part, fussing over the same issues we were 40 years ago. Churches that don’t change are headed for the disaster of being ostracized and inept in their communities. No one thought the Amish to be odd or different in 1860 when everyone wore beards, made their own clothing, and drove buggies. They could have discussions about how God was touching their lives and the issues of the day that were shared by every other person in their community. Move ahead 150 years and they no longer have any impact beyond slowing traffic and being the object of jokes. We can’t arbitrarily pick a year, say 1971 (when I became a Christian) and decide we won’t change from that date. “Jesus Freaks”, the Viet Nam War, LSD, and the Holy Spirit indwelling the individual through the word only or personally were the issues of the day in the church. We wouldn’t be touching many lives if we did most of our lessons around those topics in my community.

Finally, I love the church because God loves her. This is really the issue. I try to do the things God does. If he can be forgiving, tolerant, and merciful to a messed up, confused, and struggling group of disciples who try, fail, then try again, so can I. If he can love me, I can love them. We aren’t any different. I don’t get a free pass with my favorite sins, while holding others accountable for their favorites. The grip that alcohol has on me still, even with 40 years of sobriety, reminds me that sin is not easily abandoned. While I haven’t had the drink, it isn’t because I haven’t wanted it. I haven’t been as successful with others of my sins. My arrogance is an all too familiar figure, my desire to slant the truth to improve my appearance or position still crops up from time to time. I work each day to deal with my explosive temper, doing much better at least in not hitting others, but failing to curb my tongue which can flail the skin from my brothers just as quickly. My brothers and sisters have their own struggles. Some have sins of sexual natures, both hetero and homo sexual. Some fail in regard to pornography, or gluttony, greed or stinginess. There are those who struggle being forgiving, others who are self willed or rebellious. God still loves them. He offers forgiveness to all who are his. I won’t give myself permission to do any less.

Why do I love the church? I love her because she is home, and one day will be perfected by the God who saves her. I can’t do anything else. Can you?

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About Carl Feril:

Carl Feril preaches for the St. John, KS church. Carl and his wife, Janet, have lived in Stafford County for the past 27 years. The Feril’s, along with their ministry team partners, Tom and Pam Turner, work in a joint ministry to challenge growth and spiritual development for disciples in all stages of their walk before God. Carl works as the session co-director for the Silver Maple Family Camp each year as well as serving on the board of directors for the Black Hills Bible Camp where he collaborates with the college students from 11pm until 2 am each night about the future of God’s kingdom in the near future.

In addition to his preaching ministry in St John, Carl is a Clinically Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He works with preschool through high school students and their families in two school districts in Stafford county one day per week each. He also sees families in private practice in two private offices. Working with families and individuals in various stages of discipleship has opened his eyes to exciting opportunities and inspires new hope for the future of God’s body until He returns to glorify us.

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Personal Note:

First, thanks to Carl not only his this article and his willingness to writes it, but for his personal struggles expressed in this article. Having met Carl earlier this year, I  was (and still am) encouraged by this words and thoughts. He and Janet do great work in Kansas as well as with a family camp and they are to be commended. Thanks again Carl for expressing your love for the church.

Thanks,

Chris

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