“What I Love about the Church…” – Jamie Riley, Guest Writer

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Jul 28, 2010 in Uncategorized | 1 comment

Like many, I was born to Christian parents. Actually to take it a step further my dad was also the pulpit minister of a small church in the small town where we lived…I was literally brought up in the church. So when trying to share what I love about the church, the task for me isn’t identifying something I love about the church, but actually narrowing the list down to what I love most about it.

In the church I’ve been loved more than I deserve, served by people with greater character than I possess, taught by those who deserve more respect than I’ve given them, blessed with friendships with people who really shouldn’t have to put up with me, I’ve been forgiven when I was wrong, helped when in need, encouraged when I was down, guided when I had lost my way, held when I was broken, and so much more.

In the church I met my loving wife who is the most amazing woman of god, been given the best friends of any man, ever – who I would trust with my very life, and found a place where people are genuinely happy to see me…me!

In the church I’ve been trusted, supported, believed in, prayed for, built up, protected, and challenged,

In the church I’ve seen people hurt more by one another than I could have ever dreamed, and in the church I’ve seen people love so deeply, for so long, so freely, and so powerfully that lives and eternity were literally changed…and in those moments I’m sure I sensed God smile.

But what I love most about the church is about how our Father loves us intensely, and the two ways He demonstrated that love to us.

In 2 Corinthians 5:13-21 Paul talks about the two things I love most about the church. Honestly when I read this I begin to understand why Paul put a disclaimer in the text, because when I read the awesome things God has done for me I start to get a little jacked up too.

He writes here about how Christ’s love compelled them, and it compels us as well does it not?! He also writes about how “if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation,” and I really am thrilled about that. I know I don’t deserve salvation, but he has given it to me and that love drives me! It drives us!

But what happens next blows my mind! Don’t get me wrong, Jesus on the cross blows my mind and I’m forever thankful for His sacrifice. But I have come to believe in Him being so wonderful, merciful, kind, loving, and compassionate that He would die for an unworthy one like me.

But what he does next…stuns me. Paul says not only does he forgive you and make you new, but he then trusts you with that most precious to him. Sharing his heart with those he loves who are still not sure he loves them.

I’ve been the one needing forgiveness from someone before, and when they finally gave it, they still treated me as though I’m a loser, as if I really don’t deserve what they did for me. But God doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve. He doesn’t handle us, or treat us as though we’re second rate good-for-nothings. He gives our lives purpose and meaning as he calls us his ambassadors, and that he’s making his appeal to the world through us. How awesome is that? We are saved and not only saved, but given a trusted job/purpose by the Father!

That is what I love most about the church!

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About Jamie Riley:

My name is Jamie Riley. I’m the husband of the lovely Kristin, and the daddy of a beautiful little girl named Kendall Riley – age 6 years. I’m blessed to be the Associate Minister of the Sunshine Church of Christ – and, as a part of that role – I serve as a Campus Minister to Innermission Campus Ministry, an outreach to Shawnee State University. I enjoy sports, and outdoor activities; golfing and hiking are a blast. I also enjoy spending time with good friends, especially when our time is spent talking with, or about God. What else is there?

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Personal Note:

I appreciate Jamie’s willingness to write a guest article for the Preacher’s Pen amid his busy schedule. Jamie has been joining with others for some mission work in Honduras! Pray for Jamie and the others in their travels!

Thanks for stopping by,

Chris