Author Archives: LJones

A happy church is a place where believers bask in redemption.  Grace flows in, through and out of every member, producing the collective image of Christ on earth.  The first church in Jerusalem lived out this grace with “glad and … Continue reading →

That His Bride Be Happy  Is happiness a realistic goal in the church?  After all, Jesus warned His disciples their decision to follow Him would lead to trouble, sometimes at the hands of religious leaders. “They will put you out … Continue reading →

The Father’s Toast It is time for you to put on your anthropomorphic blanket of grace.  We love to impress human images on God in an effort to bring definition to His character.  Sometimes our depictions skirt the line between … Continue reading →

I should add that loving the church from within the church doesn’t mean we have to walk around on pins and needles.  It isn’t healthy or realistic to pretend Christ’s Bride is perfect. We have already noted her imperfections and … Continue reading →

A final way we praise the church without being boastful is to celebrate our compassion for one another.  Perhaps you have heard believers say, “I don’t know what people do when they don’t have a church family to help them … Continue reading →

A second way to praise the church without being boastful is to celebrate the sanctifying power of our fellowship in Christ.  In the early church a relationship did not have to be perfect to be important.  If ever there was a … Continue reading →

I realize there is a balance.  If our admiration for the church becomes prideful, we can misplace our mission.  On the other hand, if we have been delivered from darkness to reign with Christ, we have every reason to be … Continue reading →

The Long Walk of Love in Our Church Family I was fortunate to grow up in a church family, and it was years before I knew we weren’t practically perfect.  My Sunday School teachers loved me with all of their … Continue reading →

The Long Walk of Love in Our Community Everything we say and do in our community represents Christ.  From the cashier at the grocery store to the parents at our child’s soccer game, we have an opportunity to spread God’s … Continue reading →

From last post…”You may still be wondering what our love for our church family has to do with our testimony at work?  I believe when we share our lives with others in the workplace, and pass along stories of faith, hope … Continue reading →