What Is the Church?

A year ago, I wrote about the perfect church—spoiler alert—there is no such thing.

Matthew 16:13–20
"...Upon this rock I will build my church..."

But what exactly is the church? Is it just a building or a place where like-minded people gather to fellowship? If that is all it is, then your local library, school, pool hall, or fraternal organization would all qualify.

So, what is the church? How is it different?

The Church Is More Than a Building

Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines the church as the collective body of Christians—those who profess to believe in Christ and acknowledge Him to be the Savior of mankind.¹ The church is not a particular denomination, sect, or branch of Christianity; it is the whole Body of Christ.

In Scripture, the first use of the word church is in Matthew's Gospel, where Jesus is speaking with His disciples. He asks:

"Who do you say that I am?"

Simon, arguably Jesus' closest friend, answered for the group:

"You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God."
(Matthew 16:15–16)

This confession could only be reached through the revelation of God Himself. Jesus changed His friend's name from Simon to Peter (Greek) or Cephas (Aramaic):

"I also say you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church."
(Matthew 16:18)

Upon This Rock

We must take a brief linguistic break at this juncture.

The Greek language has gender; Petros (Peter/rock) is masculine and denotes a large, firm stone, whereas petra ("upon this rock") is feminine and denotes bedrock. Because of the changes in the Greek words, there has long been controversy about what Jesus meant.

Some believe Jesus was referring to Himself as the Rock. Others believe the church is built upon Peter and the apostles as foundational witnesses. Still others understand the church to be built upon Peter's confession that Jesus is the Christ.

Even though Christians differ on Peter's role in Matthew 16, they agree that Jesus Christ is the ultimate foundation and head of the Church (Ephesians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Colossians 1:18).

Jesus declared:

"I will build my church."

Notice the emphasis on my. Christ is the builder of His Church.

He spoke of building the church as a future work, which Christians generally understand to have begun after His death, burial, resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2).

What About All the Denominations?

Two thousand years later, there are tens of thousands of Christian denominations and church organizations worldwide, representing more than 2.4 billion believers. The church certainly looks different across cultures and traditions.

Today, the three largest branches of Christianity are:

• Roman Catholic

• Eastern Orthodox

• Protestant

Meanwhile, non-denominational, independent, and indigenous churches continue to grow around the world.

But are they part of the Church Christ established? Are they built upon the Rock—the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Some are, and some are not.

I am not here to argue denominational theology. Rather, I want to distinguish between the essentials of the Christian faith and the traditions that vary from church to church.

If your church denies the virgin birth, it is not a Christian church.

If your church denies that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God—fully God and fully man—it is not a Christian church.

If your church rejects the Scriptures as the inspired and authoritative Word of God, it is not a Christian church.

On the other hand:

• If your church uses drums and guitars in worship—it could be a Christian church.

• If your church has an age requirement for baptism—it could be a Christian church.

• If your church allows dancing or card playing—it could be a Christian church.

Essentials and Traditions

The church is not a building or a philosophy. It is the gathering of people who have accepted the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Some truths are foundational. Others are open for discussion. (Have you talked about the End Times lately?)

Tradition does not make a practice holy or God-honoring.

Tradition does not make something true or righteous.

I remember one church I attended that always sang the same song at the close of every service. One Sunday, the song was changed, and people were shocked.

"We always sing that song! We have to sing that song!"

I've also seen looks of surprise when a guest unwittingly sat in a member's usual seat.

Those traditions may seem harmless—even amusing—but what about traditions such as genuflecting or prohibiting unmarried couples from holding hands? What about more recent practices, such as allowing women to preach or participate in various aspects of worship? Does that include leading music? Public prayer? In some churches, women are not permitted to serve in any leadership role, whether teaching or even overseeing building maintenance.

Even the particular translation of the Bible has become a matter of tradition for some congregations.

The Final Authority

The final authority in every church should be God, revealed through His inspired Word.

A denomination cannot offer salvation.

Only faith in Jesus Christ can save.

So find a Bible-teaching church where Christ is faithfully proclaimed and believers are encouraged to grow in faith by studying God's Word for themselves.

And above all—

Be a Berean! (Acts 17:11)

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Reference

1. Noah Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language (1828), "Church."

Stepping into my 41

 On grief, courage, and the hard work of believing you deserve happiness.

This last weekend was a kind of retreat for me. I traveled solo to commemorate my 40th anniversary. Why solo? Simple, Jim has been with Jesus for nearly 10 years. I can hear some folks now. Why am I celebrating something that has been over for ten years? Why am I not over his death yet? What is going on?

I thought I was, but a well-loved nephew passed in March, and old wounds began to seep. I tried to open up to friends, but one doesn’t share my faith, and another had ready-made answers that did more harm than good. They both meant well, but it wasn’t what I needed at the time. God alone had my answers.

One recurring theme has been “be strong and courageous.” God didn’t tell Joshua to try, he said BE. In Joshua 1, God tells Joshua to BE strong and courageous three times in the first nine verses. The same day I read that chapter, I also read about Jesus healing the woman with the issue of blood. Jesus called her a woman of courage (Matt. 9:22).

I never thought of myself as a courageous woman. I seldom strike up conversations with people. I hover in the background, not wanting to bother people or be a bother to people.

My counselor asked me if I thought I deserved happiness.

I literally sat back. I had no idea if I deserved anything, especially happiness. Maybe that is a disservice Christians make to themselves and each other. We know we are to have joy, after all, that is one of the fruits of the Spirit, but happiness? Deserve?

Those are hard words. They had me scrambling for something steadier than my own feelings—that is when the number 41 started tugging at me.

Forty, and What Comes After

There is so much symbology behind that number. For those who are unaware, Biblically, 40 is a number for trial. Noah and his family suffered 40 days and nights of torrential rains that covered the earth in a flood. Moses and the Israelites endured 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. Jesus was tempted by Satan for 40 days and nights. All were times of testing, learning, overcoming, and complete trust in God. The strength and courage they shared are inspiring.

Then came 41.

Noah and the ark settled on top of the mountain, the doors were opened, and God gave us the rainbow.

Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan, and they conquered the Promised Land.

Jesus put Satan in his place and began his ministry, leading to our salvation.

Through their ability to trust God, they—and I—have learned that putting trust in my own understanding, or in others, is often an exercise in futility. With the help of a fantastic Christian counselor, I realize that I have reached my 41. I am ready to step out and stop looking back with longing, guilt, and self-condemnation and begin looking forward with excitement, hope, and confidence.

What 41 Looks Like

In my weekend trek, I discovered that I can be strong and courageous. I am worthy of happiness, too. Some of the same things that bring me joy also bring me happiness, but my joy is not dependent on my happiness. Experiencing God’s creation brings me great happiness. Walking along the rim of the Grand Canyon or overlooking a huge crater left by God, who hurled a meteor at Earth, brought happiness.

My joy is not dependent on my happiness.

Doing those things alone, not thinking I had to be responsible for someone else’s happiness, also brought happiness. (Self-imposed guilt is awful!)

Lest you think all that aloneness is the only thing that brings happiness, I also discovered that serving others brings both joy and happiness. I am grateful that God gave me a servant’s heart, that I have the strength and courage to step forward for family, friends, and strangers.

I am stepping into my 41 and will be strong and courageous. Will you join me?

Good enough?

 

 “No One Is Good but God”

Mark 10:18 (NASB1995): “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.”

Mark tells us about a young man who eagerly approached Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. He knelt before Him with respect and sincerity. But we can infer that he hadn’t heard Jesus say, just a few verses earlier, that anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a child—joyfully, innocently, and with simple faith—will never enter it (v.15). This young man believed the kingdom was something to be earned or purchased.

How many of us still think that way today? That being a “good person,” getting baptized, or being confirmed into a religious tradition will earn us a place in heaven?

In our human understanding, good can mean many things. We say someone is good at sports, good at music, or simply that they behave well. But Jesus challenges this understanding: “No one is good except God alone.”

God is not partial—He holds the same standard for everyone:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind... You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37, 39)

If you can do that perfectly, you can earn eternal life.

But wait a minute—you, like the young man, might be thinking: How can I possibly do that? You don’t know my neighbors. They let their dogs mess in my yard. They blast their music. They sin differently than I do. They’re unlovable!

And yet… God’s love covers even that.

The truth is you and I are unloveable too. We’ve all fallen short of God’s perfect standard. Thankfully, He doesn’t keep a running tally of our sins or favor those who attend church more often or donate more generously. No—even one sin is enough to separate us from God for eternity.

You might ask, “How can a loving God do that?”
But we must remember: sin was never God’s idea. It was humanity’s attempt to be like God, on our own terms. Since Adam and Eve, people have tried and failed to reach God’s standard.

The good news is that although we deserve judgment, God offers mercy through Jesus Christ. He shows mercy by not punishing us for our sin, and He shows grace by giving us salvation—something we could never earn.

So is it “be good and be saved”? No.
It’s even simpler than that.

It’s accepting a free, no-strings-attached gift: salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. You don’t need to be baptized, attend church regularly, or give money to receive it. You simply believe and trust in what Jesus has already done—that He died, conquered death, and rose again to bring salvation to a broken world.

You cannot earn grace. You cannot “do good works” to be saved.

“By grace you have been saved through faith; and that [faith] not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)

You may be thinking, “You don’t know what I’ve done—the things I still do. I’m not ready to give up the things God says are wrong.” But God already knows. He created you. He sees you. He loves you anyway.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Even knowing everything you would do, He still went to the cross. He still offers the gift.

“Now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

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Prayer

Heavenly Father,
I praise You for Your mercy and grace toward me.
Thank You for the gift of salvation.
Please work in the hearts of those who don’t yet know You.
Ease their fears, answer their questions, and reveal Your love and goodness—for You alone are good.

Lord, Your return is near. Our time is short.
Remind us that today is indeed the acceptable day.

In Christ alone,
Amen.

Pride

A Christian Reflection on Pride

“For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” — 1 John 2:16 KJV

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Worldwide, June is Pride Month. We see colorful banners and clothing all around us. It began as a commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City, a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

While society celebrates Pride in various ways, Christians are called to consider how we respond—not with hostility or anger, but through the lens of Scripture. Let's reflect on the values of dignity, visibility, and self-affirmation from a Biblical perspective.

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Dignity: Image-Bearers

All people are created in the image of God (Gen. 1:27). All have the dignity afforded God's crowning creation.

"For thou (God) has made him (humanity) a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour."
— Psalm 8:5, KJV

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Visibility: God Sees Us

God sees those who are overlooked—the invisible, the marginalized, and the outcast (Gen 16:13). Jesus died for all people.

"For God so loved the world…"
— John 3:16

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Self-Affirmation: A New Identity in Christ

In Scripture, our sense of self-worth is not rooted in self-affirmation, but in our identity in Christ.

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
— Psalm 139:14, ESV

Paul echoes this:

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
— 2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV

True affirmation comes not from within, but from who we are in Christ Jesus.

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Pride: A Biblical Warning

The concept of pride is easier to recognize than to define. Often, we detect it in others long before we see it in ourselves. One writer defines pride as:

"Undue confidence in and attention to our skills, abilities, state, possessions, position, or accomplishments."

Synonyms include arrogance, presumption, conceit, boasting, and high-mindedness. Pride becomes rebellion when it attributes to self the glory and honor that is due God alone.

Scripture consistently warns against the kind of pride associated with arrogance and a lack of humility:

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."
— Proverbs 16:18 ESV

"A man's pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will bring honor."
— Proverbs 29:23 NASB

Jesus also lists pride among the evils that come from the human heart:

"...evil thoughts, fornications, thefts...slander, pride, and foolishness..."
— Mark 7:21–22 NASB

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False Humility and True Strength

False humility is equally dangerous. Boasting in Christ—not ourselves—is the proper Christian mindset.

Paul writes that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him. But in context, he refers to enduring suffering, hunger, and imprisonment (Phil. 4:10–14).

Whatever we do, we do by God's grace, not our own strength.

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Two Kinds of Pride

The pride this month celebrates is very different from the pride God warns us against.

"For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” — 1 John 2:16 KJV

God warns us of the "pride of life," a self-exalting attitude that is not from Him but from the world.

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Heavenly Father

We praise you for the good you have done through us.
We ask forgiveness for all that falls short.
Guide us, Lord, as we navigate a world marked by beauty and brokenness.
Help us to remember to love others as you love them.

When Jesus was on earth, He welcomed sinners and outcasts.
He broke bread with them and loved them, and pointed to a better way—
Not by celebrating their sin, but by offering salvation.

Help us, dear Lord, to walk in that same love and truth.

In Jesus' name we pray.
Amen.

The Big Red Ball: When Grief Comes Bouncing Back

Grief, pain, and sorrow do not come with a timeline. Sometimes they crash into our lives long after the event is over. On anniversaries—or in the middle of an ordinary Tuesday—grief doesn’t care. It arrives uninvited, bringing a wave of memories and pain that feels just as fresh as the day it began.

So many people, so much pain.

A friend lost her husband and daughter in the same year. Another lost her father after a long illness. Mothers have lost children through tragic accidents. Sometimes, it’s simply too much to bear. And we ask ourselves: How can we comfort someone when that awful anniversary is looming?

Much has been written about what not to say. I won’t repeat all that advice here. But let me offer this: “I’m sorry” is always welcome. Tell a story about the loved one if you knew them. Give the grieving space to cry and to remember. You know your friend—do they need solitude, or do they prefer companionship? A quick call or text can help you know what they need before you show up.

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The Red Ball of Grief

A friend once shared a story with me, one that I now pass along to others who are hurting. I hope it helps you or someone you love.

Think of your life as a box, filled with all your experiences. Then, one day, something terrible happens—a grief event. That grief becomes a big red ball inside your box.

At first, the ball is enormous. It touches all sides of your box at once, pressing against everything, overwhelming your ability to think, breathe, or function. The pain is constant. It’s always there.

But over time, something changes. Not the ball—it stays the same size—but the box gets bigger. As time moves forward, you add new experiences, relationships, and moments to your life. Your box expands.

The ball still bounces around. It still hits the sides of the box sometimes, and when it does, the pain comes rushing back. But now, it doesn’t hit as often. The intervals get longer. And sometimes, you can see it coming—birthdays, holidays, the anniversary of the loss.

You plan for it. You brace. You visit those who understand.

I went to see my widowed aunt and cousins on the first anniversary of my own loss. They knew what I needed: space, understanding, and a shared silence that said, “We get it.”

As time goes on, other red balls may enter your box. New losses. New grief. And they don’t replace the old ball—they bounce off each other. Sometimes they clash so forcefully that it’s hard to tell one sorrow from the next.

But now, you know. You’ve felt this before. You’ve grown. You’ve survived.

A great loss is not something you “get over.” It’s something you get through—and not alone. Sometimes you’re the one with the ball. Sometimes it’s someone else.

When you see their ball, don’t ignore it. You won’t remind them of their pain—they already feel it. What they might need is:

• Someone to hold them when the ball crashes into them.

• Someone to soften the blow.

• Or someone to tell a funny story about the person they lost.

Stories give shape to the ball. They help us remember with love instead of only pain. And sometimes, they help the ball bounce a little more gently.

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A Prayer for the Grieving

Dear God in Heaven,

You suffered loss as we do.

Jesus lost His earthly father as a young man.
He lost His cousin John to a brutal murder.
He lost a dear friend in Lazarus.

And finally, Father, You lost Your Son to the cross.

You understand what it means to grieve.

We praise You for the promise of no more tears, no more sorrow, no more sickness or death.
Thank You that we feel loss so deeply because we have loved so intensely.

We long for the reunion we are promised.

In Christ alone,
Amen

Patience Grasshopper

Patience, Young Grasshopper

One of my favorite TV shows as a teenager was Kung Fu with David Carradine. In frequent flashbacks, his character—then a young monk-in-training—was taught by his Chinese master, who often reminded him, "Patience, young grasshopper," whenever he struggled to master a skill or understand a lesson.

Patience is one of the hardest virtues to teach children—and maybe even harder for adults to practice. I still vividly remember being told, "Patience is a virtue."

Today, we live in a world that runs on instant gratification. Social media rewards us with "likes" in seconds. News must be digested in under 30 seconds. We expect instant responses to emails and texts. We want what we want, and we want it now.

But God is not on our schedule.

He is infinitely patient—slow to anger and rich in mercy. He promises to return and redeem what is broken, but His timing is not our own. As 2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise... He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

We're called to reflect this patience—even when life makes it hard. James 1:2–4 and Colossians 3:12–13 remind us that patience, especially in trials, shapes our character and reflects Christ.

So how do we live with patience in a hurry-up-and-wait world?

We imitate Him who created us. We slow down. We love those who make us count to ten. We remember that patience isn't a quick fix—it’s a steady trust in God’s timing. It's empathy: recognizing that everyone is facing something we can't see. It’s humility: realizing we're not the center of the universe.

Next time someone cuts you off in traffic or runs late or seems afraid of something you find simple—pray for them. Not that they’d "get it together," but that they’d find peace in Christ. And pray that you might show grace in moments you don’t understand.

Paul tells us in Galatians 5:22–23 that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” These aren’t separate fruits from different trees—they’re all expressions of the same Spirit. If we’re growing in patience, we’ll show love. If we have self-control, we’ll be more gentle. Don’t let the enemy steal your peace with impatience.

Patience isn’t passive. It’s not just waiting—it’s how we wait. It’s choosing love over irritation. I wouldn’t be here if Jesus hadn’t been patient with me.

And remember: if you pray for patience, God just might give you the opportunity to practice it. (The first time I did, He dropped two little children at my house in the Bush—but that’s a story for another time.)

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Patience is not the ability to wait, but to have a good attitude while waiting.

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Heavenly Father,
You are so patient with me—thank You.
Please help me be kind, generous, and patient with those around me.
Some lessons are hard, but nothing is too hard for You.
Correct my attitude when impatience creeps in,
and teach me to respond with love.

I love You, Lord Jesus.
Amen

Not All Who Wander are Lost

 Wandering with a Purpose: Trusting the True GPS

After moving to a large metropolitan city, I’ve found the need to “get out of town” rising more often. There’s something about wide-open skies, mountains, and the stillness of nature that restores the soul—especially after days surrounded by pavement, buildings, and nonstop noise.

Earlier this year, I visited Oatman, Arizona—a small town with an Old West vibe, semi-wild burros wandering the streets, and rich history. Named after Olive Oatman, a girl who survived an Indian massacre in 1851, the town was settled by miners in 1915 and feels like a step back in time. I loved it and wanted to share it with friends, so we planned a day trip.

We were excited, but Las Vegas traffic had other plans. It took nearly an hour on the I-11 before we began to see desert sand, mountains, and the spindly silhouettes of Joshua trees. Our route took us past signs for Pearce Ferry, Dolan Springs, Chloride, and even a place called Santa Claus—before reaching Kingman, the largest town between Vegas and Oatman. There, we picked up historic Route 66, once the great American highway stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica.

Though I had GPS, I wasn’t entirely confident—we were in the mountains, and signal drops are real. We started noticing signs of recent storms: standing water and dirt debris. Then, the pavement ended. The road ahead was rough, the homes sparse and weathered, and the horizon obscured. Uncertain, and encouraged by my passengers, I turned around. We reprogrammed the GPS and were rerouted through tiny towns where livestock outnumbered people. Eventually, we found ourselves on Route 68… headed somewhere.

The detour made me think of Moses. His journey from Egypt to the Promised Land had divine GPS—God’s Positioning System—guiding them with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night (Exodus 13:21). All they had to do was trust and follow. But when the path ahead looked uncertain or too hard, they turned around. Fear replaced faith, and a trip that should have taken weeks stretched into forty years.

As for us? Turns out, had we stayed the course down that dirt road, we would have made it to Oatman. The road was passable—just muddy from recent floods.

The lesson? When the road ahead seems unclear or uncomfortable, keep trusting your GPS—Jesus Christ. He never loses signal. When we take detours (and we all do), He gently invites us back. You may not reach your original destination, but you will arrive exactly where God can use you. Like the Israelites who finally entered the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership, you'll come to realize—you are home.

That day, we may not have made it to Oatman, but we made meaningful memories. We had deep conversations, laughed, sat in silence, and reflected. As J.R.R. Tolkien said, “Not all those who wander are lost.” We weren’t truly lost. We just didn’t know exactly where we were… until we did. Civilization reappeared, the Colorado River sparkled in the sun, and familiar comforts welcomed us. It wasn’t the place we set out to find—but it was exactly where we were supposed to be.

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Prayer

Heavenly Father,

You alone direct our feet and know our path.
Thank You for the guidance You provide.
Forgive us when we do not trust You—
when we lean on our own understanding
and turn aside in our own wisdom.
We praise You for bringing us through doubts
and fears, keeping us safe in Your hand.

In Jesus’ holy and precious name, Amen.