Pastor Buddy’s Blog

Comments, Observations and Musings on the Journey of Life

“The first question was who was going to play the roles. We instantly thought of Jon Martinez, our youth pastor, as the main character. We thought about Bud Frederick for the last character but he suggested Rich Carlisle, our Community Groups coordinator. Then there was the question of who would play the “bully”? We tossed out the idea of my dad, Buddy Martin, and everyone thought it would be awesome but that he probably wouldn’t do it. Believe it or not, he agreed to play the role of the “biker bully”! To the right is a picture of our three “stars” in character!

‘You know you look like a bald-headed monkey.’

‘Stay out of my way.’ 

It is what happens after this that is so funny. Ok, here goes…

Well, now about a short Bible study. Let’s see?

Hmmmmmm…

What about the church…

That’s a good one.

Isn’t it strange how often you hear someone accuse the church of being full of hypocrites. And they will usually follow up with, ‘I don’t have to go to church to be saved.’  Of course it helps to put a face on the criticizers. But I’ll leave that be.   

Anyway, as a long time pastor I rejoice with the Church. What I see when I look at a congregation of God’s people is a group of sinners saved by grace and continually being saved by grace. I see people holding tightly to Jesus and Jesus holding tightly to them. No, I don’t see a messed-up church. I see a wonderful picture of God’s saving grace. I see a people processing life with the help of the Lord Jesus. I see a people with failures aplenty. But I also see a Savior, mighty to save. 

I love the church. I especially love those churches that are truly Bible centered and know how to preach the gospel of grace in a proper manner. To this day when I travel and pass a Bible believing church, I get this warm feeling in my heart. I think, ‘There are some more of my people. Thank you God for all these Jesus loving churches.’

 I see flocks of families…

We teach the congregation at Christian Challenge to always keep a true love for God’s people wherever they may be found. And I’m sure other churches do the same.  

Every church group really is a family. And to respond to those who would talk down to the church, let me simply say to you that the church belongs to Jesus Christ. He is the one who gathers His people into flocks. Sure, we will have our difficulties and our failures and even our struggles with sin issues. But we are still His church. And the promise Jesus makes to His church is this, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” 

Would I trade places with any person on this planet who disparages the church regardless of their position and wealth? Never, a thousand times no. I’ve been in their world. Thank you Lord for bring me into Your world.

The greatest thing that can happen to any person on this planet, rich man, poor man, beggerman, thief, is to come to know Jesus Christ as their own personal Lord and Savior, and out of this knowing to find themselves placed in one of God’s flocks.

There is a wonderful picture of God’s church in the book of Isaiah: 

“Behold, the Lord GOD will come with might, with His arm ruling for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him and His recompense before Him. Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.” – Isa 40:10-11 NASB

So, let me say it this way. You cannot be saved and at the same time have in your heart to not love the church. The greatest sign of a truly saved person will be their love for the church. Jesus said it and the apostles all put their signature on it.

Just something to think about.

Blessings,

Buddy