Monday’s Column: Neal At The Cross

Neal Pollard

No pandemic or problem can suppress or destroy the church’s opportunities. If it could withstand the withering attacks of persecution in its first few centuries, the body of our Lord can come through this current storm stronger than it was before. The church’s opportunities are limitless because…

• The gospel is still powerful (Rom. 1:16). 
• Christ is still the Savior of the world (1 John 4:14). 
• The church is still the manifold wisdom of God (Eph. 3:9-11).
• The mission is still in force (Mat. 28:19).
• We still have the only answer to the world’s biggest problem (Rom. 5:6-10). 
• We can demonstrate the most powerful attraction of discipleship (John 13:34).
• His kingdom will never be utterly shaken or destroyed (Dan. 2:44; Heb. 12:28). 
• The recent crisis has awakened a sense of purpose in so many Christians.
• Heaven is as desirable as ever and hell as unwelcome (cf. Mat. 25:31-46).
• We know we are bigger than pettiness, division, and senseless strife (1 Cor. 1:10-13). 
• Man still senses that life is bigger than a few years on this earth (Ecc. 12:13-14).
• Hope still serves as an anchor for the soul (Heb. 6:19). 
• The world has no viable competition to what only Jesus can give (1 John 4:4; 5:4). 
• We are not ignorant of the devil’s devices (2 Cor. 2:11).
• There is no substitute for fellowship, the assembly, and corporate worship and study (Heb. 10:24).
• We may appreciate the importance of relationships like never before (Rom. 12:3-21).

Truly, this list is much longer, but suffice it to serve as a reminder that these need not be “the worst of times.” God can make them the best of times as we move forward, eyes fixed on eternity and the wonderful work between here and there. Let’s seize those opportunities (Gal. 6:10)!