Loving the Bride of Christ
Radiant Church 11/23/2008
Rev. Jerry Lepasana
Charles Finney, the great revivalist, once said, "Christians themselves are the greatest reason for accepting Christ. But they are also the greatest excuse for rejecting Christ." is it possible that many people are staying away from Christ because of what they see in the church? Truly, we are either the greatest attraction, or the greatest distraction for Christ. Last sermon, I said, the greatest passion of Christ is our transformation, but He needs our cooperation. Clearly, Christ wants to see a glorious church, and we must work actively with Him so our church can be one. What do we need to do in order to keep our church attractive or radiant before the world?
Heart for the Church 11/16/2008
Rev. Jerry Lepasana
Categories: Church Life
Today, it seems unfortunate that the church of the Lord Jesus Christ has been getting a bad rap. Many have developed some very negative opinions against her. They label the church as boring, irrelevant, and so out-of touch. Consequently, church attendance has been consistently declining. For many years, statistics in America will always show that about 40 to 45 percent of people attend church. However, the most recent study done by an Episcopal Church researcher, Kirk Hadaway, and Penny Marler of Samford University based on actual head count concludes the number is only about 20 percent today. Apparently, many are staying homes on Sundays, instead of attending church. What is your personal opinion about the church? I recognize that some negative experiences in the past can bring about negative perceptions about her. And perhaps because of this, you have not wholeheartedly plugged yourself in any church until now. I believe it would benefit all of us to understand that God has a very positive view of the church. The fact is: today when God looks at the church, He has a much glorious picture of it. Despite all her shortcomings and imperfections, she remains to be the apple of His eyes and the object of His everlasting love.