Let’s be Positive About the Church We live in the age of criticism. We all know that people are more prone to fmd something wrong with a particular thing than to concentrate on that which is right with it. And, if the Scriptures deem a thing to be sinful, we should call attention to it. The church of our Lord has not escaped this era of criticism. Quite often, eveiy real or imagined spot and blemish is magnified by those who seem to delight in murmuring. We realize that any institution made up of frail human beings will fall somewhere short of perfect. we, with open minds, examine our lives by comparing them with the Objective Standard (the Word of Truth), we are made keenly aware of our weaknesses as God’s people. However, may we never forget the many aspects of pure and undefiled religion. Brother Willard Collins once preached a sermon entitled, “What is Right With the Church of Christ?” The following are some of his points: • While we are imperfect, our Head is not (Col. 1:18). • While we sometimes sin, the sinless Christ is our Savior (1 Jn. 1:7-10; Eph. 5:22-26). • Although we often fall short of our proclamation of it, there is nothing wrong with the Gospel we preach (Rom. 1:15-16). • The church exists as a result of God’s eternal purpose in His Son. It’s glorious destiny is heaven itself (Eph. 3:8-11; 5:25-27). • Members of Christ’s church are those who are translated from the power of darkness into the Kingdom of God’s dear Son (Col. 1:12-14). • The evangelization of the world is our aim, and the glorifica tion of God our task (Mk. 16:15; Eph. 3:21). • The bride of Christ wears His name, preaches His Gospel, and strives to be like Him. There is no plea on earth more important than the plea to restore primitive New Testament Christianity. The critic may rage. The scoffer may scoff’. Bur God will keep His promise to His people (2 Pet. 3:1-9). Dear brethren, let us never be ashamed of our Lord, His Gospel, or His church. Let us diligently and persistently proclaim His matchless Grace, seek the advancement of His cause, and magnify His great and good name. Yes, let us be optimistic about the church, her task, and her beauty. -Jimmy Ferguson, ---via Sentinel, OK church bulletin, 9-8-02
Posted on: Wed, 20 Nov 2013 20:54:47 +0000
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