July 28, 2924

 What’s Your Excuse?

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching. – Hebrews 10:24-25

They always have an excuse. You know who I’m talking about. They’re traveling. They’re tired. They don’t like the topic. They’re at the beach. Or the mountains. Or, really, anywhere that doesn’t involve church.

Some people joke about the Christmas and Easter people. Throw in a dose of Mother’s Day. Except it’s not funny. They’re missing something important. They’re missing fellowship with other believers. They’re missing opportunities to learn and grow closer to Christ.

Sure. Some people say they’re good because they watch the service online. (And please know that this is not directed at those who physically can’t attend church anymore.) It’s easier to watch a service online than attend in person. But it’s not the same. There’s no connection there. No pun intended.

We find time to do what’s important to us. Is Jesus important to you? You may believe in your heart but if you’re not gathering with other believers on a regular basis maybe it’s time to do a heart check.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Church Is God's House

"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another -- and all the more as you see the Day approaching." -- Hebrews 10:25

What is the purpose of the church? Why do people attend church, some regularly and others rarely? Why is church important? And why do people draw toward or away from the church? Lots of questions. How about some answers?

Church is a wonderful place where believers can come together and celebrate the Lord. We can sing songs of praise. We can listen and learn from preachers and speakers. We can grow in faith, surrounded by other believers. And, if we're not careful, we can isolate ourselves from people who need church and Jesus just as much as we do.

Some people are in church every Sunday morning without fail. Are they better Christians? Are they more devout? Not necessarily. Some folks only show up because it's expected. They've been in church every Sunday morning for most or all of their lives. It's all they know. It might be the only day they even open their Bible. But there they are. Sunday morning appearances free them to behave just as they please the remainder of the week.

Of course, not all people are so easily sized up. Some are in church because they love God and genuinely want to worship Him. Some people drift away because of life events. Others face tragedy or heartache and never quite make it back from blaming God. Sad. Others draw closer as life casts them against the rocky coast. They seek shelter and safety as they weather the storm.

It's one of the many reasons church is important. Anything that draws us closer to God is a good thing. Church helps ground us in faith and hope for a brighter tomorrow. We are comforted by His Presence. We are held up and lifted up by fellow believers when weakness overtakes us. Friendships bind us with the thread of common belief and a Savior who has never left us alone.

For some people. Some churches are filled with cliques and generations of sameness that never welcomes newcomers beyond the basics. Oh, they want new members to carry the financial burden. Volunteers are urged to sign up. Just make sure no one changes anything or expects any extras, like belonging and meaningful relationship. Those things are reserved for those who came before, have the right pedigree, the right connections, the perfect address.

Churches are filled with very human people, some of whom draw people to Christ and others who push people away. Rejected people flee the one place where everyone should feel comfortable and welcome. God's House. Because that's what Church is -- God's House.

Do you welcome people to your church? Do you take time to learn their names and actually converse with them? Do you include newcomers in activities, such as after church lunch? For those who are seeking, do you make the effort to meet people? Do you get involved? Do you step forward in faith or stand back in doubt?

God meant for us to come together in worship and praise, to learn and grow in His Word. Church is the starting place. Do your part. Make it a wonderful experience for everyone.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Celebrate God

"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another -- and all the more as you see the Day approaching." -- Hebrews 10:25

Sometimes I just don't feel like going to church. I'd prefer to sleep late and laze away the day. Just one day off, I tell myself. Fortunately, I know better. I set the alarm and I get up and head to church. I'm always glad I did.

I tell you this because I don't want to sound like someone out to judge the world. I'm not. And I still sometimes have to make myself go. I know every excuse -- tired, sick (not contagious), busy, working, etc. But I've also come to understand that it is when we are most weary and most burdened that we need to be surrounded by other believers and God's presence.

Several weeks ago Pastor Gary gave three reasons to attend church. First, it draws us closer to God. Second, it gives us compassion for others. And third, it calls us to ministry. Funny how God works. I'd taken notes from that sermon and never did anything with them. Today I went to put the notebook up and it fell open -- to the page with the notes on attending church.

Pastor Gary told a wonderful story that day. The apostles were gathered in the upper room. They were excited about the Risen Lord. It was awesome! But Thomas wasn't excited? Why? He wasn't there.

Do you feel different if you don't go to church on Sunday morning? Are you holding back on God? How many life-changing moments have you missed because you weren't there? These are all questions Pastor Gary asked us that Sunday morning.

He went on to say that studies show people who attend church regularly are happier, live longer, are more loving and generous, more honest and more committed to their families and community. You see, Pastor Gary wasn't talking about preaching from the pulpit when he mentioned ministry as a third reason to attend church. Not that some aren't called to the pulpit. It's just that all of us are called to minister to others. I think we're more aware of others -- and less aware of self -- when we attend church regularly.

We need fellowship with each other to strengthen us and carry us when the days seem hard and impossible to face alone. We need to rejoice with each other when God's blessings abound. We need each other. Don't make excuses. Spend Sunday mornings in church celebrating God. You'll be glad you did.